Seeds of Science explores GMO debate

British author Mark Lynas has written a timely and important book, Seeds of Science: Why we got it so wrong on GMOs, about changing sides on the controversial topic of genetically modified crops, or GMOs. Whether you support or oppose the technology, Seeds of Science is full of surprises.

Lynas has a unique perspective: In the 1990s he was literally chopping down experimental crop fields in Britain. He also helped plan the symbolic occupation of a Monsanto office - the seed and pesticide company that German pharmaceutical giant Bayer AG recently bought.

The book opens with a clear-eyed look at the early anti-GMO movement. But Lynas begins to ask questions and finds that the slogans often didn't reflect scientific consensus. In a 2015 poll, 88 percent of American Association for the Advancement of Science members said GMO foods are safe (yet only 37 percent of the public believes that).