Simon Maechling, PhD
@simonmaechling.bsky.social
Science. Innovation. Agriculture.
Innovator at Bayer Crop Science.
Innovator at Bayer Crop Science.
The appeal to nature fallacy isn’t cute or harmless.
It’s the reason people fear medicine, vaccines, GMOs, and chemistry itself.
It’s not “back to nature.”
It’s back to ignorance.
It’s the reason people fear medicine, vaccines, GMOs, and chemistry itself.
It’s not “back to nature.”
It’s back to ignorance.
October 5, 2025 at 7:31 PM
The appeal to nature fallacy isn’t cute or harmless.
It’s the reason people fear medicine, vaccines, GMOs, and chemistry itself.
It’s not “back to nature.”
It’s back to ignorance.
It’s the reason people fear medicine, vaccines, GMOs, and chemistry itself.
It’s not “back to nature.”
It’s back to ignorance.
What happens when farmers plant GMOs?
A new study from Bangladesh shows the answer:
⬆️More yield.
⬇️Less pesticide.
⬆️Higher income.
Let’s unpack the data 🧵1/
A new study from Bangladesh shows the answer:
⬆️More yield.
⬇️Less pesticide.
⬆️Higher income.
Let’s unpack the data 🧵1/
October 3, 2025 at 8:12 AM
What happens when farmers plant GMOs?
A new study from Bangladesh shows the answer:
⬆️More yield.
⬇️Less pesticide.
⬆️Higher income.
Let’s unpack the data 🧵1/
A new study from Bangladesh shows the answer:
⬆️More yield.
⬇️Less pesticide.
⬆️Higher income.
Let’s unpack the data 🧵1/
Bad policies destroy nations.
In 2021, Sri Lanka banned synthetic fertilizers and pesticides overnight - forcing the country into 100% organic farming.
The result? Economic collapse, food shortages, and mass protests.
Here’s what happened 🧵: 1/12
In 2021, Sri Lanka banned synthetic fertilizers and pesticides overnight - forcing the country into 100% organic farming.
The result? Economic collapse, food shortages, and mass protests.
Here’s what happened 🧵: 1/12
February 12, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Bad policies destroy nations.
In 2021, Sri Lanka banned synthetic fertilizers and pesticides overnight - forcing the country into 100% organic farming.
The result? Economic collapse, food shortages, and mass protests.
Here’s what happened 🧵: 1/12
In 2021, Sri Lanka banned synthetic fertilizers and pesticides overnight - forcing the country into 100% organic farming.
The result? Economic collapse, food shortages, and mass protests.
Here’s what happened 🧵: 1/12
The solution is clear:
1. Embrace GMO cultivation with proper regulation.
2. Support farmers with tools to innovate.
3. Reduce food imports and secure Europe’s food supply.
4. Lead the world in sustainable, science-based agriculture.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
1. Embrace GMO cultivation with proper regulation.
2. Support farmers with tools to innovate.
3. Reduce food imports and secure Europe’s food supply.
4. Lead the world in sustainable, science-based agriculture.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
January 24, 2025 at 8:34 AM
The solution is clear:
1. Embrace GMO cultivation with proper regulation.
2. Support farmers with tools to innovate.
3. Reduce food imports and secure Europe’s food supply.
4. Lead the world in sustainable, science-based agriculture.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
1. Embrace GMO cultivation with proper regulation.
2. Support farmers with tools to innovate.
3. Reduce food imports and secure Europe’s food supply.
4. Lead the world in sustainable, science-based agriculture.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
The irony:
European scientists are pioneers in biotech research.
• CRISPR gene-editing was co-developed here.
• The labs lead in biotech innovation.
But policies force these breakthroughs to be commercialized elsewhere.
We’re exporting our brains - and importing our food.
European scientists are pioneers in biotech research.
• CRISPR gene-editing was co-developed here.
• The labs lead in biotech innovation.
But policies force these breakthroughs to be commercialized elsewhere.
We’re exporting our brains - and importing our food.
January 24, 2025 at 8:34 AM
The irony:
European scientists are pioneers in biotech research.
• CRISPR gene-editing was co-developed here.
• The labs lead in biotech innovation.
But policies force these breakthroughs to be commercialized elsewhere.
We’re exporting our brains - and importing our food.
European scientists are pioneers in biotech research.
• CRISPR gene-editing was co-developed here.
• The labs lead in biotech innovation.
But policies force these breakthroughs to be commercialized elsewhere.
We’re exporting our brains - and importing our food.
But it gets worse:
By rejecting GMOs, we missed tools to address climate change:
• Drought-resistant crops to conserve water.
• Pest-resistant crops to reduce chemical use.
• Higher yields to grow more food on less land.
Instead, Europe sticks to outdated methods.
By rejecting GMOs, we missed tools to address climate change:
• Drought-resistant crops to conserve water.
• Pest-resistant crops to reduce chemical use.
• Higher yields to grow more food on less land.
Instead, Europe sticks to outdated methods.
January 24, 2025 at 8:34 AM
But it gets worse:
By rejecting GMOs, we missed tools to address climate change:
• Drought-resistant crops to conserve water.
• Pest-resistant crops to reduce chemical use.
• Higher yields to grow more food on less land.
Instead, Europe sticks to outdated methods.
By rejecting GMOs, we missed tools to address climate change:
• Drought-resistant crops to conserve water.
• Pest-resistant crops to reduce chemical use.
• Higher yields to grow more food on less land.
Instead, Europe sticks to outdated methods.
The hypocrisy is staggering:
Ban cultivation of GMOs for European farmers but import GMO crops from abroad.
And here’s the kicker:
• GMO bans increase costs for farmers.
• Food prices in Europe are now 20-40% higher than in North America.
www.europeanscientist.com/en/features/...
Ban cultivation of GMOs for European farmers but import GMO crops from abroad.
And here’s the kicker:
• GMO bans increase costs for farmers.
• Food prices in Europe are now 20-40% higher than in North America.
www.europeanscientist.com/en/features/...
January 24, 2025 at 8:34 AM
The hypocrisy is staggering:
Ban cultivation of GMOs for European farmers but import GMO crops from abroad.
And here’s the kicker:
• GMO bans increase costs for farmers.
• Food prices in Europe are now 20-40% higher than in North America.
www.europeanscientist.com/en/features/...
Ban cultivation of GMOs for European farmers but import GMO crops from abroad.
And here’s the kicker:
• GMO bans increase costs for farmers.
• Food prices in Europe are now 20-40% higher than in North America.
www.europeanscientist.com/en/features/...
While Europe said no, others said yes:
• The US and Brazil became global leaders in GMO farming.
• Farmers there benefit from higher yields and fewer pesticides.
Europe? Imports over 30 million tons of GM crops annually - for animal feed.
• The US and Brazil became global leaders in GMO farming.
• Farmers there benefit from higher yields and fewer pesticides.
Europe? Imports over 30 million tons of GM crops annually - for animal feed.
January 24, 2025 at 8:34 AM
While Europe said no, others said yes:
• The US and Brazil became global leaders in GMO farming.
• Farmers there benefit from higher yields and fewer pesticides.
Europe? Imports over 30 million tons of GM crops annually - for animal feed.
• The US and Brazil became global leaders in GMO farming.
• Farmers there benefit from higher yields and fewer pesticides.
Europe? Imports over 30 million tons of GM crops annually - for animal feed.
The root of the fear:
In the 1990s, media and activists fueled public panic about “Frankenfoods.”
Despite overwhelming scientific consensus on GMO safety, Europe chose caution over innovation.
The result?
In the 1990s, media and activists fueled public panic about “Frankenfoods.”
Despite overwhelming scientific consensus on GMO safety, Europe chose caution over innovation.
The result?
January 24, 2025 at 8:34 AM
The root of the fear:
In the 1990s, media and activists fueled public panic about “Frankenfoods.”
Despite overwhelming scientific consensus on GMO safety, Europe chose caution over innovation.
The result?
In the 1990s, media and activists fueled public panic about “Frankenfoods.”
Despite overwhelming scientific consensus on GMO safety, Europe chose caution over innovation.
The result?
First, let’s start with the facts:
Europe has some of the most advanced research in plant science and agriculture.
Yet, nearly all GMO cultivation is banned.
Why? Because of fear - not science.
Europe has some of the most advanced research in plant science and agriculture.
Yet, nearly all GMO cultivation is banned.
Why? Because of fear - not science.
January 24, 2025 at 8:34 AM
First, let’s start with the facts:
Europe has some of the most advanced research in plant science and agriculture.
Yet, nearly all GMO cultivation is banned.
Why? Because of fear - not science.
Europe has some of the most advanced research in plant science and agriculture.
Yet, nearly all GMO cultivation is banned.
Why? Because of fear - not science.
Europe made a colossal mistake:
They banned genetically modified organisms (GMOs) while the rest of the world embraced them.
Now we rely on imports, pay more for food, and miss out on sustainable agriculture.
Here’s the story of Europe’s GMO debacle 🧵:
They banned genetically modified organisms (GMOs) while the rest of the world embraced them.
Now we rely on imports, pay more for food, and miss out on sustainable agriculture.
Here’s the story of Europe’s GMO debacle 🧵:
January 24, 2025 at 8:34 AM
Europe made a colossal mistake:
They banned genetically modified organisms (GMOs) while the rest of the world embraced them.
Now we rely on imports, pay more for food, and miss out on sustainable agriculture.
Here’s the story of Europe’s GMO debacle 🧵:
They banned genetically modified organisms (GMOs) while the rest of the world embraced them.
Now we rely on imports, pay more for food, and miss out on sustainable agriculture.
Here’s the story of Europe’s GMO debacle 🧵:
Almost everything you eat has been modified genetically by humans.
January 11, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Almost everything you eat has been modified genetically by humans.
In farming, there’s a growing trend toward "mimicking nature" a strategy embraced by organic farming, regenerative agriculture, and agroecology.
The assumption? Nature knows best.
But is this true?
Let’s dig into why this idea often falls short. 1/
The assumption? Nature knows best.
But is this true?
Let’s dig into why this idea often falls short. 1/
January 10, 2025 at 1:31 PM
In farming, there’s a growing trend toward "mimicking nature" a strategy embraced by organic farming, regenerative agriculture, and agroecology.
The assumption? Nature knows best.
But is this true?
Let’s dig into why this idea often falls short. 1/
The assumption? Nature knows best.
But is this true?
Let’s dig into why this idea often falls short. 1/
Remember hand-weeding entire fields just to grow a few vegetables?
No, me neither.
Because modern agriculture works.
No, me neither.
Because modern agriculture works.
January 7, 2025 at 5:42 AM
Remember hand-weeding entire fields just to grow a few vegetables?
No, me neither.
Because modern agriculture works.
No, me neither.
Because modern agriculture works.
Natural doesn’t always mean safe.
Cyanide in almonds, deadly mushrooms, venomous snakes, influenza, polio and measles are all natural.
Does that make them good for you?
↳ No.
The word “natural” is marketing.
→ Not a safety or efficacy guarantee.
Cyanide in almonds, deadly mushrooms, venomous snakes, influenza, polio and measles are all natural.
Does that make them good for you?
↳ No.
The word “natural” is marketing.
→ Not a safety or efficacy guarantee.
January 6, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Natural doesn’t always mean safe.
Cyanide in almonds, deadly mushrooms, venomous snakes, influenza, polio and measles are all natural.
Does that make them good for you?
↳ No.
The word “natural” is marketing.
→ Not a safety or efficacy guarantee.
Cyanide in almonds, deadly mushrooms, venomous snakes, influenza, polio and measles are all natural.
Does that make them good for you?
↳ No.
The word “natural” is marketing.
→ Not a safety or efficacy guarantee.
Chemistry saves lives.
From antibiotics to clean drinking water to the plastic in your phone.
Synthetic chemicals are why modern life is safe, healthy, and convenient.
Fear of “man-made” chemicals ignores the incredible benefits they bring.
From antibiotics to clean drinking water to the plastic in your phone.
Synthetic chemicals are why modern life is safe, healthy, and convenient.
Fear of “man-made” chemicals ignores the incredible benefits they bring.
January 6, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Chemistry saves lives.
From antibiotics to clean drinking water to the plastic in your phone.
Synthetic chemicals are why modern life is safe, healthy, and convenient.
Fear of “man-made” chemicals ignores the incredible benefits they bring.
From antibiotics to clean drinking water to the plastic in your phone.
Synthetic chemicals are why modern life is safe, healthy, and convenient.
Fear of “man-made” chemicals ignores the incredible benefits they bring.
Anyone else play a musical instrument?
Leave your musical selfie in the comments!
Leave your musical selfie in the comments!
December 21, 2024 at 9:50 AM
Anyone else play a musical instrument?
Leave your musical selfie in the comments!
Leave your musical selfie in the comments!
Genetics, simplified with gummy bears.
This creative diagram uses a ‘family tree’ of gummy bears to illustrate how traits are passed down through generations.
The ‘parents’ at the top are red and yellow bears, and their ‘offspring’ show mixed colors, representing genetic variation.
This creative diagram uses a ‘family tree’ of gummy bears to illustrate how traits are passed down through generations.
The ‘parents’ at the top are red and yellow bears, and their ‘offspring’ show mixed colors, representing genetic variation.
December 20, 2024 at 5:12 PM
Genetics, simplified with gummy bears.
This creative diagram uses a ‘family tree’ of gummy bears to illustrate how traits are passed down through generations.
The ‘parents’ at the top are red and yellow bears, and their ‘offspring’ show mixed colors, representing genetic variation.
This creative diagram uses a ‘family tree’ of gummy bears to illustrate how traits are passed down through generations.
The ‘parents’ at the top are red and yellow bears, and their ‘offspring’ show mixed colors, representing genetic variation.
Before anyone asks.
No, I don’t work for “Big Spatula”.
No, I don’t work for “Big Spatula”.
December 19, 2024 at 7:21 PM
Before anyone asks.
No, I don’t work for “Big Spatula”.
No, I don’t work for “Big Spatula”.
Fortunately, I didn’t throw out my black plastic utensils over a mathematical error made by a group of people who know nothing about toxicology.
nationalpost.com/news/canada/...
nationalpost.com/news/canada/...
December 19, 2024 at 4:09 PM
Fortunately, I didn’t throw out my black plastic utensils over a mathematical error made by a group of people who know nothing about toxicology.
nationalpost.com/news/canada/...
nationalpost.com/news/canada/...
Photosynthesis is a molecular miracle: light becomes energy.
Plants are nature's first chemists, crafting food from air and water.
Without plants, there's no food chain.
Plants fuel the world.
Plants are nature's first chemists, crafting food from air and water.
Without plants, there's no food chain.
Plants fuel the world.
December 14, 2024 at 7:45 AM
Photosynthesis is a molecular miracle: light becomes energy.
Plants are nature's first chemists, crafting food from air and water.
Without plants, there's no food chain.
Plants fuel the world.
Plants are nature's first chemists, crafting food from air and water.
Without plants, there's no food chain.
Plants fuel the world.
Gravity isn't pulling you down; space-time is pushing you along.
Einstein's insight showed how mass warps the fabric of reality.
Objects don't fall; they follow the path the universe carves.
Einstein's insight showed how mass warps the fabric of reality.
Objects don't fall; they follow the path the universe carves.
December 13, 2024 at 7:50 AM
Gravity isn't pulling you down; space-time is pushing you along.
Einstein's insight showed how mass warps the fabric of reality.
Objects don't fall; they follow the path the universe carves.
Einstein's insight showed how mass warps the fabric of reality.
Objects don't fall; they follow the path the universe carves.
Evolution isn't progress-it's survival.
Traits that thrive are traits that persist. Natural selection rewards what works, not what's ideal.
Change isn't optional in nature.
It's the rule.
Traits that thrive are traits that persist. Natural selection rewards what works, not what's ideal.
Change isn't optional in nature.
It's the rule.
December 13, 2024 at 4:33 AM
Evolution isn't progress-it's survival.
Traits that thrive are traits that persist. Natural selection rewards what works, not what's ideal.
Change isn't optional in nature.
It's the rule.
Traits that thrive are traits that persist. Natural selection rewards what works, not what's ideal.
Change isn't optional in nature.
It's the rule.
Energy doesn't disappear; it changes form. That's the first law of thermodynamics.
Transforming energy efficiently requires design. Waste happens when systems fail.
Harnessing energy is a balance between conservation and conversion.
Transforming energy efficiently requires design. Waste happens when systems fail.
Harnessing energy is a balance between conservation and conversion.
December 12, 2024 at 9:02 PM
Energy doesn't disappear; it changes form. That's the first law of thermodynamics.
Transforming energy efficiently requires design. Waste happens when systems fail.
Harnessing energy is a balance between conservation and conversion.
Transforming energy efficiently requires design. Waste happens when systems fail.
Harnessing energy is a balance between conservation and conversion.