Science and Technology - Transforming Life? Vocabulary

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, scientific phrases, and collocations from the 'Science and Technology - Transforming Life?' lecture materials.

eliminate diseases

To completely remove, eradicate, or wipe out illnesses, often through potent means such as vaccination.

edit a gene

To rewrite DNA, the biological code that constitutes the instruction manuals of living organisms.

technological advances

Progress and developments in technology that are generally beneficial, though steps to mitigate their human costs must be taken into account.

tackle a disease

To take decisive action or launch initiatives to confront and fight against an illness.

raise ethical concerns

To bring up moral issues, questions, or objections regarding the propriety of an action, policy, or practice.

prevent human suffering

To stop or alleviate pain, hardship, and distress experienced by people.

neuroenhancement

The enhancement of human cognitive abilities, for example through artificial brain stimulation.

ethical implications

The moral consequences, considerations, and effects that scientific research and technologies exert on society.

clinical trial

A formal scientific research study that new medical drugs or therapies must undergo before receiving official approval.

pave the way for sb./sth.

To prepare the ground or establish circumstances that make it easier for someone to act or for an event to take place.

promote the idea of sth.

To actively support, encourage, or advocate for a specific concept, policy, or measure.

at the threshold of sth.

Positioned at the very beginning, brink, or verge of entering a new phase or transformative development.

overcrowded planet

A world populated by excessive numbers of human beings, creating conditions under which scientists warn impending disasters may arise.

infectious disease

A transmissible illness whose frequency of outbreaks increases due to factors such as human overpopulation.

fatality

A death caused by a lethal event, accident, war, or severe disease.

transmission

The passage or transfer of a pathogen or disease from one individual to another, which can be restricted through testing and isolation.

lethality

The deadliness, fatal nature, or mortality capability of a disease.

mortal disease

A fatal or life-threatening illness capable of causing death.

account for sth.

To explain, justify, or clarify the reasons behind a specific occurrence, state, or disappearance.

deduce sth.

To reach an understanding or logical conclusion from observed evidence, behavior, or information.

biotechnology

The applied scientific discipline and field of study that utilizes biological processes and organisms for technological and medical applications.

global health

The health conditions, medical security, and disease burdens of populations on a worldwide scale.

scientific discovery

The uncovering or breakthrough realization of previously unknown scientific facts or mechanisms, such as the discovery of antibiotics.

devise innovative technologies

To invent, engineer, or design novel technological methods, such as techniques created to control $CO_2$ pollution.

combat future pandemics

To implement preventive plans, medical strategies, and countermeasures against worldwide outbreaks of infectious diseases.

advances in neuroscience

Progress in the scientific understanding of the nervous system and brain, enabling improved diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.

the common good

The general well-being, advantage, and collective health of the entire public community.

look to the future

To act with forward-looking foresight and long-term vision in order to avert detrimental consequences such as climate change.

be crucial to sth.

To be of decisive, critical, or essential importance to the success or resolution of an undertaking.

downside

A disadvantage, drawback, or unfavorable aspect of a given job, condition, or situation.

advocate sth.

To actively speak in favor of, recommend, or argue for a specific principle, policy, or legal reform.

incurable disease

A medical condition or illness for which no medical remedy or therapeutic cure exists.

contagious virus

A communicable viral agent capable of transmitting rapidly and causing disruptive community outbreaks.

spread an infection

To disperse or transmit infectious pathogenic agents to other individuals or locations.

scientific leap

A significant, major breakthrough or sudden advance in scientific research and therapeutic capability.

afflict sb./sth.

To inflict severe trouble, distress, illness, or hardship upon a person, organism, or geographical area.

groundbreaking work

Innovative and pioneering scientific or academic achievements that fundamentally alter existing perceptions and practices.