AS coursework idea: golden rice

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The issues surrounding the development of the genetically modified rice, golden rice, maybe a useful topic for the AS coursework essay. Rather than discussion of GM foods in general a look at this particular food, and the campaign and controls against it, provides a rich source of discussion. Golden rice has been modified to produce high amounts of vitamin A, a deficiency of which causes many deaths a year in the developing world:

“According to the World Health Organization, dietary vitamin A deficiency (VAD) causes some 250,000 to 500,000 children to go blind each year. Blindness and corneal afflictions are but indicators of more severe underlying health problems: more than half the children who lose their sight die within a year of becoming blind. VAD compromises the immune systems of approximately 40 percent of children under the age of five in the developing world, greatly increasing the risk of severe illnesses from common childhood infections.”

Golden Rice Project

However, the severe restrictions have been placed on the use of golden rice and, as of, writing it has not been allowed out of the lab as yet. Is the need for supplements via rice needed? Are there alternatives? Are the fears of introducing the rice into the general agricultural system justified? Do the benefits outweigh the potential risks?

To find out more follow the links below and watch the videos.

The Golden Rice Project

BBC news: Golden Rice

Articles from the Science journal (will need to pay for access)

Golden Rice: A dangerous experiment (from BanGMfood.org website)

Video 1: Excerpt from Channel 4 Animal Farm series (looking at genetic modification and tissue engineering, recommeded viewing). It is 5 minutes long and shows the techniques involved.

Video 2: Slideshow and commentary on golden rice. Gives a greater voice to those who are against the use of golden rice.

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