The Washington Post contains an article on a recent survey by Oklahoma State University where over 80 percent of Americans support “mandatory labels on foods containing DNA,”
The Oklahoma State survey result is probably an example of the intersection between scientific ignorance and political ignorance, both of which are widespread.The most obvious explanation for the data is that most of these people don’t really understand what DNA is, and don’t realize that it is contained in almost all food. When they read that a strange substance called “DNA” might be included in their food, they might suspect that this is some dangerous chemical inserted by greedy corporations for their own nefarious purposes.
The article discusses the wider issue of scientific ignorance driving policy decisions, and there is some further comment at io9. A summary of the full survey results is available (PDF).
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Friday January 23 2015, @09:54PM
Bullshit. People know about DNA so it is not a vocabulary test in disguise.
I understand your point though. This is more of a failing in scientific literacy since people do not connect the dots necessary to know why DNA would be in their food if it was not GMO.
(Score: 2) by martyb on Saturday January 24 2015, @10:52PM
Quoth the AC:
What do you mean "not connect the dots"? It's as plain as day in the story's "dept" line!
But in all seriousness, I had great fun creating that! One, and only one, letter is changed per step. Do you recognize all the TLAs?
Wit is intellect, dancing.