The AquaBounty company in Massachusetts has come up with a genetically engineered version of the atlantic salmon, and they are trying to get the FDA to approve it for sale. If they do approve, it would be the first time ever that modified animals are allowed on our plates. Genetic engineering has been allowed on crops for years, but animals is another story. The Drug Administration has said that the 'Frankenfish' is just as safe to eat as the original salmon, but they have not approved the fish yet. The motive behind all of this trouble: the Frankenfish grows twice as fast as the original salmon. The Frankenfish gets it's name from critics. They gave it this nickname because the fish "could cause allergies in humans and the eventual decimation of the wild salmon population." The reviewing of the Frankenfish will continue throughout the week, taking into consideration the science of the fish and criticisms from others.
Personally, I'm not a fan of fish- catching them I'm ok with, but eating them... not so much. So I probably don't have as strict of an opinion as some people do, but I still have an opinion. I really think, from the little knowledge that I have on this topic, that they should allow it. The fish grows twice as fast meaning that they could produce twice the amount of salmon in the same amount of time. If the fish are 100% safe to eat, then why not? Some critics did say that the fish can produce allergies, if this is true, they need to find out how and which type of people are affected, and this needs to be addressed/ the speech given before a person is served the fish- so they have to option to say no. Another issue brought up was that doing this could drastically drop the numbers of wild salmon. According to this, I would say that those producing frankenfish should have their own population of salmon to convert to frankenfish... meaning they build up their own school of salmon before they begin, this way they have no effect on the wild salmon. Also, some people are not ok with this because they don't want to "manipulate the genetic code of other living creatures" but they are ok with the genetic engineering on crops and in cows to produce more milk... I don't see how this is really any different, especially if they have their own population of fish like I suggested above. From what I know, I say let's go for it.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39265727/ns/health-food_safety/
Thursday evening, a fire errupted in San Bruno, California. It is said that the fire was caused by an explosion of a gas line, but it is still under investigation. The explosion could be heard from miles away, and the initial blast sent a fireball about 1,000 miles into the air. The fire covered 15 acres. More than 50 houses have been destroyed, and more than 120 homes have serious damage. 52 people have been taken to the hospital, 3 are in critical condition with burns. It is not clear on how many have died as a result of the fire. Pacific Gas and Electric Co, which serve in that area, say if the cause of the fire is determined to be the gas line, they will "take accountability."
This is an extremely devestating event. I can not imagine driving home to find my house and all of my neighbor's houses engulfed in flames. All of those poor people who have now lost everything- their cars, pictures, food, decorations... their memories. It's all gone for them. I picture all of the people going through all different stages of shock and grief. I'm very glad to hear however that the gas companies who may be the cause of this fire are willing to help out and take responsibility for this incident. With the recent oil spill and all of the blame shifting going on there, it is a blessing to hear that the ones who are to blame will accept it, especially knowing that they can't change the past, they can't change what has already happened. I have never experienced losing my home or any building due to a fire. Nor do I know anyone personally who has gone through that experience, aside from my mom, but she did not lose her whole house or anything extremely valuable to her. So, I can only guess what these people are going through... and it's not good. I guess one "good" thing about this situation is that the people are not going through this alone, it wasn't just one house destroyed, it was more than 50. This way, the families have support from others who are dealing with the same emotions. My thougths and prayers go out to all of the people who have lost their homes, their memories, and especially those who have lost loved ones.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39089768/ns/us_news/
