‘GMO free’ myth busting: Labeling movement leading farmers to use more toxic chemicals | Genetic Literacy Project

‘GMO free’ myth busting: Labeling movement leading farmers to use more toxic chemicals | Genetic Literacy Project:

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GMOs, Go, Go, Go!

It seems the pseudo-scientific issue that bears the most weight with the people in my life is anti-GMO activism, so I once again find myself evaluating an article on that topic. This time around, Roberta L. Millstein attempts to take a middle road, but falls into a standard anti-science trap. “Just label it,” says the pseudo-scientist, “let the people decide.” Sure, label the GMOs. Teach the creationists’ “controversy”. Let the parents decide whether to vaccinate their kids. Oops, was my opinion leaking through here? I’ll get back to that in a bit.

She takes issue with the argument that the anti-GMO movement, and even the suggestion to label GMOs, is anti-science. She has conveniently listed her reasons in a numbered list, so let me take a specific look at these arguments.

Organic Cherry Picking

Bad Chart Thursday: Organic Cherry Picking

Idaho Father Debates Anti-Science Activist

Wow, the posts are coming fast and furious this week, huh? Well, I’ve had trouble in the past coming up with topics, but meanwhile a friend keeps sending me links to science articles to explain or debunk, and my responses keep getting longer. In fact, this will be the third entry here that started there. So, what the hell? I’m going to keep posting them, and I invite you all to take part by sending me new articles! You can do that through the comments section, my Twitter account, or my Facebook Page.

Snake-Oil and Charismatic Fear-Mongers

I'd like to talk a little about an example of pseudo-science that has had dramatic, visible effects on the world stage.

They do love their drama.

More on Reading Science

On the subject of last week's rant, here are a couple of useful infographics to better arm yourself against those who would mislead you into poor choices.

The "Food Babe" Blogger Is Full of Shit

This is a big part of why I decided it was worth giving blogging a shot: "The Food Babe". No qualifications, little to no scientific understanding or (from what I can tell) interest, but she makes broad claims about scientific concepts, pushing pointless and often dangerous ideas about human biology, and yet she has a self-styled "army" of followers who will take up her cause. And she makes a living at it! But don't take my word for it, follow the link and read a well-researched essay on the insanity, complete with citations.

The "Food Babe" Blogger Is Full of Shit:

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The GMO Conspiracy

A big issue that I see discussed often (and which seems to be a hot-button for some people I know personally - sorry folks, some of you won't like this much) is GMOs. After a recent incident where a well-known scientist had made cautionary statements about their prevalence, then later announced publicly that he had changed his mind, I did a little a research on the matter inspired by - but in a slightly different direction from - someone else's post [1]. That one is an interesting read, and gives some little-known information on the history of public opinion's "Most Evil Corporation" [2].