Infotech + Biotech

Information Age

The period from 1950 to present characterized by the gathering, manipulation, classification, storage, and retrieval of information.

Information Technology (IT)

Technology that allows the communication and transmission of information over electronic networks.

E-Commerce

Buying and selling of goods and services or transmitting of funds over an electronic network through the internet.

Phishing Scam

A scam where victims receive emails that require them to update personal information on fraudulent sites.

Grandparents Scam

Fraud in which scammers pose as panicked grandchildren needing cash for emergencies.

Pyramid Scam

A marketing and investment fraud where profit is made from recruiting new distributors rather than selling products.

Teleworking

A work arrangement allowing employees to work part-time or full-time from home or satellite offices.

Computer Aided Design (CAD)

A method using computers to create detailed designs and models.

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

A health issue caused by repetitive motion, common with frequent computer use.

Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

The use of software and computer-controlled machinery to automate manufacturing processes.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Organisms whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.

Recombinant DNA (rDNA) Technology

The manipulation and modification of DNA from different species to create new genes.

Biotechnology

Any technique that uses living organisms or substances from those organisms to make or modify products.

Automation

The use of technology to perform tasks without human intervention, often leading to job loss.

Data Privacy

The right to keep personal information secure and confidentiality maintained.

Intellectual Property

Creations of the mind for which exclusive rights are recognized.

Health Care Fraud

Fraud committed by healthcare providers or patients to gain illegitimate benefits.

Double Billing

Submitting multiple claims for the same medical service.

Phantom Billing

Billing for medical services or supplies that were never provided.

Upcoding

Billing for a more expensive service than was actually provided.

Microbial Engineering

Using microbes for genetic engineering due to their rapid multiplication and plasmid advantage.

DNA Ligase

An enzyme used to join DNA fragments together.

Restriction Enzymes

Molecular scissors that cut DNA at specific points, utilized in genetic engineering.

Alcanivorax borkumensis

A bacterium that thrives on petroleum and can help clean up oil spills.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens

A bacterium used to transfer DNA into plant cells in genetic engineering.

Gel Electrophoresis

A technique used to separate DNA fragments according to size.

Cloning

The process of creating an exact genetic replica of an organism.

Gene Cloning

Creating copies of specific genes or DNA segments.

Reproductive Cloning

Creating copies of entire animals.

Therapeutic Cloning

Creating embryonic stem cells for tissue regeneration.

Biotechnology in Agriculture

Applying biotechnological techniques to enhance crop and livestock production.

Telecommuting

The practice of working from remote locations, often home, rather than traditional office settings.

Web Cramming

Billing customers for websites they did not know they were subscribed to.

Surveillance Technology

Technologies used for monitoring activities in various settings, including workplaces.

Data Entry Monitoring

Tracking employee performance and productivity during data input tasks.

Consumer Protection

Laws and regulations that ensure the rights of consumers are upheld.

Social Isolation

A lack of social interaction and community that can result from telecommuting.

Multilevel Marketing (MLM)

A sales strategy where salespeople earn commissions for recruitment and sales.

Investment Scams

Fraudulent schemes designed to trick individuals into investing money with promises of significant returns.

Natural Disaster Scams

Fraudulent schemes that exploit tragedies or disasters to steal money from victims.

Job Creation

The process of generating new employment opportunities as a result of technological advancements.

Job Destruction

The elimination of jobs due to automation and technological improvements.

Creativity in the Workplace

Increased opportunity for creative tasks as repetitive jobs are automated.

Employer Monitoring

Supervision of employee performance through various technologies.

Financial Scams

Frauds designed to obtain money by deceiving victims.

Consumer Internet Safety

Protection and assurance of consumer rights and safety while using the internet.

Intellectual Property Issues

Conflicts or concerns over the ownership and use of creative works or inventions.

Health Issues from Computer Use

Various health problems that arise from prolonged computer usage, including RSI and eye strain.