Genetically Modified Organisms Products Research Articles

Comparison of DNA Isolation Methods for GMO Detection from Biscuit Samples

The global increase in genetically modified organism (GMO) content in feed and food products has necessitated the development of precise detection methods to differentiate between biotechnologically derived foods and those without GMOs. Despite the various regulations in different countries, an internationally consistent approach to labeling GMO products is needed. For this reason, there is a widespread need to develop effective GMO detection methods to provide reliable and transparent food safety to consumers. The first experimental step in creating accurate and reliable detection methods for GMOs is effective DNA isolation. Determining DNA isolation methods specific to different processing levels of foods is very important. This study was aimed to compare different DNA extraction methods in biscuit samples. For this reason, DNA from different biscuit samples was isolated using three different protocols (CTAB-PVP, modified CTAB-1, and modified CTAB-2). DNA samples extracted from biscuits, were evaluated regarding DNA concentration and purity. According to the results obtained, the CTAB-2 procedure generally showed the best performance in terms of both DNA amount and purity rates for biscuit samples.

Enzymatic Activity of Fungi for Hydrolysis of Wheat Bran and Cultivation of Oleaginous Yeasts

Sustainable alternatives to petrochemical raw materials in oleochemical, laundry detergent and personal care industry need to be implemented. Presently, palm oil is the predominant cost-efficient option. While it is a renewable source, it has negative environmental and socioeconomic implications. Therefore, the request for ecologically certified and palm oil-free cleaning agents and household care products is rapidly growing, supported by concepts of waste-free biorefinery. Oleaginous yeasts are currently the most promising source for microbial lipid production. Additionally, wheat bran is a cereal milling by-product, which is available in high quantities and provides an excellent feedstock. Enzymatically generated wheat bran hydrolysate provides an excellent microbial cultivation medium for the sustainable production of high value biological additives. Indeed, wheat bran consists predominantly of lignocellulose, and therefore of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, which can be hydrolyzed by established enzyme systems. Currently, such enzymatic systems are mainly obtained for the market from genetically modified organisms (GMO). This represents a problem because GMO products or process components cannot be included in eco-certified household care formulations. Therefore, innovative GMO-free biotechnological processes need to be implemented, as well as the isolation of novel GMO-free hydrolase enzyme systems. Fungal strains are an interesting source for the efficient screening and isolation GMO-free hydrolases (see figure).This contribution is part of a project, which aims to use a holistic biotechnological approach to convert mill residues into customized specialty ingredients of eco-certified detergents. The project focuses on three main tasks:investigation of a microbial group of eight Ascomycete fungi,production of enzymes for hydrolysis of wheat bran, anduse of the resulting biomass hydrolysate to cultivate oleaginous yeasts.Hydrolase producing fungal strains were cultivated on different substrates to investigate their ability to generate specific enzyme systems capable of hydrolyzing wheat bran. The activity of the enzymes was qualitatively and quantitatively characterized to determine the optimal strains for the degradation of wheat bran and suited to implement a large-scale process. Supernatants of different fungal strains cultivations were tested in the hydrolysis step to compare the hydrolysis performances of differently active enzyme mixes. The biomass hydrolysate was used to cultivate lipid generating yeasts to investigate their ability to grow on the microbial cultivation medium.

Sustainable Cultivation of Ascomycete Fungi on Wheat Bran for Hydrolytic Enzyme Production

Abstract To increase its product sustainability portfolio the detergent and personal care industry seeks bio-based alternatives to chemical performance additives in their products. Currently, enzymatic systems for these applications are mainly obtained from genetically modified organisms (GMO). However, these GMO products cannot be included in eco-certified household care formulations. Hence, this study evaluates alternative non-GMO enzymes systems that could be sustainable performance additives. Seven strain variants of Ceratocystis paradoxa and one strain of Aspergillus niger van Tieghem were cultivated in different liquid media with 3 % glucose (0.3 L cultivation volume, 120 rpm, 28 °C, pH 5.5, 336 hours). Specifically, the enzymatic activities were assessed initially qualitatively via 24 chromogenically labeled sugar polymer-substrates targeting various cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic activities. Quantitative assessment via spectrophotometric based on the same set of chromogenic substrates, was limited to cellulose, xylan, mannan, starch, galactan, rhamnogalacturonan and casein substrates. Using these assays, the C. paradoxa strains showed dominant cellulase, xylanase, amylase and galactanase activities, while the A. niger strain showed amylase and protease activities among other minor hydrolytic enzyme activities. To evaluate the efficiency of the respective hydrolase enzyme systems were concentrated and applied in the hydrolysis of wheat bran. Wheat bran a cereal milling by-product, which is available at low cost in high quantities, provides an ecologically and economically relevant carbon source for fungal cultivation. Hence, the ability of the new enzyme systems to liberate fermentable sugars was identified as a measure of efficiency. The best performing enzyme systems were identified in terms of total sugar released.

Specificity Testing for NGT PCR-Based Detection Methods in the Context of the EU GMO Regulations.

The term new genomic techniques (NGTs) is an umbrella term used to describe a variety of techniques that can alter the genetic material of an organism and that have emerged or have been developed since 2001, when the existing genetically modified organism (GMO) legislation was adopted. The analytical framework used to detect GMOs in Europe is an established single harmonized procedure that is mandatory for the authorization of GM food and feed, thus generating a reliable, transparent, and effective labeling scheme for GMO products. However, NGT products can challenge the implementation and enforcement of the current regulatory system in the EU, relating in particular to the detection of NGT products that contain no foreign genetic material. Consequently, the current detection methods might fail to meet the minimum performance requirements. Although existing detection methods may be able to detect and quantify even small alterations in the genome, this does not necessarily confirm the distinction between products resulting from NGTs subject to the GMO legislation and other products. Therefore, this study provides a stepwise approach for the in silico prediction of PCR systems' specificity by testing a bioinformatics pipeline for amplicon and primer set searches in current genomic databases. In addition, it also empirically tested the PCR system evaluated during the in silico analysis. Two mutant genotypes produced by CRISPR-Cas9 in Arabidopsis thaliana were used as a case study. Overall, our results demonstrate that the single PCR system developed for identifying a nucleotide insertion in the grf1-3 genotype has multiple matches in the databases, which do not enable the discrimination of this mutated event. Empirical assays further support this demonstration. In contrast, the second mutated genotype, grf8-61, which contains a -3 bp deletion, did not yield any matches in the sequence variant database. However, the primer sequences were not efficient during the empirical assay. Our approach represents a first step in decision making for analytical methods for NGT detection, identification, and quantification in light of the European labeling regulations.

Fortified and bioengineered yoghurt: prospects for bacteriotherapy and nutrient deficiency management

One of the main vital processes for the enhancement of food nutrition quantity and quality is food fortification and bioengineering. Global utilization and functional properties of probiotics from yoghurts, make it a good candidate for fortification and bioengineering. Yoghurt is the most popular fermented milk product that is biochemically altered by activities of special microorganisms to achieve desired functional and sensory properties. Due to global food crisis, and health challenges from metabolic disorders and drug resistance. The prospect of fortified and bioengineered yoghurt as an effective bacterio-therapy and nutrient deficiencies management approach is new trend among stakeholders. The aim of this review is to underscore the prospect of fortified and bioengineered yoghurt for the bacterio-therapy and nutrition deficiency management. In this review paper fortification and bioengineering was defined and the major aims of prospect for bacterio-therapy and nutrition deficiency management were presented. Yoghurt fortified with different vitamins and minerals ingredients that exhibit functional properties were discussed. The main problems for human health in today’s world is infectious diseases, so yearly gastrointestinal infections resulted to sickness and death significantly worldwide. Therefore, drinking of fortified and bioengineered fermented dairy products increase host metabolism by keeping the balance of intestinal micro flora and thus on the host have a positive effect. The new dairy products designed to be fortified and bioengineered can resolved the problems of nutritional deficiencies. However, fortification of yoghurt with elemental and micronutrients are still developing challenges due to oxidation, solubility and sensory acceptance. Likewise, all genetically modified organisms products (GMO), acceptance of bioengineered yoghurts is still a surmountable challenge with adequate education.

A survey study on the Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) knowledge levels and attitudes of the consumers

This research was conducted in the form of a survey study to determine the knowledge levels and attitudes of consumers towards genetically modified organism (GMO). The study was carried out in a 4-month period between September and December 2022. As a data collection tool in the research, questions were asked to determine the knowledge level and attitudes of consumers towards GMO products. The findings of the study revealed that the participants were aware of genetically modified products and the majority of them thought that genetically modified foods were harmful. As a result of the data obtained, it is understood that consumers have some misconceptions about GMO and that important awareness trainings are needed to eliminate these misconceptions. In other words, it has been understood that consumers confuse issues such as GMO, pesticide and antibiotic residue from hormone application, and they have wrong information or prejudice on the subject. Another important issue that consumers will face in the future and somehow need to be informed about the features of the products offered for sale in the market.

CONTROVERSY OVER HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS: Which way for developing countries?

The Ghana Public Health Association organized a scientific seminar in April 2014 to examine the introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into public use, and their potential health consequences. The seminar was driven by current public debate on the subject. Concerns have been raised about use of GMOs, especially in developing countries, for a variety of reasons including ethical and biosafety considerations. The seminar identified some of their advantages such as introduction of pest resistant, disease resistant, and drought tolerant crops; potential for reduced use of chemicals and pesticides; improving the nutritional properties of crops, and huge potential for production of pharmaceuticals and vaccines. Potential health concerns raised included current efforts focusing primarily on a few crop/trait combinations of high commercial value; most trial designs are laboratory design and of short duration; increasing observation of trends in organ disease with use of GMOs, and lack of labeling of GMO products that hinder post-marketing surveillance. There is the need to enhance local capacity to research the introduction and use of GMOs; to put in place appropriate regulatory mechanisms including, particularly, the labeling of their products, and long-term post-marketing surveillance for possible negative health consequences. Furthermore, the appropriate state agency should put in place advocacy and communication strategies to keep the public informed about the health and other consequences of GMOs, for informed public choices.

Food engineers' attitudes and purchasing intentions towards genetically modified organism products.

Background: Biotechnological developments have resulted in the modification of the genetic structures of many organisms. However, the possibility of risks in terms of human health has caused consumers to approach products containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) with suspicion. Objective: In this study, we aimed to determine the attitudes of food engineers towards GMO products and their effects on purchase intentions. Methods: For this purpose, an attitude scale towards GMO products was adapted, and a multivariate regression analysis was performed by applying the adapted questionnaire. Results: It has been determined that the negative attitudes of food engineers towards GMO products and their purchasing intentions have an effect. Attitudes toward the use of gene technology in production were determined with 17% as the most effective dimension of purchase intention, and it was found to have a significant effect (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Overall, it was determined that food engineers were concerned about the potential risk of GMO foods. In order to overcome these concerns, it is thought that eliminating the lack of knowledge of this professional group on gene technology should be planned as a strategic goal.

Sınıf Eğitimi Öğrencilerinin Çevrimiçi Forum Destekli Sosyobilimsel Konulara İlişkin Muhakemelerinin İncelenmesi

This study aims to scrutinize the reasoning skills of primary education students studying at the 1st. grade in socio-scientific issues supported with online form. This study was carried out during the environmental education course of the first grade in the 2020-2021 Academic Year Spring Term at Dicle University. The online environmental education course discussed agricultural issues, genetically modified organisms (GMO), using pesticides in food production, importing plastic waste, and using rock gas as an alternative energy source. Within the scope of the research issues, the scenarios and articles with the socio-scientific theme were uploaded to the automation system of the university and were discussed by the students for two weeks. Afterwards, the students completed the process by participating in an online debate form which included scenarios with socio-scientific issues. The students' views on socio-scientific matters were analyzed by the complexity, multidimensionality, questioning, and suspiciousness subscales. Findings were presented in accordance with social, economic, ecological and health domains. As the result of the research, the students accepted that GMO products would lead to several health problems, while they expressed that the GMO products could be used to survive. The students put forward that using GMO products had to be controlled by the authorities. Most of the students indicated that it was required to produce recyclable plastic instead of importing plastic waste and improving environmental waste management systems. They also determined that using rock gas as an energy source would bring about environmental pollution; alternative energy sources would be prefered rather than rock gas. Furthermore, they expressed that using pesticides could damage nature and the environment; however, pesticides could reproduce durable plant species if taken necessary precautions.

Legal regulation in the field of genetically modified organisms (GMO) turnover in Russia and foreign countries

One of the most relevant issues, which todays society face is the use of advanced technologies in the field of GMO and GM-food. Taking a look at the world map of law we can see diverse legal regulation of GMO turnover, especially in the context of regulation and control of genomic studies and their practical application, risk assessment of uncontrollable GMO spreading and technologies of genetic editing of organisms including at the level of research planning. The comparative legal analysis of foreign regulation (including in dominant jurisdictions), provided in this article allows revealing those distinctions, determining the basic tendencies in GMO legal development and connected products with GMO components, including the matters of control with regard to GMO turnover. The analysis allowed drawing several recommendations on borrowing foreign experience for the sake of revising Russian regulation, i.e., taking regulatory measures to develop the relevant sphere of social relationships - legal acts, governmental decrees, etc. oriented towards the development of biotechnologies, raising confidence of citizens in genetics, stimulation of GMO production efficiency, and innovative development. Russia is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU); therefore, the article discusses the national laws of these countries concerning GMO and contains recommendations for harmonizing the legal framework of the supranational level in the field of GMO turnover.

GMO analysis technique based on PCR and real-time PCR methods

The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is promising for overcoming the shortage of food products in the world and solving the problem of hunger arising in various regions. At the same time, the use of GMOs has become a cause of debate, as the safety of consuming GMO products for human health remains unproven. The risks associated with GMOs cause public concern, which has led to the restriction of the use of GMOs and their products in many countries and the need for constant control of their content in food products. This study describes methods based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), such as Real-time PCR and PCR with electrophoretic separation of amplificates, which are generally accepted in GMO analysis. In order to control the presence of GMOs in food raw materials, feed and finished products of plant and animal origin, screening is carried out for the presence of the most common genetic engineering structures used during the creation of GMOs: CaMV 35S promoter and NOS terminator. Both Real-time PCR and PCR with electrophoretic separation of amplificates allow to establish the presence of GMOs with high accuracy, and Real-time PCR is also used to determine the concentration of GMOs in the studied samples. The work presents a typical electrophoresis with visualization of the obtained PCR fragments that required electrophoretic separation and fragments that were synthesized in the Real-time PCR reaction, and determined the approximate sizes of the obtained fragments relative to the pBR322 DNA-MspI molecular weight marker. The approach described in this study, based on the use of PCR techniques, can be successfully used for GMO analysis of all groups of raw materials and finished products of animal and plant origin, and is also well adapted for the detection of various genetic engineering structures, not limited to the CaMV 35S promoter and terminator NOS, which makes it possible to increase the efficiency of such analysis and continue its application in relation to new genetic engineering structures used during the creation of GMOs. Keywords: genetically modified organisms (GMOs), PCR methods, GMO analysis, raw materials and finished products of plant and animal origin

Review of the current and post-Brexit UK legal framework on the regulation of genetic technologies

The launch of a nationwide consultation in January 2021 by the UK Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on the regulation of genetic technologies has been used as an opportunity by the UK Government to gauge public and scientific opinion on the applications of gene editing in agriculture and aquaculture. In particular, the consultation sought to consider the controversial question of whether gene editing (GE) should be subject to the same regulations as genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The distinction between GE and GMO products, as well as between the legal regulations governing them, are highly important: currently, the UK still follows the EU’s restrictive approach, whereby gene editing is regulated in the same way as GMOs. However, in light of the UK’s departure from the EU, the UK government seems willing to reconsider this approach and adopt a new regulatory framework characterised by less stringent controls. Accordingly, this review paper examines the current legal framework on gene editing and GMOs in the UK and EU, as well as in other relevant jurisdictions, before then examining the Defra consultation in light of the mixed responses to it from both the scientific community and the general public. The paper concludes with a number of considerations that should inform any proposed post-Brexit reform of the framework that allows for the correct balance to be struck between scientific development, food security, human health, and the environment.

The effect of persuasive/possessing information regarding GMOs on consumer attitudes

The concept of genetically modified foods is becoming increasingly popular. Consumer attitude towards GMOs is influenced by various factors, including food safety, quality, and taste. This shows the dire need to understand current consumer attitudes towards GMO (genetically modified organism) products, especially since there are growing concerns locally and globally related to their health, finance, and environmental safety. Hence, the study's objective is to determine the extent to which government information influences and changes current consumer attitude of GMOs. Once consumers were “forced” to read a trusted scientific statement on the safety of GMOs, their concerns about whether it is bad for your health or caused cancer decreased significantly.

Current situation and challenges in production, use and control of the presence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the world, European Union and Republic of Srpska

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms whose genome has been engineered in a way that could never happen in normal reproduction or natural recombination of existing genes within species, which means in a way that would never happen in nature. First generation of genetically modified plants have been engineered in order to facilitate their cultivation and varieties and hybrids of herbicide tolerant genetically modified plants dominated as well as plants resistant to various harmful organisms (insects and phytopathogenic fungi, bacteria and viruses). These days there is rapid work on further research and gradual introduction of the so-called second and third generation of GM plants with improved nutritional quality and new technological and other traits, such as delayed fruit ripening, stress resistance as well as drought, salinity and low soil fertility tolerance, which all together open up new approaches and opportunities to overcome the well-known limitations of tropical agriculture. However, biotechnology is currently under the light of internal debate between the supportive ones and those who are bitter opponents of GMOs. This debate includes not only scientific but also political, economic, social, health, ethical and philosophical issues. For scientists, but also for all of us, this is a great challenge that requires much more extensive, transparent and engaging research, including the allocation of decision-making and profit in a completely new way. The paper describes the current situation of production, legislation and use of GMOs in the world, European Union and in our country, as well as the most significant challenges production, approval, use and control of genetically modified organisms face today.

PREFERENSI RISIKO DAN FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI KEPUTUSAN MASYARAKAT ILMIAH DALAM MENGONSUMSI PRODUK REKAYASA GENETIKA

The purpose of this study was to find out: the perception of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) Products and preferences of risk consuming GMO as well as the factors that influence decisions of the scientific community in consuming GMO. This research used descriptive and analytic method. Determination of the area by purposive method at the University of Jember. Method of determining the sample uses purposive sampling, namely students and lecturers from the Public Health Faculty and Agriculture Faculty. Furthermore, determining the number of samples using quota sampling, 150 students and 90 lecturers. The method of collecting survey data using questionnaires and data were analyzed based on questionnaires that returned and were responded to as many as 120 for students and 30 for lecturers. The results of the study show that (1) public perceptions regarding GMO based on health and agriculture are agreed, while the economy is hesitant. (2) risk of preference majority of the scientific community is a risk lover, which is as many as 80 people. (3) Factors that influence the scientific community's decision to consume GMO products significantly, type of work, age, amount of allowance or income per month, daily food expenditure, knowledge level and risk aversion level.

Effects of GMO Agricultural Products on Living Things

By obtaining changes on gene sequences of living things with the applied biotechnological methods; The idea of "Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)", which aims to bring the living creature in question the original gene combinations with the desired characteristics, came to life in the late twentieth century. Despite the high probability that hunger problems may increase with the increasing world population; It is thought that plant breeding with classical farming methods will be insufficient in solving these problems. With various GMO applications developed all over the world, it aims to produce solutions to these problems. With the presence of GMO, it was possible to increase the shelf life of qualitative and quantitative values of the existing foods. In addition, decreases in agricultural use of pesticides used in agricultural struggle and threatening human health with GMO production are noteworthy. However, some concerns about anomalies that may occur in living things fed GMO products remain on the agenda. Because, in the long term, there is no clear and precise information that GMO will not have negative effects on living things; There are many recorded incidents showing their negative effects.

Perceptions and Attitudes of University Students of Five Mexican Public Institutions on the Labeling of Products Made with Genetically Modified Organisms

Introduction: To know the perceptions and attitudes about the labeling of products made with genetically modified organisms (GMO), of students from five universities in central Mexico, in the following areas of knowledge: natural sciences, health sciences, chemical sciences, economic and administrative sciences and biological and agricultural sciences. Methodological design and approach: In the study, 2923 students answered a questionnaire with Likert scale of five questions. It is important to mention that the original questionnaire has 64 variables and 11 factors to measure the perceptions, attitudes, benefits and risks on the production and consumption of GMO. Results: Of the total sample 16.60% always read the labels, 85.70% agree that the label should show the characteristics of the product. 82.90% said that when making promotions should be reported on the label the characteristics of the product and finally 82.90% answered that the Mexican government should legislate a legal framework to regulate the mandatory labeling of products made with GMOs. Discussion or Conclusion. The sample only cover 5 Mexican universities. The relevant contribution of this research provides an empirical knowledge about the perceptions and attitudes regarding the labeling of products with GMOs content from a sample of the population of five public universities in central Mexico. This study is an important contribution for Mexican society, because there is no legal framework to regulate the labeling of products with GMO content and that it is essential to strengthen the training of university students with scientific information in this field. The labeling of products made with GMOs is generating relevant controversies worldwide, so it is important to know and spread the perceptions and attitudes of the sample considered in this study.

Genetiği Değiştirilmiş Organizmaların Tespiti ve Ölçümünde Kullanılan Farklı Gerçek Zamanlı PCR Kimyasallarının Karşılaştırılması

Gerçek zamanlı kantitatif polimeraz zincir reaksiyonu (q-PCR), hem gen ekspresyonu analizinde hem de rutin Deoksiribo Nükleik Asit (DNA) ölçümünde nükleik asit miktarının belirlenmesi için kullanılan ileri moleküler bir yöntemdir. Gıda ve yem ürünlerinde genetiği değiştirilmiş organizma (GDO) kalıntıları için etiketleme eşiğinin Japonya‘da %5, Avrupa Birliği‘nde ise %0,9 olduğu göz önüne alındığında, doğru bir ölçüm metodu şarttır. GDO bileşenlerinin tespiti, kesin miktar tayini ve besin matrislerinde eser miktardaki kalıntısının tespit edilmesi q-PCR‘da mümkündür. Bu amaçla çeşitli q-PCR kimyasalları kullanılmaktadır. Bunlar; interkalasyon boyaları, primer bazlı kimyasallar ve prob bazlı kimyasallar olarak üç gruba ayrılmaktadır. Marketlerde GDO ürünlerinin artan sayısıyla birlikte, her örnek için gerçekleştirilen analiz sayısı ve bu nedenle analiz maliyetleri artmaktadır. Bunun için GDO çalışmalarında, GDO‘ların varlığının miktarını belirlemede hızlı ve ekonomik olan uygulanabilir taramalar yapılabilmesi için geliştirilmiş tespit yöntemlerine ihtiyaç duyulmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, q-PCR kimyaları ekonomikliği, verimliliği ve uygulanabilirliği açısından karşılaştırılmıştır.

A genetic system for biasing the sex ratio in mice.

Biasing the sex ratio of populations of different organisms, including plants, insects, crustacean, and fish, has been demonstrated by genetic and non-genetic approaches. However, biasing the sex ratio of mammalian populations has not been demonstrated genetically. Here, we provide a first proof of concept for such a genetic system in mammals by crossing two genetically engineered mouse lines. The maternal line encodes a functional Cas9 protein on an autosomal chromosome, whereas the paternal line encodes guide RNAs on the Y chromosome targeting vital mouse genes. After fertilization, the presence of both the Y-encoded guide RNAs from the paternal sperm and the Cas9 protein from the maternal egg targets the vital genes in males. We show that these genes are specifically targeted in males and that this breeding consequently self-destructs solely males. Our results pave the way for a genetic system that allows biased sex production of livestock.

Social media hoaxes, political ideology, and the role of issue confidence

Applying motivated reasoning theory, this study explores how people pay attention to politicized science issues and engage in supportive actions in social media. In doing so, the role of issue confidence was closely investigated. The current study adopts a non-profit organization’s use of political ideology and hoaxes in promoting labeling issues for GMO (genetically modified organisms) products. Results from an online survey with an embedded experiment showed that issue confidence is related to an individual’s motivation to engage in the GMO labeling issue, unlike factual knowledge or literacy. Findings suggested that social media hoaxes can activate individuals’ issue confidence. The present study discussed not only the effects of issue confidence and social media hoaxes but also ethical considerations of hoax-spreading by activists.