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The University of
Florida and the Florida Education Initiative can take no responsibility for
the contents of these links.
Most of these sites do not claim to present balanced information,
and many are strongly biased for or against genetic engineering. Linking to these sites will take
you off the Florida Education Initiative’s website. Because there are links
to specific parts within sites, they may be listed more than once below.
Unless noted, most of the sites are from the United States.
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Our Top 5 Recommended Sites
Harvest of Fear
This PBS website is an excellent
introduction to the issues surrounding biotechnology. An interactive poll
presents the pros and cons of key
arguments as you decide on your personal position towards biotechnology. An
online activity allows you to use the latest biotechnology techniques to
virtually modify your own plants. The viewpoints and interview sections
includes a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including farmers,
scientists, critics, regulators, and industry.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/harvest/
University of Kentucky: Biotechnology
Research and Education Initiative
BREI is made up of a team of
researchers, extension, and teachers from the University of Kentucky College
of Agriculture that provides
science-based information in agricultural biotechnology. Their website has
downloadable publications and presentations, teaching ideas for
extension and classrooms, and discussions on bioethics, farm impacts and
environment and health issues.
http://www.ca.uky.edu/brei/
Virginia Tech: Information Systems for
Biotechnology.
This useful site includes databases of biotech companies, research centers,
field tests, and crop releases. They also have a good news link and
information on regulation and risk assessment. ISB is funded through a USDA
grant to Virginia Tech.
http://www.nbiap.vt.edu/indexmain.cfm
Biotechnology and
Development Monitor
An independent journal published by the University of the Netherlands,
available free of charge on the internet. Its mission is “to support and
improve policy and decision making in the field of research, development,
regulation, and applications related to biotechnology relevant to developing
countries” and to provide a “forum for discussion on the positive and/or
negative impact of biotechnological innovations and international
regulations”
http://www.pscw.uva.nl/monitor/index.html
Food Future
Food Future “aims to improve
public understanding of genetic modification” through “discussion of the
technology – the perceived benefits and disadvantages as well as the ethical
and moral concerns.” Sponsored by the UK Food and Drink Federation, the site
does aim to improve consumer confidence in biotechnology. However, the
presentation of risks and benefits is fairly objective and is presented in a
simple and attractive format for the biotech novice. The section on
regulation describes the current UK process and criticisms.
http://www.foodfuture.org.uk/main_new.htm
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General Information
Ag BioTech InfoNet
According to their web site, “Ag
BioTech InfoNet hopes to emerge as a valuable resource for anyone trying to
better understand the implications of agricultural biotechnology. Our goal is
to facilitate access to critical, original documents and information, and
recognized experts.” Most of their information is links to other articles and
sites.
http://www.biotech-info.net/
Ag Care
This is a Canadian site for consumers on biotechnology. It has sections on
labeling issues, safety concerns, social and environmental concerns and
regulatory issues.
http://www.agcare.org/
Biotechnology Australia
A site by the Australian
government aiming to provide balanced and factual information to consumers.
It gives arguments for and against biotechnology.
http://www.biotechnology.gov.au/About_Us/index.asp
CAST Biotechnology Communications
A non-profit organization that provides science-based information on
agricultural biotechnology. Has a good introductory paper on the “Benefits
and Risks of Biotechnology in Crops.”
http://www.cast-science.org/biotechnology/index.html
Environmental News Network: Genetically
Modified Food
This is a really nice interactive site
with a quiz, poll and chance to tell them what you think. They have a good
article giving background and issues on genetically modified food. Some
related sites and articles are also available.
http://enn.com/features/2000/09/09062000/gmfood_30998.asp
European Federation of Biotechnology
Task Group on Public Perceptions of Biotechnology
This site has downloadable fact
sheets. It also lists some books on biotechnology.
http://www.kluyver.stm.tudelft.nl/efb/tgppb/home.htm
Food Biotechnology Communications
Network
A Canadian site that offers balanced, science-based information on food
biotechnology.
http://www.foodbiotech.org/index.cfm
National Agricultural Biotechnology
Council
The NABC is a non-profit
consortium of over 30 agricultural research and teaching universities in the
U.S. and Canada. It provides all stakeholders the opportunity to participate
in the issues surrounding agricultural biotechnology. The language is quite
scientific. http://www.cals.cornell.edu/extension/nabc/
Nuffield Council on Bioethics
The Nuffield Council is an independent body that examines and reports on
ethical questions raised by scientific advances. See their report on
“Genetically Modified Crops: The ethical and social issues.”
http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/bioethics/index.html
Scientific American: Poison Plants?
This is a very good article on the
debate in the United States over genetically modified crops. They give the
case for genetically modified crops with appropriate links and then the case
against GM crops with more links. http://www.sciam.com/explorations/1999/070599plants/index.html
SCOPE Controversy Forum: Biotechnology
The Science Controversies On-line:
Partnerships in Education website offers a balanced view of the issues
surrounding biotechnology. The on-site material is suitable for the general
public and educators. http://scope.educ.washington.edu/gmfood/
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Academic sites
Colorado State: Introduction and
Resource Guide to Transgenic Crops
Colorado’s excellent site includes
a history of plant breeding, risks and concerns, a quiz, and information on evaluation
and regulation of transgenic crops. It also has frequently asked questions in
English and Spanish. http://www.colostate.edu/programs/lifesciences/TransgenicCrops/
Iowa State University
This site has extension
information on bioethics, the ethical implications behind biotechnology.
http://www.biotech.iastate.edu/publications/bioethics/
Kansas State University
KSU aims to provide unbiased, scientific information about agricultural
biotechnology. Their site has general biotech information in the form of
fact sheets, FAQs, news, and a glossary.
http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/pr_biotech/
National Agricultural Biotechnology
Council
The NABC is a non-profit consortium of over 30 agricultural research and
teaching universities in the U.S. and Canada. It provides all
stakeholders the opportunity to participate in the issues surrounding
agricultural biotechnology. The language is quite scientific.
http://www.cals.cornell.edu/extension/nabc/
Purdue University: Biotech
Backgrounders
Information on biotech research at Purdue, as well as introductory material
on biotechnology. Has a self-study course, as well as a quiz on GMOs.
http://persephone.agcom.purdue.edu/AgCom/news/backgrd/
biotech_home.htm
University of California Biotech
This website provides
science-based information to the public on issues relating to agricultural
biotechnology. It has a comprehensive information section written for the general
public on the main issues. For scientists there are educational materials and
an extensive database of scientific literature. The education section
provides curricula and teaching aids. http://www.ucbiotech.org
University of Reading
This site is dedicated to
educating the public about biotechnology. University of Reading is in the
United Kingdom. http://www.ncbe.reading.ac.uk/NCBE/GMFOOD/menu.html
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US Government
Biotechnology Information Resource of
the National Agricultural Library, USDA
Links to sources, services, and publications about agricultural
biotechnology.
http://www.nal.usda.gov/bic
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The official website provides
information on FDA regulatory activities and news. Biotechnology is regulated
under their Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.
http://www.fda.gov/
USDA Agricultural Biotechnology
The site describes the USDA’s role
in regulating biotechnology, and presents information on laws, regulations,
and policies.
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/biotechnology/
US Department of State International
Information Programs: Biotechnology
Up-to-date information on policy
and events.
http://usinfo.state.gov/topical/global/biotech/homepage.htm
United States Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) Biotechnology Site
Describes EPA regulation of
biotechnology
http://www.epa.gov/scipoly/oscpbiotech.htm
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Anti-GMO Sites
Biotechcentury.org
A project of the Foundation on
Economic Trends.
http://www.biotechcentury.org/current.html
The Campaign to Label Genetically
Engineered Food
http://www.thecampaign.org/
The Center for Food Safety
Aims to ensure testing and
regulation of genetically modified foods.
http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/
Genetic Engineering and its Dangers
Compiled by Dr. Ron Epstein, San
Francisco State University.
http://online.sfsu.edu/%7Erone/GE%20Essays/gedanger.htm
Physicians and Scientists for
Responsible Application of Science & Technology
The PSRAST say that they are not
opposed to genetic engineering, just to the irresponsible use of it, especially
without testing. There is a lot of information, all marked according to
elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels.
http://www.psrast.org/intropage.htm#regulvis
Union of Concerned Scientists
This is a good site with
frequently asked questions, fact sheets, news, views, case studies and an
interactive feature. http://www.ucsusa.org/biotechnology/index.html
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Pro-GMO Sites
The Alliance for Better Foods
This US site presents
biotechnology as a resource for increasing agricultural productivity and the
world food supply. http://www.betterfoods.org/
Biotechnology Industry Organization
(BIO)
A global trade organization of the
biotechnology industry. Their website includes biotech topics, news, links,
and worldwide events. The Editors’ and Reporters’ Guide to Biotechnology has
good basic information on history, ethics, legislation and products.
http://www.bio.org/welcome_old.html
CheckBiotech.Org
This site is sponsored by
Syngenta, and provides links to recent news reports on biotech from a variety
of sources.
http://www.checkbiotech.org/root/index.cfm
The Council for Biotechnology
Information
“Founded in April 2000 by leading
biotechnology companies to create a comprehensive communication campaign
about biotechnology. The council is committed to providing objective,
balanced information to help you better understand and appreciate the
benefits biotechnology offers, as well as to encourage informed debate about
the issues it raises.”
http://www.whybiotech.com/
Monsanto
Monsanto has a site on biotech
basics, including a timeline, frequently asked questions and the benefits of
biotechnology. http://www.biotechbasics.com/index.html
ProBiotech
An independent, self-funded website from the UK.
http://www.probiotech.fsnet.co.uk/
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Educational materials
Access Excellence
Access Excellence is a national
educational program for high school biology and life science. Their biotech
section includes downloadable materials, including graphics, for teachers. http://www.accessexcellence.org/
Bio-Link
Bio-Link is a National Advanced Technological Education Center for
Biotechnology funded by the National Science Foundation. Bio-Link aims to
improve biotechnology education programs by providing professional
development for instructors, improving curriculum and sharing information.
Their site includes a curriculum clearinghouse, online courses, state lists
of biotech centers, and a good news link.
http://www.bio-link.org/
The European Initiative for
Biotechnology Education
The EIBE seeks to promote
understanding and debate on biotechnology in Europe. A group of
multidisciplinary experts on biotechnology have produced educational units
for 16-19 year olds to use in the classroom.
http://www.rdg.ac.uk/EIBE/ENGLISH/INTRO.HTM
Food Biotechnology Communications
Network
A resource sheet for educators
with links to teaching materials on food biotechnology.
http://www.foodbiotech.org/uploadpdfs/EducatorsII.pdf
Iowa State Biotechnology Outreach
Education Center:
Educational Resources
The center provides educational
materials for grades 4-12, including classroom lab activities, curriculum
units and case studies. http://www.biotech.iastate.edu/Educational_resources.html
University of Kentucky: Publications
and Visual Resources
The Biotechnology Research and
Education Initiative have educational materials that can be downloaded from
their site. Because the materials are for educational purposes, no fees are
charged.
http://www.ca.uky.edu/brei/visuals/index.html
Wisconsin's Biotechnology and Food
Handbook
The handbook has eight modules
that can be used to teach children or adults. They also have a biotechnology
and food resource directory, including biotechnology education handbooks,
curriculum guides and videos, biotechnology and related newsletters and
biotechnology trade journals.
http://www.agen.ufl.edu/~foodsaf/wihome.html
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Fact sheets
Biotechnology Australia: Fact Sheets
This site has fact sheets including: what is biotechnology, biotechnology and
food, and frequently asked questions. http://www.biotechnology.gov.au/community_issues/fact_sheets/
fact_sheets.asp
European Federation on Biotechnology:
Task Group on Public Perceptions of Biotechnology
This site has some documents
available for purchase and some downloadable in PDF format on aspects of
biotechnology. Their fact sheet series attempt to clarify issues that are
often misunderstood in biotechnology issues arising from incidences such as
the Tryptophan incident.
http://130.161.244.100/efb/TGPPB/Home.htm
Kansas State: FAQs on Biotechnology
Some answers to frequently asked
questions about biotechnology by Dr. Robert Zeigler, head of the Plant
Pathology Department.
http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/pr_biotech/Q&A.htm
University of Illinois: Biotechnology
Information Series
Although they call this a series,
only one article can be found on genetic engineering. It is long but very
readable, titled “Genetically Engineered Fruits and Vegetables.” http://www.ag.uiuc.edu/~vista/html_pubs/biotech//genen.htm
University of Kentucky: BREI
BREI writes, “The information in
these publications comes from the Biotechnology Research and Education
Initiative (BREI) committee, which is comprised of a multi-disciplinary team
of research, extension, and teaching professionals from the College of
Agriculture. The series is designed to help Kentuckians understand and assess
the risks and benefits of agricultural biotechnology.”
http://www.ca.uky.edu/brei/visuals/index.html
Organic Consumers Association
These fact sheets give vivid
warnings against the potential hazards of genetic engineering.
http://www.purefood.org/gelink.html#Handouts
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Journals/Newsletters
AgBioForum
According to their site,
“AgBioForum publishes articles which enhance the on-going dialogue on the
economics and management of agricultural biotechnology.”
http://www.agbioforum.missouri.edu/
Information Systems for Biotechnology
News Report
This newsletter has articles
covering agricultural and environmental biotechnology developments.
Click on the monthly news reports.
http://www.isb.vt.edu/
Iowa Biotech Educator
This newsletter is for educators
using biotechnology in their curriculum.
http://www.biotech.iastate.edu/publications/IA_biotech
_educator/default.html
National Agricultural Biotechnology
Council
The newsletter put out by the NABC
(see description above under
sites for consumers). http://www.cals.cornell.edu/extension/nabc/newsletter/newsletter
_current.html
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Courses, Conferences and
Workshops
Information Systems for Biotechnology
Meetings and Conferences
A comprehensive listing of
international conferences on biotechnology.
Includes topics for discussion and contact information.
http://www.isb.vt.edu/CFDOCS/resourcemeetingslevel2.cfm#jump_list
Iowa State Biotechnology Outreach Education
Center
See this site for some workshops
that take place in Ames, Iowa. http://www.biotech.iastate.edu/publications/ed_resources/
Workshops.html
Purdue University Backgrounders:
Introduction to Agricultural
Biotechnology
This is a self-study course to
learn the basics of biotechnology on-line.
http://joe:student@webct.cc.purdue.edu:8900/SCRIPT/
HORT590GSU00/scripts/serve_home
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