<pstyle="color: #333;">For further information on GMOs and their regulations, we encourage visiting the <ahref="https://www.government.nl/topics/biotechnology"target="_blank"style="text-decoration: none;"onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'"onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'">Dutch Government Biotechnology page</a>!</p>
<pstyle="color: #333;">To further evaluate the concerns of the community, we decided to measure the population’s perceptions of different areas of GMO application. The responses were quite varied amongst different disciplines, with notable concerns revealed in areas related to animal food production as well as crops for human consumption. This aligns with existing literature which indicates heightened public worry regarding using GMOs for human consumption. Conversely, the team was reassured to find out that the sections with the lowest levels of concern were medical applications and bioremediation, Natronaut’s focus.
<pstyle="color: #333;">To further evaluate the concerns of the community, we decided to measure the population’s perceptions of different areas of GMO application. The responses were quite varied amongst different disciplines, with notable concerns revealed in areas related to animal food production as well as crops for human consumption. This aligns with existing literature which indicates heightened public worry regarding using GMOs for human consumption. This directly correlates to Natronaut’s additional mission of “Zero Hunger”. The produced single cell proteins are also intended for feeding purposes, keeping in mind populations of impoverished countries. SCPs contain vital amino acids and vitamins, and they would represent a new alternatives for countries which need a low-cost solution, and find themselves with little alternatives. Additionally, this is a use of SCPs that has been successful before, an example being Spirulina, an SCP derived from the Arthrospira platensis bacterium, which has been extensively used in Chad, Africa, to help mitigate malnutrition.
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<pstyle="color: #333;">Though there is proof that SCPs are successful, it is also understandable that when it comes to human feeding, the population is more weary, and this survey confirmed it. As a result, moving forward the team commits on a transparent communication with the affected population, to answer any doubt or apprehension. Currently, educational contents and statement of product safety are being brainstormed, which will be presented once the project reaches the feeding stage.
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<h4style="color: #396d7e;"><b>Figure2.</b> Natronaut's GMO Awareness and Education Survey Results </h4>
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<pstyle="color: #333;">However, when specific apprehensions were assessed, nearly 50% admitted to being worried about environmental impacts, 62% expressed concern over “health risks”, as well as 62% mentioned ethical implications. Finally, nearly half of respondents (49.6%) indicated a fear of lack of transparency from the agent using the GMOs.
<pstyle="color: #333;">Outside of human consumption, more specific apprehensions were also assessed. Nearly, 50% admitted to being worried about environmental impacts, 62% expressed concern over “health risks”, as well as 62% mentioned ethical implications. Finally, nearly half of respondents (49.6%) indicated a fear of lack of transparency from the agent using the GMOs.
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<pstyle="color: #333;">These findings, specifically the last one, underscore the critical importance of transparent communication between governmental agencies, scientists, and the public. The engagement with the UM community helped the team: by gaining insight into what worries the public it became clear that the communication channel was to be appropriate, transparent, and educational.
