Genetic Engineering and Food

Genetic Engineering and Food Free Online Research Papers The world population has topped to 6 billion people and is predicted to double in the next 50 years. Ensuring an adequate food supply for this booming population is and will continue to be a major challenge in the years to come. Genetically Engineered foods promise to meet the difficult task of providing an adequate food supply and aid in the prevention of starvation. Biotech crops posses the following traits that prove them to be superior to conventional crops; pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, disease resistance, and drought tolerance. Genetically Engineered foods will produce faster, healthier, and economically efficient crops. Genetically Engineered foods were first introduced in the early 1990’s. The first commercially grown genetically modified food crop was a tomato created by California Company in the 1990’s. It was genetically altered so that it took longer to decompose after it was picked. Genetically Engineered Food or Genetically Modified Foods (GM) foods are created to enhance desired traits such as increased resistance to herbicides or improved nutritional content. Genetic modification of foods is done by using a process of either Cisgenesis or Transgenesis. Cisgenesis is the process by which genes can be artificially transferred between organisms that could be conventionally bred. The dictionary definition of Genetic Engineering is the development and application of scientific methods, procedures, and technologies that permit direct manipulation of genetic material in order to alter the hereditary traits of a cell, organism, or population. This genetic modification can be performed on animals and humans but is limited at the moment. Genetic modification allows for the development of perfectly bred organisms that posses the best traits available. Although genetically modified foods prosper, there is still a great deal of controversy over it. The main issues are environmental hazards, human health risks, and economic concerns. Environmental organizations against GM foods raise concerns that pesticides in GM foods will not only kill the intended insects of crops but as well as other organisms that need the crop to survive. It also poses threats of the effectiveness of pesticides. Some insects such as mosquitoes will develop resistance to these pesticides creating new problems. The environmental group Greenpeace acknowledges that â€Å"GM food crops should be withdrawn after a feeding trial for the Austrian government found GM corn damaged the fertility of laboratory mice† (Cummings 11). The reason for all the controversy and disapproval of gm foods of the public and health organizations lie within the regulations. Without critical research, GM foods can knowingly be harmful to us, the environment and animals, yet the government refuses to acknowledge or address concerns. In 1992 RBGH was approved within the US by the FDA. RBDH is a hormone in cows that produces more milk in less time. This genetically engineered hormone though, had great health risks which include, breast, colon, lung and bone cancer to the consumers. The question is how did the FDA and other government agencies approve such hazards. Big corporate giants such as Mansanto Company, the undisputed plant biotechnology leader in the world are responsible for 90 percent of the globes genetically engineered crops (Kimbrell 54). They have had their own people working for the FDA. In 1992, Michael Taylor, an attorney for Mansanto, was assigned to the deputy commissioner of the FDA. Under Deputy Commissioner Tailors influence, the FDA decided to exempt federal regulations on GE foods that entered the US market. With the big corporate influences in the FDA, Genetically Engineered foods reach the US supermarkets with ease. These new genetically modified foods did not require any regulation or labeling, which once again kept the public in the dark. Once corporate members of GE foods had left the FDA, and lost their influences in other government agencies, the public and other health agencies raised concerns. RBGH was banned in the United States. From then on all genetically engineered foods were heavily regulated, required labeling, and needed scientific research to ensure that it did not cause any health risks. When it comes to genetically engineered foods, the rest of the world has been well ahead of the US. After news spread about the RBGH incident, the European Union declared a moratorium on the further development of GE products. Also influencing the European Union decision to put a hold on GE foods was the previous occurrence of Kraft foods recalling millions of dollars worth of taco shells after scientist discovered health risks that failed to meet the EPA standards for human consumptions (Kimbrell 28). It wasn’t until 2004 that the European Union lifted their ban on genetically engineered products and institutes strict labeling and traceability requirements. The European Union also established a rigorous approval process for future Genetically Engineered crops and foods. Genetic Engineering can help famers produce heartier and tastier fruits and vegetables. (Wekesser 65) By altering plant genes, scientist can also create bug and herbicide resistant cotton and plants that produce biodegradable plastics and human proteins for medical treatments. John Dyson a writer and contributor to Reade’s Digest disagrees with those who fear the consequences of biotechnology, he argues that regulations are in place to prevent the abuse of this new technology as before there was very little to no regulations. Today Genetic engineering of foods heavily prospers. It has been recorded that an estimated 87% of U.S. soy, 52% of U.S. corn, 55% of U.S. canola and 79%of U.S. cotton has and continues to be genetically grown in the U.S. After Scientist, and government agencies have established correct regulations and in depth research about Genetically Engineered products they have concluded that they do not contribute any harm to anyone or anything. There is more land cleared every year for genetically engineered crops then for conventional crops. (Wekesser 23) Genetic Engineering has produced a revolution in biotechnology by creating high quality plants and animals that are more disease resistant and more nutritious. Richard J. Mahoney (29) emphasizes the following â€Å"while the United States is the world’s leader in biotechnology, it is facing strong competition from Japan and other nations.† The United States must continue investing in biotechnology if the nation is to prosper. The Japanese have been so interested in biotechnology, that they have proclaimed it a national priority to invest in biotechnologies. By staying ahead in biotechnology America will have an advantage in the global economy. Although Genetic Engineering has been proven safe and effective there is still those who don’t and will not support it for ethical reasons and personal reasons. For those people there are still alternatives. We still have a huge variety of products that are grown naturally; these products can be found in almost any supermarket. The negative to this is that farmers have to raise the price of their products because it cost more to grow food the conventional way rather than genetically.(Kimbrell 42) Although there will be no worries about organic food, GE foods still beat Conventional foods in the nutritional category. This is because GE foods can be enriched with more proteins and minerals. Genetically Engineered foods have been offered to countries such as Africa in order to help out with starvation. Agricultural biotechnology, whereby seeds are enhanced to instill herbicide tolerance and provide resistance to insects and disease, hold great promise for Africa and other areas of the world where circumstances such as poverty and poor growing conditions make farming difficult. Too many children are suffering from malnutrition and hunger. Genetically Engineered crops are the key for Africa and poor nations to end starvation and save many lives. I agree that genetically modified foods should be continued to be our main source of growing and producing crops. The public needs to start and continue supporting this way of life. It is the quickest, safest, and low cost effective way of producing groups. GM foods allow us to developed ways of growing crops that use less water, pesticides less care. This allows us to create food for the global economy so that we can meet everyone’s needs and prevent starvation. Research Papers on Genetic Engineering and FoodGenetic EngineeringPETSTEL analysis of IndiaBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesRelationship between Media Coverage and Social andQuebec and CanadaThe Project Managment Office SystemMoral and Ethical Issues in Hiring New EmployeesRiordan Manufacturing Production Plan

USS Yorktown (CV-10) in World War II

USS Yorktown (CV-10) in World War II USS Yorktown (CV-10) was an American Essex-class aircraft carrier that entered service during World War II. Originally dubbed USS Bonhomme Richard, the ship was renamed following the loss of USS Yorktown (CV-5) at the Battle of Midway in June 1942. The new Yorktown took part in the majority of the Allies island hopping campaign across the Pacific. Modernized after the war, it later served during the Vietnam War as an anti-submarine and sea-air rescue carrier. In 1968, Yorktown acted as the recovery vessel for the historic Apollo 8 mission to the Moon. Decommissioned in 1970, the carrier is presently a museum ship in Charleston, SC. Design Construction Designed in the 1920s and early 1930s, the U.S. Navys Lexington- and Yorktown-class aircraft carriers were constructed to conform to the restrictions set forth by the Washington Naval Treaty. This agreement placed limitations on the tonnage of various types of warships as well as capped each signatories’ overall tonnage. These types of restrictions were affirmed through the 1930 London Naval Treaty. As global tensions worsened, Japan and Italy left the agreement in 1936. With the collapse of the treaty system, the U.S. Navy began creating a design for a new, larger class of aircraft carrier and one which drew from the lessons learned from the Yorktown-class. The resulting design was longer and wider as well as included a deck-edge elevator system. This had been used previously on USS Wasp. In addition to carrying a larger air group, the new design possessed a greatly enhanced anti-aircraft armament. Dubbed the Essex-class, the lead ship, USS Essex (CV-9), was laid down in April 1941. This was followed by USS Bonhomme Richard (CV-10), an homage to John Paul Joness ship during the American Revolution on December 1. This second ship began to take shape at Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company. Six days after construction began, the United States entered World War II following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. USS Yorktown (CV-5) under attack during the Battle of Midway, June 1942. US Naval History and Heritage Command   With the loss of USS Yorktown (CV-5) at the Battle of Midway in June 1942, the name of the new carrier was changed to USS Yorktown (CV-10) to honor its predecessor. On January 21, 1943, Yorktown slid down the ways with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt serving as sponsor. Eager to have the new carrier ready for combat operations, the U.S. Navy rushed its completion and the carrier was commissioned on April 15 with Captain Joseph J. Clark in command. USS Yorktown (CV-10) OverviewNation: United StatesType: Aircraft CarrierShipyard: Newport News Shipbuilding CompanyLaid Down: December 1, 1941Launched: January 21, 1943Commissioned: April 15, 1943Fate: Museum ShipSpecificationsDisplacement: 27,100 tonsLength: 872 ft.Beam: 147 ft., 6 in.Draft: 28 ft., 5 in.Propulsion: 8 Ãâ€" boilers, 4 Ãâ€" Westinghouse geared steam turbines, 4 Ãâ€" shaftsSpeed: 33 knotsRange: 20,000 nautical miles at 15 knotsComplement: 2,600 menArmament4 Ãâ€" twin 5 inch 38 caliber guns4 Ãâ€" single 5 inch 38 caliber guns8 Ãâ€" quadruple 40 mm 56 caliber guns46 Ãâ€" single 20 mm 78 caliber gunsAircraft90-100 aircraft Joining the Fight In late May, Yorktown sailed from Norfolk to conduct shakedown and training operations in the Caribbean. Returning to base in June, the carrier underwent minor repairs before practicing air operations until July 6. Departing the Chesapeake, Yorktown transited the Panama Canal before arriving at Pearl Harbor on July 24. Remaining in Hawaiian waters for the next four weeks, the carrier continued training before joining Task Force 15 for a raid on Marcus Island. The crew of the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10) stands at attention as the National Ensign is raised, during commissioning ceremonies at the Norfolk Navy Yard, Virginia (USA), on 15 April 1943. Yorktown is freshly painted in Camouflage Measure 21. US Naval History and Heritage Command   Launching aircraft on August 31, the carriers planes pounded the island before TF 15 withdrew to Hawaii. Following a brief voyage to San Francisco, Yorktown mounted attacks on Wake Island in early October before joining Task Force 50 in November for the campaign in the Gilbert Islands. Arriving in the area on November 19, its aircraft provided support for Allied forces during the Battle of Tarawa as well as struck targets on Jaluit, Mili, and Makin. With the capture of Tarawa, Yorktown returned to Pearl Harbor after raiding Wotje and Kwajalein. Island Hopping On January 16, Yorktown returned to sea and sailed for the Marshall Islands as part of Task Force 58.1. Arriving, the carrier launched strikes against Maloelap on January 29 before shifting to Kwajalein the next day. On January 31, Yorktowns aircraft provided cover and support the V Amphibious Corps as it opened the Battle of Kwajalein. The carrier continued in this mission until February 4. Sailing from Majuro eight days later, Yorktown took part in Rear Admiral Marc Mitschers attack on Truk on February 17-18 before embarking on a series of raids in the Marianas (February 22) and Palau Islands (March 30-31). Returning to Majuro to replenish, Yorktown then moved south to aid General Douglas MacArthurs landings on the north coast of New Guinea. With the conclusion of these operations in late April, the carrier sailed for Pearl Harbor where it conducted training operations for much of May. Rejoining TF 58 in early June, Yorktown moved towards the Marianas to cover Allied landings on Saipan. On June 19, Yorktowns aircraft began the day by mounting raids on Guam before joining the opening stages of the Battle of the Philippine Sea. The following day, Yorktowns pilots succeeded in locating Admiral Jisaburo Ozawas fleet and commenced attacks on the carrier Zuikaku scoring some hits. As fighting continued through the day, American forces sank three enemy carriers and destroyed around 600 aircraft. In the wake of the victory, Yorktown resumed operations in the Marianas before raiding Iwo Jima, Yap, and Ulithi. At the end of July, the carrier, in need of an overhaul, departed the region and steamed for Puget Sound Navy Yard. Arriving on August 17, it spent the next two months in the yard. The US Navy aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10) during the Marcus Island raid on 31 August 1943. US Naval History and Heritage Command   Victory in the Pacific Sailing from Puget Sound, Yorktown arrived at Eniwetok, via Alameda, on October 31. Joining first Task Group 38.4, then TG 38.1, it attacked targets in the Philippines in support of the Allied invasion of Leyte. Retiring to Ulithi on November 24, Yorktown shifted to TF 38 and prepared for the invasion of Luzon. Striking targets on that island in December, it endured a severe typhoon that sank three destroyers. After replenishing at Ulithi late in the month, Yorktown sailed for raids on Formosa and the Philippines as troops prepared to land at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon. On January 12, the carriers planes conducted a highly successful raid on Saigon and Tourane Bay, Indochina. This was followed by attacks on Formosa, Canton, Hong Kong, and Okinawa. The following month, Yorktown began attacks on the Japanese home islands and then supported the invasion of Iwo Jima. After resuming strikes on Japan late in February, Yorktown withdrew to Ulithi on March 1. After two weeks of rest, Yorktown returned north and began operations against Japan on March 18. That afternoon a Japanese air attack succeeded in hitting the carriers signal bridge. The resulting explosion killed 5 and wounded 26 but had little effect on Yorktowns operations. Shifting south, the carrier began focusing its efforts against Okinawa. Remaining off the island following the landing of Allied forces, Yorktown aided in defeating Operation Ten-Go and sinking the battleship Yamato on April 7. S Supporting operations on Okinawa through early June, the carrier then departed for a series of attacks on Japan. For the next two months, Yorktown operated off the Japanese coast with its aircraft mounting their final raid against Tokyo on August 13. With the surrender of Japan, the carrier steamed offshore to provide cover for the occupation forces. Its aircraft also delivered food and supplies to Allied prisoners of war. Leaving Japan on October 1, Yorktown embarked passengers at Okinawa before steaming for San Francisco. Postwar Years For the remainder of 1945, Yorktown crisscrossed the Pacific returning American servicemen to the United States. Initially placed in reserve in June 1946, it was decommissioned the following January. It remained inactive until June 1952 when it was selected to undergo a SCB-27A modernization. This saw a radical redesign of the ships island and well as modifications to allow it operate jet aircraft. Completed in February 1953, Yorktown was re-commissioned and departed for the Far East. Operating in this region until 1955, it entered the yard at Puget Sound that March and had an angled flight deck installed. Resuming active service in October, Yorktown resumed duty in the western Pacific with the 7th Fleet. After two years of peacetime operations, the carriers designation was changed to antisubmarine warfare. Arriving at Puget Sound in September 1957, Yorktown underwent modifications to support this new role. The US Navy aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CVS-10) at sea off Hawaii (USA), some time between 1961 and 1963.   US Naval History and Heritage Command Leaving the yard in early 1958, Yorktown commenced operating from Yokosuka, Japan. The following year, it helped deter Communist Chinese forces during the standoff at Quemoy and Matsu. The next five years saw the carrier conduct routine peacetime training and maneuvers on the West Coast and in the Far East. With the growing American involvement in the Vietnam War, Yorktown began operating with TF 77 on Yankee Station. Here it provided anti-submarine warfare and sea-air rescue support to its consorts. In January 1968, the carrier shifted to the Sea of Japan to as part of a contingency force following the North Korean capture of USS Pueblo. Remaining abroad until June, Yorktown then returned to Long Beach completing its final Far East tour. That November and December, Yorktown served as a filming platform for the film Tora! Tora! Tora! about the attack on Pearl Harbor. With the end of filming, the carrier steamed into the Pacific to recover Apollo 8 on December 27. Shifting to the Atlantic in early 1969, Yorktown began conducting training exercises and took part in NATO maneuvers. An aging vessel, the carrier arrived in Philadelphia the following year and was decommissioned on June 27. Struck from the Navy List a year later, Yorktown moved to Charleston, SC in 1975. There it became the centerpiece of the Patriots Point Naval Maritime Museum and where it remains today.