Genetically Modified Rice Can Help Prevent Spina Bifida

           Ever since 1994 when the first genetically modified crop became commercially available researchers have been experimenting to find ways in which genetically modified crops could benefit humanity. Most genetically modified crops have been altered in order to resist insects and herbicides however more recently crops have been modified to include certain nutrients. Crops have been enriched with iron, zinc, vitamin A and other nutrients successfully. “Golden rice” will be introduced to the world soon and will potentially save hundreds of thousands of lives from mal-nutrition, as it is vitamin A enriched.  A new form of genetically modified rice has been created which will help lower risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. The new rice contains folate, or vitamin B9. Lack of this vitamin has shown to cause up to 85% of all neural tube defects in infants. Spina bifida is a birth defect in which a baby’s spinal cord does not develop properly. Although Folate biofortified rice is still in its lab stages of development there is enough proof-of-concept to nearly guarantee its success.

            This research could drastically improve thousands of newborn’s lives by preventing neural tube defects. Spina bifida can be surgically treated however normalcy can never be returned to the area of the spinal cord that was affected. With this new genetically modified crop, women can help to ensure their baby’s safety from neural defects such as spina bifida by simply eating rice. Hopefully this crop will be introduced to the public as soon as possible, and start protecting children before they are even born.

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University DNA Swabs Incoming Freshman

On May 18, 2010, The New York Times published an article titled, "College Bound, DNA Swab in Hand". For the first time, a university will offer DNA testing. At the University of California, incoming freshman of 2014 will be offered to have their cheeks swabbed and their DNA sent out for testing. Three genes that regulate the metabolism of alcohol, lactose, and folates are being analyzed. Some students may have genetic markers that would indicate if they need more or less of the three substances. Jasper Rine is the genetics professor at the University of California. Jasper stated that this is an opportunity to improve the student's health and their eating habits. The testing will be confidential. Students will learn if they should drink less alcohol and dairy products, or if they should increase the amount of green, leafy vegetables they consume. Bioethicists are uneasy about offering genetic testing outside of a medical environment without counseling available. Professor Jasper Rine will be giving a lecture to the entire campus about the three genetic markers being tested.

University of California offers genetic testing of three genes.

Besides testing for lactose, I think that testing for alcohol and folate genetic markers is a waste of time and money. Some people cannot drink dairy products and this is a real concern. People who ingest dairy products and cannot digest them get stomach pains from gas buildup. Alcohol is dangerous to consume in large quantities. Everyone should drink in moderation. The opposite goes for leafy greens. The majority of Americans are not eating enough green, leafy vegetables. Freshman should not need a genetic test for them to know that they should drink less alcohol and eat more leafy vegetables.

Drink less alcohol, eat more green, leafy vegetables.