Abstract This paper discusses that many physicians considered opium to be perhaps the best natural pain reliever ever discovered. The paper states that Australia and France are sanctioned by the United Nations to grow opium poppies legally for the production and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals. The author believes by employing new methods of biosynthesis to produce genetically altered plants, researchers hope to grow morphine-free opium poppies, ensuring a stable supply of codeine. This paper is complete with pictures and graphes of the chemical structure.
From the Paper "Papaver somniferum has been used medicinally for centuries for its ability to produce a number of opiates that act as analgesics. The earliest recorded history of opium cultivation is approximately 3400 B.C., in lower Mesopotamia. The tradition of opium cultivation for medicinal purposes was carried on from the Sumerians, to the Assyrians, to the Babylonians, to the Egyptians, and so on to present day. Cultural references to the use of the opium poppy can be found in literary and medical texts, for instance the use of opium can be found in Homer's Iliad (850 B.C.) and with in the Hippocratic Corpus (460 B.C.)".
Abstract This paper examines the importance of rain forests for the ecosystem and elucidates current concerns about its destruction by explaining some of the consequences of destruction. In looking at the causes of the problem, the paper explores the perception that the problems were local and not global, the problem of basic greed and selfishness and political problems. The paper concludes with a discussion of the impact of this destruction on the future of the ecosystem.
From the Paper "Within the last few decades mankind has come to the understanding that the world's resources are not unlimited. The rain forest has been a focus of concern for environmental groups around the world. Years ago society used whatever resources it wanted with little thought to the impact that would have on the future. Today society realizes that the things it does to the environment will have a domino affect across ecology. Things that mankind perpetuates on the rain forest are causing its very destruction and this destruction threatens the future of the ecosystem mankind is so familiar with."
Abstract The paper begins by explaining the process of pollination and its necessity for reproduction. It distinguishes between different reproductive structures - sexual cells within the plant or cones. The paper first examines the procedure of cone-bearing pollination and then that of flowering pollination. This is followed by a study of self- pollination and the strengths and weaknesses possessed by species with this type of pollination. The benefits of cross-pollination are discussed and the paper concludes with a look at the role of pollinators.
From the Paper "Pollination is when pollen grains from the male structures of plants are transferred to the female structures of plants. The pollen grains are vital for reproduction ? they contain cells that will develop into male sex cells. The female structure contains the female sex cells, more commonly known as the egg. Pollination prepares the plant for fertilization ? when the two sex cells join. Nearly all grains, vegetables, wildflowers, trees, and fruits must go through pollination in order to produce seeds (or fruits). Pollination is also critically important in the reproduction of crops grown agriculturally, such as corn, rice, wheat, apples, tomatoes, and squash. (Dickson)"
Abstract Perhaps as much as any other technology in American history, the cotton gin shaped the nation's economic, social, and political development. The paper shows that, although many people associate the cotton gin with only the South, its importance to the nation's other regions is evident. It describes how Eli Whitney's creation brought about not only an explosion in Southern cotton production but also led to the expansion of racial slavery throughout the region.
From the Paper "A major impact upon the economy was the country's sudden dependence upon cotton production. As a result of the cotton gin, many communities were forced, without prior notice, to depend on the price and abundance of a single crop (202). When the cotton industry was down, so was the economy of these communities. When the cotton industry was up, farmers rushed to turn a profit and often overproduced the crop. As a result, the economy would falter when the price of cotton would drop."
Abstract This paper explains that the debate over African nations refusing U.S. GM food aid encompasses a much larger scope than the Western debate over GM foods. The author points out that, not only must African nations consider the same human health and environmental implications of GM food as their Western counterparts, but also African countries must negotiate a minefield of political and economic concerns unique to the region. The paper states that the debate surrounding GM foods in Africa must take into consideration some uniquely African problems, including Africa's desperate need to feed its large population and the relative poverty of the African nations.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background to Genetically Modified Foods and Food Aid
Arguments Supporting Genetically Modified Foods
Arguments against Genetically Modified Foods
The Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Food Aid
Conclusion
From the Paper "Later reports noted that Zambia's decision was influenced strongly by the UK-based BMA's fears about the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in FM foods to bacteria, and the potential for GM foods to cause allergies. Supporters of GM foods argue that the Zambia's decision was based on bad advice from the BMA. For example, the South African head of AfricaBio notes, "The American Medical Association backs GM food, as does the Royal Society in Britain, the Third World Academy of Sciences and the Food and Agriculture Organization". "
Abstract The paper begins with a discussion of severe arable land degradation and how genetic modification works. Various methods of genetic modification methods are provided, with references from scientific sources. The essay moves on to discuss impact of genetic engineering on maize gene pool and possible scenarios. Also mentioned is the down side of engineering plants to produce pesticides. Various fears of unknown effects from GMO are stated with case studies. Lastly, the essay addresses ethical and political reasons for and against GMO.
From the Paper "Food is a crucial factor in supporting life on earth, but with the extremely fast rates of population growth, many wonder how long will it be before human consumption exceeds food production. Already, erosion and nutrient depletion has taken its toil on food production, with nearly 40 percent of the world's arable land seriously degraded (Robbins, 2001). In the early 1990s, a new science called Genetic Engineering came up with a possible solution."
Abstract This paper describes early life in Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia and how the environment developed. The writer explains the significance of agriculture in bringing the people to live together in villages and sustain themselves from farming near the rivers and waterways. The paper includes details of recent archaeological discoveries in the area that support the claims.
From the Paper "Since the early years of archeological studies, it was thought that these developments occurred concurrently, meaning that they were devised and utilized at approximately the same time; however, recent archeological research has forced this view to change, for it is now clear that "Mesopotamia and its environs were far ahead of Egypt, at least temporarily, some five thousand years ago" (Snell, 178). Numerous village/farming communities in present-day Iraq date back to the mid seventh millennium B.C.E., and the remarkable fortified town of Jericho appears to be even older. In Egypt, the oldest settlements, located near the delta of the Nile River, do not seem to have been founded much before 4500 B.C.E., and furthermore, an urban society like those found in Mesopotamia seems to have never developed there."
Tags: civilization, pyramid, nile, river, village, farm
This paper is an extensive discussion of genetic modification (GM) of food, also known as genetic engineering, genetic manipulation, gene technology, and recombinant DNA technology, which is the most recent application of biotechnology to food.
Abstract This paper explains that, for many centuries, farmers fought pests using everything from usual plant-breeding techniques to chemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides; but, as new chemical treatments increased health and environmental concerns, gene modification became the agro-scientists? tool for advancing molecular biology. The author points out that over 40 plant varieties have completed all of the federal requirements for commercialization as per the FDA and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The paper explains that, although customers in the U. S. are accepting GM foods, customers in Japan are beginning to show a strong liking for unmodified fruits and vegetables in supermarkets offering both GM foods and unmodified foods.
Table of Contents
Do We Need Genetically Modified Food?
Does the Human Race Need GM Food?
Background Information on the Types of Plant Genetic Engineering
The Worldwide Issue of GM Food, Advantages and Disadvantages
How Prevalent are GM Foods?
What Plants Are Used?
Genetic Engineering Techniques
Other Issues
How GM foods are Regulated and the Government's Role
What Limits are Put on Farmers?
How they are Labeled for the General Public?
Ethical and Social Aspects Involved and Implications for the Third World
From the Paper "Genetically modified foods (GM foods or GMF) provide opportunities to swiftly enhance crop nature such as yield, pest resistance, or herbicide tolerance, which is not successful with conventional methods. From the predecessor to plastics to consumable vaccines, GM crops can be molded to make completely artificial substances. The methods of modern genetics have made it probable for the direct action of the genetic makeup of organisms. Using genetic engineering, plants from wild relatives, other distantly related plants, or almost any other organism can be relocated with simple genetic qualities into the crop."
Abstract This paper focuses on the ethical decisions that farmers are forced to make. Since the introduction of GMOs (genetically modified organisms), globalization, new technologies, and agribusiness, farmers are either forced to sell out or jump on the global bandwagon. The paper discusses the role of politics and biotechnology, including specific discussions about Monsanto and other biotech companies, in modern day farming. The effects of specific GMOs are examined along with economic advantages and environmental disadvantages of using biotech products.
From the Paper "The influence of technology and economic growth on agriculture is an issue that has been widely examined for years. Growing world populations and the need to increase productivity have put a strain on the common practices of farming. Since antiquity, the general public has depended on the productivity of farmers for food. Globalization and economics have forced an increase in the demand of agricultural products. With the development of these demands, corporations and government agencies have introduced ideas for better and more efficient production of foods."
Abstract When the Eastern European countries led by Poland decided to join the European Union (EU), the assumption was that they wanted to share the blessings of the free market being enjoyed by existing EU members. This paper discusses how economically, the Eastern European countries are a low-income region and how they are fighting issues such as unemployment and a low standard of living. It also examines how other EU members can show them how to potentially stimulate the growth of their own economies.
From the Paper "Eastern Europe is a low-income region of about 100 million people whose combined income will raise the GDP of EU by a mere 5 per cent. This is very much less than the result of previous EU expansions to the North and South. It is not only their low income levels that may bring deleterious effects to EU but also the fact that these countries are in the middle of a transition phase from a centrally planned to a market economy. In addition, the new members will have to cope with more EU regulations than before because of the recent creation of the Single European Market concept. "
Abstract Genetically modified foods have emerged as a topic of great controversy in recent years. As agricultural technology grows by leaps and bounds, the presence of enhanced and or modified foods becomes more ubiquitous at grocery stores and on dinner tables. However, this proliferation has been met with concern by many people who fear that the new foodstuffs will have environmental ethical and human consequences that the proponents of such items are as yet dimly aware. This paper explores the environmental implications of genetically modified food.
Abstract This paper discusses the newly discovered phenomenon of genetically engineered and genetically modified foods that are being produced, sold and consumed in the United States of America. First, the paper describes and explains this phenomenon by using media sources. Then, it discusses various media sources and the concerns and questions they have regarding genetically engineered or modified foods. Finally, the paper notes concerns that neighboring countries, in this case Mexico, have for their own people and environments.
From the Paper "Throughout the history of the United States, science has played a large part in the foods and products that the nation's citizens consume. From new foods that are imported and incorporated into the national crop and diet, to older, standby foods that are improved or used in new or different ways, American eating and consumption has long been shaped by technology and scientific advancement. And, as such shifts and innovations have made their way into the country's fields and barns and supermarkets and onto its dinner tables, the American media has also had much to say, for good or for bad, about how science is helping or hurting the consumers that depend on and utilize such developments."
Abstract This is a detailed and illustrated paper on using organic fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers on plants. Results of experiments concerning this topic are included with the paper.
From the Paper "Organic fertilizers can provide enough nutrients to plants, that is the reason why the plants can grow well. Also the organic fertilizers can change the structure of soil and create a good drainage system, and well-ventilated environment which can be a better place for microorganisms to survive. The organic fertilizers contribute a lot to the growth of plants, but they still have some disadvantages. If one adds too much organic fertilizers, the plants will die because the concentration of organic fertilizers is very high."
Abstract This paper discusses the illogical nature of the Unites States? ban on hemp. The author presents many examples of the practical uses of hemp in society and also presents reasons why hemp is wrongfully considered a dangerous plant.
From the paper:
"How many times have Americans wished there was one simple solution to so many of the major problems of today, such as deforestation and sub-standard building supplies? Industrial hemp is a possible solution to many of these problems and more, however, a problem with using hemp for these purposes is that it is currently illegal to grow hemp in the United States. If we as a country were to abolish this law, we could easily put an end to so many of today's dilemmas. Growing of industrial hemp should be legalized in the United States."
This paper examines how the advent of agriculture stopped the evolutionary progression of our bodies and at the same time created a new means to destroy them.
1,110 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 0 sources, 2001, $ 38.95
Abstract The following paper discusses the revolutionary transition from hunting and gathering to food production. The writer details life before agriculture as well as the pros of agriculture and the Neolithic revolution.
From the paper:
?Our bodies and our minds were not designed for this modern world, nor were they designed for the world of agriculture. Besides paranoia, isolation, disease, stratification, and an increase in specialization, agriculture also caused many changes in the physical health of the individuals. Agriculture may provide a somewhat steady source of food but it also provides a limited variety of foods. In the early days of food production the types of foods grown were severely limited, this led to a sense of monotony in the diet.?
