Cloned Food
On January 15th, 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration declared that food from lab-grown farm animals and their offspring is safe for human consumption. Their conclusion, coming after seven years of study, stated that meat and milk from cloned animals were as safe to eat as food from conventionally bred animals. This scientific approval is not likely to foster public acceptance , nor allay the publics fears concerning cloning technology and its introduction into our food supply. Will consumption of meat and milk from cloned animals pose health risks? Are cloned animals more susceptible to disease? Should the federal government regulate labelling food products to alert shoppers if a cloned animal was involved? Are consumers assured that products from clones, or their offspring, are not already in the food supply? What potential benefits would the world reap as a result of the ability to routinely clone animals, aside from increased food production? (Prepared February 2008)
Suggested Reading:
Journal and newspaper articles will discuss this topic. In the database Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center, select "Cloning" from the "Popular Topics List" on the homepage. This will provide you with a comprehensive collection of journal, magazine and news articles relating to this subject. You can also enter the keywords "cloned food" in the basic search box.
Many newspaper articles discussing this topic can be found in
ProQuest National Newspapers.
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Books will also provide information on this topic. In our collection you will find the book Cloning: Responsible Science or Technomadness edited by Michael Ruse & Aryne Sheppard, Amherst, N.Y.: 2001. Call number: QH442.2.C5678 2001.
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Drugs and Athletes
In recent months, sports fans have been hit with news of legal problems for some of the biggest names in sports the indictment of baseballs all-time home run leader Barry Bonds , as well as the prison sentence handed down to former Olympic gold medal winner Marion Jones. Both cases have to do with lying about their use of illegal steroids and performance-enhancing supplements. As Congress begins public examination of The Mitchell Report (the investigation into illegal steroids use by professional baseball players, including star pitcher Roger Clemens), the news about performance enhancing drugs in sports is disturbing. At Ms. Jones sentencing, the judge commented that "
athletes in society have an elevated status. They entertain, they inspire
they serve as role models for kids around the world
This widespread level of cheating
sends the wrong message
" Aside form the ethical issues involved, there is widespread concern for the public health implications for younger athletes that may be imitating these stars. What are steroids? What public health issues are involved in steroid use? Do athletes have the right to accept the risks and benefits of performance enhancing drugs? Is steroid use a growing problem among American high-school athletes? Is testing for steroids a violation of players privacy? Should there be Congressional regulation of steroid use? Has the integrity of sports been compromised by the pursuit of individual records and profit? (Prepared January 2008)
Suggested Reading:
Journal and newspaper articles will discuss this topic. Enter "steroids" or "performance-enhancing drugs" in the searchbox in the Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center to locate comprehensive information on this subject, including viewpoint essays, reference material, as well as journal and magazine articles.
Many newspaper articles discussing this topic can be found in
ProQuest National Newspapers.
Locating Articles
Books will also provide information on this topic. In our collection you will find the book Juicing the Game: Drugs, Power and the Fight for the Soul of Major League Baseball by Howard Bryant, New York: Viking, 2005. Call number: GV877.5.B78 2005.
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