On December 19, the "Verification" section of a news outlet covered the widespread cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops in the United States and the high consumption of GM food products. However, online discussions often spark debates about genetic modification. Why are GM crops developed? Are genetically modified foods safe for human health? To address these concerns, a reporter from the "Proofing" team of the People’s Daily interviewed both Chinese and international experts.
**Why Develop Transgenic Technology?**
Huang Dazhao, a researcher at the Institute of Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, explained that transgenic technology uses modern biotech to isolate, modify, and transfer specific genes, creating new crop varieties with improved traits. For example, glyphosate-tolerant soybeans reduce the need for manual weeding, saving labor and cost.
Dr. Bromwald, a professor at the University of California, Davis, highlighted two major benefits of GM crops: increased yield and reduced pesticide use. With climate change and water scarcity affecting agriculture, GM crops can resist pests, herbicides, and even drought. According to data from PGEconomic, GM crops helped cut global pesticide use by 438 million kilograms between 1996 and 2010.
Lin Min, director of the Institute of Biotechnology, noted that many countries grow or import GM soybeans, including the U.S., Brazil, Argentina, and China. China mainly imports GM soybeans from the U.S., Brazil, and Argentina.
Duan Wude, from the Ministry of Agriculture's Science and Technology Development Center, stated that China is researching GM soybeans but has not yet commercialized them. Progress has been made in gene discovery and transgenic platforms, but research is still ongoing.
**Can Transgenes Affect Human Reproductive Ability?**
Huang Kunlun, a professor at China Agricultural University, said extensive safety tests have shown no harmful effects of GM soybeans on human health. The protein introduced in glyphosate-tolerant soybeans, EPSPS, is common in nature and has a long history of safe use. Studies showed it breaks down quickly in the digestive system and does not cause toxicity in animals.
Researchers from the U.S., Japan, and China tested GM soybeans on rats and mice over several weeks and found no adverse effects on reproduction or general health. These studies concluded that GM soybeans do not pose reproductive risks.
**Do Foreign Genes Affect Nutrition?**
Huang Kunlun confirmed that the nutritional profile of GM soybeans is similar to non-GM ones. Tests across multiple regions showed no significant differences in nutrients like protein, fat, and fiber. Feeding trials with animals also showed no impact on growth or nutrition.
**Can GM Foods Cause Genetic Changes?**
Yang Xiaoguang, a researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, explained that genes from GM foods are broken down during digestion and do not integrate into human DNA. Similarly, animals eating GM feed absorb the proteins as nutrients without any long-term accumulation.
**Are GM Soybeans Allergenic?**
Huang Kunlun emphasized that the newly introduced protein in GM soybeans does not increase the risk of allergies. The CP4 EPSPS protein makes up only 0.08% of total protein and is not an allergen. Clinical tests showed no allergic reactions in humans or animals.
**Is Long-Term Safety Guaranteed?**
Yang Xiaoguang noted that GM foods undergo rigorous testing before being approved, including long-term health assessments. These tests are more thorough than those for traditional foods. For example, 90-day and 2-year animal studies simulate long-term exposure.
Bennett, a UC Davis professor, said public concerns often stem from misunderstanding. He stressed that transgenic technology is just a refined form of selective breeding, not something unnatural.
**Do Glyphosate-Resistant Crops Promote Weeds?**
Wu Kongming, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, pointed out that weed resistance to herbicides is a natural occurrence. While glyphosate-resistant crops may contribute, there is no direct evidence linking them to the rise of resistant weeds.
In conclusion, while debates continue, scientific research consistently shows that GM foods are safe and offer significant agricultural benefits. As more data accumulates, public understanding and acceptance are likely to grow.
High Frequency Ranging Sensor Module
A high frequency ranging sensor module is a device that uses high-frequency signals to measure the distance between the sensor and an object. It typically consists of a transmitter and a receiver, which emit and receive high-frequency signals, respectively.
The module works by sending out a high-frequency signal, such as ultrasonic or radar waves, and measuring the time it takes for the signal to bounce back after hitting an object. By calculating the time of flight, the module can determine the distance between the sensor and the object.
High-frequency ranging sensor modules are commonly used in various applications, such as robotics, industrial automation, and automotive systems. They provide accurate distance measurements and can be used for obstacle detection, object tracking, or proximity sensing.
High-frequency laser distance sensors have a high measurement frequency and can provide real-time distance data, suitable for scenarios requiring quick responses, such as dynamic obstacle avoidance, autonomous driving, and robot navigation. These sensors ensure that the system can promptly perceive environmental changes and react quickly, ensuring safe and reliable operation.
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