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Popular misconceptions: agricultural biotechnology

Alan McHughen1,*, alanmc@ucr.edu and Robert Wager2, Robert.wager@viu.ca

"Agricultural biotechnology, especially genetic engineering or

genetic modification (GM), is a topic of considerable controversy

worldwide. The public debate is fraught with polarized views and

opinions, some are held with religious zeal. Unfortunately, it is also

marked with much ignorance and misinformation. Here we explore

some popular misconceptions encountered in the public debate."

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Published time: July 30, 2014 20:53

Key point to take from the article:

"Corn seeds are genetically modified to produce an insecticide that will kill the corn leafworm (also known as the southern grassworm)

After the insect eats the corn, the toxin inside paralyzes the insect’s digestive system, forming a hole in the gut wall.

This forces the bug to stop eating within a few hours, and subsequently starve to death, according to a Colorado State University fact sheet.

The farmers...had to spray up to three coats of additional pesticides after the scourge remained"

Essentially we are ingested pesticides. 

Contributed by Jasmine

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CBS NEWSJune 25, 2014, 5:28 AM

Study retracted last year is republished in another journal, adding to confusion and controversy over safety of genetically modified crops

Contributed by Jasmine

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GM foods: Do we know enough?

We ask if genetically modified crops lead to health issues or aid farming and conservation of natural resources.

30 May 2013 14:09 GMT |

Environment, Business & Economy, US & Canada, Iraq, United States

Contributed by Jasmine

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BY CHRISTINA SARICH POSTED ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

The rise in autism rates is surely due to environmental factors. Just 2 of those factors are Monsanto's RoundUp (glyphosate) and heavy exposure to aluminum.

Contributed by Jasmine

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"This year, we took some important steps toward delivering even more innovative solutions to growers to address these broad challenges. Solutions such as Intacta RR2 PRO™ soybeans for South American customers that enable them to reduce the use of pesticides and protect their soy crop to improve yields, continuous breeding investments in our global corn business that offer a step change in yield, and our investment in The Climate Corporation to enable growers to make more exacting decisions by the square foot, bringing even greater efficiency to their farms"

Contributed by Jasmine

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Monsanto agrochemicals cause genetic damage in soybean workers – study

Published time: January 22, 2015 19:13

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"Soybean workers exposed to the agrochemicals like glyphosate, the main component in Monsanto’s ‘Roundup’ herbicide and other biocides, suffer from elevated DNA and cell damage, according to a new study."

Contributed by Jasmine

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Banks promise to open wallet to debit and other loyalty programs.

Contributed by Quinn

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Generative Questions: 

What if your fridge evolved with you?

What if your food evolves with your tastes?

What would your kitchen said about your diet choices?

Could your kitchen rate your meals and tell you how they could be improved?

Could your kitchen teach your how to cook? Or phone?

What if our grocery store could meal plan?

Could music influence your meals?

What if you never had to go to the grocery store again?

What if you never have to experience the cold grocery section ever again? 

Contributed by: Everyone (Written by Rachel, who's da bomb)

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The Maker Movement promotes a culture that democratizes innovation, flips consumption on its head, and could spur a third industrial revolution of personal manufacturing.

interesting views on the future of innovation and social change #influation

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Rethinking a business plan with a health chain called "Nutshell" with in store advisers called "Nut Jobs." I'm not entirely sure this was the right move Loblaws, because that's a brilliant idea.  But I guess acquiring a large scale company can change business plans a bit. Revicom.  Contributed by: Quinn Mantynen

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http://www.nestle.com/asset-library/Documents/About_Us/Nestle_Roadmap.pdf

Contributed by: Jasmine

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Kroger's environmental transportation foot print. 

Contributed by: Rachel 

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A more up to date version of Kroger's Sustainability Report. 

The social image of being sustainable has become a regular part of Kroger's routine and business models. Focusing specifically on three ares; socially, environmentally, and economically. 

Their goals are to make a positive difference in the local communities they serve. They also want to make a social to the associates that work at their stores. 

200 million meals have been served. 

$1.7 billion in associate benefits. 

As for the environment, Kroger is attempting to make their environmental footprint smaller by using less waste, saving energy and using natural resources responsibly. 

Economically, Kroger has supporting local business and being diverse in their suppliers. Also by building new stores they are able to create more jobs but also keeping the local communities small business in business or attempting to work together with them. 

“I believe many Customers and Associates decide where to shop and work based upon our Company’s commitment to being a good corporate citizen—and especially whether our Company’s actions match our words.” Rodney McMullen, Chief Executive Officer.

Contributed by: Rachel

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1WorldSync is a product data management company that delivers industry proven product information management systems, education and data synchronization implementation

This company is in relation to Kroger.

Contributed by: Rachel

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Summary of this article Simpler Life

-Implementing systems to complete everday tasks effectively

-Their Nespresso VertuoLine system uses bar code technology to sense capsule zize, coffee blend and adjust temperature and extraction of coffee

Precise Behaviour

-This is implementation on systems is significant because Nestle has studied that consumers want greater accuracy

"People are not only looking for easier-to-use products, they also want fresher, better-quality ingredients, specifically adapted to their needs and preferences."

-Nestles long term goal is to understand in a more detailed scale the impact of these products to our bodies, which can eventually be done through systems

Strong foundation

-Nestle uses their specifically developed Switzerland based fascility to research on systems technology to get the best most accurate results

Cultural preference

-Nestle has created a system that produces consistent high quality coffee

-Their "centrifusion"  techonoly allows for their VertuoLine to be the "only system on the market to make long coffees with ‘crema’, the naturally-formed foam of coffee and air that is the signature of a quality espresso."

Balancing act

-Nestles key focus is on keeping a good balance on what is technically possible and what consumers want

Exceptional experience

-Nestle has addressed the consumers need, and budget, creating a product that has catered to making life easier and more enjoyable by turning an everyday task into an enticing one

Contributed by: Jasmine

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This articles documents Nestles efforts to expanding business growth by exposing their employees to argriculture. According to Hans Joehr, the Head of Agriculture, the farm, "is streets ahead of its peers when it comes to creativity and vision". 

The farm they visited consisted of an iPad controlling all of its operations. This is a key insight they took, noting that, "its a great example od how you can grow a business, without depleting natural resources". 

One of the most innovative ideas seen in the farm is the overturn of the traditional way of milking a cow. 

"Cows in these farms have magnetic chips around their necks, which link up to robotic milking machines. The animals are able to wander around the barn freely.

When a cow decides she is carrying too much milk, she simply walks over to the milking robot to be relieved.

CHANGING PRACTICES: Farmers must increase production, but in a more sustainable way.

This means that the cows are being milked at different times throughout the day. It requires less equipment and labour, and makes optimum use of the available space.

It’s not just more productive for the farmer; it’s much healthier and more comfortable for the animals.

Cows kept in such an environment can behave more naturally. In response, they produce more milk, and tend to develop fewer health problems."

Contributed by: Jasmine