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Quote by Nina Fedoroff

“Jumping genes are fundamental because they're agents of change. Everybody knows that organisms evolve. What makes them evolve is that their genes are dynamic and in motion. A familiar example is the stripe-y corn - called Indian corn - that you buy in the fall.”

Author

Nina Fedoroff

Nina Fedoroff is an esteemed professor born in 1942. She is a prominent geneticist and molecular biologist, as well as an active science communicator and public intellectual. Her research in genetics and molecular biology has had a significant impact on the global promotion of biotechnology. more

“Myths about the dire effects of genetically modified foods on health and the environment abound, but they have not held up to scientific scrutiny. And, although many concerns have been expressed about the potential for unexpected consequences, the unexpected effects that have been observed so far have been benign.”

Has Beens Environment Effects Consequence Concern Myth Unexpected Scrutiny Benign Genetically Modified Genetically Modified Food

Author:Nina Fedoroff

“New molecular methods that add or modify genes can protect plants from diseases and pests and improve crops in ways that are both more environmentally benign and beyond the capability of older methods.”

Way Protect Disease Method Add Plant Capability Genes Crops Benign Pests

Author:Nina Fedoroff

“One of the really remarkably beneficial aspects of genetic engineering is that much of the previous methodology for controlling pests and so forth is through chemicals that affect a very broad spectrum of insects, for example, or fungicides that control fungi.”

Example Aspect Broads Chemicals Engineering Insects Beneficial Spectrum Methodology Genetic Engineering Fungi Pests

Author:Nina Fedoroff

“There's almost no food that isn't genetically modified. Genetic modification is the basis of all evolution. Things change because our planet is subjected to a lot of radiation, which causes DNA damage, which gets repaired, but results in mutations, which create a ready mixture of plants that people can choose from to improve agriculture.”