Find at least two information sources related to the topic. You can  find assistance with searching for articles at the UMUC Library Subject  Guides at http://libguides.umuc.edu/science.

3. Write a 750-1500  word paper, excluding references and title page. You must read the  information sources that you find and summarize the information in your  own words, addressing each of the questions and expectations for your  chosen topic. Extensive quotes from the article are discouraged. Use APA  style for citing references, see  http://www.umuc.edu/library/guides/apa.html.

4. Post your assignment to your Assignments folder by the due date listed in the course schedule.

 Topics (select one)

a)  Genetically modified organisms (GMOs). What is the purpose genetic  engineering of crop plants and domestic animals? Briefly explain how  GMOs are created. What foods in your supermarket contain GMOs? Are foods  that contain GMOs safe for human consumption? What types of regulations  exist for these foods? Clearly explain your reasoning for each answer.
b)  Stem cells. Your friend had a spinal cord injury after a bad car  accident. The medical team has decided that he is a good candidate for a  clinical trial using stem cell therapy. Your friend has not had a  biology course since high school, so you decide to write him a letter  sharing your knowledge of stem cells. Include in your letter a  description of the biology of stem cells and how these cells are unique  from other cells. Contrast the different types of stem cells, including  pros and cons of each. Explain how stems cells are can be used to treat  diseases and injury, with special focus on spinal cord injuries.  Conclude with your own opinion.
c) Fracking (hydraulic fracturing)  and tar sands (oil sands).  With society’s dependence on nonrenewable  fossil fuels, the oil & gas industry is turning to the use of  hydraulic fracturing and tar (oil) sands to extract natural gas and oil  respectively.  A friend asks you “What’s all this controversy in the  news about fracking and tar sands?”  Briefly explain to your friend how  hydraulic fracturing and tar (oil) sands are used to obtain these fossil  fuels. Then, in more detail, describe the environmental problems that  may result from these processes and why they are controversial. Issues  that may be addressed involves, but are not limited to, water, air and  soil pollution, effects on human health, effects on other species and  natural ecosystems. Finally, give your opinions on possible solutions to  these environmental problems, with your reasoning backed by the  references that you studied.