Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology

Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology
General Education Unit

(Natural Science Department)
Science, Technology and Society

(GESCIETS)
MMMo
Specific Issues in Science, Technology
and Society
Table of Contents
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Page/s
Lesson 1: The Information Age (Gutenberg to Social Media) 1-17
Development of Information Age 1-3
Inventions and Innovations of the Information Age 3-4
Impacts of Information Age on Society 4-5
Social Media 5-8
Lesson 2: Biodiversity and the Healthy Society 18-37
Biodiversity and Human Health 18-22
The Roles of Science and Technology in

Conserving Biodiversity 22-24
Genetically Modified Organisms: Science, Health,

and Politics 24-26
Lesson 3: The Nano World 38-56
Nanoscience and Nanotechnology 38-40
Human Health Risks of Nanotechnology 40-42
Latest Advances in Nanotechnology 42-44
Lesson 4: Gene Therapy 57-74
Gene Therapy and Its Various Forms 57-61
Benefits and Detriments of Gene Therapy 61-63
Lesson 5: Climate Change and the Energy Crisis 75-93
Climate Change 75-82
Energy Crisis 82-83
Climate Change and Energy We Use 83-84
Subject Code: GESCIETS
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Subject Title: Science, Technology and Society
Module 3: Specific Issues in Science, Technology and Society
Lesson 1: The Information Age (Gutenberg to Social Media)
Overview
This lesson discusses the development of information age with its inventions
and innovations and the impacts of these technologies on society.
The innovations and inventions of the information age are intended for
society’s well-being. However, apart from the benefits that these innovations and
inventions bring to humanity, a wide range of negative impacts have been noted. It is
necessary that society is aware of these impacts because these will enlighten and
guide everyone to be protected from whatever the negative effects may cause.
Learning Outcomes
After successfully studying this lesson, the students should be able to:
1. Link learned concepts to the development of the information age and its
impact on society.
2. Illustrate how the social media and the information age have impacted our
lives.
3. Identify the innovations and inventions in the Information Age that have
impacted the society.
Learning Content
Development of Information Age
Influences of the Past on the Information Age
Goldsmith and inventor Johannes Gutenberg was a political exile from Mainz,
Germany when he began experimenting with printing in Strasbourg, France in 1440.
He returned to Mainz several years later and by 1450, had a printing machine
perfected and ready to use commercially: The Gutenberg press. His introduction of
mechanical movable type printing to Europe started the Printing Revolution and is
regarded as a milestone of the second millennium, ushering in the modern period of
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human history. It played a key role in the development of the Renaissance,
Reformation, the Age of Enlightenment, and the Scientific Revolution and laid the
material basis for the modern knowledge-based economy and the spread of learning
to the masses.
The relatively free flow of information transcends borders and induced a sharp
rise in Renaissance literacy, learning and education; the circulation of (revolutionary)
ideas among the rising middle classes, but also the peasants, threatens the
traditional power monopoly of the ruling nobility and is a key factor in the rapid
spread of the Protestant Reformation. The dawn of the Gutenberg Galaxy, the era of
mass communication, is instrumental in fostering the gradual democratization of
knowledge which sees for the first time modern media phenomena such as the press
or bestsellers emerging. The prized incurables, which are testimony to the aesthetic
taste and high proficient competence of Renaissance book printers, are one lasting
legacy of the 15th century.
The Renaissance influenced the Information Age by creating the idea
inventions, while too advanced for the time, the basic idea was used to develop
modern inventions. The Renaissance also changed literature. At first, only books that
told stories of religion and religious heroes were written. During the Renaissance,
people began to write realistic books and not just religious stories. People's mindset
about themselves changed. It was no longer about what humans could do for God,
but what humans could do for themselves. This way of thinking is called humanism.
The Scientific Revolution changed the modern era by introducing important

scientists such as Galileo, Copernicus, and Sir Isaac Newton. Their discoveries
paved the way for modern tools, inventions and innovations.
The Industrial Revolution brought about major changes in agriculture,

manufacturing, mining, transportation, and technology. This era had a profound
effect on the social, economic, and cultural conditions of the world.
Birth of Information Age
The Information Age began around the 1970s and is still going on today. The
Information Age (also known as the Computer Age, Digital Age, or New Media Age)
is a historical period that began in the early 20th century, characterized by a rapid
epochal shift from the traditional industry established by the Industrial Revolution to
an economy primarily based upon information technology. The onset of the
Information Age can be associated with the development of transistor technology,
particularly the MOSFET (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor), which
became the fundamental building block of digital electronics and revolutionized
modern technology.
According to the United Nations Public Administration Network, the

Information Age was formed by capitalizing on computer microminiaturization
advances, which, upon broader usage within society, would lead to modernized
information and to communication processes becoming the driving force of social
evolution.
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During the Information Age, the phenomenon is that the digital industry
creates a knowledge-based society surrounded by a high-tech global economy that
spans over its influence on how the manufacturing throughout and the service sector
operate in an efficient and convenient way. In a commercialized society, the
information industry is able to allow individuals to explore their personalized needs,
therefore simplifying the procedure of making decisions for transactions and
significantly lowering costs for both the producers and buyers. This is accepted
overwhelmingly by participants throughout the entire economic activities for efficacy
purposes, and new economic incentives would then be indigenously encouraged,
such as the knowledge economy.
The Information Age is coupled tightly with the advent of personal computers,
but many computer historians trace its beginnings to the work of the American
mathematician Claude E. Shannon. At age 32 and as a researcher at Bell
Laboratories, Shannon published a landmark paper proposing that information can
be quantitatively encoded as a series of ones and zeroes. Known as the "father of
Information Theory," Shannon showed how all information media, from telephone
signals to radio waves to television, could be transmitted without error using this
single framework.
The Information Age is now every era from the Stone Age up to The Industrial
Revolution has led to the world as we know it. Without the information, knowledge
and discoveries of those from the past, we would not be where we are today. The
past has shaped our present and will continue to shape our future.
Inventions and Innovations of the Information Age
There were many different inventions that came about because of the
Information Age, one of which was the computer. The Internet allowed people to
access information with the touch of a button. Personal computers had become
widespread by the end of the 1980s. Also available was the ability to connect these
computers over local or even national networks. Through a device called a modem,
individual users could link their computer to a wealth of information using
conventional phone lines. What lay beyond the individual computer was a vast
domain of information known as cyberspace.
The INTERNET was developed during the 1970s by the United States
Department of Defense. In the case of an attack, military advisers suggested the
advantage of being able to operate one computer from another terminal. In the early
days, the Internet was used mainly by scientists to communicate with other
scientists. The Internet remained under government control until 1984.
One early problem faced by Internet users was speed. Phone lines could only
transmit information at a limited rate. The development of FIBER-OPTIC cables
allowed for billions of bits of information to be received every minute. Companies like
INTEL developed faster microprocessors, so personal computers could process the
incoming signals at a more rapid rate.
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In the early 1990s, the WORLD WIDE WEB was developed, in large part, for
commercial purposes. Corporations created home pages where they could place text
and graphics to sell products. Soon airline tickets, hotel reservations, books, and
even cars and homes could be purchased online. Colleges and universities posted
research data on the Internet, so students could find valuable information without
leaving their dormitories. Companies soon discovered that work could be done at
home and submitted online, so a whole new class of telecommuters began to earn a
living from home offices.
The World Wide Web is the "graphical portion of the Internet" and can take
you around the world to visit fascinating sites and places.
ELECTRONIC MAIL, or EMAIL, was a convenient way to send a message to

associates or friends. Messages could be sent and received at the convenience of
the individual. A letter that took several days to arrive could be read in minutes.
Internet service providers like America Online and CompuServe set up electronic
chat rooms. These were open areas of cyberspace where interested parties could
join in a conversation with perfect strangers.
Tim Berners-Lee, Steve Jobs and Bill Gates are several important people of
the Information Age. Berners-Lee created the World Wide Web. Jobs who have
created the first effective personal computer called the Apple 1. The Apple 1 was a
huge advancement in computer sciences and it carved the path for the computers
we have now. Apple has created iPhone, iPod, iPad, iMac, and Apple TV. Gates is
also a huge force in the Information Age. He founded Microsoft, which creates
almost everything that has to do with computers. Microsoft develops programs like
Microsoft Office, Windows, and many other influential products.
Impacts of the Information Age on Society
The Information Age has changed people, technology, science, economies,

culture, and even the way people think. The Internet is arguably the most prominent
innovation of the Information Age. The Internet changed the way people do
everything. The Information Age has made industrial countries stronger. With online
companies being some of the most successful and economically stimulating
businesses out there, economies receive more from them and keep our world
turning. People are becoming more mature and more educated due to things like the
computer and the Internet. This time period has reshaped governments, with new
technology being created every day. Governments can now have more advanced
and effective militaries. Because of things like the Internet, new laws had to be put in
place to stop hacking, piracy, and identity theft.
The Information Age brought about many new inventions and innovations.
Many communication services like texting, email, and social media developed and
the world has not been the same since. People learn new languages easier and
many books have been translated into different languages, so people around the
world can become more educated. However, the Information Age is not all good.
There are people in the world that believe they can live their entire life through the
Internet. Also, huge criminal organizations rely on hacking into government systems
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and obtaining confidential information to continue their way of life. Jobs have also
become easier, and some jobs can even be done from the comfort of your own
home. The Information Age is also known as the Age of Entrepreneurship. Now
entrepreneurs can start and run a company easier than ever before. It also impacts
our work ethics by distracting us and causing us to lose interest in the task we are
doing. This time period has also created a shortage of jobs and making many jobs
obsolete because machines are now being used to do the work humans once did.
The Internet has turned society into homebodies, individuals who do

everything from the comfort of their homes instead of venturing outdoors to complete
tasks. People can do everything online; shopping, communicating, bill paying,
working, education, entertainment, even ordering food. This may be good, but it has
also made us a very lazy and uneducated society.
Critics charged that the Internet created a technological divide that increased
the gap between the haves and have-nots. Those who could not afford a computer
or a monthly access fee were denied these possibilities. Hate groups were using the
Internet to expand their bases and recruit new members.
Advocates of the Internet cited its many advantages. The commercial

possibilities were limitless. Convenience was greatly improved. Chat rooms and
email allowed individuals to converse who may never have had the opportunity in the
past. Educational opportunities were greatly enhanced because of the wealth of
knowledge now placed at the fingertips of any wired individual. "SURFING THE
'NET" became a pastime in and of itself.
Social Media
Social media are interactive computer-mediated technologies that facilitate

the creation or sharing of information, ideas, career interests and other forms of
expression via virtual communities and networks. User-generated content such as
text posts or comments, digital photos or videos, and data generated through all
online interactions, is the lifeblood of social media. By design, social media is
internet-based and gives users quick electronic communication of content. The first
social media site is born (1997) on one of the first true social media sites,
SixDegrees.com, you could set up a profile page, create lists of connections, and
send messages within networks.
Some of the most popular Social Media

websites include Facebook and its
associated Facebook Messenger, Tik Tok,
WeChat, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedln, Viber,
Youtube, WhatsApp, Quora, SnapChat,
Pinterest, and more.
Example of Social Media websites

Social media differ from paper-based media (e.g., magazines and
newspapers) and traditional electronic media such as TV broadcasting, Radio
broadcasting in many ways, including quality, reach, frequency, interactivity, usability,
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immediacy, and performance. Social media outlets operate in a dialogic transmission
system (many sources to many receivers). This is in contrast to traditional media
which operates under a mono-logic transmission model (one source to many
receivers), such as a newspaper which is delivered to many subscribers, or a radio
station which broadcasts the same programs to an entire city. Some of the most
popular social media websites, with over 100 million registered users, include
Facebook (and its associated Facebook Messenger), TikTok, WeChat, Instagram,
QZone, Weibo, Twitter, Tumblr, Baidu Tieba and LinkedIn. Other popular platforms
that are sometimes referred to as social media services (differing on interpretation)
include YouTube, QQ, Quora, WhatsApp, LINE, Snapchat, Pinterest, Viber, Reddit,
Discord, VK, and more.
Impacts of Social Media
Observers have noted a wide range of positive and negative impacts of social
media use. Social media can help to improve an individual's sense of connectedness
with real or online communities and can be an effective communication (or
marketing) tool for corporations, entrepreneurs, non-profit organizations, advocacy
groups, political parties, and governments. The negative impacts are:
a) Disparity
People who live in poverty, such as homeless people, have low levels of
access to computers and Internet or a lack of familiarity with these technologies. This
means that these marginalized people are not able to use social media tools to find
information, jobs, housing, and other necessities.
The digital divide is a measure of disparity in the level of access to technology

between households, socioeconomic levels or other demographic categories. People
who are homeless, living in poverty, elderly people and those living in rural or remote
communities may have little or no access to computers and the Internet; in contrast,
middle class and upper-class people in urban areas have very high rates of
computer and Internet access.
b) Political Polarization
According to the Pew Research Center, a majority of Americans at least

occasionally receive news from social media. Because of algorithms on social media
which filter and display news content which are likely to match their users’ political
preferences, a potential impact of receiving news from social media includes an
increase in political polarization due to selective exposure. Political polarization
refers to when an individual's stance on a topic is more likely to be strictly defined by
their identification with a specific political party or ideology than on other factors.
c) Stereotyping
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A stereotype is a mistaken idea or belief many people have about a thing or
group that is based upon how they look on the outside, which may be untrue or only
partly true. Stereotyping people is a type of prejudice because what is on the outside
is a small part of who a person is.
Social media, and media in general, have the power to increase the scope of
stereotypes not only in children but people all ages. Three researchers at
Blanquerna University, Spain, examined how adolescents interact with social media
and specifically Facebook. They suggest that interactions on the website encourage
representing oneself in the traditional gender constructs, which helps maintain
gender stereotypes. The authors noted that girls generally show more emotion in
their posts and more frequently change their profile pictures, which according to
some psychologists can lead to self-objectification. Self-objectification occurs when
individuals treat themselves as objects to be viewed and evaluated based upon
appearance. Literature has largely elucidated links between self-objectification and
damaging outcomes in both men and women. On the other hand, the researchers
found that boys prefer to portray themselves as strong, independent, and powerful.
The researchers concluded that masculinity is more commonly associated with a
positive psychological well-being, while femininity displays less psychological
well-being. Furthermore, the researchers discovered that people tend not to
completely conform to either stereotype, and encompass desirable parts of both.
Users of Facebook generally use their profile to reflect that they are a "normal"
person. Social media was found to uphold gender stereotypes both feminine and
masculine.
d) Physical and Mental Health
There are several negative effects to social media which receive criticism, for
example regarding privacy issues, information overload and Internet fraud. Social
media can also have negative social effects on users. Angry or emotional
conversations can lead to real-world interactions outside of the Internet, which can
get users into dangerous situations. Some users have experienced threats of
violence online and have feared these threats manifesting themselves offline. At the
same time, concerns have been raised about possible links between heavy social
media use and depression, and even the issues of cyberbullying, online harassment
and "trolling".
Adolescents. Excessive use of digital technology, like social media, by

adolescents can cause disruptions in their physical and mental health, in sleeping
patterns, their weight and levels of exercise and notably in their academic
performance. Research has continued to demonstrate that long hours spent on
mobile devices have shown a positive relationship with an increase in teenagers'
body mass index and a lack of physical activity. Moreover, excessive internet usage
has been linked to lower grades compared to users who do not spend an excessive
amount of time online, even with a control over age, gender, race, parent education
and personal contentment factors that may affect the study.
Sleep disturbances. According to a study released in 2017 by researchers

from the University of Pittsburgh, the link between sleep disturbance and the use of
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social media was clear. It concluded that blue light had a part to play—and how often
they logged on, rather than time spent on social media sites, was a higher predictor
of disturbed sleep, suggesting "an obsessive 'checking'". The strong relationship of
social media use and sleep disturbance has significant clinical ramifications for a
young adults health and well-being. In a recent study, we have learned that people in
the highest quartile for social media use per week report the most sleep disturbance.
Changes in mood. Many teenagers suffer from sleep deprivation as they

spend long hours at night on their phones, and this, in turn, could affect grades as
they will be tired and unfocused in school. Social media has generated a
phenomenon known as " Facebook depression", which is a type of depression that
affects adolescents who spend too much of their free time engaging with social
media sites. "Facebook depression" leads to problems such as reclusiveness which
can negatively damage ones health by creating feelings of loneliness and low
self-esteem among young people.
e) Effects on Youth Communication
Social media has allowed for mass cultural exchange and intercultural
communication. As different cultures have different value systems, cultural themes,
grammar, and world views, they also communicate differently. The emergence of
social media platforms fused together different cultures and their communication
methods, blending together various cultural thinking patterns and expression styles.
Social media has affected the way youth communicate, by introducing new
forms of language. Abbreviations have been introduced to cut down on the time it
takes to respond online. The commonly known "LOL" has become globally
recognized as the abbreviation for "laugh out loud". Because of these changes in
linguistics and communication etiquette, researchers of media semiotics have found
that this has altered youth's communications habits and more.
Social media has offered a new platform for peer pressure with both positive
and negative communication. From Facebook comments to likes on Instagram, how
the youth communicate and what is socially acceptable is now heavily based on
social media. Social media does make kids and young adults more susceptible to
peer pressure.
***
The link for this part will be posted to our Google Clasroom
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Self-Check Test
Assessment for Learning
***
References
US History (2008). Living in the Information Age. https://www.ushistory.org/us/60d
Wikipedia (2020). Information Age. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. en.wikipedia.org
Wikipedia (2020). Printing Press. Wikipedia Foundation, Inc. en.wikipedia.org
Wikipedia (2020). Social Media. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. en.wikipedia.org
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Lesson 2: Biodiversity and the Healthy Society
Overview
Biodiversity is essential for supporting human life on earth. Human health

depends on biodiversity. This lesson discusses the relationships of biodiversity and
human health. In order for the society to be protected from any threats brought about
by biodiversity loss, it is necessary for them to be aware of the “know-how” in the
conservation of biodiversity, thus it is also discussed in this lesson.
Further, due to the controversies on the risks of biodiversity including the

society from Genetically Modified Organisms, this topic is discussed in this lesson.
Learning Outcomes
1. Determine the interrelatedness of society, environment, and health.
2. Identify the roles of society in the conservation of healthy biodiversity.
3. Discuss the ethics and implications of GMOs and potential future impacts.
Learning Content
Biodiversity and Human Health
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms, not just on rare and endangered
forms of life, nor just too big, attractive animals and plants. It includes every living
thing—the common, the ordinary, the ugly, and even those organisms invisible to the
naked eye. Also, biodiversity refers to more than individual species. It includes the
genes they contain, and the ecosystems and habitats of which they form part.
People depend on biodiversity in their daily lives, in ways that are not always
apparent or appreciated. Human health ultimately depends upon ecosystem
products and services (such as availability of fresh water, food and fuel sources)
which are requisite for good human health and productive livelihoods.
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Health is often considered as a basic human right, and is defined by the World
Health Organization (WHO) as not simply being free from illness, but in a state of
complete physical, mental and social well-being. Biodiversity can be considered as
the foundation for human health as it underpins the functioning of the ecosystems on
which we depend for our food and fresh water; aids in regulating climate, floods and
disease; provides recreational benefits and offers aesthetic and spiritual enrichment.
Biodiversity also contributes to local livelihoods, to both traditional and modern
medicines and to economic development.
Human Health Depends on Biodiversity Services
Healthy communities rely on well-functioning ecosystems that provide clean

air, fresh water, medicines and food security. They also limit disease and stabilize the
climate. But biodiversity loss is happening at unprecedented rates, impacting human
health worldwide.
All human health ultimately depends on ecosystem services that are made
possible by biodiversity and the products derived from them. While the inter-linkages
between biodiversity, ecosystem services and human health are inherently complex,
inter-disciplinary research is aiming to develop a more thorough understanding of
these essential relationships.
Additionally, biological diversity of microorganisms, flora and fauna provides

extensive benefits for biological, health, and pharmacological sciences. Significant
medical and pharmacological discoveries are made through greater understanding of
the earth's biodiversity.
Biodiversity supports human and societal needs, including food and nutrition
security, energy, development of medicines and pharmaceuticals and freshwater,
which together underpin good health. It also supports economic opportunities, and
leisure activities that contribute to overall wellbeing.
Biodiversity is essential for supporting human life on earth. The health of the
natural environment depends on continuing diversity; for instance, if one species is
lost from an ecosystem, then all the other species in that ecosystem are affected.
Biodiversity also is important for ensuring agricultural productivity and for the
ongoing sustainable use of natural resources. Further, biological diversity ensures
clean air and water, and fertile soils.
By securing the life-sustaining goods and services which biodiversity provides

to us, the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity can provide significant
benefits to our health. ... Without a global environment that is healthy and capable of
supporting a diversity of life, no human population can exist.
Threats to Biodiversity and Health
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There is growing concern about the health consequences of biodiversity loss.
Biodiversity changes affect ecosystem functioning and significant disruptions of
ecosystems can result in life sustaining ecosystem goods and services. Biodiversity
loss also means that we are losing, many of nature's chemicals and genes, of the
kind that have already provided humankind with enormous health benefits. Loss in
biodiversity may limit discovery of potential treatments for many diseases and health
problems.
Biodiversity loss can have significant direct human health impacts if

ecosystem services are no longer adequate to meet social needs. Indirectly,
changes in ecosystem services affect livelihoods, income, local migration and, on
occasion, may even cause or exacerbate political conflict.
Land use change, pollution, poor water quality, chemical and waste
contamination, climate change and other causes of ecosystem degradation all
contribute to biodiversity loss and, can pose considerable threats to human health.
One of the primary threats to biodiversity is habitat loss. This can be through
clear cutting forests, polluting oceans, or anything that alters the natural habitat. We
harvest large amounts of natural resources and when this is not done sustainably it
has disastrous consequences.
Nutritional Impact of Biodiversity
Biodiversity plays a crucial role in human nutrition through its influence on

world food production, as it ensures the sustainable productivity of soils and provides
the genetic resources for all crops, livestock, and marine species harvested for food.
Access to a sufficiency of a nutritious variety of food is a fundamental determinant of
health.
Nutrition and biodiversity are linked at many levels: the ecosystem, with food
production as an ecosystem service; the species in the ecosystem and the genetic
diversity within species. Nutritional composition between foods and among
varieties/cultivars/breeds of the same food can differ dramatically, affecting
micronutrient availability in the diet. Healthy local diets with adequate average levels
of nutrients intake, necessitates maintenance of high biodiversity levels.
Intensified and enhanced food production through irrigation, use of fertilizer,

plant protection (pesticides) or the introduction of crop varieties and cropping
patterns affect biodiversity, and thus impact global nutritional status and human
health. Habitat simplification, species loss and species succession often enhance
communities vulnerabilities as a function of environmental receptivity to ill health.
Infectious diseases
Human activities are disturbing both the structure and functions of

ecosystems and altering native biodiversity. Such disturbances reduce the
abundance of some organisms, cause population growth in others, modify the
interactions among organisms, and alter the interactions between organisms and
their physical and chemical environments. Patterns of infectious diseases are
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sensitive to these disturbances. Major processes affecting infectious disease
reservoirs and transmission include, deforestation; land-use change; water
management e.g. through dam construction, irrigation, uncontrolled urbanization or
urban sprawl; resistance to pesticide chemicals used to control certain disease
vectors; climate variability and change; migration and international travel and trade;
and the accidental or intentional human introduction of pathogens. Infectious
diseases can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other parasites.
Types of Bacteria Types of Viruses Human Fungal Pathogens

(Source: freepik.com) (Source: 123rf.com) (Source: CSH Perspectives)
Infectious diseases cause over one billion human infections per year, with
millions of deaths each year globally. Approximately two thirds of known human
infectious diseases are shared with animals, and the majority of recently emerging
diseases are associated with wildlife.
Transmission of viruses (Corona Virus) from animals to human (Source: Europe PMC)
Transmission of virus (Corona virus) to humans
Biodiversity plays a complex role in disease emergence, with benefits in some

contexts and threats to human health in others. Human changes to and degradation
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of ecosystems, such as modified landscapes, intensive agriculture and antimicrobial
use, may increase the risk of infectious disease transmission.
The Role of Science and Technology

in Conserving Biodiversity
As our society develops we continually use more resources, which stains

natural biodiversity, but development also leads to improved science and technology.
Currently science and technology are two of the most important tools in conservation
biology.
If nothing is done to reduce these changes, there will be disastrous

consequences. There are many things we can do in politics, science, and even in
our daily lives to help fix these issues. As humans we need to understand the risks
associated with our consuming lifestyles and work hard to fix what is already
damaged and prevent future harm.
Ways on How We Can Protect Biodiversity
Even though the biodiversity of many habitats has become threatened there
are many things we can do to help reduce this danger.
Government legislation: Governments have the power to control what is

done to the habitats within their country. Legislation that protects natural habitats by
outlawing development, harvesting of natural resources, or other human exploitation
has a huge impact on maintaining natural biodiversity. Protecting habitats before
they have been altered is the best form on biodiversity conservation and is most
successfully implemented by government regulations. Government legislation
protecting our natural environments is one of the most effective ways of protecting
biodiversity.
Nature preserves: Nature preserves are a form of government regulation

and are often known as National Parks. They protect a region and the organisms
that live there from certain forms of development and provide access for people to
visit them. This is excellent because it protects the natural habitat and is a place
where people can view the ecosystem.
The goal is that over time this helps people have more respect for the natural
world and increases pressure on government to further protect other areas.
Reducing amount of invasive species: Invasive species are sometimes

introduced to an area on purpose, but also sometimes by accident. To limit the
number of invasive species moved by accident planes, ships, and cargo must be
thoroughly checked before it is offloaded in a new country.
Additionally, people should not bring new species of animals or plants to an

area without consulting ecologists knowledgeable on the region.
Habitat restorations: After an area is damaged by human impacts we can try
to return it to its natural state. This means bringing back the plants and animals that
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are naturally found there. This has been shown to be a promising way of returning
biodiversity to a region. These restoration projects can be undertaken by
governments, local organizations, or NGOs.
Captive breeding and seed banks: Captive breeding is when animals in

captivity (often at zoos) are bred. This is seen as somewhat controversial, as it
requires the capture of animals that are often near extinction. On the positive side it
provides the opportunity to increase the population of the species, so they can be
reintroduced into the wild.
Seed banks are areas where huge varieties of plant seeds are stored. This
provides a failsafe if a species goes extinct in nature. The plant can be grown from a
saved seed and reintroduced back into its habitat.
Research: Understanding how species interact within their environment is

crucial to protecting them. As humans further understand species interaction we find
new and more direct ways to help protect organisms and maintain biodiversity.
One example is the use of wildlife corridors in urbanized areas. By

researching many different species we have found that this dramatically increase
their populations. It reduces the number of animals that come into direct contact with
humans and provides areas for migratory animals to move long distances.
Reduce climate change: As we know, climate change has disastrous

consequences for all living things on earth. We use huge amounts of fossil fuels,
which directly cause climate change. We need to move away from fossil fuels and
towards alternative energy sources and natural or sustainable products. Reducing
the effects of climate change requires a worldwide effort.
Purchase sustainable products: Many products are now labeled with

ecolabels that state if they are environmentally friendly. Some of the most prominent
ecolabels are Energy Star, USDA Organic, and Rainforest Alliance Certified.
Our consumption of natural resources is one of the main reasons for

biodiversity loss, so it is our responsibility to consume products that are produced in
the most sustainable way possible. Additionally, when we consume these goods it
increases demand for environmentally conscious products pushing more producers
to make them.
Sustainable living: It is something that we can each choose to do on a daily

basis. Whether it is by taking shorter showers, riding a bike to work, or buying
ecolabeled products it helps reduce the amount of resources we use.
This is arguably the most important way of protecting biodiversity because

everyone can do it, often with only small lifestyle changes. If everyone chose to live
sustainably biodiversity in a variety habitats would improve.
Education: As with most environmental topics, education is one of the keys

to success. Educating people about the importance of biodiversity increases public
awareness of the issue. As public awareness increases, people become more
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involved and eventually influence their government representatives, pushing for
more environmental protection.
Genetically Modified Organisms: Science, Health, and Politics
GMOs, or genetically modified organisms are organisms whose genetic

material has been altered using genetic engineering. Genetic engineering is the
modification of an organism's phenotype by altering its genetic make-up. Genetic
engineering is primarily performed by gene recombination. GMOs range from
micro-organisms like yeast and bacteria to insects, plants, fish and mammals.
Genetically modified crops (GM crops) are those engineered to introduce a new trait
into the species. Purposes of GM crops generally include resistance to certain pests,
diseases, or environmental conditions, or resistance to chemical treatments (e.g.
resistance to a herbicide). Other purpose of genetic modification of crops is to
enhance its nutritional value, as seen in the case of golden rice.
GM foods are developed – and marketed – because there is some perceived

advantage either to the producer or consumer of these foods. This is meant to
translate into a product with a lower price, greater benefit (in terms of durability or
nutritional value) or both. The most notable GMO risks to humans are the potential
development of allergens to GM related crops and toxicity from GM crops. However,
studies also show GM crops have benefits including the increased nutritional value in
foods.
GM foods currently available on the international market have passed risk

assessments and are not likely to present risks for human health. In addition, no
effects on human health have been shown as a result of the consumption of such
foods by the general population in the countries where they have been approved.
A Genetically Modified Organism is simply something whose genetic material

(DNA) has been changed in a way that does not occur naturally by natural
recombination.
Genetic engineering allows scientists to insert, or suppress, desired traits or

features into an organism – enhancing a crop’s resistance, for instance, or promoting
photosynthesis. This artificial manipulation of DNA would never happen in nature. It
replaces the traditional method of selective breeding, a common and completely safe
practice used by growers.
Genetic modification is a contentious issue which looks at its use in plants in

particular. At how and why large chemical agribusinesses, such as Bayer (Monsanto)
and Syngenta, create the crops that feed us or our animals.
However, the consequences of changing the genes of an individual cell are

still unknown. DNA is not like Lego – if you break or replace one sequence, it has a
knock on effect elsewhere in the organism. Called ‘Pleiotropy’, this effect is hard to
predict. It is these unforeseen consequences that require caution and regulation
when producing genetically engineered crops.
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Unfortunately, regulators often rely on short term ‘safety’ testing carried out by
the commercial funders and proponents of genetic engineering. There is very little
long term independent analysis of the effects from eating GM crops.
GM crops are bred to encourage monoculture, i.e. growing vast quantities of

just one crop. Most have been engineered to have inbuilt pesticide and weed killer
resistance, for instance Monsanto’s ‘Roundup Ready’ corn, which allows farmers to
spray extensively with toxic glyphosate formulations. This means pesticide and
herbicide use has actually increased where GM crops are grown.
Agribusinesses that fund genetic engineering claim this is the only way to feed
the world. But in 2013, analysis compared crop yields in the US (which are largely
genetically engineered) with those grown in Europe (where GE is banned). Although
there was an increased yield in both districts, it was the non-engineered crops in
Europe that actually performed better. Worldwide, we have consistent crop
surpluses. This led analysts to say it is politics, waste, and war that cause hunger in
the world - not insufficient food production.
Negative impacts on the environment from GMOs are a big concern for
scientists and the public. Negative effects on the environment include increased use
of herbicides and pollution of aquatic ecosystems
Despite the fact that the genes being transferred occur naturally in other
species, there are unknown consequences to altering the natural state of an
organism through foreign gene expression. After all, such alterations can change the
organism's metabolism, growth rate, and/or response to external environmental
factors. These consequences influence not only the GMO itself, but also the natural
environment in which that organism is allowed to proliferate. Potential health risks to
humans include the possibility of exposure to new allergens in genetically modified
foods, as well as the transfer of antibiotic-resistant genes to gut flora.
Horizontal gene transfer of pesticide, herbicide, or antibiotic resistance to

other organisms would not only put humans at risk, but it would also cause
ecological imbalances, allowing previously innocuous plants to grow uncontrolled,
thus promoting the spread of disease among both plants and animals. Although the
possibility of horizontal gene transfer between GMOs and other organisms cannot be
denied, in reality, this risk is considered to be quite low. Horizontal gene transfer
occurs naturally at a very low rate and, in most cases, cannot be simulated in an
optimized laboratory environment without active modification of the target genome to
increase susceptibility.
In contrast, the alarming consequences of vertical gene transfer between

GMOs and their wild-type counterparts have been highlighted by studying transgenic
fish released into wild populations of the same species. The enhanced mating
advantages of the genetically modified fish led to a reduction in the viability of their
offspring. Thus, when a new transgene is introduced into a wild fish population, it
propagates and may eventually threaten the viability of both the wild-type and the
genetically modified organisms.
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Another concern associated with GMOs is that private companies will claim
ownership of the organisms they create and not share them at a reasonable cost
with the public. If these claims are correct, it is argued that use of genetically
modified crops will hurt the economy and environment, because monoculture
practices by large-scale farm production centers (who can afford the costly seeds)
will dominate over the diversity contributed by small farmers who can't afford the
technology.
According to a recent national survey, the potential that GMO foods may
trigger allergies is highly concerning to consumers. Awareness of GMO’s and their
link to potential allergens has increased due to the knowledge that allergy inducing
proteins known to be present in one specific species will remain an allergen after
being engineered into a second species. A well-known example of this is the Brazil
nut allergen, which was transferred into the soybean species. It was discovered that
the allergy producing property associated with the particular protein in the Brazil nut
was still produced even after being expressed in the soybean, which could obviously
be bad news bears for someone with a nut allergy enjoying some French fries
cooked in soybean oil. This case documents that we are capable of detecting known
allergens that have been genetically engineered from one species to another.
***
The link for this part will be posted to our Google Classroom
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Self-Check Test
***
References
Convention on Biological Diversity (2020). Health and Biodiversity. https://www.cbd
Phillips, Theresa (2008). Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Transgenic Crops

and Recombinant DNA Technology. https://www.nature.com/scitable/topic
Sharp, Abbey (2015). Implications of Genetically Modified Organisms and Ethical

Concerns.
https://www.abbeyskitchen.com/nutrition-gmos-part-2-implications-genetically-
modified-orga/
WHO (2015). Biodiversity and Health. https://www.who.int

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Lesson 3: The Nano World
Overview
This lesson discusses the major impacts of nanotechnology and its costs and
benefits on human lives.
Aside from the benefits that nanotechnology brought to humanity, there are
also issues that society should be aware of. It is therefore important for the society
to understand the nature of nanotechnology along with its costs and benefits.
Learning Outcomes
1. Discuss the major impacts (both potential and realized) of nanotechnology on

society.
2. Analyze the issue through the conceptual STS lenses.
3. Critique the issue on its costs and benefits to society.
Learning Content
Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
Nano world is the world at a microscopic level, as dealt with by

nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is science, engineering, and technology conducted
at the nanoscale, which is about 1 to 100 nanometers. Nanotechnology is a part of
science and technology about the control of matter on the atomic and molecular
scale - this means things that are about 100 nanometres across. Nanotechnology
includes making products that use parts this small, such as electronic devices,
catalysts, sensors, etc.
Nanoscience and nanotechnology are the study and application of extremely

small things and can be used across all the other science fields, such as chemistry,
biology, physics, materials science, and engineering. Nanotechnology is a field of
research and innovation concerned with building 'things' - generally, materials and
devices - on the scale of atoms and molecules. A nanometre is one-billionth of a
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metre: ten times the diameter of a hydrogen atom. The diameter of a human hair is,
on average, 80,000 nanometres
It’s hard to imagine just how small nanotechnology is. One nanometer is a
billionth of a meter, or 10-9 of a meter. Here are a few illustrative examples:
There are 25,400,000 nanometers in an inch

A sheet of newspaper is about 100,000 nanometers thick
Nanoscience is the study of structures and materials on the scale of

nanometers. Nanoscience and nanotechnology involve the ability to see and to
control individual atoms and molecules. Everything on Earth is made up of
atoms—the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the buildings and houses we live in,
and our own bodies. Something which is as small as an atom is impossible to see
with the naked eye. The microscopes needed to see things at the nanoscale were
invented relatively recently—about 30 years ago.
Once scientists had the right tools, such as the scanning tunneling
microscope (STM) and the atomic force microscope (AFM), the age of
nanotechnology was born. Although modern nanoscience and nanotechnology are
quite new, nanoscale materials were used for centuries. Alternate-sized gold and
silver particles created colors in the stained glass windows of medieval churches
hundreds of years ago.
Today's scientists and engineers are finding a wide variety of ways to

deliberately make materials at the nanoscale to take advantage of their enhanced
properties such as higher strength, lighter weight, increased control of light
spectrum, and greater chemical reactivity than their larger-scale counterparts.
Nanotechnology is totally dependent on the nanoscience. ... The main difference
between the nanotechnology and nanoscience is that the Nanotechnology is
dependent on the concepts of Nanoscience but it is independent technology.
Nanoscience is the study of the basic properties of the materials and compounds.
Nanotechnology diagnostic tool to identify Corona virus

Source of image: Left- azonano.com, Right - phys.org
7 Nanotechnology examples that already exist:
1. Molecular 3D Printers 5. The Graphene Engine
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2. Solar Power. ... 6. The Nanorotor
3. Tiny Switches. ... 7. Nano Rockets
4. The Atomic Engine. ...
Nanotechnology can enable sensors to detect very small amounts of chemical

vapors. Various types of detecting elements, such as carbon nanotubes, zinc oxide
nanowires or palladium nanoparticles can be used in nanotechnology-based
sensors.
Current Consumer Products Using Nanotechnology Including: Sunglasses,

Textiles, and Sensors to monitor body functions, Sports equipment, and Sunscreens
Human Health Risks of Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is presented as a very powerful tool capable of transforming

society again just as microelectronics and biotechnology did in the 20th century. The
potential of new developments which results in various areas of knowledge seems
truly unlimited. However, as these technologies transform society, “side effects” or
risks associated with their extensive use appear.
Materials which by themselves are not very harmful could be toxic if they are
inhaled in the form of nanoparticles. The effects of inhaled nanoparticles in the body
may include lung inflammation and heart problems.
Nanotechnology can also provide solutions for certain environmental

problems. Nevertheless, little is known about the potential impacts of nanoparticles
on the environment and human health, even though in some cases chemical
composition, shape and size have been shown to contribute to the toxicological
effects.
Nanoparticles are likely to be dangerous for three main reasons:

Nanoparticles may damage the lungs. We know that 'ultra-fine' particles from diesel
machines, power plants and incinerators can cause considerable damage to human
lungs. ... Nanoparticles can get into the body through the skin, lungs and digestive
system.
Many scientists are looking into ways to develop clean, affordable, and
renewable energy sources, along with means to reduce energy consumption and
lessen toxicity burdens on the environment: Nanotechnology is improving the
efficiency of fuel production from raw petroleum materials through better catalysis.
One of the most exciting challenges of current science and technology is that of
“taming” the world of the smallest particles (atoms and molecules) to build new
devices or instruments with these bricks. This is the subject of so-called nanoscience
and nanotechnology, two sister disciplines on the clear increase that will shape this
century’s technology landscape.
Nanoparticles may be tiny and invisible, but the aerosol particles suspended
in gases play a role in cloud formation and environmental pollution and can be
detrimental to human health. Aerosol particles, which are found in haze, dust and
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vehicle exhaust, measure in the microns. One micron is one-millionth of a meter; a
thin human hair is about 30 microns thick.
The particles of aerosol, are among the

many materials whose chemical and
mechanical properties cannot be fully
measured until scientists develop a
better method of studying materials at
the microscale as well as the much
smaller nanoscale (1nm is one-billionth
of a meter).
Covid-19 spread through tiny aerosol (Source of image: ttps://wwweeiengineer.com)
The technique, called peak force infrared (PFIR) microscopy, combines

spectroscopy and scanning probe microscopy. In addition to shedding light on
aerosol particles, PFIR will help scientists study micro- and nanoscale phenomena in
a variety of inhomogeneous materials.
"Materials in nature are rarely homogeneous," "Functional polymer materials

often consist of nanoscale domains that have specific tasks. Cellular membranes are
embedded with proteins that are nanometers in size. Nanoscale defects of materials
exist that affect their mechanical and chemical properties.
"PFIR microscopy represents a fundamental breakthrough that will enable

multiple innovations in areas ranging from the study of aerosol particles to the
investigation of heterogeneous and biological materials,"
"In summary, PFIR microscopy will provide a powerful analytical tool for
explorations at the nanoscale across wide disciplines." PFIR simultaneously obtains
chemical and mechanical information. It enables researchers to analyze a material at
various places, and to determine its chemical compositions and mechanical
properties at each of these places, at the nanoscale.
"A material is not often homogeneous." "Its mechanical properties can vary
from one region to another. Biological systems such as cell walls are
inhomogeneous, and so are materials with defects. The features of a cell wall
measure about 100 nanometers in size, placing them well within range of PFIR and
its capabilities."
Although PFIR does not work with liquid samples, it can measure the
properties of dried biological samples, including cell walls and protein aggregates,
achieving a 10-nm spatial resolution without staining or genetic modification.
The idea of printing 3-dimensional objects, at first, seemed futuristic. It was
mostly a novelty. But now, 3D-printing is a game-changing technology with
applications in everything from machine components to printing organs.
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Examples of 3D Printers-a nanotechnology innovation (Source of image: Compsmag.com)
Latest Advancements in Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is rapidly gaining traction across a range of industries, from

agriculture to water treatment to energy storage. While nanotechnology was first
developed in 1959 as a way of manipulating matter at the atomic and molecular
level, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that it really began to flourish. Today,
nanotechnology is one of the most innovative, cutting-edge areas of scientific study
and it continues to advance at staggering rates.
Health Drug Delivery: Today, cancer patients have three treatment options:
surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. While the methods vary, the goal for the three
treatment options is the same: eradicate the targeted cancer cells with minimal
damage to normal tissue.
However, according to the National Cancer Institute, “All three methods risk
damage to normal tissue or incomplete eradication of the cancer.” For example,
during chemotherapy, cytotoxic drugs are released to kill cancerous cells, but often
kill healthy cells during the process. This process can result in side effects including
hair loss, nausea, pain, nervous system effects, appetite loss and fatigue.
Treatments and reactions vary from patient to patient, but these side effects are
frequent and common in most cancer patients. Nanoparticles for chemotherapy drug
carriers have made some of the greatest advancements in cancer treatment. By
using nanocarriers to treat patients, treatments can focus on targeting cancerous
cells and limit the damage to healthy cells.
Agriculture: Crop Protection and Livestock Productivity: In response to

the growing population concerns, scientists in the nanotechnoloy and
nanoagriculture fields are focused on determining how nanosized particles can
increase crop and livestock productivity. While nanoagriculture is a more recent
application of nanotechnology, the benefits are clear with its “potential to protect
plants, monitor plant growth, detect plant and animal diseases, increase global food
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production, enhance food quality and reduce waste.” (Nanotechnology in Agri-Food
Production)
Nano fertilizers and Nano pesticides in Nanoagriculture

(Source of image: product.start.com, indiamart.com, and Amazon.com)
Water Treatment: Safe Purification: According to the World Health

Organisation, “2.6 billion people—half the developing world—lack even a simple
‘improved’ latrine and 1.1 billion people have no access to any type of improved
drinking water.” This lack of access to clean, safe water poses dire health risks to
much of the world’s population, including: death from diarrheal disease,
schistosomiasis infection, and intestinal parasites. Scientists and engineers are
focused on applying nanotechology to resolve these issues and make water safe
and purified.
Diseases: Early Detection: Nanotechnology applications for early disease

detection are gaining a significant amount of traction and attention. Essentially,
scientists are exploring the use of nanoparticles to raise a warning or “biomarker” if a
cancerous tumor or other disease is found. Since these nanoparticles carry several
peptides, in theory, it should send numerous biomarkers to indicate that a disease is
present. Early detection of diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer allows treatments
and, potentially, a cure to begin sooner.
Energy Storage: Solar Power: Solar power is the future of energy storage,
but it comes with a hefty price tag. As of 2014, solar energy accounts for less than
one percent of electricity in the United States and it costs twice as much to produce
compared to natural gas (National Center for Policy Analysis). Despite the costs
associated with solar energy, the benefits are significant, including sustainability and
low maintenance.
In an effort to accelerate solar power
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advancements, researchers are applying
nanotechnology to solar energy. For
example, nanoparticles :”have been shown
to enhance the absorption of light, increase
the conservation of light to electricity, and
provide better thermal storage and transport
(National Nanotechnology Initiative).” With
these advancements, nanotechnology has
the potential to improve solar energy
efficiency and reduce costs.
Nanotechnology solar cells (Source of image: advancesciencenews.com)
As today’s researchers continue to make significant advancements across a

range of industries, the nanotechnology field is expected to make great strides in the
near and long-term future. STEM-focused universities that offer nanotechnology
degree programs provide students the opportunity to gain real-world experience and
hands-on applied research, enabling the next wave of nanotechnology
advancements.
Nanotechnology Applications: A Variety of Uses
Medicine: Researchers are developing customized nanoparticles the size of

molecules that can deliver drugs directly to diseased cells in your body. When it's
perfected, this method should greatly reduce the damage treatment such as
chemotherapy does to a patient's healthy cells.
Electronics: Nanotechnology holds some answers for how we might increase

the capabilities of electronics devices while we reduce their weight and power
consumption.
Nanotechnology applications in electronics
Food: Nanotechnology is having an impact on several aspects of food

science, from how food is grown to how it is packaged. Companies are developing
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nanomaterials that will make a difference not only in the taste of food, but also in
food safety, and the health benefits that food delivers.
Nanotechnology applications in food products and packaging
Fuel Cells: Nanotechnology is being used to reduce the cost of catalysts

used in fuel cells to produce hydrogen ions from fuel such as methanol and to
improve the efficiency of membranes used in fuel cells to separate hydrogen ions
from other gases such as oxygen.
Solar Cells: Companies have developed nanotech solar cells that can be
manufactured at significantly lower cost than conventional solar cells.
Batteries: Companies are currently developing batteries using nanomaterials.

One such battery will be a good as new after sitting on the shelf for decades.
Another battery can be recharged significantly faster than conventional batteries.
Space: Nanotechnology may hold the key to making space-flight more
practical. Advancements in nanomaterials make lightweight spacecraft and a cable
for the space elevator possible. By significantly reducing the amount of rocket fuel
required, these advances could lower the cost of reaching orbit and traveling in
space.
Fuels: Nanotechnology can address the shortage of fossil fuels such as

diesel and gasoline by making the production of fuels from low grade raw materials
economical, increasing the mileage of engines, and making the production of fuels
from normal raw materials more efficient.
Better Air Quality: Nanotechnology can improve the performance of catalysts

used to transform vapors escaping from cars or industrial plants into harmless
gasses. That's because catalysts made from nanoparticles have a greater surface
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area to interact with the reacting chemicals than catalysts made from larger particles.
The larger surface area allows more chemicals to interact with the catalyst
simultaneously, which makes the catalyst more effective.
Cleaner Water: Nanotechnology is being used to develop solutions to three

very different problems in water quality. One challenge is the removal of industrial
wastes, such as a cleaning solvent called trichloroethylene (TCE), from groundwater.
Nanoparticles can be used to convert the contaminating chemical through a
chemical reaction to make it harmless. Studies have shown that this method can be
used successfully to reach contaminates dispersed in underground ponds and at
much lower cost than methods which require pumping the water out of the ground for
treatment.
Chemical Sensors: Nanotechnology can enable sensors to detect very small

amounts of chemical vapors. Various types of detecting elements, such as carbon
nanotubes, zinc oxide nanowires or palladium nanoparticles can be used in
nanotechnology-based sensors. Because of the small size of nanotubes, nanowires,
or nanoparticles, a few gas molecules are sufficient to change the electrical
properties of the sensing elements. This allows the detection of a very low
concentration of chemical vapors.
Sporting Goods: If you're a tennis or golf fan, you'll be glad to hear that even
sporting goods has wandered into the nano realm. Current nanotechnology
applications in the sports arena include increasing the strength of tennis racquets,
filling any imperfections in club shaft materials and reducing the rate at which air
leaks from tennis balls.
Fabric: Making composite fabric with nano-sized particles or fibers allows

improvement of fabric properties without a significant increase in weight, thickness,
or stiffness as might have been the case with previously-used techniques.
Top 5 trendy nanotechnology applications
More speed – think of a mode of transport, car, motorbike, pushbike, boat,

plane, etc. now apply a nanotechnology coating that makes the surface ultra-smooth
through self-assembling nanoparticles that fill the space between the paint molecules
and metal frame. Ultra-smooth equals less friction, which equals more speed from
the same sized engine, more miles from the same tank of fuel, cheaper flights, and
shorter flying/crossing times.
More distance - Nano-composite is replacing traditional materials used in

manufacturing of golf clubs, making them lighter and stronger. For example,
nanomaterials are used to increase the power and accuracy of the club by lowering
its weight and centre of gravity. Applying new materials to golf balls has allowed the
ball to fly along a much straighter path and avoid an uneven spin. Similarly other
sports are targets of nanotechnology, tennis balls that don’t lose their bounce over
time, go further and faster, racquets that are stronger and more stable, sports shoes
that are soft and flexible but retain their shape…and don’t smell!
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More performance – when you want your body to perform better. Wearable
fitness technology has helped us, but what if we had sensors inside our body that
Bluetooth to our smartphone and told us if our energy levels were too low to compete
for our body art and performance (PB). The same sensors could predict an
oncoming cold and prescribe a reduced training or rest period to prevent it. These
are where the nanotechnology gives us information that allows us to control a
change to affect performance.
Trendy clothes – are those that repel water so they don’t get wet, that warm
up when it gets cold on the ski slopes, or cool down when you are on the beach.
Swimming trunks that hold 2% water rather than 50% so you go faster in the water.
Clothes that don’t need washing because they don’t get dirty or smell. Ultra-smooth
low wind resistant clothes that allow you to go faster for longer.
Nanotechnology applications in textiles
Eternal youth – it’s all about you. Anti-wrinkle creams that penetrate deeper
into your skin, hair products that keep your hair colour, sun creams that enable you
to stay protected in the sun from UV, and eyesight products that stay the need for
reading glasses are all either already using nanotechnology, or are currently being
researched.
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This part will be posted to our Google Classroom
Self-Check Test
***
References
Kumar, D. (2006). Nanoworld of Science and Technology. http://www.theaic.org/publication/

Archives/thechemist/The_Chemist_Vol_83_Issue_1_2006/nanoworld_sci_tech.pdf
ScienceDaily (2020). Nanotechnology. Sciencedaily.com/terma/nanotechnology.htm
Wikipedia (2020). Nanotechnology. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. en.wikipedia.org
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Lesson 4: Gene Therapy
Overview
The issue on gene therapy poses potential benefits as well as detriments to

global health. The benefits and detriments of gene therapy finally affect the health of
human beings. It is therefore important to be kept abreast of what gene therapy is all
about and its accompanying benefits and detriments.
This lesson discusses the gene therapy and its various forms, and the
benefits and detriments to global health.
Learning Outcomes
1. Describe gene therapy and its various forms.
2. Assess the issue’s potential benefits and detriments of gene therapy to global
health.
3. Identify the benefits and detriments of gene therapy to global health.
Learning Content
Gene Therapy and Its Various Forms
Gene therapy is a form of therapy that involves inserting one or more

corrective genes that have been designed in the laboratory, into the genetic material
of a patient's cells to cure a genetic disease. It is an experimental form of treatment.
It works by replacing a faulty disease-causing gene with a working version, or by
introducing a new gene to cure a condition or modify its effects. The aim is to
eliminate genetic diseases at their source.
Viruses function by delivering their genetic material into the host cell to create
more of their virus in the body. The genetically engineered virus is created so that it
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cannot reproduce but it will use the gene’s DNA to deliver it directly to a cell that is
not functioning. This treatment is being used for only certain groups of cells that
need to be functioning correctly. The expression of the new gene or genes can then
alter the DNA or RNA transcript used to synthesis proteins and therefore correct the
disease.
Gene therapy using an adenovirus vector: A new gene is injected into an
adenovirus vector, which is used to introduce the modified DNA into a human cell. If
the treatment is successful, the new gene will make a functional protein. .Gene
therapy is an experimental technique that uses genes to treat or prevent disease. In
the future, this technique may allow doctors to treat a disorder by inserting a gene
into a patient’s cells instead of using drugs or surgery. Researchers are testing
several approaches to gene therapy, including:
● Replacing a mutated gene that causes disease with a healthy copy of the
gene.
● Inactivating, or “knocking out,” a mutated gene that is functioning improperly.
● Introducing a new gene into the body to help fight a disease.
Scientists do not really know what makes a cell malfunction, causing harm
rather than performing its natural function. However, with new scientific gene therapy
improvements, we can replace abnormal or absent genes with healthy ones that
enable cells to produce useful proteins.
Cell and gene therapies are revolutionizing cancer treatment by repairing,

replacing, or destroying cancerous cells; activating our powerful natural immune
systems; re-engineering cells to trigger killer cells to attack; injecting viruses directly
into tumors to spark a quick response.
When a cell does not work properly or is absent, a genetically engineered

gene is inserted into the cell. In order for proper functioning of the cell the gene
needs to be inserted correctly into the target cell to avoid causing any adverse
effects.
Genes are often delivered to cells by deactivated or specially modified viruses

that target and destroy cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed.
The challenge for nations experimenting with gene therapy is to come up with
workable, fair and ethical guidelines for its use.
This type of therapy is called ‘therapeutic gene therapy’ or ‘the use of genes
as medicine’. It is an experimental form of treatment that is still being developed, but
it has the potential to revolutionise treatment for all kinds of genetic conditions.
Gene therapy targets the faulty genes responsible for genetic diseases.
Inheriting a faulty (mutated) gene can directly cause a wide range of disorders such
as cystic fibrosis and haemophilia. It can also cause susceptibility to some cancers.
Gene therapy can be used to replace a faulty gene with a healthy version or to
introduce a new gene that can cure a condition or modify its effects. It is an
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experimental form of treatment that is still in its infancy but has the potential to
revolutionise treatment for all kinds of genetic diseases.
Genes are the blueprint for our bodies, providing information for the cells to
produce proteins and enzymes to control our growth, development and health. A
genetic mutation means that a gene contains a variation or ‘spelling mistake’ that
disrupts the gene message. Sometimes, the whole or part of the gene is missing
(deleted). These changes can make the gene faulty. A mutation can occur
spontaneously or may be inherited.
Inheriting one or both copies of a faulty gene can cause a wide range of
conditions such as haemophilia and cystic fibrosis, and can also result in increased
susceptibility to some cancers. Gene therapy targets the faulty genes responsible for
a genetic condition. Gene therapy can be used to replace a faulty gene copy with a
working version or to introduce a new gene that can cure a condition or modify its
effects.
Gene therapy is an innovative approach to treating many different cancer

types at the molecular level. Our scientists have done years of careful research
introducing genetic materials into genes to prevent or fight disease. Genes are
responsible for every aspect of cell life: they hold the code for proteins that enable
cells to grow, function and divide. When genes are not properly functioning or are
missing or defective, the goal of gene therapy is to fix the problems at the source
using cell and gene therapy.
Several approaches to gene therapy are being tested, including:
● Replacing a mutated gene that causes disease with a healthy copy of

the gene
● Inactivating, or “knocking out,” a mutated gene that is functioning
improperly
● Introducing a new gene into the body to help fight a disease
In general, a gene cannot be directly inserted into a person’s cell. It must be

delivered to the cell using a carrier, or vector. Vector systems can be divided into:
● Viral Vectors
● Non-viral Vectors
Currently, the most common type of vectors are viruses that have been
genetically altered to carry normal human DNA (see also Wiley database on vectors
used in gene therapy trials). Viruses have evolved a way of encapsulating and
delivering their genes to human cells in a pathogenic manner. Scientists have tried to
harness this ability by manipulating the viral genome to remove disease-causing
genes and insert therapeutic ones.
Target cells such as the patient's liver or lung cells are infected with the vector.
The vector then unloads its genetic material containing the therapeutic human gene
into the target cell. The generation of a functional protein product from the
therapeutic gene restores the target cell to a normal state.
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The delivery of DNA into cells can be accomplished by multiple methods. The
two major classes are recombinant viruses (sometimes called biological
nanoparticles or viral vectors) and naked DNA or DNA complexes (non-viral
methods).
Viral vector: In order to replicate, viruses introduce their genetic material into
the host cell, tricking the host's cellular machinery into using it as blueprints for viral
proteins. Retroviruses go a stage further by having their genetic material copied into
the genome of the host cell. Scientists exploit this by substituting a virus's genetic
material with therapeutic DNA. (The term 'DNA' may be an oversimplification, as
some viruses contain RNA, and gene therapy could take this form as well.) A
number of viruses have been used for human gene therapy, including retroviruses,
adenoviruses, herpes simplex, vaccinia, and adeno-associated virus. Like the
genetic material (DNA or RNA) in viruses, therapeutic DNA can be designed to
simply serve as a temporary blueprint that is degraded naturally or (at least
theoretically) to enter the host's genome, becoming a permanent part of the host's
DNA in infected cells.
Non-viral: Non-viral methods present certain advantages over viral methods, such as
large scale production and low host immunogenicity. However, non-viral methods
initially produced lower levels of transfection and gene expression, and thus lower
therapeutic efficacy. Later technology remedied this deficiency.
Methods for non-viral gene therapy include the injection of naked DNA,
electroporation, the gene gun, sonoporation, magnetofection, the use of
oligonucleotides, lipoplexes, dendrimers, and inorganic nanoparticles.
The basic steps of gene therapy include:
● The faulty gene that causes a specific condition must be identified.

● The location of the affected cells in the body’s tissues or organs must be
pinpointed.
● A working version of the gene must be available.
● The working version of the gene has to be delivered to the cell.
The current problem is to find a way to successfully ‘deliver’ the working

version of the gene. To begin with, the affected cells are taken from the person’s
body and the working version of the gene is either ‘spliced’ or injected into these
cells. They are left to grow in the laboratory and then replaced into the person.
Promising technique is to put the working gene inside a harmless virus, which
has had most of its own genes removed – it has been ‘deactivated’. A virus that
causes disease (such as the common cold) works by slipping into a cell, taking over
its DNA and forcing it to produce more viruses. Similarly, a deactivated virus can
enter the specific cell and deliver the working gene.
Other techniques involve using stem cells. These are immature cells that have
the potential to develop into cells with different functions. In this technique, stem cells
are manipulated in the laboratory to accept new genes that can then change their
behaviour. For example, a gene might be inserted into a stem cell that could make it
better able to survive chemotherapy. This would be of assistance to those patients
who could benefit from further chemotherapy following stem cell transplantation.
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A replaced, working gene that is inserted into the cells in the body that are
affected (called the ‘somatic’ cells) would cure the individual. It would not prevent
their children from inheriting the original faulty gene, however, as these are carried
on the sperm and egg cells (called ‘germ’ cells).
To make sure that future generations of the person’s family were not affected
by the genetic condition, their germ cells would need to undergo gene therapy too.
However, a complicated range of ethical issues, as well as technical problems,
means that gene therapy of germ cells is only a remote possibility.
Following early advances in genetic engineering of bacteria, cells, and small

animals, scientists started considering how to apply it to medicine. Two main
approaches were considered – replacing or disrupting defective genes. Scientists
focused on diseases caused by single-gene defects, such as cystic fibrosis,
haemophilia, muscular dystrophy, thalassemia, and sickle cell anemia. Glybera
treats one such disease, caused by a defect in lipoprotein lipase.
DNA must be administered, reach the damaged cells, enter the cell and either
express or disrupt a protein. Multiple delivery techniques have been explored. The
initial approach incorporated DNA into an engineered virus to deliver the DNA into a
chromosome. Naked DNA approaches have also been explored, especially in the
context of vaccine development.
Gene editing is a potential approach to alter the human genome to treat

genetic diseases, viral diseases, and cancer.
The Future of Gene Therapy
As of now, there are 3 approved gene therapies on the market.
Kymriah was approved in 2017 for pediatric relapsed and refractory acute
lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and was approved in 2018 for adults with diffuse large
B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Also in 2017, Yescarta, another CAR T cell therapy, was
approved for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Although not for cancer, Luxturna, which
treats an inherited form of blindness, is the US approved gene therapy that targets a
specific gene mutation.
We still have a long way to go to revolutionize treatments for all types of

cancers and for all patients, but as one researcher has said, “we are now in the
golden age of cancer gene therapy.”
Benefits and Detriments of Gene Therapy

to Global Health
Although gene therapy is a promising treatment option for a number of

diseases (including inherited disorders, some types of cancer, and certain viral
infections), the technique remains risky and is still under study to make sure that it
will be safe and effective. Gene therapy is currently being tested only for diseases
that have no other cures.
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Gene therapy is currently an experimental discipline and much research
remains to be done before this approach to the treatment of disease will realise its
full potential. Between 1989 and 2010, 1698 clinical gene therapy trials were initiated
or approved worldwide. So far, less than one per cent of these have shown clinical
benefit.
The majority of trials are being conducted in the US and Europe, with only a
modest number initiated in other countries, including Australia (1.6%). Most trials
focus on treating acquired conditions such as cancer and AIDS, although an
increasing number of genetic conditions are being targeted.
The Risks of Gene Therapy
● The immune system may respond to the working gene copy that has
been inserted by causing inflammation.
● The working gene might be slotted into the wrong spot.
● The working gene might produce too much of the missing enzyme or
protein, causing other health problems
● Other genes may be accidentally delivered to the cell.
● The deactivated virus might target other cells as well as the intended
cells.
● The deactivated virus may be contagious.
Gene therapy offers a range of complex ethical and moral dilemmas. Some
people believe that gene therapy is the same thing as genetic engineering. Currently,
genetic engineering is concerned with altering food crops, while gene therapy aims
to eliminate disease at its source, not produce a ‘better’ class of human being.
The concern is that manipulating factors such as intelligence might be tried,

once gene therapy becomes commonplace. ‘Ordinary’ characteristics, such as
shortness or average IQ, might then be considered ‘subnormal’.
Another concern is that gene therapy might only be available to the rich. The
challenge for nations experimenting with gene therapy is to come up with workable,
fair and ethical guidelines for its use.
A risk involved with retroviruses is that they may stitch
Gene therapy is the addition of new genes to a patient's cells to replace

missing or malfunctioning genes. Researchers typically do this using a virus to carry
the genetic cargo into cells, because that’s what viruses evolved to do with their own
genetic material.
The treatment, which was first tested in humans in 1990, can be performed
inside or outside of the body. When it’s done inside the body, doctors may inject the
virus carrying the gene in question directly into the part of the body that has defective
cells. This is useful when only certain populations of cells need to be “fixed.” For
example, researchers are using it to try to treat Parkinson's disease, because only
part of the brain must be targeted. This approach is also being used to treat eye
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diseases and hemophilia, an inherited disease that leads to a high risk for excess
bleeding, even from minor cuts.
Early in-the-body gene therapies used a virus called adenovirus—the virus

behind the common cold—but the agent can cause an immune response from the
body, putting a patient at risk of further illness. Today, researchers use a virus called
adeno-associated virus, which is not known to cause any disease in humans. In
nature, this agent needs to hitch a ride with an adenovirus, because it lacks the
genes required to spread itself on its own. To produce an adeno-associated virus
that can carry a therapeutic gene and live on its own, researchers add innocuous
DNA from adenovirus during preparation.
In-the-body gene therapies often take advantage of the natural tendency of

viruses to infect certain organs. Adeno-associated virus, for example, goes straight
for the liver when it is injected into the bloodstream. Because blood-clotting factors
can be added to the blood in the liver, this virus is used in gene therapies to treat
hemophilia.
In out-of-the-body gene therapy, researchers take blood or bone marrow from

a patient and separate out immature cells. They then add a gene to those cells and
inject them into the bloodstream of the patient; the cells travel to the bone marrow,
mature and multiply rapidly, eventually replacing all of the defective cells. Doctors
are working on the ability to do out-of-the-body gene therapy to replace all of a
patient's bone marrow or the entire blood system, as would be useful in sickle-cell
anemia—in which red blood cells are shaped like crescents, causing them to block
the flow of blood.
Out-of-the-body gene therapy has already been used to treat severe

combined immunodeficiency—also referred to as SCID or boy-in-the-bubble
syndrome—where patients are unable to fight infection and die in childhood. In this
type of gene therapy, scientists use retroviruses, of which HIV is an example. These
agents are extremely good at inserting their genes into the DNA of host cells. More
than 30 patients have been treated for SCID, and more than 90 percent of those
children have been cured of their disorder—an improvement over the 50 percent
chance of recovery offered by bone marrow transplants.
***
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The link for this part will be posted tour Google Classroom
Self-Check Test
References
ScienceDaily (2020). Gene Therapy. Sciencedaily.com/terms/gene_therapy.htm
Wikipedia. (2020). Gene Therapy. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_therapy
Zwaka, T. (2019). Use of Genetically Modified Stem Cells in Experimental Gene Therapies.
https://stemcells.nih.gov/info/Regenerative_Medicine/2006Chapter4.htm
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Lesson 5: Climate Change and the Energy Crisis
Overview
This lesson discusses the causes of climate change and its various impacts to
human lives and other aspects in which humans depend on for living.
If the society is well-equipped with the knowledge on what climate change is

along with its causes and effects, the society could greatly contribute on the
mitigation, and if possible in the prevention in order to minimize the negative impacts
to human lives.
Learning Outcomes
1. Identify the causes of climate change.
2. Assess the various impacts of climate change including economic,

geopolitical, biological, and meteorological.
3. Apply STS concepts to the issue of climate change.
Learning Content
Climate Change
Climate change refers to significant, long-term changes in the global climate.

The global climate is the connected system of sun, earth and oceans, wind, rain and
snow, forests, deserts and savannas, and everything people do, too. The climate of a
place, say New York, can be described as its rainfall, changing temperatures during
the year and so on. But the global climate is more than the “average” of the climates
of specific places.
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A description of the global climate includes how, for example, the rising
temperature of the Pacific feeds typhoons which blow harder, drop more rain and
cause more damage, but also shifts global ocean currents that melt Antarctica ice
which slowly makes sea level rise until New York will be under water. It is this
systemic connectedness that makes global climate change so important and so
complicated.
Global warming is the slow increase in the average temperature of the earth’s
atmosphere because an increased amount of the energy (heat) striking the earth
from the sun is being trapped in the atmosphere and not radiated out into space.
The earth’s atmosphere has always acted like a greenhouse to capture the
sun’s heat, ensuring that the earth has enjoyed temperatures that permitted the
emergence of life forms as we know them, including humans.
Without our atmospheric greenhouse the earth would be very cold. Global
warming, however, is the equivalent of a greenhouse with high efficiency reflective
glass installed the wrong way around. So much heat is being kept inside greenhouse
earth that the temperature of the earth is going up faster than at any previous time in
history.
Global Warming Drives Climate Change
Heat is energy and when you add energy to any system changes occur.
Because all systems in the global climate system are connected, adding heat energy
causes the global climate as a whole to change.
Much of the world is covered with ocean which heats up. When the ocean
heats up, more water evaporates into clouds.
Where storms like hurricanes and typhoons are forming, the result is more
energy-intensive storms. A warmer atmosphere makes glaciers and mountain snow
packs, the Polar ice cap, and the great ice shield jutting off of Antarctica melt raising
sea levels.
Changes in temperature change the great patterns of wind that bring the
monsoons in Asia and rain and snow around the world, making drought and
unpredictable weather more common.
Causes of Global Warming
Climate change causes – Scientists attribute current atmospheric warming to

human activities that have increased the amount of carbon containing gases in the
upper atmosphere and to increased amounts of tiny particles in the lower
atmosphere.
Specifically, gases released primarily by the burning of fossil fuels and the tiny
particles produced by incomplete burning trap the sun’s energy in the atmosphere.
Scientists call these gases “greenhouse gases” (GHGs) because they act like the
wrong way reflective glass in our global greenhouse. Natural sources of GHGs and
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black carbon include forest fires, savanna fires and volcanos. Fossil fuel and related
uses of coal and petroleum are the most important sources of GHGs and black
carbon (power generation, industry, transportation, buildings).
Global warming (Source: climate.nasa.gov)
Scientists call the tiny particles ‘black carbon’ (you call it soot or smoke) and
attribute their warming effect to the fact that the resulting layer of black particles in
the lower atmosphere absorbs heat like a black blanket.
This warming trend has accelerated as we have increased our use of fossil
fuels to include gasoline, diesel, kerosene and natural gas, as well as the
petrochemicals (plastics, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers) we now make from oil.
Scientists attribute the current warming trend to the use of fossil fuels
because using them releases into the atmosphere stores of carbon that were
sequestered (buried) millions of years ago.
The addition of this “old” carbon to the world’s current stock of carbon,
scientists have concluded, is what is heating our earth which causes global warming.
Black carbon (BC) is tiny particles of carbon released as a result of the

incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels and biomass. These particles are
extremely small, ranging from 10 µm (micrometers), one thirtieth the width of a
human hair and small enough to pass through the walls of the human lung and into
the bloodstream.
Although BC – think of the plume of smoke from a chimney or a fire – falls out
of the lower atmosphere in days, while it is suspended in the air, it absorbs the sun’s
heat millions of times more effectively than CO2. When wind carries BC over snow,
glaciers or ice caps where it falls out onto the white, normally reflective surface, it is
particularly damaging because it contributes directly to melting. Overall, BC is
considered the second biggest contributor to global warming after CO2.
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Agriculture is the second most important source (animals – cows and pigs),
feed production, chemical intensive food production, and flooded paddy rice
production, as well as deforestation driven by the desire to expand cultivated areas.
The most compelling climate change evidence scientists have of climate

change is long term data relating atmospheric CO2 levels and global temperature,
sea level, the expanse of ice, the fossil record and the distribution of species.
This data, which goes back millions of years, shows a strong correlation
between CO2 levels and temperature. Recent data shows a trend of increasing
temperature and rising CO2 levels beginning in the early 19th century.
Because all parts of the global climate are connected, scientists have been
able to create models of how changes caused by heating should work their way
through the entire system and appear in different areas, for example, sea level,
intemperate weather, the movement of fish species in the ocean. In specific
instances, for example, CO2 levels, temperature and ocean pH, the chemical
processes are traceable proving direct causal connection.
Most Important Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)
The most common and most talked about greenhouse gases is CO2 or carbon
dioxide. In fact, because it is so common, scientists use it as the benchmark or
measure of things that warm the atmosphere.
Methane, another important GHG, for example, is 28-36 times as warming as

CO2 when in the upper atmosphere.
CO2 or carbon dioxide is produced any time something is burned. It is the

most common GHG, constituting by some measures almost 55% of total long-term
GHGs.
The Greenhouse Effect (Source: https://socractic.org.environmental-science
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Methane or CH4 is produced in many combustion processes and also by
anaerobic decomposition, for example, in flooded rice paddies, pig and cow
stomachs, and pig manure ponds. Methane breaks down in approximately 10 years,
but is a precursor of ozone, itself an important GHG.
Nitrous oxide in parean (laughing gas), NO/N2O or simply NOx is a byproduct

of fertilizer production and use, other industrial processes and the combustion of
certain materials. Nitrous oxide lasts a very long time in the atmosphere, but at the
100 year point of comparison to CO2; its GWP is 265-298.
Fluorinated gases were created as replacements for ozone depleting

refrigerants, but have proved to be both extremely long lasting and extremely
warming GHGs. They have no natural sources, but are entirely man-made. At the
100 year point of comparison, their GWPs range from 1,800 to 8,000 and some
variants top 10,000.
Sulphur hexafluoride or SF6 is used for specialized medical procedures, but

primarily in what are called dielectric materials, especially dielectric liquids. These
are used as insulators in high voltage applications such as transformers and grid
switching gear. SF6 will last thousands of years in the upper atmosphere and has a
GWP of 22,800.
Managing Climate Change
To date, the effort to manage climate change has been a matter of high level
diplomatic negotiations involving states and international organizations with a loud,
but largely excluded fringe of NGOs, business groups, and minor political actors.
The logic for this is that global climate change affects us all, but individual
countries can manage only the activities that take place within their borders; to
confront a global problem, we need a global solution. As the United Nations history
of these negotiations begins:
“Climate change is a global challenge and requires a global solution.

Greenhouse gas emissions have the same impact on the atmosphere whether they
originate in Washington, London or Beijing. Consequently, action by one country to
reduce emissions will do little to slow global warming unless other countries act as
well. Ultimately, an effective strategy will require commitments and action by all the
major emitting countries.”
The global effort to manage climate change has been organized through what
is called the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The UNFCCC was launched at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit to achieve GHG
concentrations
Today, when you dump the GHGs and black carbon from burning coal into the
air, you pay nothing. But a clean atmosphere is a limited resource; the atmosphere
will absorb only so much GHGs and black carbon before it is not clean, at which
point it is costly to clean it. Logically, there is no reason why businesses that pay for
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a scarce resource like coal as an input should not pay for a scarce resource like the
environment as a disposal site.
This is called “costing” or “accounting” the environment. If the environment is

included among the basic costs of doing business that all businesses plan into their
profit and loss statements, then “managing climate change” would no longer be an
expensive extra. It would be a standard cost of doing business.
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth’s surface.
When the Sun’s energy reaches the Earth’s atmosphere, some of it is reflected back
to space and the rest is absorbed and re-radiated by greenhouse gases. This
blanket of greenhouse gases serves as the Earth’s insulator, of which without it, ours
will be a called dead planet.
Greenhouse gases include water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous

oxide, ozone and some artificial chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
Carbon dioxide and methane in particular, trap the heat radiated by the sun.
The problem we now face is that human activities are increasing the
concentrations of greenhouse gases. From NASA’s observation, the increase and
too much concentration of these greenhouse gases can cause Earth's atmosphere to
trap more and more heat that warms up the planet leading to a phenomenon called
global warming.
Climate Change Impact
Because the global climate is a connected system climate change impacts are
felt everywhere. Among the most important climate change impacts are:
Rising Sea Levels: Average sea level around the world rose about 8 inches
(20 cm) in the past 100 years; climate scientists expect it to rise more and more
rapidly in the next 100 years as part of climate change impacts.
Coastal cities such as New York are already seeing an increased number of
flooding events and by 2050 many such cities may require seawalls to survive.
Estimates vary, but conservatively sea levels are expected to rise 1 to 4 feet (30 to
100 cm), enough to flood many small Pacific island states, famous beach resorts and
coastal cities (Bangkok, Boston).rapidly in the next 100 years as part of climate
change impacts.
Melting Ice: Projections suggest climate change impacts within the next 100
years, if not sooner, the world’s glaciers will have disappeared, as will the Polar ice
cap, and the huge Antarctic ice shelf, Greenland may be green again, and snow will
have become a rare phenomenon at what are now the world’s most popular ski
resorts.
Torrential downpours and more powerful storms: While the specific conditions
that produce rainfall will not change, climate change impacts the amount of water in
the atmosphere and will increase producing violent downpours instead of steady
showers when it does rain.
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Hurricanes and typhoons: Climate change is raising sea levels and increasing
the number of major storms and floods.
Heatwaves and droughts: Despite downpours in some places, droughts and

prolonged heatwaves will become common.
Rising temperatures are hardly surprising, although they do not mean that
some parts of the world will not “enjoy” record cold temperatures and terrible winter
storms. (Heating disturbs the entire global weather system and can shift cold upper
air currents as well as hot dry ones. Single snowballs and snowstorms do not make
climate change refutations.)
Increasingly, however, hot, dry places will get hotter and drier, and places that
were once temperate and had regular rainfall will become much hotter and much
drier.
The string of record high temperature years and the record number of global
droughts of the past decade will become the norm, not the surprise that they have
seemed.
Changing ecosystems: As the world warms, entire ecosystems will move.

Already rising temperatures at the equator have pushed such staple crops as rice
north into once cooler areas, many fish species have migrated long distances to stay
in waters that are the proper temperature for them.
Farmers in temperate zones are finding drier conditions difficult for crops such
as corn and wheat, and once prime growing zones are now threatened.
Reduced food security: One of the most striking impacts of rising

temperatures is felt in global agriculture, although these impacts are felt very
differently in the largely temperate developed world and in the more tropical
developing world.
Different crops grow best at quite specific temperatures and when those
temperatures change, their productivity changes significantly.
The productivity of rice, the staple food of more than one third of the world’s
population, declines 10% with every 1⁰ C increase in temperature.
Past climate induced problems have been offset by major advances in rice
technology and ever larger applications of fertilizer; expectations are that in Thailand,
the world’s largest exporter of rice, however, future increases in temperatures may
reduce production 25% by 2050.
Pests and Disease: Rising temperatures favor agricultural pests, diseases

and disease vectors. Pest populations are on the rise and illnesses once found only
in limited, tropical areas are now becoming endemic in much wider zones.
In Southeast Asia, for example, where malaria had been reduced to a wet
season only disease in most areas, it is again endemic almost everywhere year
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around. Likewise, dengue fever, once largely confined to tropical areas, has become
endemic to the entire region.
Increased temperatures also increase the reproduction rates of microbes and

insects, speeding up the rate at which they develop resistance to control measures
and drugs (a problem already observed with malaria in Southeast Asia).
Energy Crisis
The energy crisis is the concern that the world’s demands on the limited
natural resources that are used to power industrial society are diminishing as the
demand rises. These natural resources are in limited supply. While they do occur
naturally, it can take hundreds of thousands of years to replenish the stores.
Governments and concerned individuals are working to make the use of renewable
resources a priority, and to lessen the irresponsible use of natural supplies through
increased conservation.
The energy crisis is something that is ongoing and getting worse, despite
many efforts. The reason for this is that there is not a broad understanding of the
complex causes and solutions for the energy crisis that will allow for an effort to
happen that will resolve it.
“An energy crisis is any great bottleneck (or price rise) in the supply of energy
resources to an economy. In popular literature though, it often refers to one of the
energy sources used at a certain time and place, particularly those that supply
national electricity grids or serve as fuel for
Causes
Most energy crisis has been caused by localized shortages, wars and market
manipulation. Some have argued that government actions like tax hikes,
nationalisation of energy companies, and regulation of the energy sector, shift supply
and demand of energy away from its economic equilibrium. However, the recent
historical energy crisis listed below was not caused by such factors. Market failure is
possible when monopoly manipulation of markets occurs. A crisis can develop due to
industrial actions like union organized strikes and government embargoes. The
cause may be over-consumption, aging infrastructure, choke point disruption or
bottlenecks at oil refineries and port facilities that restrict fuel supply. An emergency
may emerge during very cold winters due to increased consumption of energy.
Pipeline failures and other accidents may cause minor interruptions to energy
supplies. A crisis could possibly emerge after infrastructure damage from severe
weather. Attacks by terrorists or militia on important infrastructure are a possible
problem for energy consumers, with a successful strike on a Middle East facility
potentially causing global shortages. Political events, for example, when
governments change due to regime change, monarchy collapse, military occupation,
and coup may disrupt oil and gas production and create shortages. Fuel shortage
can also be due to the excess and useless use of the fuels.
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How secure is our access to energy?
The security of global energy supplies continues to be problematic. Today, oil

and gas reserves are in the hands of a small group of nations, several of which are
considered political unstable or have testy relationships with large consuming
countries. Eighty per cent of the world’s proven oil reserves are located in just three
regions: Africa; Russia and the Caspian Basin; and the Persian Gulf. And more than
half of the world’s remaining proven gas reserves exist in just three countries:
Russia, Iran, and Qatar.
Concerns over energy security prompt policymakers to seek independence

from foreign sources of energy. In Europe, new coal-fired power stations are back on
the political agenda, partly because Russia is no longer seen as a reliable supplier of
gas. In the US, home-grown biofuels have been promoted by successive
administrations as an alternative to Middle Eastern oil imports, despite being more
expensive. These reactions are a natural consequence. The more governments can
extract themselves from the dependence on foreign energy resources, the more
secure they feel.
Energy Crisis Solutions
The good news is that there are ways to reduce the energy crisis:
Energy transition to renewable energy sources: Unlike fossil fuels, some

energy sources are totally renewable, and do not emit greenhouse gases. These
clean and sustainable alternative energy solutions include solar energy, hydropower,
wind energy, geothermal energy and biomass energy.
Energy efficiency and conservation: In order to prevent an energy crisis, it is

also crucial that we consume less energy by improving and modernising energy
infrastructure such as smart grid solutions, and smart cities. It is also important that
we replace old devices by energy efficient solutions, such as replacing traditional
light bulbs by LEDs.
Climate Change Affect the Energy We Use
Emissions of carbon dioxide into the Earth’s atmosphere – primarily as a

result of burning fossil fuels for energy – are thought to be the cause of rising global
temperatures. The scientific evidence to support this assertion has become
increasingly compelling in recent years, suggesting a need for urgent and concerted
action by all nations to prevent ecological degradation on a massive scale.
For the first time in history we face an energy crisis not because we might run
out of energy, but because we are using it in the wrong way. Up to now the energy
industry was judged by two metrics: its contribution to energy security and the cost of
energy delivered to the consumer. To this we must now add a third: its success in
reducing the emission of greenhouse gases, chiefly carbon dioxide, into the
atmosphere.
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The energy crisis stems from the foreseeable end of the cycle of oil, gas and
coal, which, in addition, have been producing a considerable increase in greenhouse
gases (GHG).
In recent years, many scientists have raised their voice to warn about climate
change, caused notably by the burning of oil and coal in order to produce energy.
Global energy consumption is increasing and we will face a shortage of fossil

fuels in the coming decades. Therefore, the availability of reserves is an important
source of concern.
Our current consumption model relies almost entirely on the use of

non-renewable energy sources such as oil, gas, coal and uranium. At the current
rate of consumption, oil will be the first fossil fuel to run out. According to projections,
there would be between 40 and 60 years of proven reserves of conventional oil.
Natural gas could be exploited for another 70 years. For coal, there would be around
two centuries of reserves.
Another reason for energy shortage is the poor infrastructure of power

generating equipment. Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated
equipment that limits energy production. The need to upgrade the infrastructure and
set a high standard of performance is critical.
The massive use of traditional energy sources leads - among other things - to
the increase of greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide (CO2), resulting in
global warming and harming the environment and biodiversity. Therefore, the energy
crisis is closely linked to the environmental crisis.
Energy security is one of the major concerns of the main economic centers of
the planet. In fact, energy conditions the possibility of growth, which is essential to
the market economy and its development model. The energy crisis could thus have a
dramatic impact on the global economy. Besides, when energy markets fail, an
energy shortage develops. Energy shortages and resulting economic factors may
create socio-political issues.
***
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The link for this part will be posted to our Google Classroom
Self-Check Test
***
References
Birog, M. (Undated). Solutions on Global Energy and Environmental Crisis: The Philippine
Creative Approach. University of the Philippines Los Banos. https://www.nodal.
ac.jp/cip/iss/English/9th_iss/fullpaper/3-2uplb-birog.pdf
Counsell, S. and Goodland, R. (2008). Climate Change and the Energy Crisis. https://www.
Iucn.org/downloads/pm 16_section_1.pdf
Wikipedia. (2019). Alternative Energy.. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_

energy
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Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology

General Education Unit

Science, Technology and Society

Lesson 1: The Information Age (Gutenberg to Social Media) 1-17

Development of Information Age 1-3

Inventions and Innovations of the Information Age 3-4

Impacts of Information Age on Society 4-5

Social Media 5-8

Lesson 2: Biodiversity and the Healthy Society 18-37

Biodiversity and Human Health 18-22

The Roles of Science and Technology in

Genetically Modified Organisms: Science, Health,

Lesson 3: The Nano World 38-56

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology 38-40

Human Health Risks of Nanotechnology 40-42

Latest Advances in Nanotechnology 42-44

Lesson 4: Gene Therapy 57-74

Gene Therapy and Its Various Forms 57-61

Benefits and Detriments of Gene Therapy 61-63

Lesson 5: Climate Change and the Energy Crisis 75-93

Climate Change 75-82

Energy Crisis 82-83

Climate Change and Energy We Use 83-84

Subject Code: GESCIETS

Lesson 1: The Information Age (Gutenberg to Social Media)

Development of Information Age

Influences of the Past on the Information Age

The Scientific Revolution changed the modern era by introducing important

The Industrial Revolution brought about major changes in agriculture,

Birth of Information Age

According to the United Nations Public Administration Network, the

Inventions and Innovations of the Information Age

ELECTRONIC MAIL, or EMAIL, was a convenient way to send a message to

Impacts of the Information Age on Society

The Information Age has changed people, technology, science, economies,

The Internet has turned society into homebodies, individuals who do

Advocates of the Internet cited its many advantages. The commercial

Social media are interactive computer-mediated technologies that facilitate

Some of the most popular Social Media

Example of Social Media websites

Impacts of Social Media

The digital divide is a measure of disparity in the level of access to technology

According to the Pew Research Center, a majority of Americans at least

d) Physical and Mental Health

Adolescents. Excessive use of digital technology, like social media, by

Sleep disturbances. According to a study released in 2017 by researchers

Changes in mood. Many teenagers suffer from sleep deprivation as they

e) Effects on Youth Communication

Assessment for Learning

US History (2008). Living in the Information Age. https://www.ushistory.org/us/60d

Wikipedia (2020). Information Age. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. en.wikipedia.org

Wikipedia (2020). Printing Press. Wikipedia Foundation, Inc. en.wikipedia.org

Wikipedia (2020). Social Media. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. en.wikipedia.org

Subject Code: GESCIETS

Lesson 2: Biodiversity and the Healthy Society

Biodiversity is essential for supporting human life on earth. Human health

Further, due to the controversies on the risks of biodiversity including the

1. Determine the interrelatedness of society, environment, and health.

2. Identify the roles of society in the conservation of healthy biodiversity.

Biodiversity and Human Health

Human Health Depends on Biodiversity Services

Healthy communities rely on well-functioning ecosystems that provide clean