Perceptions of emerging biotechnologies

Abstract

Research on public views of biotechnology has centered on genetically modified (GM) foods. However, as the breadth of biotechnology applications grows, a better understanding of public concerns about non-agricultural biotechnology products is needed in order to develop proactive strategies to address these concerns. Here, we explore the perceived benefits and risks associated with five biotechnology products and how those perceptions translate into public opinion about the use and regulation of biotechnology in the United States. While we found greater support for nonagricultural biotechnology product, 70% of individuals surveyed showed no or little variation in their support across the products, indicating opinions about early GM products may be influencing the acceptance of emerging biotechnologies. We identified five common patterns of opinions about biotechnology and used machine learning models to integrate a wide range of factors and predict a respondent's opinion group. While the model was particularly good at identifying individuals supportive of biotechnology, differentiating between individuals from the non-and conditionallysupportive opinion groups was more challenging, emphasizing the complexity of public opinions of emerging biotechnology products.

Consumer Awareness and Acceptance of Biotechnological Solutions for Gluten-Free Products

“…Well-educated female participants and those living in larger cities were more reluctant [26]. Conversely, Azodi et al (2019) found no association between education level and positive opinion about biotechnology [27]. Fernbach et al (2019) argue that the more the extremism of the opposition to genetically modified foods increases, the more objective knowledge of the matter decreases.…”

Project-based Learning in science dissemination with university students of plant biotechnology

“…Public perception analyses of biotechnology have historically focused on GM foods. However, it has been found that society at large is massively supportive of developments in non-agricultural biotechnology, such as the development of new drugs and vaccines (Azodi & Dietz, 2019). Despite the fact that GM crops help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, are more resistant to diseases and pests, produce more and provide more nutrients to humans and animals, society in general, and especially in the European Union, has a low acceptance level (Woźniak et al, 2021).…”