Episode Details

Disinformation clouds the public understanding of science, especially technology in agriculture and medicine. So when a leading journal publishes false information, academic experts have an obligation to help correct the process. This may be done via a variety of methods, but cordial and collegial discussion is the first step. When that fails, notes to editors and authors are in order. When that fails, written point-by-point rebuttals are required. But what happens when that fails? An article in Pediatrics suggests that children are at special risk when consuming ingredients from gentically engineered (familiarly "GMO") crops. The article is rife with error and inuendo, and presents an opinion that lies diametric to the scientific consensus. Our efforts to correct the information have been met with 100% resistance, as editors, authors and reviwers have entrenched positions that are recalcitrant to revision, or even discussion. It destroys trust in food, technology, experts and a reputable journal. What should we do next? I discuss the situation with immunologist/microbiolgist Dr. Andrea Love and pediatrician Dr. Nicole Keller.