FDA Campaign Aims to Educate US Public on Biotechnology and Food

Steven A. Field, MD, is a respected Tampa, Florida, educator who teaches a wide range of science-related subjects with the School District of Hillsborough County. Among the advanced courses that Steven A. Field, MD, has taught Florida students are those centering on earth and space science, as well as biotechnology. 

A current U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initiative is focused on providing consumers with basic education on the safety of food products and animal feed that utilize biotechnology in their makeup and production. 

A focus is on clearing up “misinformation and half-truths,” with more than half of Americans surveyed believing that, in general, genetically modified (GM) foods are unsafe for consumption. In tandem with this, approximately 80 percent of American adults are in support of mandatory labels for GMOs and on foods that contain DNA. 

The global scientific consensus is increasingly one that believes that the safety of genetically engineered (GE) crops is similar to that of non-genetically engineered crops. For this reason, the FDA plans to present the best available evidence within the context of science-based educational documents that shed light on the positive environmental, nutritional, economic, and humanitarian aspects of agricultural biotechnology.

Proper Chair Setup for Optimal Ergonomics

Steven A. Field, MD, is a respected Tampa, Florida, high school teacher who has taught a variety of science subjects within the School District of Hillsborough County. In addition to his role as a Florida educator, Steven A. Field, MD, has a background in human ergonomic research that led to a number of national presentations and corporate ergonomic committee appointments.

Within an office environment, static postures and sitting for prolonged periods of time is associated with weight issues, circulatory and cardiovascular conditions, and low back disorders. Repetitive motion and awkward positions can also result in musculoskeletal conditions such as epicondylitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.

A Cornell University study brought focus to task seating and the major issue of standard desktops being designed to accommodate the elbow height of people who are 6’4” tall. With individuals often struggling to comfortably reach computer setups, a number of health risks arise related to sitting high in the chair and shrugging the shoulders.

Properly adjusting one's task chair involves keeping the backrest unlocked and tensioned in such a way that flexible movement is accommodated. In addition, the seat pan should be set up to allow two inches or more of clearance between the back of the knees and the edge of the seat. The arm rest should be set up no higher than elbow height when seated.

Another concern is that the ideal position of the keyboard is not on the desktop, but on the lap, in the same position as a laptop would be held. In cases where the keyboard is on the desktop, it should be positioned as close to the body as possible, with an articulating keyboard support used to provide the proper angle.

The Soil-Less Hydroponics Gardening System

Based in Tampa, Florida, Steven A. Field, MD, is a retired physician with a background as an educator with the School District of Hillsborough County. Over the past decade, he has taught Florida students a wide range of science subjects such as AP biology, health sciences, and earth and space science. In his biotechnology course, Steven A. Field, MD, has taught subjects ranging from plant DNA extraction to hydroponics.

Defined by soil-less gardening, hydroponics involves employing mineral-rich water solutions and other nutrients in place of a conventional soil medium. Many plants thrive with their roots in water and can grow as much as 50 percent faster in this manner. As the water within hydroponic systems is conserved and reused, there is less need for a fresh water supply. At the same time, the indoor nature of most hydroponic systems means that vegetables, herbs, and fruits can be harvested year round.

A key to success with a hydroponic system involves selecting plant varieties such as strawberries, leafy greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers that welcome moisture and have limited size potential. Another important element is selecting the proper nutrient mix. The primary nutrients of potassium, nitrogen, and magnesium are diluted in filtered water that is then given to the plants. Common secondary nutrients are also added and typically include manganese, iron, copper, zinc, boron, and molybdenum.