Final Research

Genetically Modified Foods

Introduction

The genetically modified, foods are those, which are produced by adopting the system of genetic engineering. The foods from which they are produced are changed specifically in their DNA. This is a technical process and should be done with all the latest equipment, so that the best results can be adopted.

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The commercial availability of these foods started in the year 1994, and even today, the genetically modified crops are very much in demand, such as corn, soybean and cotton seed oil. These days lots of techniques are applied over food so that its production can be improved with the help of food biotechnology. Various processes are used in this study to improve and create better food products with more advantages. (WHO, 2014)

To start the process initially, it was tested upon plants; genetically engineered plants, and alterations were made in their makeup, which was tested in a laboratory to check the quality. Basically they add genes to the plant genome, with the help of techniques and this is how this whole process works. As per the latest studies, many genetically modified crops are a good food source, and no animals are used in its production. Mostly, such crops are sold which are further processed, but sometimes, directly plants are consumed. Many fruits and vegetables, milled corn products, soy products, flour are generally produced this way. (WHO, 2014)

Advantages

The genetically modified foods have been claimed to be very beneficial by some people, the biggest advantage is that they are safe and can help many starving famished people. They also claim that they have many nutritional benefits. They have better taste and good quality. They also help in saving time, as they produce better food in less time and make it available for a larger number of people. With the help of these foods, we get the advantage to eat all the fruits and vegetables throughout 12 months. They are friendly to the environment as fewer pesticides are used and have better immunity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. They are very good for use in the long run, as they have long life. And if produced in quantities, they can reach many people, to whom the non -genetic foods were not available. (Maghari & Ardekani, 2011)

They can also grow in adverse climatic conditions, with less water and soil. One more advantage is that, these can be very easily transported long distances, as they have a better shelf life. They are non-allergic compared to others. If we compare their production and supply aspect, they are more economical. They are more powerful and resistant towards weeds, pests, and other sorts of diseases. These foods have better flavors. With their development, the problems of soil, water and climate can also be solved, and thus in less time better food can be available for all of us. From the sustainability point of view also, these foods are better and thus, it can be said that they have many advantages and should be promoted so that we can provide food to more and more people for a long duration. (Maghari & Ardekani, 2011)

Disadvantages

Like advantages, genetically modified foods, have disadvantages too. These foods are considered as more toxic, and thus are quite risky. These crops can cause harm to another crops such as BT corn. But the BT gene, which produces, toxicants kills the bacteria that cause diseases in many crops. (Maghari & Ardekani, 2011)

They reduce the effectiveness of pesticides. Some crops are immune to some pesticides like mosquitoes are resistant to DDT, insects are resistant to the BT gene which can save the crops from diseases. (Maghari & Ardekani, 2011)

Gene transfer to non-target species. Plants which are genetically modified are herbicide and insect resistant, Some weeds are also resistant and superweeds are produced, which are also herbicide tolerant. So many crops as well as weeds became genetically modified because of cross breeding. (Maghari & Ardekani, 2011)

In humans, some genetically modified nuts and foods cause allergies. Because of the transfer of unexpected and non - target gene, unwanted plant foods are formed which cause harmful diseases and have a negative impact on human health.

Economic concern. Genetically modified foods are economically very expensive .because production and bringing to market is costly and their patent process is also lengthy and expensive and even difficult. (WHO, 2014)

So, we can say that these are harmful from seeds, to crops, humans, animals and to the whole economy, and thus we should think twice before using them and getting addicted to them.

 

Health hazard

The best way to live safely sand happily is to live healthy; thus it can be said that health is of utmost importance. Genetically modified foods are very hazardous to the human health. Major health issues are related to resistance to antibiotics, allergies, formation of toxins and many more. These entire issues can have serious implications on human bodies, and all antibiotics-resistant diseases will become active and will have an ill effect on the human body. There is also a possibility that such food increases the chances of viral infection. Studies have shown that the gene, which is required for movement, can get from the neighboring genes and thus the chances of viral infection increases manifold. (Maghari & Ardekani, 2011)

In fact animals are also having risks, using these foods; there are many kinds of issues found such as early deliveries, abortions, infertility and many more. In fact it is very difficult to assess the allergen; city of the crop; it is a very complex process. So, if we have to live a long and healthy life, it is advisable to reduce the usage of such foods, and find other healthier ways for long availability of foods. (WHO, 2014)

Ethical Issues

Many ethical issues have been attached to the use of genetically modified foods, one such principle is of general welfare, which means protecting and promoting the interest of all the people. Another principle is the maintenance of the rights of people, and the principle of justice. Let’s discuss them in detail. (NCB)

The question still remains the same, as the result of using these foods is still not very clear. There might be some unknown risks associated with these foods, and thus the basic principle of general risks gets affected.

Every citizen has got the right to information; he should always know what is included in the food, its ingredients, and everything. Apart from consumers, even scientists, have the right to do research on their favorite subjects, with intellectual integrity. So the right to be informed should be protected and full and complete information should be shared. The new technology is surely beneficial for some people, but this benefit. is enjoyed with the loss of the other. And thus, the principle of social justice is affected and not completed. (NCB)

Hence, the introduction, of genetically modified foods, ethically affects all and not only has positive effects with it; rather its ill effects are more dominant. Also many ethical values are being violated, with the use of such food. The affects to the society as a whole, must always be considered as a priority and they should be handled with care and concern. (NCB)

Conclusion

Thus, it can be very rightly said, that the development of these foods is not natural, though their development has improved the yield, as the resistance power has increased. But it is strongly recommended, that all such foods should be tested prior to their introduction in the market. They can be taken both ways, good or bad as discussed above. But still if we look presently, they have more disadvantages, and are thus not recommended everywhere. The major concern has been whether such foods should be labeled specifically with regard to their effect on health, environment, their pesticides resistance, the effect on farmers; all these questions are still unanswered and need attention.

Though after all this controversy, many research works and studies have been done over this, and not all ill effects are being found. Many countries require such foods to be labeled, but some do not recognize any difference between genetically modified and non-modified. Apart from all this, governments have also taken various approaches, to assess the risk associated with these and to regulate the technology used and the development of these foods. Such regulations vary from country to country depending upon the use of these foods and their implications. The research work is continuously going on to find out more and more results. It is believed that even now, it will take several years, to find out the results and effects of these foods. So, we can conclude, that the use of such foods is not very safe and thus their use should be minimized and different and better ways should be introduced, which can have benefits but no ill effects like them.

Bibliography

Maghari, B. M., & Ardekani, A. M. (2011). Genetically Modified Foods and Social Concerns. Avicenna J Med Biotechnol. , 3 (3), 109-117.

NCB. (n.d.). Genetically modified crops: the ethical and social issues. Retrieved May 31, 2014, from Nuffield Council of Bioethics: http://www.nch.go.jp/imal/Ethical_Com/Nuffield_Coouncil/gm_crops_summary.pdf

WHO. (2014). Food, Genetically modified. Retrieved May 31, 2014, from World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/topics/food_genetically_modified/en/

Nuclear Power vs. Solar Power

There is no doubt that there are many sources of energy. Some of them are clean whereas other sources can pollute and harm our universe. Nuclear and solar are two types of energy. They both are clean energy which is good for the environment. However, the use of nuclear energy is considered to be a bad influence on humans and the environment due to its tremendous  power. On the contrary, the use of solar energy has no bad effects on people and on the environment whatsoever. However, there are some good aspects of using nuclear power.   Nuclear energy is the energy which is embodied in the nucleus of the atom and it is released during the process of nuclear fission. On the other hand, solar energy refers to the energy which is obtained from the sun. When the sun sends out its rays, it provides us with energy which is called solar energy which can be utilized for our benefit.

 

Nuclear power has many benefits and advantages. Nuclear energy can be used to produce electricity which is needed for operating factories and companies besides lighting our houses and operating all house appliances. Without electricity, we can't work, we can't study, we can't use new technologies and we can't live a modern happy life. In addition, the production of nuclear energy doesn't emit smoke or CO2. It doesn't pollute the environment. It is good to be used since it has little impact on the environment in comparison with burning fossil fuel to produce energy.  Moreover, nuclear power is sustainable because it can be used for many years.       

 

However, nuclear power affects badly on people and on the environment when misused which is why there is a federal authority for nuclear regulation to make sure that this energy is utilized to be safe, peaceful and a clean source of energy. Nuclear energy produces nuclear waste which has bad effects on humans. It is very difficult to dispose of nuclear waste. We can only store nuclear waste far away. Radiation and fallout which comes from nuclear power are very destructive and they can destroy our world easily. Nuclear energy is used for producing nuclear weapons rather than producing good things which can make the world a better place to live in. Nuclear power helps terrorists in practising their illegal plans of killing and horrifying people. Nuclear power also helps militaries to get revenge on their enemies and to harm them genetically. The cases of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are the worst cases that the world still remembers until nowadays. The usage of the atomic bomb in the Second World War by the USA against Japan has impacted dangerously on Japanese people of all generations. The impacts of the nuclear bomb still have its bad effects on misshaping people and children are born with defects. The nuclear explosion doesn’t only affect humans but also it extends to affect seriously on the environment. It pollutes the air and the water. It has bad effects on the aquatic life. It affects badly on all creatures which live in the water because of the radioactive wastes which spread everywhere. So, whereas there are many advantages and benefits coming from the nuclear energy, the disasters that came from misusing it as weapons and the accidents that came from the failure of containing it in a safe manner or disposing it waste in a more cleaner way made a black dot on this tremendous, clean and cheap source of energy. So even if using and utilizing this energy is beneficial to us its history still makes it unpredictable.  

 

On the other hand, the use of solar energy is different. Solar energy has always been considered to be environmentally friendly. The use of solar energy keeps the universe safe. It has no bad effects on the environment. It protects the environment from being polluted since there is no need to operate the traditional ways by consuming the resources which can pollute the environment for generating electricity. It doesn’t pollute the air or the water. It doesn’t harm humans or animals. It doesn’t affect badly on the marine life since there is no waste. Solar energy is the source of all living things on earth. Without solar energy, the life doesn’t exist. Solar energy is necessary for maintaining life on earth. Solar energy is used to provide us with heat and light. People use the sun’s energy to make homes and buildings more energy-efficient to be able to benefit from the sun heat without using any mechanical equipment. In addition, people can use special equipment to collect sunlight. They may use special collectors that look like boxes covered with glass to heat their houses. The solar energy is considered to be one of the best sources of energy because it doesn’t have negative effects on people or societies. The benefits of using solar energy are endless.

 

In my opinion, the use of solar energy is more beneficial than the use of nuclear energy. Solar energy is very beneficial since it’s natural, renewable and clean, while the use of nuclear, even though its clean, is still consumable with an expiration date. Solar energy is environmentally friendly whereas nuclear energy  has waste which may harm the environment if not disposed of correctly. In the end, the nuclear energy history is still frightening and makes it unpredictable. Also there are a lot of safety factors to consider before using it, similar to the reason why Japan doesn’t use nuclear energy even with their known technology, like earthquakes and such. In contrast, solar energy can be used and utilized almost anywhere if there is  sun. It has no bad history and was always and is still known as a clean renewable source of energy.  Nuclear energy is good but still needs more time, while solar energy is better and is ready to be utilized.

 

 

 

  References

(n.d.). Retrieved April 4, 2014, from http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/Advantages_SolarEnergy.php

(n.d.). Retrieved April 6, 2014, from www.conserve-energy-future.com: http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/Disadvantages_NuclearEnergy.php

David. (n.d.). Retrieved April 6, 2014, from alternate-power.org: http://www.alternate-power.org/solar-power-advantages-and-disadvantages/

Salah, F. (2013, December 16). Retrieved April 6, 2014, from prezi.com: http://prezi.com/hwpupp46vqsr/copy-of-nuclear-energy/

Is animal testing ethical or unethical?

Is animal testing ethical or unethical?

Using animals for doing some scientific research especially in medical treatment is a highly debated topic nowadays. Animal testing is also known as the use of animals for scientific experiments. Some people say it is ethical while others say it is unethical. Proponents of this topic believe that animal testing is very necessary and it has a lot of advantages. However, opponents of this subject claim that animal testing is unfair and it has several disadvantages. In this essay, I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using animals in doing scientific research.

There are a lot of advantages of animal testing. First of all, animal testing can help scientists to find the best drugs and treatments to improve health and medicine. For example, human organ transplants can be done easily after trying it on animals.  In addition, animal testing is the most accurate way to learn about the effects of substances and drugs upon a living body. Animal testing can be used to ensure the safety of drugs and other substances. Moreover, animal testing doesn’t only save human lives but also animals’ lives. Scientists can reach the best medicine for treating humans and animals. Finally, many of the medications and procedures that we currently use today wouldn’t exist without animal testing.

On the other hand, there are some disadvantages of animal testing. The first point is that animals undergoing testing can be subjected to torture and suffering. The second point is that animals sometimes die in the process of animal testing. The third point is that animal testing is not ethical and is unfair. It is only ethical to test on subjects who willingly give their consent for self testing. The last point is that animals are different than people, thus their testing results are not always be useful or practical for human comparisons.

In conclusion, animal testing has some pros and cons. Supporters of animal testing stand for it while objectors stand against it. I think that animal testing is unfair and it has to be stopped. Animals have their rights to live freely and all people should protect them. I recommend that more attention and due care must be given to the life of animals. 

Dhaka, Bangladesh, building collapse

Dhaka, Bangladesh, building collapse

Description of the collapse

One of the buildings of Rana Plaza at the suburb of Savar in Dhaka in Bangladesh collapsed. The building is a garment factory which was used in manufacturing clothes products. The collapsed garment factory consisted mainly of 8 floors. Heavy machineries were used in the factory to assist in the process of production. On the day before the collapse and exactly on 23^rd of April 2013, the building of the factory started to crack and the employees felt shakes in the building. The employees fled out of the building because they were afraid of the collapse of the factory. On that day, before the occurrence of the disaster, one engineer was called to come to inspect the structure of the building.  The engineer reported that the building was unsafe and advised the owner of the factory to evacuate the building because it may collapse.   The owner and the manager of the factory didn’t take the report into consideration and they ordered their employees to come to the workplace as usual. On the next day on 24^th of April 2013, the employees attended their work. They operated the generators and other machineries. The strong vibration of the machineries and generators besides the weak structure of the building led to the collapse of the building. More than one thousand employees died in the collapse. It was the worst disaster in the garment industry in Bangladesh.  

After investigations, who are the persons to be blamed for the collapse?

After investigation of the incident, a lot of stakeholders were found to be blamed for the collapse of the garment factory. The first stakeholder group to be blamed is the engineers who were involved in constructing the building. The engineers knew that material which was used in constructing the building was below standard and had low quality.

In addition, the owner of the building is blamed in collapsing the building. The owner got permission to build a factory of 5 floors but he added 3 extra floors to the building. Moreover, the owner knew about the possibility of collapsing the building one day before the collapse and he asked the employees to come to the workplace as usual

Furthermore, the engineers who were working for the municipality of Savar were found to be participants in the collapse. They issued illegally safety clearance despite the appearance of cracks in the building before the collapse.

Finally, the government has to be blamed for the collapse because it didn’t issue either severe laws to ensure the safety of the building or assign responsible persons to inspect structures of the buildings.

Ethical issues involved

A lot of ethical issues are involved in this case. The engineers involved in constructing the building didn’t have a code of ethics of engineering. They completed the building although they were aware that the materials of building were under standards and didn’t match the work of a factory. It seemed that they have taken off the hat of engineering in order to achieve personal benefits. They were paid in order to issue false reports that ensured that the building was in good condition.  Moreover, the owner of  the factory is not concerned with business ethics. He is only concerned with saving money of construction, building illegal extra 3 floors in order to rent them to collect more money. The owner behaved unethically and he is not concerned with saving the life of people and keeping their safety. He is rather very concerned with gaining a lot of money.  Furthermore, the manager of the factory didn't follow the code of ethics when he permitted heavy machineries and big generators to be installed in the factory which may cause strong vibration and shakes in the building. The manager also behaved unethically when he ordered the employees to continue working after he knew that the building was going to collapse.   The manager did that in order to maintain his position.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the collapse of the garment factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh happened because of the absence of business ethics. All stakeholders who are involved in building and running the factory seem that they don't have morals or ethics in doing their jobs. All people are mainly concerned with collecting money, keeping their positions and achieving personal gain.

References

§  Burke, J. (6 June, 2013), Bangladesh factory collapse leaves trail of shattered lives, Retrieved March 15, 2014 from:  http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jun/06/bangladesh-factory-building-collapse-community

§  Building Materials Blamed for Bangladesh Factory Collapse, (May 23, 2013), Retrieved March 13, 2014 from:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/23/bangladesh-factory-collapse-cause-building-materials_n_3323676.html

§  Neate, R. (February 24, 2014), Bangladesh factory collapse: big brands urged to pay into help fund, Retrieved March 16, 2014 from:   http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/24/bangladesh-factory-collapse-big-brands-urged-pay-help-fund

§  Yardley, J. (May 22, 2013), Report on Deadly Factory Collapse in Bangladesh Finds Widespread Blame, Retrieved March 14, 2014 from:  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/23/world/asia/report-on-bangladesh-building-collapse-finds-widespread-blame.html?_r=0

Human rights

Human rights

The American Declaration of Independence:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

The Declaration was largely the work of Thomas Jefferson, who later became the 3rd President of the United States. It is really the basis of what we call rights ethics.
This basically rests on the view that all human beings have human rights. Human rights are not legal rights. They are universal and so democratic. They fit in with what Abraham Lincoln in the Gettysburg address (November 1864) described as 'government of the people, by the people, for the people'.
Human rights rely on the belief that other people have a duty to respect our rights.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau:

"Man is born free and everywhere he is in chains" That was the first sentence of Rousseau's "The Social Contract."

This was the concept of ‘the noble savage’.

Thomas Hobbes:

"In such condition there is no place for industry, because the fruit thereof is uncertain, and consequently, not culture of the earth, no navigation, nor the use of commodities that may be imported by sea, no commodious building, no instruments of moving and removing such things as require much force, no knowledge of the face of the earth, no account of time, no arts, no letters, no society, and which is worst of all, continual fear and danger of violent death, and the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short."

Aluminium cans

Aluminium cans

Approximately 1 billion are produced in the USA each year. The first can was designed in 1958 by Kaiser Aluminium. This metal proved ideal as it was a lightweight, flexible material that allowed manufacturing of the bottom & sides of the can from a single sheet, leaving the top to be added after the can was filled.

The first cans were opened with a separate opener but this was inconvenient so Ermal Fraze designed a small lever attached to the can which was removed as the can was opened.

The design was workable but after a while it created an ethical dilemma:

 

People on earth needed to transport food from one continent to another or to save the food and eat it later. For this people created cans to store food after processing it. Cans had many disadvantages but they were developed to decrease them.

So in 1976 Daniel F. Cudzik invented a simple, stay-attached opener of the sort familiar today.

As improvements were made in the design & production of aluminium cans, various ethical problems arose concerning:

a. Human safety:

Human safety is mandatory in any industry. Aluminum cans had many economical advantages and some disadvantages. Cans are exposed to the sun light and may not stored in a proper conditions, therefore it is a threat to the human safety due to the physical change for the stored food.

b. Environmental pollution:

Inappropriate Aluminum cans disposal causes pollution. Although it has economical advantages, it can cause harm for the next generations. Recycling those cans will reduce the pollution and safe the earth for the next generations.

c. Convenience:

Aluminum cans made a significant change in food storing and transportation. Also it is preferred by many people because it is easier to be used and it is stored in room temperature.

d. Money:

       Aluminum cans price varies from brand to another according to its quality. Poor people can make money from this industry by collecting disposed cans and sell them to the factories for recycling.

 

Marriage gray area

Marriage is the start of new life creating family. Some people prefer to get married early of their life while others decide to get married late. Nowadays, early marriage has become an issue for many people while it was normal for the older generations. The average for a girl to get married was about fifteen years or below, while now it increased to be about twenty-three years.  However, it is difficult to decide if the old generations were correct or wrong because they created successful families. On the other hand, young girl marriages in our days are failing. Early marriage has advantages and disadvantages. In my opinion the main advantage is protecting young boys from sleeping with many girls and spreading diseases that are common in our days such as HIV. In contrast to that, the probability of this marriage failure is high according to the statistics. Failed marriages may produce homeless children. Even though human rights watch organization is spending a huge effort to stop this one; many girls are still getting married. Young girls’ parents are looking to this marriage as a guarantee that girls are in safe hands or she will reduce some of their expenses due to their poverty.  Therefore I think it is a gray area and people cannot judge that old people were wrong.