Increasing public understanding of transgenic crops through the World Wide Web.
Transgenic crops among the most controversial "science and society" issues of recent years. Because of the complex techniques involved in creating these crops and the polarized debate over their risks and beliefs, a critical need has arisen for accessible and balanced information on this technology. World Wide Web sites offer several advantages for disseminating information on a fast-changing technical topic, including their global accessibility; and their ability to update information frequently, incorporate multimedia formats, and link to networks of other sites. An alliance between two complementary web sites at Colorado State University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln takes advantage of the web environment to help fill the need for public information on crop genetic engineering. This article describes the objectives and features of each site. Viewership data and other feedback have shown these web sites to be effective means of reaching public audiences on a complex scientific topic.
Byrne
Patrick F
PF
Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, 80523, USA. pbyrne@lamar.colostate.edu
Namuth
Deana M
DM
Harrington
Judy
J
Ward
Sarah M
SM
Lee
Donald J
DJ
Hain
Patricia
P
D005502:Food / Q000266:history*; D005818:Genetic Engineering; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D007255:Information Services / Q000266:history*; D020407:Internet / Q000266:history*; D011639:Public Opinion; D014481:United States