Countdown to Christmas
19 - Genetically modified organism (GMO)
- Once DNA was deciphered in the 1950s, it became possible modify hereditary characteristics. What was previously achieved through breeding is now done faster and more precisely.
- GMOs can provide higher nutritional value and shelf life for crops (golden rice). It helps to protect soil from overuse. Diseases can be cured and vaccines against diabetes or cancer are developed. There may be unethical uses, but the use of GMOs still should not be overly hampered by regulation. The potential for progress must not remain unused.
Inventors
The existence of DNA has been known since the 19th century, but its structure was only deciphered in 1953 by Francis Crick and James Watson. In 1973 American geneticists Henry Boyer and Stanley Cohen created the first genetically modified organism - a bacterium whose resistance was strengthened. Since then, genetic modification has become one of the most vibrant branches of science, with more inventors than you can count.
In 1999, Danish scientists presented the genetically modified Christmas tree. They have a flawless stature, needle less, are more durable and grow faster. Everyone should have something like that. Unfortunately, the idea doesn't seem to have spread as widely as one would like. This may have something to do with the ideologically motivated and permanent agitation against genetic engineering. What a pity!
