Information Age, Technology and Society

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on the Information Age, Technology and Society.

Information Age

A period starting in the late 20th century characterized by effortless access to information via computers and networks.

James R. Messenger

Coined the term 'Information Age' in 1982, emphasizing interconnected computers and user dependence.

Modernization

A data-driven and technologically advanced society.

Challenges in the Information Age

Include information overload and issues like misinformation.

3000 BC

Year of the earliest Sumerian pictographs.

1455

Year of Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press.

1946

The year ENIAC, the first digital computer, was created.

Intel microprocessor

Introduced in 1971, marked a significant technological advancement.

Desktop computers

Non-portable computers known for high power and storage.

Mainframes

Large systems designed for processing massive amounts of data.

Wearable Computers

Devices embedded in items like smartwatches.

Claude E. Shannon

Known as the 'Father of Information Theory,' contributed to the early development of the Internet.

Misinformation

False or misleading information that proliferates in the Information Age.

Website Reliability Evaluation

Involves checking the author, publisher, purpose, audience, and content quality.

Biodiversity

The variety and variability of species, populations, and ecosystems, defined by Walter G. Rosen.

Ecological Services

Essential functions provided by biodiversity, such as clean water and food.

Habitat Loss

Destruction of natural habitats due to human activities.

Climate Change

Statistically significant changes in climate due to natural processes or human activities.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Organisms whose DNA has been altered in ways that do not occur naturally.

Bt Corn

A genetically modified corn variety that resists pests like corn borers.

Herbicide Tolerance

The ability of a plant, like Roundup Ready Soybean, to survive herbicide application.

Golden Rice

A GMO fortified with Vitamin A to enhance nutritional content.

Somatic Gene Therapy

Targets body cells and is not inherited by offspring.

Germ-Line Gene Therapy

Targets reproductive cells and changes are passed to offspring.

Nanotechnology

The science, engineering, and technology conducted at the nanoscale (1 to 100 nanometers).

Bottom-Up Fabrication

Building materials from atomic or molecular components.

Top-Down Fabrication

Reducing larger materials to nanoscale sizes.

Dip Pen Lithography

A technique using an AFM tip to write on surfaces at the nanoscale.

Chemical Vapor Deposition

A method for producing high-purity films in nanotechnology.

Health Applications of Nanotechnology

Includes enhanced drug delivery systems and improved diagnostic tools.

Pollution Control

The process of detecting and removing contaminants through nanotechnology.

Nanoscale

Refers to dimensions typically between 1 to 100 nanometers.

Climate Mitigation

Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve environmental practices.

Extreme Weather

Increased frequency of severe weather events due to climate change.

Food Security

Ensuring that everyone has access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.

Ecosystem Alterations

Disruptions in species balances affecting biodiversity.

Over-Exploitation

Unsustainable usage of resources leading to depletion of species.

Health Risks of GMOs

Potential allergic reactions and impacts on nutritional value.

Environmental Risks of GMOs

Gene flow to wild relatives and the development of resistant pests.

Hybridization

Crossbreeding between genetically modified plants and wild species.

Self-Assembly Techniques

Methods used in nanotechnology to create structures from smaller units.

Smart Delivery Systems

Advanced methods for delivering nutrients and pesticides using nanotechnology.

Fiber Optics

Technology that uses light signals to transmit data at high speeds.

Interconnected Computers

Systems that are linked together to facilitate communication and data sharing.

Digital Sharing

The distribution of digital data and information across networks.

Information Anxiety

Stress caused by the overwhelming amount of information available.

Natural Disasters

Severe and extreme weather events that can impact ecosystems and biodiversity.

Ecological Balance

A stable condition in ecosystems where species coexist and interact without over-exploiting resources.

Environmental Sustainability

Practices that ensure resource use does not compromise ecological health.

Gene Flow

The transfer of genetic material between populations, which can affect biodiversity.

Plant Biotechnology

Utilizing technology to improve plant traits such as resistance to pests.

Pharmacogenomics

The study of how genes affect a person's response to drugs.

Climate vs. Weather

Climate refers to long-term atmospheric conditions; weather refers to short-term conditions.

Global Connectivity

The enhanced ability for individuals to communicate and connect worldwide.

Consumer Technology

Devices used by the general public for personal and entertainment purposes.

Data-Driven Society

A society that relies heavily on data for making decisions and creating policies.

Cultural Priorities

The values and beliefs that influence media representation and information consumption.

Nutrient Availability

The access to nutritious food sources which is influenced by biodiversity.

Environmental Hazards

Natural or artificial elements that can cause harm to health and the environment.

Political Conflicts

Disputes arising from resource scarcity or environmental degradation.

Non-Food Applications

Uses of GMOs beyond food, including pharmaceuticals and bioremediation.

Gene Therapy

A medical treatment focused on modifying genes to address diseases.

0.25 Billionth of a Meter

One nanometer, representing the scale of nanotechnology.

Sustainable Ecosystems

Ecosystems that can maintain their essential functions and processes over time.

Smartphones

Mobile devices that combine a cellphone with an operating system capable of running applications.

Agricultural Intensification

Improvements in agricultural practices to increase yield that can impact biodiversity.

Climate Resilience

The ability of a community or ecosystem to adapt to changes and recover from disturbances.

Scientific Research

The systematic investigation of scientific theories and principles in various disciplines.

Genetic Engineering

The direct manipulation of an organism's genome using biotechnology.

Digital Computers

Computers that process data in digital form using binary numbers.

Environmental Solutions

Strategies and technologies developed to mitigate environmental issues.

User Dependence

The reliance of users on technology and data for daily tasks.

Public Health Risks

The threats to health caused by environmental factors and political decisions.

Bioremediation

The use of microorganisms to remove or neutralize contaminants from a polluted area.

Biodiversity Conservation

Efforts to protect and manage biodiversity and its inherent value.