Friday, March 12th, 2010

Genetically Modified Crops

The crops or products represented here have either already been genetically engineered or are involved in ongoing or planned transgenic studies. USDA image. Photo by Stephen Ausmus.

Drought-resistant corn, wonder rice, and cassava packed with vitamins are all promises of biotech for farmers in developing countries. But how has biotech delivered on those dreams? In this hour of Science Friday, we'll talk about transgenic crops. What does it take to get them from the lab to a small farmer's plot? Are these crops turning traditional farming upside down? Plus, how far off are crops that could thrive in saltier, drier soils, and tolerate higher temperatures? A recent paper says biotech is key to safeguarding our food supply as the climate changes. But is it the only way? We're broadcasting live this week from St Louis, Missouri, as the guests of KWMU.