As society continues to evolve and progress, so do the needs of the population. New advances in biotechnology, particularly the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), have become a controversial topic in the early 21st century. What makes it controversial is that the process involves an organism whose genetic material has been modified through genetic engineering techniques. The technology is used to change the composition of organisms such as animals, plants or bacteria. GMOs are the source of many modified foods and are widely used in scientific research to produce other goods as well. (Wald, 2013) The controversy concerns ethical, legal and social perspectives. The use of genetically modified foods has caused many people to rethink their moral principles. The IMPACT Center at the University of Washington conducted a survey aimed at poverty-stricken countries such as Mexico, Chile and India, focusing on attitudes toward genetically modified crops. The survey covered both poor and affluent demographics. In Chile and Mexico, 70% of participants said they were willing to buy genetically modified foods if they contained vitamins or nutrients, or if they used fewer pesticides. In India, 88% of participants said they would buy genetically modified foods. (Ling, 2013) There is a clear need for food resources, but there are concerns about the use of genetically modified foods. These foods can cause antibiotic resistance in people who eat foods containing pesticides, as well as an increased risk of cancer, gastrointestinal diseases, and other autoimmune problems. (Wald, 2013) The question to be asked is: are terminal illnesses worth the risk of consuming genetically modified foods? The disadvantages overshadow the advantages of genetically modified foods. In 2006, 97% of the world's crops were grown with transgenic genes. US grew 53%...... middle of paper......differently from men? » International Journal of Business, Marketing, and Decision Sciences [IJBMDS] 6.1 (2013): 62+. AcademicOneFile. Web. November 28, 2013. Schonwald, Josh. “Designing the future of food: tomorrow's genetically modified foods and farmed fish will be more sustainable and far healthier than much of what we eat today – if we can overcome our fears and embrace them . . Here's how one foodie learned to stop worrying and love "Frankenfood." " Original Internist September 2013: 129+. General OneFile. Web. November 28, 2013. Whitman, Deborah. "Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful?." Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful?. ProQuest, nd Web. Nov 28. 2013. .