GMOs Part I: Introduction

The topic is Genetically Modified Organisms, specifically Genetically Modified Crops. I propose that we try to answer the following questions:

1. What are GMOs? - organisms in which their genetic material (DNA) has been changed in a non-natural way. By non-natural I mean changes that occur outside of natural mutations and natural breeding. Non-natural changes includes genetic manipulations such as the introduction of a gene from one organism to another.
   
2. What are the benefits of genetically modified crops?
   
3. What are the risks involved in using genetically modified crops?
   
   
   
   1. Are genetically modified crops safe for humans? In the short-term? In the long-term?
      
   2. Are GMOs safe for the environment?
      
   
   
4. What is the current status of GMO use in the US and in the world?
   
5. What are the politics with GMOs and Europe and in Africa?
   
6. Is there is a conflict between farmers and the developers of GMOs?
   
7. What types of advances and conflicts can be expected in the future?