Claims About Crops Being Genetically Engineered to Cause Targeted Infertility are False, has no Scientific Proofs
There is no scientific evidence or credible research supporting the claims that crops have been genetically engineered using RNA interference to cause infertility on humans or specifically, in the black population or any racial or ethnic group.
Genetically modified crops have been developed for various purposes, such as improving yield, resistance to pests or diseases, and enhancing nutritional content. However, their development and commercialization undergo strict evaluation and regulation to ensure safety for human and livestock consumption and the environment. It is important to rely on scientifically backed information from reputable sources when evaluating such claims. The anti-GM crusaders have continued to produce videos for the deliberate distortion of the truth or facts around RNA interference technology. The claims made in some of these videos on the possibility of crops being genetically engineered using RNA interference (RNAi) to cause infertility, specifically targeting certain populations is erroneous and completely lacks scientific merits or proofs.
As scientists, we feel it’s important to address these claims and explain why the science does not support this possibility:
RNAi is a natural process that cells use to turn genes on or off. The discovery of RNAi has allowed scientists to develop crops that silence the expression of certain genes, like those involved in rotting or susceptibility to disease or inflicting insects. However, engineering a crop to somehow target a genetic difference to cause infertility in a population is simply not scientifically possible.
Human genetics involve countless complex interactions that are impossible to manipulate through a simple RNAi crop modification. Even if a crop could be modified to target a particular gene, human fertility involves thousands of genes working together, not just one.
The claim that eating a specially engineered crop could make a population infertile due to genetic targeting is a fallacy and scientifically unfounded.
Additionally, the ethical barriers in scientific research would prevent this type of genetic targeting from ever reaching the food system. Rigorous testing and biosafety approval processes ensure that genetically engineered crops are safe for human and livestock consumption before release.
Even basic research on this topic would go against international ethical guidelines that prohibit engineering biological agents to target specific human populations.
RNA interference is not a pesticide technology as deceptively indicated. Rather it is a natural process of regulation of protein synthesis and has applications in different areas such as disease resistance in plants and animals. In recent times, it has found applications in gene expression by determining a desirable trait in living organisms.
It’s preposterous to imagine that it’s targeted at any race or ethnic group. The public should discountenance the malicious information contained in all the viral videos of the anti-GM crusaders.
The opponents have always made such claims without any evidence but depend on fear and emotions of people who do not understand the science behind the RNAi technology or any biotechnology intervention.
The government of Nigeria supports and promotes the science of biotechnology with a good understanding of the role it plays in agriculture and food security, health, environment, and industry.
For this reason, the system is strengthened by building capacity of institutions such as NABDA and NBMA involved in the development and regulation of biotechnology.
There is no scientific evidence or credible research supporting the claims that crops have been genetically engineered using RNA interference to cause infertility on humans or specifically, in the black population or any racial or ethnic group.
Genetically modified crops have been developed for various purposes, such as improving yield, resistance to pests or diseases, and enhancing nutritional content. However, their development and commercialization undergo strict evaluation and regulation to ensure safety for human and livestock consumption and the environment. It is important to rely on scientifically backed information from reputable sources when evaluating such claims. The anti-GM crusaders have continued to produce videos for the deliberate distortion of the truth or facts around RNA interference technology. The claims made in some of these videos on the possibility of crops being genetically engineered using RNA interference (RNAi) to cause infertility, specifically targeting certain populations is erroneous and completely lacks scientific merits or proofs.
As scientists, we feel it’s important to address these claims and explain why the science does not support this possibility:
RNAi is a natural process that cells use to turn genes on or off. The discovery of RNAi has allowed scientists to develop crops that silence the expression of certain genes, like those involved in rotting or susceptibility to disease or inflicting insects. However, engineering a crop to somehow target a genetic difference to cause infertility in a population is simply not scientifically possible.
Human genetics involve countless complex interactions that are impossible to manipulate through a simple RNAi crop modification. Even if a crop could be modified to target a particular gene, human fertility involves thousands of genes working together, not just one.
The claim that eating a specially engineered crop could make a population infertile due to genetic targeting is a fallacy and scientifically unfounded.
Additionally, the ethical barriers in scientific research would prevent this type of genetic targeting from ever reaching the food system. Rigorous testing and biosafety approval processes ensure that genetically engineered crops are safe for human and livestock consumption before release.
Even basic research on this topic would go against international ethical guidelines that prohibit engineering biological agents to target specific human populations.
RNA interference is not a pesticide technology as deceptively indicated. Rather it is a natural process of regulation of protein synthesis and has applications in different areas such as disease resistance in plants and animals. In recent times, it has found applications in gene expression by determining a desirable trait in living organisms.
It’s preposterous to imagine that it’s targeted at any race or ethnic group. The public should discountenance the malicious information contained in all the viral videos of the anti-GM crusaders.
The opponents have always made such claims without any evidence but depend on fear and emotions of people who do not understand the science behind the RNAi technology or any biotechnology intervention. The government of Nigeria supports and promotes the science of biotechnology with a good understanding of the role it plays in agriculture and food security, health, environment, and industry. For this reason, the system is strengthened by building capacity of institutions such as NABDA and NBMA involved in the development and regulation of biotechnology.
In conclusion, claims about crops being genetically engineered to cause targeted infertility are scientifically unfeasible and involve research that the global scientific community would prohibit on ethical grounds. While RNAi allows helpful crop improvements, engineering complex effects like infertility through food is not scientifically possible with this technology.