Croney, C.C. (author), Apley, M. (author), Capper, J.L. (author), Mench, J.A. (author), Priest, S. (author), and Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506
Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman 99164
Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis 95616
Department of Communication, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
2015-01-20
Published:
USA: American Society of Animal Science
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 164 Document Number: D08306
de Barcellos, Marcia D. (author), Kügler, Jens O. (author), Grunert, Klaus G. (author), Wezemael, Lynn Van (author), Pérez-Cueto, Federico J.A. (author), Ueland, Øydis (author), and Verbeke, Wim (author)
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
2010-10
Published:
Europe: Elsevier
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 162 Document Number: D07965
Describes the differing roles of science and public journalism. Notes an increase in the number of science and health reporters who have advanced training in the fields they cover and a growing number of reporters being assigned to cover health-risk stories. Also notes development of a new form of journalism devoted to service rather than news.
5 pages., Author concludes that "genetic information is easy to portray as a new and scary technology, but fearmongering is largely based on misinformation, a misunderstanding of evolution and our place in the natural world, and vague fears of contamination. In reality, GMO safety testing is extensive and has not uncovered any safety concerns for current GMOs. There are other issues with GMOs that are worth discussing, but fears of adverse health effects are not legitimate." Cites a review of research ty the European Commission in 2010: "The main conclusion to be drawn from the efforts of more than 130 research projects, covering a period of more than 25 years of research and involving more than 500 independent research groups, is that biotechnology, and in particular GMOs, are not per se more risky than e.g. conventional plant breeding technologies."
Analysis reveals some evidence that a spiral of silence developed in public discourse about biotechnology in the U.S. Spiral of science theory argues that fear of social isolation inhibits the expression of opinions perceived to be in a minority.
