National DNA Day A Look at Genetically Modified Foods

April 23rd is National DNA day. The day commemorates the completion of the Human Genome Project in April 2003 and the discovery of the DNA double helix.

DNA plays a significant role in our foods, medicine, medical research and numerous other areas of our lives. Genetically Modified (GM) Foods are a controversial topic. On one side, there are those who want to prevent GM because they believe the foods are harmful. While the other group wants to fund GM projects in the hope of producing bigger foods (fruits, vegetables, livestock), insect resistant, more nutritious, etc.

This video was created as part of a USDA grant
to explain Genetic Modifications to the American consumer.

Bill Gates explains why his philanthropic foundation helps fund genetically modified food research. "You are right on the verge of starvation all the time, so every tool that's safe and appropriate, you at least want to look into," he says.

For Educators and those who find music a fun way to learn.

Here is a DNA song.

For more Information on the DNA project and educational tools, go to http://www.genome.gov/