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Genetically modified Soybeans
Facts
Social, Ethical and Legal implications
"In 1994 the first genetically modified soybean was introduced to the U.S. market, by monsanto."
"The most common allergen in soy is called trypsin inhibitor. GM soy contains significantly more of this compared with natural soy."
"in a 2 year study of hamsters, biologist Alexey V. Surov and colleagues found that after three generations, most of the GMO- soy fed hamsters lost the ability to reproduce. There was also a higher infant mortality rate among hamster pups in the GMO soy-fed group."
http://www.wanttoknow.info/gmoinyourfood
http://www.livestrong.com/article/200114-what-are-the-dangers-of-gmo-soybeans/
The largest economic and environmental implications are the consideration of the herbicides used on the soy crops. Farmers and consumers associate health risks with the use of herbicides and conclude this to slight economic downfall.
Applications
rt.com
http://m.motherjones.com/tom-philpott/2014/04/superweeds-arent-only-trouble-gmo-soy
http://www.ecowatch.com/major-problems-monsantos-new-gmo-soybeans-1955821571.html
http://gm.org/2008/01/16/a-look-at-gm-soybeans/
GM soy is used in numerous products such as soy milk, tofu, oils, and additives such as lecithin which is an emulsifier used in chocolate, ice cream and other yummy foods we enjoy.
It is also used to feed many farmers livestock and is a good source of protein.
The process
Dangers to consumption
Unusual allergies: "Soon after Genetically Modified (GM) soy was introduced to the UK, Soy allergies skyrocketed by 50%" [Mark Townsend, "Why soya is a hidden destroyer," Daily Express, March 12, 1999]
Nutritional problems, pre-cancerous cell growth, damaged immune system and harm to the liver in mice and rabbits are all other dangers of consuming GM soy.
Mae-Wan Ho, Angela Ryan and Joe Cummins, "Cauliflower Mosaic Viral Promoter – A Recipe for Disaster?" Institute of Science in Society, www.i-sis.org.uk/camvrecdis.php] kills human placental, kidney and umbilical cord cells within 24 hours due to the pesticides used on the plants.[7]
Pros and Cons
Pros: Multiple crops can be grown on the same field, enhances food supply around the world, could be grown anywhere because of genetic mutations, grows faster and is pest resistant.
Cons: May increase food allergies, hard on crop soil, can damage the liver, fertility issues, makes antibiotics less effective, and has a decreased nutritional value.
http://apecsec.org/genetically-modified-soybeans-pros-and-cons/
http://gmofoods-biology.weebly.com/pros--cons.html
http://healthresearchfunding.org/genetically-modified-soybeans-pros-cons/
http://thenextgalaxy.com/disadvantages-and-advantages-of-genetically-modified-crops/
http://www.visionlaunch.com/pros-and-cons-of-genetically-modified-soybeans/