Speculative Fact #325: The Man Who Saved a Billion Lives

Amidst all of the scare and hype behind GMOs there is a great deal of confusion. Many common misconceptions plague popular media, and recently we have seen a rise of new trends like the gluten-free and paleo diets.  
       The archetype of the hubristic and nefarious mad scientist is not just a common trope in speculative fiction. The old stereotype has negatively affected the scientific community - most people react dubiously whenever they hear about genetically modified foods.
         Norman Borlaug is an example of a scientist that deviates from the old cliché and represents a positive model for your fiction. As a biologist, his pioneering work on a new type of wheat led a “green revolution” and earned him a Nobel Peace Prize. As Doctor Borlaug suggested, genetically modified foods are not necessarily a cause for concern, as humans have been doing such through agricultural cultivation and husbandry for thousands of years.
            As a future Earth feels the strain of larger populations, noble philanthropists and brilliant minds might help us avoid mass starvation and food shortages. Instead of seeing scientists as weird or scary, future generations might revere scientists as heroes and together build more hopeful futures.

-Jonathan Hernandez

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