K is for Killer Science Experiments

Depending on where you live, you've probably heard some degree of controversy about genetically modified organisms (GMOs), particularly food plants. While there is a great deal of nuance to the risks and benefits of genetically altered crops, the issue tends to be portrayed as 'ignorant Luddites vs progress' or as 'everyday people vs mad scientists'. And to judge by the internet, the 'genetic engineering = mad science' approach is gaining traction in the public consciousness.

Part of the reason, I think, is that science in Fictionland is a pretty lawless business. Government safety committees never investigate, no professional organisation sets standards, law enforcement is oblivious, and funding bodies are happy to toss money at even the most questionable projects. It also yields wild results in the blink of an eyes. There is rarely a purpose behind the experiments, beyond a vague lust for discovery and perhaps a convoluted corporate scheme that doesn't hold up to logic. With all these factors, it's easy to see how genetic engineering has gained a scary reputation in the public consciousness.

Although there are legitimate concerns about GMOs-- ranging from problems with crops which have already been released to more theoretical future issues-- there is a big gap between the free-for-all creation of strange and dangerous organisms portrayed in Fictionland and what goes on in real-life laboratories. Furthermore, even with problem organisms, there are some benefits derived from its production, or hoped-for benefits which prompted the experiment. A lot more stories can be built around these tensions-- how much risk is too much? do the benefits outweigh the problems?-- rather than recycling the threadbare mad science tropes.

If you're curious about the long history of 'genetic engineering' via selective breeding, I would recommend Sue Hubbel's entertaining and informative book, Shrinking the Cat . For an overview of modern genetic engineering and a number of specialty links, check out the Wikipedia page
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Published on April 12, 2014 01:30
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