Currently, the most controversial "non-controversy" is GMOs, or genetically-modified organisms. During the brouhaha over California's proposition to label GMO foods, multiple scientific organizations came to the defense of GMOs, including the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). In other words, America's best doctors and scientists are okay with GMOs, but much of the public is not.
Why? The public is bombarded with incorrect, and often blatantly dishonest, information about GMOs. For instance, anti-biotechnology groups like Greenpeace and the Union of Concerned Scientists often peddle misleading data. Quacks like Dr. Oz on national television question mainstream science and promote alternative medicine. And even a prominent women's magazine has decided to jump aboard the anti-GMO bandwagon, as well.
Thankfully, scientists and science writers are fighting back. The trigger seems to have been an incredibly unethical -- some say fraudulent -- study conducted by anti-GMO researcher Gilles-Eric Seralini in which he claims that GMOs cause tumors in rats.
To be sure, GMOs aren't perfect, but the benefits far outweigh the risks. Hopefully, in 10 years, society will look back on this debate and wonder what all the fuss was about.