The anti-vaccination movement has gained momentum in the last few years for a number of reasons. A big reason for this is because of the alleged connection between vaccines and triggering autism or ADHD in children. Most of the proof linking vaccines with autism has been debunked (scientifically, at least), but there is still a large portion of the American population that still do not get their children vaccinated. This has lead to the largest measles outbreak in America. Read this article in Scientific American about the controversy. Why would people, despite (relative) consensus from the scientific community and the CDC still choose not to have their children vaccinated? Is it a personal choice issue or a public safety issue? What are some knowledge issues we can extract from this real life situation? Go here to watch the latest NOVA documentary about the recent controversy over vaccines. It aired last Wednesday so it is very recent.
Another controversy that is much less scientifically clear is the debate over the use of GMOs as a main source of food for the american public (and the world at large). Proponents of GMOs applaud their pesticide resistance and count on GMOs as a more reliable and resistant strain of foods to sustain the evergrowing demand for food as the worlds population grows and grows. Opponents to GMOs cite the lack of scientific research on the adverse effects of modifying food from it's "natural" state, calling for more research and accusing big food companies (like Monsanto) of covering up the truth about the adverse effects of GMOs. Read the following three articles, one from Scientific American, one from MIT technology review, and another from an anti-GMO interest group. Who do you believe? Why? What do you think about eating "genetically-modified organisms"? Are there ethical concerns here? What are some knowledge issues that could be extracted from these real life situations? Post your thoughts below!
