: Episode 1196 – Dr. Kevin Folta joins Vinnie this Friday, and the two talk genetically modified food, organic food, the health implications genetic manipulations of foods, and more on this fascinating 1 on 1!
- Dr. Folta has been studying DNA manipulation since he was a kid
- He is a GMO expert
- Has a PhD in molecular biology
- Works largely in horticulture (runs the department at UF)
GENETIC MANIPULATION OF FOOD
- There are different ways to do this
- We can breed certain fruits a certain way, for example, to get the desired effect
- We can also genetically modify seeds in the lab
- Additionally, we can put chemicals on plants while they grow to affect their growth
- Now, we can provide more fruits and veggies nearly all year round
- This is a score for public health in general
- Not really a thing when Vinnie and Dr. Folta were kids
- Organic is still a production system
- For example, still using insecticides, just different types
- Genetic engineering is actually changing the DNA in the lab
- Add resistance, other things
- Genetically modified food can be good!
- We are starting to grow produce in cities, making them healthy and happy
- Making this happen is largely what Dr. Folta is working on in his lab
- People don’t really understanding genetic modification
- Assume it’s evil when it can be good
- It’s not so black and white
- Genetic modification is going into human beings – this is the more controversial subject
- Dr. Folta thinks we are close to being able to prevent things like heart disease predisposition, etc.
- We do allow technology to change (and improve) the lives of people
- This can be a good thing, if done responsibly!
