Genetic engineering: The human sciences save grace or the end of the human race? This is the first time in history that humans can directly manipulate the genome of an organism for our own benefit. The first genetically modified organism, or GMO, was created in the 1970s and gave rise to genetically modified crops and genetically modified medical treatments. The ideology as a whole is not new to humans. Artificial selection has made well-bred wolves man's best friend. And yet, the controversy has only arisen in the last ten years. Those who support this type of scientific progress and those who wish to preserve their biological roots collide with more passion than ever. Essentially, every aisle of your local grocery store is filled with genetically modified foods. Many crops have been modified to improve their nutrition and resistance to viruses. With climate change and mass poverty, finding a way to feed Earth's seven billion people is a constant struggle. “In developing countries, genetically modified crops have helped ensure food security and increase farmers' incomes, allowing parents to focus more resources on other priorities, such as their children's education” (Van Montague). Despite the obvious benefits, people continue to rally against GMO foods. Monsanto's corn has become something of a celebrity in the genetic alteration debate. “Monsanto's sweet corn contains a gene that produces a protein called BT that is toxic to pests. Although the protein is used in organic farming as an insecticide, Hansen and other critics cite research that raises questions about whether corn containing BT can cause allergic reactions, immune system problems, and gastrointestinal” (English). Hundreds of tests have been done but the results seem to change depending on who is in the middle of the paper...this should be for the better. Works Cited Batabyal, Amitrajeeta A. "If Genetically Modified Foods Are Bad, Where is the Proof? (Commentary)." The Post-Standard. Syracuse Journal, February 8, 2014. Web. April 12, 2014.Eng, Monica. "Activists: Modified corn isn't that sweet." Chicago Tribune. August 4, 2012: 1. SIRSIssues Researcher. Internet. April 08, 2014.Naik, Gautam. “Diseases of aging reversed in mice.” The Wall Street Journal. Nov. 29, 2010: A.3. Researcher on SIRS issues. Internet. April 8, 2014. Van Montagu, Marc. “The irrational fear of genetically modified foods.” The Wall Street Journal. Oct. 23, 2013: A.15.Researcher of SIRS issues. Internet. April 8, 2014.Volti, Rudi. The facts on file Encyclopedia of science, technology and society. Flight. II. New York, NY: Facts on File Science Library, 1999. Print. Wolpe, Paul R. “It’s Time to Question Bioengineering.” TEDxPeachtree. November 2010. Ted. Keynote address. April 8. 2014.