Resources

Recordings, guides and plain-language answers on food, environment, health and policy. Free to watch, read and share.

10 resources

Myth or fact?

Common claims we hear at events, and what the evidence says. Tap a claim to see the answer.

Eating GM food changes your genes.See the fact

Fact: Your body digests the DNA in all food, GM or not, into small pieces. It doesn’t enter or change your own genes.

GM crops in Kenya aren’t regulated.See the fact

Fact: Under the Biosafety Act of 2009, the National Biosafety Authority reviews every GM product before it can be used in Kenya.

Antibiotics cure colds and flu.See the fact

Fact: Colds and flu are caused by viruses, and antibiotics only work on bacteria. Taking them when you don’t need them helps resistance grow.

It’s fine to share leftover antibiotics.See the fact

Fact: Take antibiotics only as a health worker prescribes, for you. Sharing doses is one of the biggest drivers of drug resistance.

Burning plastic gets rid of it.See the fact

Fact: Burning plastic releases toxic smoke and leaves harmful ash. Reducing, reusing and recycling are the safer routes.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR): When germs change so that the medicines meant to kill them stop working.
Biosafety: The rules and checks that make sure new biological products are safe for people and nature.
Citizen science: Science done with the public: ordinary people help ask questions, collect data and use the results.
Fermentation: When microbes like yeast break down sugars, producing gas, acids or alcohol. It makes bread rise.
Food security: When everyone always has enough safe, nutritious food to live an active, healthy life.
Genetically modified organism (GMO): A plant, animal or microbe whose DNA has been changed in a lab to give it a useful trait.
Hydroponics: Growing plants in water mixed with nutrients, without soil.
Organic farming: Farming without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, relying on compost and natural pest control.