The history of agriculture is the history of humans breeding seeds and animals to produce traits we want in our crops and livestock. Michael Specter agricultureanimalbreed Change image and share on social
If there is anything more frightening than the threat of global nuclear war, it is the certainty that humans not only stand on the verge of producing new life forms but may soon be able to tinker with them as if they were vintage convertibles or bonsai trees. Michael Specter bonsaicertaintyconvertible share on social
To suggest that organic vegetables, which cost far more than conventional produce, can feed billions of people in parts of the world without roads or proper irrigation may be a fantasy based on the finest intentions. But it is a cruel fantasy nonetheless. Michael Specter basebillionconventional share on social
Although it may seem callous to say so, millions of Americans are lucky that Magic Johnson was infected with H.I.V. There is no way of calculating how many lives he has saved. No advertising agency could have invented a better, or more effective, role model. Michael Specter advertiseagencyamerican share on social
Even a two-degree climb in average global temperatures could cause crop failures in parts of the world that can least afford to lose the nourishment. The size of deserts would increase, along with the frequency and intensity of wildfires. Michael Specter affordaverageclimb share on social
We're lying ourselves into believing things are untrue, like organic food will solve all our problems, or vitamins will make us healthy, or we don't need to vaccinate our children. Michael Specter believechildfood Change image and share on social
All the food we eat - every grain of rice and kernel of corn - has been genetically modified. None of it was here before mankind learned to cultivate crops. The question isn't whether our food has been modified, but how. Michael Specter corncropcultivate share on social
Why do people refuse to vaccinate their children against measles or whooping cough? In many cases, because they have never seen measles and have no idea what it might do. Michael Specter casechildcough Change image and share on social
Universal vaccination may well be the greatest success story in medical history. Michael Specter greathistorymedical Change image and share on social
By themselves, genetically engineered crops will not end hunger or improve health or bolster the economies of struggling countries. They won't save the sight of millions or fortify their bones. But they will certainly help. Michael Specter bolsterbonecountry share on social
