Life : The Book & Humanities

1.
      

a)      I’ll be writing about genetically modified foods, and the age that would go along with this topic would be childhood, because I would be looking into the effects that the altered food would have on children.

b)      One government agency that is involved with the topic of genetically modified food is the FDA, who makes decisions concerning genetically altered foods. For example, this article is about the FDA considering whether or not to approve the sale of genetically modified salmon. An article that I read in class explained further that the FDA also is responsible for deciding if these salmon, as well as other genetically altered foods, must be labeled accordingly, so that consumers know what they are buying. Article 

c)      This subject relates to the economy, because food is something that is always in demand. Through genetic engineering, such as is being done with the salmon in the above article, companies are able to create a larger output in less time, thus giving them more money. Article One - Talks about how the FDA favors industry profit over consumer health. Article Two - Talks about how the genetically altered foods save even more money, because they can be pest resistant, resulting in a higher yield.

2.
         

a)      Same as before, I’ll be writing about genetically modified foods, but another ‘stage’ that could be associated with this topic is ‘Beyond’, because it doesn’t really relate to any specific stage of life.

b)      The EPA is involved with genetically modified foods, because they require permits and testing for pest- and herbicide-resistant crops, and are looking into ‘superbugs’ and ‘superweeds’. This concept is that, when altered crops are herbicide resistant, creators will overspray with pesticide, without having to worry that their crops will be destroyed. However, this has led to new strands of bugs and weeds that have become resistant to the pesticides. Article

c)       Another example of a geographical/economical connection to my topic is that GM foods could be a solution to world-wide hunger. Because genetically modified foods are able to grow in and withstand harsher conditions, and produce a higher yield more quickly. Article One Article Two