Okja: Helen Pilcher on genetic modification, what we’ve already done to animals and how humans might be next

You're already eating GM plants and genetically modified animal meat could be in our very near future - in fact if you're in Canada, you might already be eating GM fish without knowing it.

That's just a fraction of what we found out this week from author and scientist Dr. Helen Pilcher, who told us about the history, present and future of genetic modification - one of the main themes in Bong Joon-ho's brilliant film Okja.

We discuss how selective breeding thousands of years ago was humanity's first attempts at modifying the gene pools of the world around us, the incredible technologies being used right now that can switch on individual genes with pinpoint precision, and what might be in store in terms of genetically modifying humans.

Helen detailed the awful toll the food industry has had on the animal kingdom and the environment, as well as how our desire for certain characteristics in meat-producing livestock might lead to the endangerment of entire species.

She also told us some of the stories of how projects are attempting to use genetic modification to help the environment, and de-extinct certain species.

 

LINKS:

If you're interested in finding out more you can read Helen's brilliant book 'Life Changing: How Humans Are Altering Life On Earth' - buy on Amazon here.

If you're keen on finding out about de-extinction, her previous book 'Bring Back The King: The New Science of De-Extinction' is available here

Follow Helen Pilcher on Twitter - @HelenPilcher1