Genetically Modified Organisms: Controversies and Consequences

Dr. John Kloetzel, emeritus professor of biology, will survey the realm of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in a Jefferson Center Zoom event on June 12, 2022 from 4 to 6 pm. Kloetzel will bring in both scientific and public policy perspectives, and facilitate a discussion among participants.
GMOs have provoked contentious and passionate debates. Scientific questions about the possibilities of GMO technology form just one part. Rancorous disputes over environmental, health, and legal questions are another. Some have voiced concerns about “playing God”, messing with “Mother Nature”, and the arrogance of geeky scientists trying to “improve” on evolution.
One notable example is the continuing furor surrounding Monsanto's Roundup sprays and their patented Roundup-Ready crops, such as cotton, corn, and soybeans. Despite ongoing litigation involving the harmful effects (on humans and other species) of Roundup’s main ingredient, glyphosate, totaling in the hundreds of millions of dollars, several Roundup-Ready crops are still dominant in America’s farm fields.
GMOs, however, include many other important food sources. In the face of climate change, which is putting stress on many of the crops we now depend on, GMO technology could be crucial in designing the foods of the future.
Finally, we humans are biological organisms, too. Does gene engineering/therapy in humans, now being used in ways that can be truly lifesaving, qualify as GMO technology too? How might that change our perspectives, and our feelings about this field overall?

To join this Zoom event, please register in advance at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYoc-ivrjwuGNdnxSmIqvbUlrvMoBJ...
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the salon.

John Kloetzel obtained his Ph.D. in biology from The Johns Hopkins University and taught a wide variety of university-level biology courses for 37 years. His research in cell biology ranged from electron microscopy to gene sequencing. Since 2011 he has taught many OLLI courses on cell and molecular biology, including gene editing, epigenetics, mitochondria and the human microbiome.