Genetic engineering: The salvation of humanity 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 its own benefit. The first genetically modified organism, or GMO, was created in the 1970s and led to the development of GM crops and medical treatments. The whole ideology is not new to human beings. Artificial selection has turned well-bred wolves into man's best friend. Yet the controversy has only arisen in the last decade or so. Those who support this type of scientific progress and those who wish to uphold their biological roots are clashing more passionately than ever. Essentially, every aisle of your local grocery store is stocked 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, GM crops have helped ensure food security and support farmers' incomes, allowing parents to focus more resources on other priorities, such as their children's education” (Van Montagu). Despite the obvious benefits, people continue to protest against GMO-derived foods. Monsanto's corn has become something of a celebrity in the genetic engineering 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 concerns that corn containing BT could cause allergic reactions, immune system problems and gastrointestinal problems” (Eng). Hundreds of tests have been done but the results seem to change depending on who reads... halfway down the paper... it should be for the better. Works Cited Batabyal, Amitrajeeta A. "If Genetically Modified Foods Are So Bad, Where's the Proof? (Commentary)." The Post-Standard. Giornale di Siracusa, 8 February 2014. Web. 12 April 2014. Ita, Monica. “Activists: Modified Corn Isn't That Sweet.” Chicago Tribune. 04 August 2012: 1. SIRSIssues Researcher. Network. 08 April 2014.Naik, Gautam. “The evils of aging reversed in mice.” Wall Street Journal. 29 November 2010: A.3. SIRS Problem Researcher. Network. 08 April 2014.Van Montagu, Marc. “The Irrational Fear of Genetically Modified Foods.” Wall Street Journal. 23 Oct. 2013: A.15.SIRS Issues Researcher. Network. 08 April 2014.Volti, Rudi. Facts about Science, Technology and Society File Encyclopedia. vol. II. NewYork, 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.