Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
9/12/02
Contacts:
Jay Staker, ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development, (515) 294-1018, jstaker@iastate.edu
Steve Truby, ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development, (515) 294-2078, struby@iastate.edu
Carol Ouverson, ISU Extension Communication Services, (515) 294-9640,
couverso@iastate.edu
Let's Go Eat Some DNA
ALLEMAN, Iowa - "Look Mom! I'm eating DNA!" Visitors to the DNA-IN-MY-FOOD booth will be doing just that at the Farm Progress Show near Alleman Sept 24-26.
Developed by Iowa State University's Biotechnology Outreach Education Center (BOEC) and Extension-Science, Engineering, and Technology (E-SET), the exhibit offers hands-on DNA extraction and consumption to booth visitors.
"Surveys show an alarming number of respondents believe food contains no DNA unless it has been genetically modified," said Jay Staker, ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development specialist. "Our display helps dispel that misconception."
The DNA source for the hands-on activity at the exhibit will be a banana. Visitors also will sample a banana smoothie, prepared at the booth. By extracting DNA from a banana and drinking the banana smoothie, participants make the connection that DNA is a part of any food, Staker said.
A popular activity with Iowa educators, the DNA extraction has been done by thousands of students who see what DNA actually is.
"This understanding is vital so that people can make informed decisions about biotechnology and the use of genetically modified organisms," Staker said. The public needs good information based on scientific research when sorting through complex arguments of the biotechnology debate.
The BOEC/E-SET display will be found in the ISU exhibit located on the west side of the Farm Progress Show grounds.
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