02 MIDTERMS: Biotechnology, Ethics, and Space + Space Exploration and Technological Innovation

Biotechnology

Uses living organisms, cells, and biological processes to develop new technologies and products that improve human life

Genetic engineering

Modifies an organism's DNA to introduce or change traits

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

The development of genetically modified organisms, including enhanced crops, medical treatments, and genetically engineered animals

1. Agriculture

2. Medicine

3. Animal Science

4. Human Health and Research

5. Food Security and Sustainability

APPLICATION AND BENEFITS OF GENETIC ENGINEERING AND GMOS

Agriculture

Scientists create pest-resistant, drought-tolerant, and nutrient-enriched crops, such as Bt corn and Golden Rice, which help increase yield and reduce pesticide use

Medicine

Genetically engineered bacteria produce insulin for diabetics, while gene therapy is being explored for genetic disorders such as sickle cell disease

Animal Science

Animal Cloning, such as Dolly the sheep, enables livestock improvements, while transgenic animals like the Enviropig help reduce environmental impact

Human Health and Research

Advances in CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing and stem cell therapies drive medical breakthroughs but also spark debate on human genetic modification

Food Security and Sustainability

• GMO crops improve food supply stability, enhance nutritional value, and reduce food waste by extending shelf life

• Example: Arctic apples that resist browning

1. Human Cloning and Designer Babies

2. Animal Welfare and Genetic Modification

3. Stem Cell Research

4. Corporate Control and Food Security

5. Labeling and Consumer Rights

BIOETHICAL ISSUES IN GENETIC ENGINEERING AND GMOS

Human Cloning and Designer Babies

• Cloning raises ethical concerns regarding identity, personhood, and exploitation

• Involves Eve and gene editing

Eve (2002) by Clonaid

• The first human clone claimed to have created without proof

• Sparked a global discussion on cloning ethics and regulation

Gene editing

• Holds the potential to create "designer babies” by modifying embryos for specific traits, such as intelligence or appearance

• This possibility raises significant ethical concerns about social inequality, genetic discrimination, and the morality of altering human DNA for non-medical purposes

Animal Welfare and Genetic Modification

• Genetically modified animals benefit medicine and agriculture but raise ethical and ecological concerns.

• Involves GIFT or also known as Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia

• Using genetically modified animals in research sparks debates on animal welfare, ethics, and long-term ecological impact

Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT)

• It was developed in the Philippines to enhance aquaculture by improving growth rates and food production

• But its potential escape into the wild may disrupt native ecosystems

• Has also been introduced to Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, and parts of Africa to support fish farming

Stem Cell Research

• Embryonic stem cell use is controversial due to embryo destruction, as seen in treatments for Parkinson’s Disease or spinal cord injuries

• In contrast, adult stem cells from bone marrow or umbilical cords offer ethical alternatives

Corporate Control and Food Security

Biotech companies patent GMO seeds, increasing farmer dependence on their products, as seen in the Philippines’ Bt Corn industry, where farmers must repurchase seeds each season

Labeling and Consumer Rights

• The debate over mandatory GMO labeling continues

• As of February 2025, there is no specific legislation in the Philippines mandating the labeling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food products

• The country continues to regulate GMOs through existing biosafety guidelines and administrative orders, including the Department of Agriculture's Administrative Order No. 8 (2002)

Department of Agriculture's Administrative Order No. 8 (2002)

Sets rules for importing and releasing GM plants and products

SPACE EXPLORATION

• It is the exploration of outer space with astronomy, satellites, and manned or unmanned spacecraft

• Led to numerous scientific discoveries, technological advancements, and a deeper understanding of our universe

• Nations and private companies invest in space exploration to expand human knowledge, develop new technologies, and prepare for potential interplanetary travel

1. Sputnik 1 (1957)

2. Apollo 11 (1969)

3. International Space Station (1998-Present)

4. Mars Rover Missions (2000s-Present)

5. James Webb Space Telescope (2021)

MILESTONES IN SPACE EXPLORATION

Sputnik 1 (1957)

• The first artificial satellite launched by the Soviet Union

• Marked the beginning of the Space Age

• Intensified the Space Race

• Paved the way for advances in satellite technology and space exploration.

Apollo 11 (1969)

NASA’s first (manned) crewed Moon landing demonstrated human capability in space travel

1. Neil Armstrong

2. Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin

3. Michael Collins

They explored the lunar surface, advancing scientific knowledge and inspiring future missions

International Space Station (1998-Present)

• This global research station orbits Earth, where astronauts conduct microgravity experiments

• These studies advance medicine, technology, and deep-space exploration

Mars Rover Missions (2000s-Present)

• NASA’S Mars Science Laboratory Mission, Curiosity and Perseverance Rover gather data on Mars’ surface, climate, and potential for past life

• Their findings reveal Mars’ history and support future human exploration

James Webb Space Telescope (2021)

• This advanced space observatory captures detailed images of distant galaxies and exoplanets

• Its data provide deeper insights into the universe’s origins and expand our understanding of space

1. Scientific Discoveries

2. Technological Innovations

3. Environmental Monitoring

4. Inspiration and Education

BENEFITS OF SPACE EXPLORATION

Scientific Discoveries

Expands knowledge of planetary systems, the origins of the universe, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life

Technological Innovations

Space programs have driven advancements like GPS, weather forecasting, and medical imaging

Environmental Monitoring

Satellites help track climate change, natural disasters, and deforestation, aiding conservation efforts

Inspiration and Education

Space missions inspire young minds to pursue STEM careers that foster the next generation of innovators

1. High Costs

2. Health Risks

3. Space Debris

4. Environmental Impact

CHALLENGES AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS OF SPACE EXPLORATION

High Costs

Space missions demand substantial financial investment, leading to debates over budget priorities and the allocations of resources to other societal needs

Health Risks

Long-term space travel exposes astronauts to radiation, muscle atrophy, and psychological stress

Space Debris

• Defunct satellites and other debris pose collision risks for operational spacecraft and astronauts

• If too much debris builds up, one crash could cause a chain reaction of more crashes, making some areas of space too dangerous to use

Environmental Impact

Rocket launches contribute to atmospheric pollution, including the emission of gases and particulates that can affect the ozone layer and climate

1. Human missions to Mars

2. Lunar Colonization

3. Space Tourism

FUTURE OF SPACE EXPLORATION

Human missions to Mars

NASA, SpaceX, and others plan to send astronauts to Mars within the next few decades

Lunar Colonization

NASA's Artemis program aims to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon

Space Tourism

• Virgin Galactic was founded by Richard Branson and it offers suborbital flights for paying customers

• The company successfully launched its first commercial space tourism flight in 2023 which allowed passengers to experience a few minutes of weightlessness and see Earth from space

Virgin Galactic

• Founded by Richard Branson

• Offers suborbital flights for paying customers

Galactic 01

• The company, Virgin Galactic, successfully launched this as their first commercial space tourism flight in 2023

• Allowed passengers to experience a few minutes of weightlessness and see Earth from space