Decryption of the genome of genetically modified foods. Since prehistoric times, crop plants and animals have been improved by selective breeding, a process by which humans breed other animals and plants for certain traits, but the modern wonders of GMOs and transgenic plants have been revealed in the in recent decades only. Breeding procedures have resulted in huge differences in fitness and genetics within a single species, for example the mule, a cross between a male donkey and a mare has been used in Europe for over 3,000 years ( GM Education). Modern genetic engineering began in 1973, when Stanley Cohen, Annie Chang, and Herbert Boyer created the first genetically modified DNA organism. In food terms, genetic engineering simply means modifying crops in the laboratory to produce desired traits such as herbicide resistance and improved nutritional content (PRWeb). These changes, along with evolutionary changes, have given rise to common food species that are now genetically different from their ancestors (National Research Council, 23). Since genetic modification of foods is a fairly new technique and potentially harmful to the human body, it would be better for people to avoid them and choose organic foods over genetically modified foods. Genetic engineering, along with evolutionary changes, has resulted in the creation of common foods. species that may introduce unintended compositional changes that may have adverse effects on human health (National Research Council, 17). Digestive dysfunction, increased risk of infertility, increased risk of developing arthritis, inflammation, and lymphoma are just some of their negative side effects (PRWeb). Many people, especially adolescents, face these health issues and hormones... middle of article...... The NationalAcademies Press, 2004. Ellis, Sarah D., Michael J. Boehm and David Coplin. “Bacterial plant diseases.” Ohioline.oso.edu. Ohio State University, 2008. Web. May 10, 2014.PRWeb. Effects of genetically modified foods on human health. April 3, 2014. Web. April 6, 2014. Sirinathsinghji, Eva. Science in society. London: Institute of Science in Society, 2011. Print. Smith, Jeffery. Doctors warn: avoid genetically modified foods. Institute for Responsible Technology. 20133. the web. April 8, 2014. Soulsby Farm. “The truth about genetically modified organisms – GMOs”. Wordpress, April 28, 2012. Web. April 25, 2014.UC Santa Cruz. Genetically modified foods. University of Santa Cruz. 2005. Internet. April 6, 2014. Whitman, Deborah. Genetically modified foods: harmful or useful? ProQuest. CSA, April 2000. Web. April 9, 2014.