Plant “Vampires” Lay in Wait
A summary of recent research onto the recognition of strigolactones by parasitic plants, written for high school students, including a glossary.
Source: Science News for Students
A Race to Save the Orange by Altering Its DNA
/0 Comments/in Education, GP Articles /by Melanie BinderNew York Times article (July 27, 2013) by Amy Harmon that describes the bacterial disease of citrus, citrus greening disease, and its impact on producers of oranges and orange juice. One strategy to compbat the disease involves the use of GM technology; would consumers rather drink GM orange juice, or apple juice?
The Challenge of Food (video)
/0 Comments/in Education, GP Articles /by Melanie BinderIdeal for flipped classrooms or as a discussion starter anywhere, this 8-minute video features a science journalist and researchers explaining specific issues and solutions for meeting the challenge of feeding 9 billion people by 2050. GMO crops, the nature of science and the politics of food delivery are key topics. There are teaching ideas, too.
Source: Science Forward, a project of CUNY Advance & Macaulay Honors College. Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 International License
EPSO Factsheets: Crop Genetic Improvement Techniques
/0 Comments/in Education, GP Articles /by Melanie BinderAn excellent set of 7 fact-sheets, produced by the European Plant Science Organisation, explaining how crop genetic improvement techniques work. Fact-sheet titles are:
- Site-Directed Nucleases
- Oligonucleotide-Directed Mutagenesis
- RNA-directed DNA Methylation
- Cisgenesis
- Grafting using GM plants
- Reverse Breeding
- Agroinfiltration
It’s practically impossible to define “GMOs” – Nathanael Johnson (Grist)
/0 Comments/in Education, GP Articles /by Melanie Binder“Debates rage over what to do about genetically modified organisms, but we rarely stop to ask a more basic question: Do GMOs really exist? It’s an important question, because no one in this debate can tell you precisely what a GMO is. I’ve come to the conclusion that “GMO” is a cultural construct. It’s a metaphor we use to talk about a set of ideas. It doesn’t map neatly onto any clear category in the physical world.”
A useful examination of what “GMO” means, with examples and counterexamples. Suitable for class discussions.
All our food is ‘genetically modified’ in some way – where do you draw the line?
/0 Comments/in Education, GP Articles /by Melanie BinderIn the past week you’ve probably eaten crops that wouldn’t exist in nature, or that have evolved extra genes to reach freakish sizes. You’ve probably eaten “cloned” food and you may have even eaten plants whose ancestors were once deliberately blasted with radiation. And you could have bought all this without leaving the “organic” section of your local supermarket.
Source: The Conversation
Genetically modified (GM) plants: questions and answers
/0 Comments/in Education, GP Articles /by Melanie BinderWhat are genetically modified (GM) plants? Is genetic modification safe? Where are GM crops grown and eaten?
Food security is one of this century’s key global challenges, as noted in our earlier report Reaping the Benefits, and due to the scale of the challenge, we should really think carefully before we rule out any technology that might help deal with the problem. The questions and answers given here are intended to provide a resource to those who are interested in what GM is, how it is used and potential future uses.
The Royal Society commissioned Ipsos MORI to find out what people want to know about GM plants, and then drew on a panel of expert, independent scientists to answer your questions. We hope that these answers explain the science behind GM and help you form your own view.
Plant Biology as a Career – customizable PowerPoint
/0 Comments/in Activities, Education /by Melanie BinderInspire students to consider a career in plant biology with this upbeat, well-organized, easy-to-personalize slide set. Suitable for middle grade Career Day visits and career fairs for the public or undergraduates.
Source: American Society of Plant Biologists Crispin Taylor, Executive Director
Can You Grow a Chewy-Ooey-Gooey-Chocolatey-Nutty Candy Bar?
/0 Comments/in Activities, Education /by Melanie BinderCandy in classrooms seems inevitable at certain times of the year. This simple handout offers a little food for thought so students can learn a few yummy morsels about the plants they are enjoying in every delicious bite.
Note: The visuals are kid-friendly but some key vocabulary is not; primary students may need guidance.