Re:Why I’m quitting GMO research
by JumpCrisscross on Wednesday March 28, 2018 @07:53PM
(#16703224)
> instead of being able to peel or rinse fruit (with varying results), you're eating corn kernels that have pesticide on the inside
We eat lots of pesticides. Capsaicin (in chilis) [1] and piperine (in peppers) [2] are two examples.
Re:Why I’m quitting GMO research
by windexh8er on Wednesday March 28, 2018 @08:31PM
(#16703492)
Those both being 100% natural, yes they are used as pesticides. However, they are not are engineered chemicals which can be a differentiator in the comparisons and conversation.
Re:Why I’m quitting GMO research
by JumpCrisscross on Wednesday March 28, 2018 @08:53PM
(#16703609)
> Those both being 100% natural
The endotoxin used in Bt corn is also 100% natural [1].
I'm not arguing for (or against) Bt corn. I'm trying to show that the language we used to describe GMOs is misleading. Something we think of as natural isn't inherently healthy or unhealthy compared with something we think of as artificial. The same applies to GMO.
The Bt-toxin from Bt-bacteria is even a certified organic pesticide, because it's produced "naturally" by the bacteria. It's used in organic farming.
https://www.amazon.com/Bonide-Products-803-Thuricide-16-Ounc...
Re:Why I’m quitting GMO research
by thaumaturgy on Wednesday March 28, 2018 @09:25PM
(#16703793)
Arsenic is also 100% natural.
"Engineered chemicals" shouldn't be used when you mean "harmful". It sounds ignorant.
Programs like Bt-corn reduce pesticide use... by making the plant produce the herbicide in the fruit. So, instead of being able to peel or rinse fruit (with varying results), you're eating corn kernels that have pesticide on the inside.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_soybean