Genetically modified foods. It’s a phrase guaranteed to spark heated debate. Concerned Europeans march in opposition to GM foods. African ports have been barricaded to prevent the unloading of genetically modified corn, despite the needs of starving people. Canadians mailed slices of bread to their prime minister to protest the use of genetically modified wheat. And in Australia, Greenpeace activists attached themselves to a cargo ship with magnets and painted “Stop GE imports” on its hull in their campaign against genetically modified food.

"GM crops are actually our best hope for feeding humanity while preserving biodiversity and protecting the environment," says Nina Fedoroff, who is co-author of the new book Mendel in the Kitchen: A Scientist's View of Genetically Modified Foods.

Nina Fedoroff will talk about the science behind contemporary genetic modification of crop plants, as well as the history of plant genetic modifications for agriculture. She will also address the various issues that have been raised in connection with today's genetically modified crop plants and foods, ranging from gene flow to allergenicity.