STS - Lesson 3 (Human Advancement Through Science and Technology)

Mark Zuckerberg (Technology: an augmentation of human idea)

What defines a technological tool- one historical definition- is something that takes a human’s sense or ability and augments it and makes it more powerful. So for example, I wear contact lenses or glasses; that is a technology that enhances my human ability of vision and makes it better

Technology

not an end in itself; it is a means to an end.

Technology is a means to an end

Aimed as to how things get done.

Technology

viewed as a tool available to individuals, groups, and communities that desire to make an impact on society. PRO

Dangers of Technology

• Lies in how humans let themselves be consumed by it.

• Humans -think nature needs to be saved, whereas mother nature would remain even if humans cease to exists.

• We must not be consumed by technology lest we lose the essence of who we are as humans.

Technological Advantages

• Efficiency

• Time

• Communication

• Jobs

• Education

• Transportation

• Creation PRO

Traditional Biotechnology (1)

Used in food preservation and production of foods

Drying or dehydrating food

method of food preservation that removes enough moisture from the food so bacteria, yeast and molds cannot grow.

Examples of drying or dehydrating

• Dried fish

• Dried fruits

Fermentation

process where microorganisms are used to produce a product

Examples of fermentation

• wine

• kimchi

• atsara/atchara

• pickles

Modern Biotechnology

gives scientists molecular tools for obtaining a better understanding of the structure and function of genes in living organisms.

Examples of modern biotechnology

• animal cloning

• gmo

• gene therapy

• plant hybridization

• recombinant drugs

• antibody production

• stem cell theraphy

• biopharming

Aims of modern biotechnology

• Develop new precision tools and diagnostics

• Speed up breeding gains and efficiency

• Develop pest- and disease resistant crops

• Combat salinity, drought, and problems of agriculture

• Enhance the nutritional quality of food

• Increase crop varieties and choice

• Reduce inputs and production costs

• Increase profits (Bragdon et al., 2005)

Bt

a natural insecticide from soil bacterium, is taken from soil and inserted into corn

Bt Corn

genetically modified organism that contains Bt in which it inhibits pests

European Corn Borer

major crop pest that ingests Bt toxin and dies

Research by scientists across the world has found…

• No relationship between GMOs and mutations

• No evidence for gene transfer between GMOs and consumers

• Organ health and function unaffected by GMOs

• Fertility, pregnancy, and offspring are unaffected by GMOs

GMOs Pros

• increased crop yield

• pest resistance

GMOs cons

• Growing concern with how GMOs may affect consumers’ health and the environment

• Concernsonhumanrights

• Accident in genetically engineering a virus or bacteria may cause a serious epidemic.

Examples of GMOs

• Humulin

• Bovine somatotropin (bST)

• Flavr Savr

• Bt potatoes and corn, roundup ready soybeans

• Golden Rice

• Yorkshire pig

• Bt toxins in the blood of pregnant women in eastern Quebec

Humulin

first GMO approved by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), type of insulin produced using genetically engineered E.coli bacteria

bovin somatotropin

FDA approved metabolic protein hormone used to increase milk production in dairy cows for commercial use.

Flavr Savr

FDA approved tomato for sale on grocery stores which delays its ripening effect and gives it a longer shelf life compared with natural tomatoes

Golden Rice (1)

• developed in the Philippines to address vitamin A deficiency, which is a public health issue in Asian countries where rice is a staple food crop.

Golden Rice (2)

• Variety of Oryza sativa genetically modified to biosynthesize beta-carotene, a precursor of Vitamin A, in the edible parts of rice

Yorkshire pig

genetically modified

to produce offspring that produce

the enzyme phytase in their saliva

to digest plant phosphorus, unlike

that of normal pigs.

Phytase

Enzyme produced by yorkshire pig

Beta-carotene

a precursor of Vitamin A, in the edible parts of rice

Vitamin A deficiency

a public health issue in Asian countries where rice is a staple food crop.

Cloning (1)

process by which identical copies of an organism are made

Cloning (2)

The copy, or clone, possesses the same genetic material as the original organism

Genetic Engineering (1)

processes in which scientists manipulate genes to create purposefully different versions of organisms—and, in some cases, entirely new living things.

Genetic Engineering (2)

Geneticists have even introduced genes from one species to another.

Process of genetic cloning

1. A donor cell is taken from a sheep’s udder; an egg cell is taken from an adult female sheep

2. The nucleus of the egg cell is removed

3. The donor cell’c nucleus and egg are used using an electric shock

4. The fused cell begins dividing normally

5. Embryo is placed in the uterus of a foster mother

6. The embryo develops normally into a lamb - Dolly

7. Producing a cloned lamb

In Vitro Fertilization Process

• used as a remedy for infertility, a woman’s egg cells are combined with a man’s sperm cells outside the uterus

• the fertilized eggs is then implanted in the woman’s uterus and, if successful, begins the pregnancy cycle

• the first baby realized from this fertilization method was born in 1978

1978

year when first baby was realized from this fertilization

Process of In Vitro Fertilization

1. The woman is given hormone treatment to stimulate egg production

2. Multiple eggs are taken from the woman’s ovaries

3. In the lab, the eggs are mixed with the man’s sperm cells in a culture dish to become fertilized

4. The fertilized eggs, or embryos, are placed in an incubator for about 48 hours

5. Embryos are implanted in the woman’s uterus or frozen for future implanting

Synthetic Biology

• Defined as the design and construction of new biological parts, devices, and systems and the re-design of existing, natural biological systems for useful purposes.

• Engineer’s approach to biology

Coronavirus testing basics (types of tests)

According to US Food Drug and Administration

• Diagnostic test

  • molecular tests, such as RT-PCR tests

  • antigen tests

• Antibody test

Diagnostic Test

show if you have an active coronavirus infection and should take steps to quarantine or isolate yourself from others.

Moleculer tests, such as RT-PCR tests

example of diagnostic test that detect the virus’s genetic material

Antigen test

type of diagnostic test that detect specific proteins on the surface of the virus.

Antibody Test

• looks for antibodies that are made by your immune system in response to a threat, such as a specific virus.

• Antibodies can help fight infections.

• Antibodies can take several days or weeks to develop after you have an infection and may stay in your blood for several weeks or more after recovery.

• Because of this, antibody tests should not be used to diagnose an active coronavirus infection

Personal Health Monitoring (PHM) Wearable Biosensors

A portable device that can be worn to record and monitor health related data outside the hospital.

PHM Wearable Biosensors

• Remotemonitoring of patient

• Training support for athlete

• Monitoring of individuals who work with hazardous elements

• Tracking of professional driver’s vital signs to alert them from fatigue and drowsiness

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 nanometers across.

• Refers to manipulation of matter on an atomic to subatomic scale

Examples of Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology has already found its way into numerous consumer products you use every day, from clothing to skin lotion. They include:

• silver nanoparticles

• skin care prodcuts

• lithium ion batteries

• flame retardant

Silver nanoparticles

can be found in fabric that kill bacteria, making clothing odor-resistant

Skin care products

those that use nanoparticles in order to deliver vitamins deeper into the skin

Lithium ion batteries

those that use nanoparticle-based electrodes that power plug-in electric cars

Flame retardant

formed by coating the foam used in furniture with carbon nanofibers

Designer babies

• A baby genetically engineered in vitro for specially selected traits or a baby whose genetic makeup has been altered or chosen to provide the desired genome

• Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis selecting the best egg; simplest method and used since 1988

1988

year when the pre-implantation genetic diagnosis-selecting the best egg (simplest method) was used

Cloning - SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Helps in in-depth research, like motor neuron disease.

• Embryonic stem cells can be cloned to produce tissues or organs to replace or repair the damaged ones.

• allow parents who have lost a child a chance to redress their loss using the DNA of their deceased child

Issue of designer babies and cloning in Religious

• playing God

• Human embryo should be left alone

• Takes away the uniqueness of an individual

Issues of designer babies and cloning in Medical

• Success rate 0.1% 3% only

• Enucleated egg and the transferred nucleus may not be compatible

• Pregnancy might fail

• Problems during later development

• Abnormal gene expressions PROP

0.1% - 3%

success rate of cloning

Australia

• Prohibited human cloning

• therapeutic cloning is legal

Canada

prohibits:

• cloning human

• stem cells

• growing human embryos for research

• buying and selling of human reproductive materials.

India

• India- no specific law but has specific guidelines prohibiting human cloning

• stem cell research is allowed

Argentina

prohibits “experiments concerning cloning of human cells in order to generate human beings”

Issues on eMedicine and eConsultation

• Regulatory and Industry Barriers.

• Physical Examination is Limited

• Equipment and Technology are costly

Issue on Personal Health Monitoring (PHM) Wearable Biosensors

• Privacy

• Overreliance on wearable sensors

• Reliability and accuracy

Privacy

Leakage of private information and surveillance.

Overreliance on wearable sensors

• Might reduce the interaction between the wearer and his/her physician.

Pre- Colonial Period (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND NATION-BUILDING)

• Herbal medicines were used to treat illneses

• Writing,numerical, measurement and calendar systems were used for trading

• Farming, fishing, mining, and weaving were first livelihood skills developed– Banawe Rice Terraces

Herbal medicines (pre-colonial)

used to treat illness

Writing,numerical, measurement and calendar systems (pre-colonial)

used for trading

Colonial Period (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND NATION-BUILDING) Spanish Occupation

• Formal education institutions were developed and scientific organizations were launched.

• Medicine and biology were taught in different educational and training institutions.

• The natives were trained to use innovative approaches in farming.

• Engineering was introduced and developed as well

Medicine and biology (spanish colonial)

taught in different educational and training institutions

Natives (spanish colonial)

trained to use innovative approaches in farming.

Colonial Period (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND NATION-BUILDING) American Occupation

• Institutions for science and technology were recognized as well.

• Laboratorio Municipal was replaced by Bureau of Government Laboratories and was changed to Bureau of Science

• The National Research Council of the Philippines was established in 1933.

• Developments were focused on agriculture, medicine, and pharmacy, food processing, and forestry.

• the Bureau of Science was replaced by the Institute of Science in 1946

Laboratorio Municipal (american colonial)

replaced by Bureau of Government Laboratories

• changed to Bureau of Science

1933 (american colonial)

National Research Council of the Philippines was established

Bureau of Science (american colonial)

replaced by Institute of Science in 19461

1946 (american colonial)

year when Bureau of Science was replaced by Institute of Science

Post Colonial Period (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND NATION-BUILDING)

Continued progress in science and technology

Post Colonial Period (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND NATION-BUILDING) President Ferdinand Marcos

• Mandated DEC (DepEd) to promote science courses in public high schools.

• Established several agencies and organizations

Agencies and organizations (Ferdinand Marcos)

• Philippine Coconut Research Institute (PCRI)

• Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI)

• Philippine Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) (Philippine Nuclear Institute (PNI))

• Philippine Council for Agricultural Research (PCAR) (Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAANRRD))

• Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)

• Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC)

• Plant Breeding Institute (PBI)

• International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

• Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI)

• National Committee on Geological Sciences (NCGS)

• National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)

Post Colonial Period (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND NATION-BUILDING) President Corazon Aquino

• National Science and Technology Authority was renamed Department of Science and Technology

Post Colonial Period (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND NATION-BUILDING) President Fidel Ramos

• 3000 competent scientists

• “Doctor to the Barrio” made healthcare accessible in the far-flung areas of the country.

• The National Program for Gifted Filipino Children in Science and Technology was created for high School Students

• Mandated laws and statutes

Doctor to the Barrio

Fidel Ramos

• made healthcare accessible in the far-flung areas of the country.

National Program for Gifted Filipino Children in Science and Technology

Fidel Ramos

• created for High School students

Laws and statutes mandated (Fidel Ramos)

• RA8349: Magna Carta for Scientist Engineers, Researchers, and other Science and Technology Personnel in Government

• RA7687: Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994

• RA7459: Inventors and Inventions Incentives Act

• RA8293: the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines

RA 8349

Fidel Ramos

• Magna Carta for Scientist Engineers, Researchers, and other Science and Technology Personnel in Government

RA7687

Fidel Ramos

• Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994

RA7459

Fidel Ramos

• Inventors and Inventions Incentives Act

RA8293

Fidel Ramos

• the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines

Post Colonial Period (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND NATION-BUILDING) President Joseph Estrada

• RA8749: Clean Air Act of 1999

• RA8792: Electronic Commerce Act of 2000

• Implementation of cost effective irrigation technologies and providing basic health care services for those who could not afford them

RA8749

Joseph Estrada

• Clean Air Act of 1999

RA8792

Joseph Estrada

• Electronic Commerce Act of 2000

Post Colonial Period (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND NATION-BUILDING) President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

• Filipinnovation – Philippines as an innovation hub in Asia

• RA9367: Biofuels Act

• RA10601: Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization (AfMech) PRO

Filipinnovation

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

• Philippines as an innovation hub in Asia

RA9367

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

• Biofuels Act

RA10601

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

• Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization (AfMech)

Post Colonial Period (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND NATION-BUILDING) President Benigno Aquino III

National Scientists

• Gavino C. Trono - Marine Biology

• Angel C. Alcala – Biological Science

• Ramon C. Barba – Horticulture

• Edgardo D. Gomez – Marine Biology

Gavino C. Trono and Edgardo D. Gomez

National Scientist in Benigno Aquino III in Marine Biology

Angel C. Alcala

National Scientist in Benigno Aquino III in Biological Science

Ramon C. Barba

National Scientist in Benigno Aquino III in Horticulture