ARTICLE ANALYSIS 1

Assignment 2: Article Analysis Science and Technology

Student’s Name

Institution

Date
 ARTICLE ANALYSIS 2

Article 1: ‘The Future of Food’

This is an article by the New York Times entitled The Future of Food; How the

agriculture industry could go from farming to “ferming.” Published to the New York Times

website in July 29, 202 by Lauren Jackson. The article examines American consumption of

animal products and non-meals. The author’s concerns are based on documentaries and current

disasters that have shown that the America's food system which is filled with farms and factories

is not sustainable without making people sick. Industrial agriculture is responsible for gas

emissions. The article adds that animal farming is the most destructive practices of all industries

on earth as it causes habitat destruction, soil degradation, wildlife loss, and water use. In the

backdrop of this argument about the unsustainability of animal-based foods, the author suggests

that protein-rich food alternatives that are far more sustainable. The article further holds that

reducing fat-rich foods and protein rich products by adopting precision fermentation could

reduce the amount of land used under animal rearing and farming as well as the amount of water

wastage.

The author proposes the solution of scaling food alternatives and adopting high protein

meat alternatives from plants. Given that it is difficult to replicate plant-based fats, the article

looks into the possibility of a fermented future. It explains advances in science where researchers

have produced animal proteins through precision fermentation. This is where specific ingredients

are isolated by scientists and are then multiplied in brewery-style tanks. The article therefore

focuses on recent innovations in precision fermentation alongside initiatives like lab-cultivated

meat as a replacement for plant-based and meat-based food alternatives.

The article relates to Module 2 of the course content focusing on science and technology

and its importance. This is because the article discusses the application of science and
 ARTICLE ANALYSIS 3

Technology in ensuring sustainability and how research and development can be used to

incentivize innovation and in navigating inherent inefficiencies. It discusses the possibilities of a

fermented future and a strategy to replace unsustainable practices using environmental

technology.

The perspective provided in the article is important in the history of science and

technology since it is a baseline for conversations going forward towards innovation and the

move from animal farming towards more sustainable, protein-rich, and accessible foods. The

article could spark interest among scientists and governments on the importance of research and

development on sustainable food production and the subsequent growth of the alternative meat

industry.

What I find most interesting about the article are the views by one Monbiot who debates

about the possibility of replacing milk, meat and eggs to take pressure off the planet. This is

based on the view by scientists that microbial proteins can be used in the production of lab-

cultivated meat which can be used to replace beef consumption. This concept of precision

fermentation and the production of animal-free milk, eggs, and meat is a wild view from the

scientists, but could be fascinating to witness.

Https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/29/podcasts/precision-fermentation.html

Article 2: Life and ethics in an 'era of genetics'

This is an article by Deutsche Welle (DW) written by Julett Pinedam on 27th July 2022

and published at www.dw.com (Pineda, 2022). The article looks into the promise of genetics and

the continuing innovations; from recreating extinct animals, to finding ways to secure human

survival on earth. It, however, questions the place of ethics in scientific genome practices.
 ARTICLE ANALYSIS 4

The article is premised on the fact that current genetic studies, and re-engineering

innovation is progressing towards development of superhumans: where individual DNA

compositions are altered to enhance their abilities and enable them to outperform others or

survive diseases. This deviation from conventional science will aim at creating the best versions

of humanity. This view of genome engineering does not factor in any ethical consequences of the

science. The author explains that earlier discoveries by scientists like Gregor Mendel laid the

foundation for genome re-engineering. Scientists are therefore able to sequence genomes and

identify the genes that are responsible for various diseases. This understanding of how genes

function has raised the ability to create therapies for illnesses. The major concerns for such future

visions are an array of philosophical and ethical questions that have not been addressed by

experts. There is the question of the morality of genome re-engineering and the question on what

makes us human and the power on what genes that can be changed. It could lead to significant

genetic oil changes that could be inherited through Generations and impact coming Generations

who do not have a view on whether they want such changes.

This article is relevant to Module 3 of the coursework on Ethics of Science and

Technology. This module focuses on the ethical guidelines which undergird science and

technological development. The article reviewed therefore looks into values and moral

responsibilities of scientists. It is also relevant to the course readings or rights and wrongs of

science in the aspect of human and animal experimentation. This is because the article looks into

the responsibility of scientists and the limits of their practice on whether they can decide on

which human genes to change. Genome re-engineering and advances in the field of genetics has

enabled scientists to develop personalized medicines and tailor treatments for specific conditions

among individuals. Genetics and the continuous innovation have enabled geneticists to improve
 ARTICLE ANALYSIS 5

diagnosis and therapies for illnesses. Continuous research aims at developing scientific

interventions on heart disease, cognitive degradation and age-related chronic diseases. This

article is important and relevant to the History of Science and Technology Because it depicts

current advancement from earlier Innovations in genetics and gives suggestions on prospective

innovations that could be adopted in the near future

The most interesting aspect of the article is a perspective brought up by the author where

they claim that genetics could be a solution to various diseases and could lead to better medicines

and a fairer Society. The author quotes Church, a geneticist, Who is playing that a lot of people

could be in poverty because they spend much time fighting infectious diseases and of bad

nutrition while we could find Ed Whiting and virtual Solutions through genetic research. This

view suggests possibilities of reducing human infection and improving health outcomes through

genome re-engineering.

Https://www.dw.com/en/life-and-ethics-in-an-era-of-genetics/a-62617465

Article 3: Here's how automation and job creation can go hand in hand

This is an article published on the weforum.org website, written by Revathi Advaithi,

Flex Chief executive officer (World Economic Forum, n.d.). The article describes how

automation will enhance job creation and the strategic transition actions that should be adopted

The author explains that the impact of automation on job creation is pegged on how

transition is managed. It then outlines the need to prepare a labor force that can handle the kind

of work that will be required once machines are used in production. The article denounces the

perception that automation in manufacturing will lead to job losses. It explains that managing

the transition by promoting a regionalized manufacturing model is a potential for more economic
 ARTICLE ANALYSIS 6

opportunities and various career pathways for the diverse workforce. The author asserts the

importance of investing in the workforce by providing the required training for the new

automated landscape. Given that artificial intelligence, robotics and other technologies in the

fourth Industrial Revolution are becoming mainstream, there is a need for a technically skilled

labor force to support this new paradigm.

The article relates to module 7 of the coursework which examines the industrial

revolution. The fourth Industrial Revolution has been characterized by artificial intelligence

robotics and more nimble technologies as a result of accelerated innovation. The article therefore

addresses how the current workforce can be integrated into the fourth Industrial Revolution

technologies. First, is the adoption of smart manufacturing on a regionalized scale. This enables

the creation of highly specialized teams and such emerging specialized roles provide individuals

with fulfilling career pathways. Rather than transferring or redeploying employees, they can

therefore be upskilled on how to perform certain specialized roles. The article therefore provides

solutions for the 4th industrial revolution on how jobs can be created through automation and

equality and a level playing field eventually created for all.

This article is important and relevant to the history of Science and Technology because it

demystifies wrongly-conceived perceptions about automation and the use of technology. The

article provides a way forward through solutions on how the benefits of automation can be

harnessed to achieve cost-effective again and more effective production. It also gives a

projection of the scenario of up to 9 million jobs that can be created through automation by 2013.

Such a projection defines an appropriate path for progress to be adopted by other stakeholders.

What I find to be the most interesting about the article is the statement by the author on

the perception that automation would lead to millions of job losses. The author, in response to
 ARTICLE ANALYSIS 7

this, explains that our responsibility is not to protect the jobs that can be done better by

machines, but instead, to prepare the labor force for the kind of work that will be required after

automation is adopted.

Https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/09/how-automation-job-creation-hand-in-hand/

Article 4: How the Gulf states are using tech to build net-zero and future-fit manufacturing

industries

The article is authored by Ahmed Sultan, Executive Director – International Offices &

Business Development and is published at the European sting website in collaboration with the

world economic forum. It examines how the Gulf Cooperation Council countries have adopted

sustainable efforts to create net zero manufacturing Industries that are future-fit. The article

explains that most of the GCC countries are seeking to build advanced modern and productive

manufacturing Industries. They achieve this by the use of renewable energy generation and

cutting-edge technology like data Analytics. The author explains that all the sectors in the GCC

countries have played a role in decarbonizing the global economy. Given that manufacturing

accounts for up to 38% of global emissions and that fossil fuels are the major source of energy in

the gulf cooperation Council countries, there was a need to adopt efforts to ensure that the center

is sustainable.

This article relates to unit 10 on Science, Technology and the Environment as it has a

keen focus on achieving sustainability in manufacturing. The article explains that green

technologies are an important part in the race towards achieving net-zero emissions. Robust

action on climate change is tacitly understood in the GCC and various sustainable Innovations
 ARTICLE ANALYSIS 8

and technological interventions have been adopted in the manufacturing sector. The gulf

cooperation Council countries Have adopted effective action on sustainability by fostering

cooperation at all levels of society continents and across borders. The article explains how

Bahrain has adopted an advanced industry that is focused on sustainability by embedding the

principles of a circular economy. The country has created a suitable environment for the private

sector to ensure innovation. Among other initiatives adopted include dross recycling aluminum

manufacturers recycle aluminum dross without carbon emissions. Countries within the gulf have

also recognized the transformative effects of solar power and is extensively used as a choice for

domestic energy supply.

The article is important for the science and technology landscape Since it gives a present-

day example of successful efforts towards sustainability in manufacturing. It provides a

framework through which technology can be infused into production, with sustainability as a

baseline. The author clearly explains the various routes that have been followed by GCC States

to achieve net-zero manufacturing. Shedding light on the innovations in the GCC states like

dross recycling, the focus of solar power, and applying the principles of a circular economy

create an understanding of the current efforts. This creates room for further improvements on

these initiatives or the adoption of similar, but more effective strategies.

A striking element about the article is its explanation on the use of cloud technologies to

increase efficiencies in the adopted sustainable strategies. The author's description of the use of

data Analytics and analysis tools within energy infrastructure to understand energy usage and

therefore adopt the required action is laudable. An example is the use of cloud-based technology

by Mondelez International to monitor its use of electricity, water and natural gas in its factories

and make a comparison with sustainability benchmarks.

 ARTICLE ANALYSIS 9

Https://europeansting.com/2022/11/17/how-the-gulf-states-are-using-tech-to-build-net-zero-and-

future-fit-manufacturing-industries/

Article 5: The Impact of 5G: Creating New Value across Industries and Society

The article is a white paper prepared by the audit firm Price Waterhouse Coopers In

collaboration with the world economic forum (PwC, 2021). The report looks into the wider scale

positive impacts of the deployment of 5G communication networks across various industries and

the society. The key functional drivers examined in the report include how 5G networks will

optimize service delivery, unlock a wide range of opportunities, enhance better user experience,

and support decision-making. The report estimates up to $13.2 trillion in global economic value

by 20:35 as well as the creation of over 20 million jobs within the 5G global value chain.

Deploying 5G will be critical for all economies since it will enable unprecedented connectivity

levels. An upgrade from the current 4G networks means superfast broadband capabilities

efficient machine type Communications, highly reliable and low-latency communication, and

efficient energy use.

The report relates to Module 7 topic which looks into The Future of Science and

Technology. This is because the report explains how 5G was first imagined developed and is

finally being rolled out in all countries globally. From an early stage, it was perceived that 5G

would enhance more accessible digitalization, and enable easy access to the benefits of smart

services. However, there has never been a clear understanding of the 5G landscape and the

social and economic gains that will be unlocked through reliability, scale and speed. The paper

therefore sheds light on the estimated economic output that can be realized. The report also
 ARTICLE ANALYSIS 10

explores the functional drivers that could ensure success as 5G networks evolve as well as the

key challenges and insights from various stakeholders.

The report is important and relevant to the History of Science and Technology Because it

enriches an understanding of the evolution of networks. The report further explains the impact of

the fourth Industrial Revolution and the role of emerging technologies in the deployment of 5G

communication networks. They report maps the 5G ecosystem and identifies the key functional

drivers of 5G. It discusses elements like machine type communications, power efficiency,

security, ultra-reliable communication, and enhanced mobile broadband. Providing a 5G use case

analysis through the use of illustrative impact pathways is instrumental to stakeholders. This is

because it expands the overall knowledge on the implementation of 5G and how it can best be

utilized to achieve sectoral outcomes.

The most interesting aspect about the article Is its provision of case studies to explain

various industrial advances that have been achieved through the use of 5G. The use of the

different case studies creates a clear understanding of the impact and applicability of 5G in

different areas. The common elements examined by the report (alongside demonstrative case

studies) include social impacts like societal well-being, and industrial advances like predictive

intelligence, workplace safety, and operational effectiveness.

Https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/about-pwc/contribution-to-debate/wef-the-impact-of-fiveg-

report.pdf

Article 6: Are Smartphones and social media Hurting Our Kids?

This article is published in the Institute for family studies website (Institute for Family

Studies., n.d.). Written by Charles Fain Lehman, the article questions the impact of smartphone
 ARTICLE ANALYSIS 11

use on American Adolescents and the long-run impacts of smartphone use on developing brains.

The article is premised on the fact that science has not been coherent enough and settled on the

impacts of social media use and smartphones on teenagers. The article extends to question on

whether Congress should ban kids from owning smartphones. There have been calls for the

regulation of smartphone users, just like regulated cigarettes, to ensure the protection of

vulnerable youth and developing minds.

The article relates to Module 4 which looks into Controversy and Science and

Technology. Smartphone use has been at the center of an ongoing debate on its impacts on

America's teens where different perspectives have been brought forth. The article draws from

research data which shows that young people are at a higher risk of developing mental illness,

depression, and even being pushed to suicide as a result of social media use. Data obtained from

pediatric hospitals show a correlation between suicidal ideation between 5- to 17-year-olds with

smartphone use. The article explains that there are social implications of smartphones and screen

time and this has been attributed to the mental health crisis. The author cites various surveys

including a study which found that 13- to 18-year-olds spend an average of 9 hours a day on

social media just for enjoyment.

This article is important and relevant to the History of Science and Technology since it

documents the impacts of social media use. While social media use was initially seen to be

beneficial for socialization and interaction among teenagers, there are controversies around the

nature of social media sites and the psychological impacts of addictive use. The regulation of

social media use has been a controversial topic and there is the absence of a clear policy

environment around the matter. The article also provides a way forward and best practices to

limit the impacts of smartphone usage. It lays the foundation for stakeholders on how a case for
 ARTICLE ANALYSIS 12

federal prohibition/policy measures can be made strong in the future as well as equips parents

with information on the need to limit smartphone use among their children.

The most interesting part of the article is where the author admits that science is not

settled and does not provide a responsible conclusion on how social media and smartphones

affect teens. This lack of a scientific consensus has not merited the adoption of any actions and

there is still the absence of any restraint on Smartphone use among teenagers. Although the

author gives suggestions on how social media use among kids can be restrained, including

service providers enabling parental controls, the adoption of such control measures may be

difficult as the digital landscape becomes more decentralized.

Https://ifstudies.org/blog/are-smartphones-and-social-media-hurting-our-kids
 ARTICLE ANALYSIS 13

References

Are smartphones and Social Media Hurting Our Kids? Institute for Family Studies. (n.d.).

Retrieved November 18, 2022, from https://ifstudies.org/blog/are-smartphones-and-

social-media-hurting-our-kids

B.E.U. et al. (2022) How the gulf states are using Tech to build net-zero and future-fit

manufacturing industries, The European Sting - Critical News & Insights on European

Politics, Economy, Foreign Affairs, Business & Technology - europeansting.com.

Available at: https://europeansting.com/2022/11/17/how-the-gulf-states-are-using-tech-

to-build-net-zero-and-future-fit-manufacturing-industries/ (Accessed: November 18,

2022).

Here's how automation and job creation can go hand in hand. World Economic Forum. (n.d.).

Retrieved November 18, 2022, from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/09/how-

automation-job-creation-hand-in-hand/

Jackson, L. (2022, July 29). The Future of Food. The New York Times. Retrieved November 18,

2022, from https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/29/podcasts/precision-fermentation.html

Pineda, J. (2022, July 27). Life and ethics in an 'era of genetics' – DW – 07/27/2022. dw.com.

Retrieved November 18, 2022, from https://www.dw.com/en/life-and-ethics-in-an-era-of-

genetics/a-62617465

PwC (2021) The Impact of 5G: Creating New Value across Industries and Society

https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/about-pwc/contribution-to-debate/wef-the-impact-of-fiveg-

report.pdf