For GMO foes, fear trumps facts

Researchers looked at people who oppose genetically modified foods, and found that the more passionate they were about it, the less likely they were to learn the science behind the subject – or to have a strong understanding of science to begin with.

Courtesy of the author A half-century later, a Beatles label manager remembers one of music’s most iconic moments Ken Mansfield was one of just a few people actually allowed on the rooftop for what would turn out to be the band's final performance. He says that, despite the tensions that surfaced while recording the White Album and ultimately would pull the group apart, they were able to lose themselves in the moment and enjoy playing together. "There was a sense of disunity at that time," Mansfield tells NPR's Bob Boilen. "This was just an easy answer." Greenwich Entertainment In the heart of Nazi Germany, 1,900 Jews forged new lives to survive the Holocaust Hanni Weissenberg was 17 years old and had no family left when the Gestapo came pounding on her Berlin door in 1943. She managed to get away, got the help of family friends, and as Hannelore Winkler made her way to the end of the war, right before the Reich's eyes. “You just had to ignore the fear in your gut and push it away, become someone else,” she says. “I had to try to lose myself in the masses." Jonathan Ahl/Harvest Public Media The weaker your scientific knowledge, the angrier you are about genetically modified crops, researchers find Previous studies have found that, while GMO opponents demand more research into the foods, no amount of science can convince them the products are safe. “We have to get people to recognize gaps in their knowledge before we try to teach them new things and have a meaningful discussion,” one researcher said. They plan to follow up with studies of other controversial science issues, including vaccinations, nuclear power and homeopathic medicine. Christopher Polk/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images ‘At 31, I found out I wasn't stupid, that I wasn’t lazy.’ Henry Winkler is working to convince younger people with dyslexia they aren’t either The actor says he thought nothing of how hard his parents and teachers were on him until doctors described his stepson’s learning disability: “I went ‘Oh my goodness, that’s me.’ ” Still, when his agent suggested he write a children’s book about his struggles, he said “I can’t do that, I’m stupid, I can’t write a book.” Now, the “Happy Days” and “Barry” star has written and published 29 stories about Hank Zipzer and his adventures. Petty Officer 1st Class Ronald Gutridge/DVIDS As the U.S. exits a major arms treaty, a new era of small-scale nukes arrives Both the United States and Russia are developing and stocking up on what are called "tactical" nukes – weapons a fraction of the strength of those the U.S. dropped on Japan. Loaded in missile launchers or fired from submarines, they're meant to be used on enemy forces in combat, rather than take out whole cities. The Trump administration views them as an important deterrent and tool, but others worry it will lower the bar for dropping a nuclear weapon. You received this message because you're subscribed to our Best of NPR emails. |  Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy | NPR 1111 N. CAPITOL ST. NE WASHINGTON DC 20002