STS: Human Advancement through Science and Technology

Augmentation of human senses/abilities (Mark Zuckerberg). Example: glasses enhance vision. Nature: means to an end, not an end itself. Dangers: overdependence, losing human essence, misconception that nature needs saving.

What is Technology?

Efficiency, time-saving, better communication, job creation, education improvement, transportation innovation, facilitates creation.

What are the advantages of science and technology?

• DNA, RNA, Protein: structure & role.

• DNA Replication: purpose & process.

• Transcription: DNA → RNA.

• Translation: RNA → Protein.

What are the core biological concepts?

• Genomics: DNA sequence, function, and gene evolution (enabled by recombinant DNA techniques).

• Proteomics: Identifies all proteins, modifications, localization, functions, and interactions.

Define Genomics vs. Proteomics.

se of living organisms for life’s convenience.

• Traditional: food preservation (drying, fermentation).

• Modern: tools for gene study, precision breeding, pest/disease resistance, climate adaptation, nutrition, crop diversity, lower cost, higher profits.

Define Biotechnology and its types.

• Humulin (insulin via E. coli).

• bST (milk production hormone).

• Flavr Savr Tomato (delayed ripening).

• Bt potatoes/corn, Roundup Ready soybeans.

• Golden Rice (beta-carotene for Vit. A).

• Yorkshire Pig (phytase in saliva).

What are examples of GMOs?

• Cloning: identical copy, same genetic material.

• Genetic Engineering: manipulates genes to make different/new organisms (even cross-species).

Compare Cloning vs. Genetic Engineering.

• Targeted medications: issues with cost, toxicity, stability, skill needed.

• 3-Parent Baby: DNA from 1 man + 2 women (mitochondrial manipulation, IVF).

• Synthetic Biology: design new biological systems or redesign existing ones.

What are key medical technologies?

• Diagnostic (active infection): RT-PCR (genetic), Antigen (proteins).

• Antibody Tests: immune response (not for active infection).

What are COVID-19 testing methods?

• PHM Biosensors: wearables for patient data (athletes, workers, drivers).

• Telecommunication: e-Medicine, online consultations.

What is PHM and modern telecommunication in healthcare?

Control of matter at 1–100 nm scale. Examples: silver nanoparticles in fabric, skincare delivery, lithium-ion batteries, carbon nanofiber flame retardants.

What is Nanotechnology and give examples.

• Designer Babies: engineered for traits (via pre-implantation genetic diagnosis). Ethics: is it acceptable?

• Cloning Benefits: stem cells, disease research, organ replacement, parental grief.

• Cloning Issues: religious (playing God, uniqueness), medical (low success, abnormal expression), legal (laws vary: AU, CA, IN, AR prohibit).

What are the ethical issues of Designer Babies and Cloning?

• Pre-colonial: herbal medicine, writing, calendar, farming, mining, weaving (e.g., Banawe Rice Terraces).

• Spanish: education institution and scientific organization, medicine/biology taught, farming & engineering improved.

• American: Institutions for science and technology were recognized, Laboratorio Municipal → Bureau of Science → Institute of Science (1946), NRCP (1933), agri/medicine/forestry focus.

What were the major S&T contributions in the Pre-colonial & Colonial Philippines?

• science courses in public HS

• Several agencies/organization: PAGASA, National Academy of Science and Technology, etc

Ferdiand Marcos’ period

• National Science and Technology

• Authority was renamed Department of Science and Technolog

President Corazon Aquino

• 3000 competent scientist

• “Doctor to the Barrio,”

• National Program for Gifted Filipino Children

• S&T scholarships (RA7687),

• Inventors Act, IP Code (RA7459)

• the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (RA8293)

Fidel Ramos

• 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 af

President Joseph Estrada

• Filipinnovation – Philippines as an innovation hub in Asia

• RA9367: Biofuels Act

• RA10601: Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization (AfMech)

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

National Scientists

• Gavino C. Trono – Marine Biology

• Angel C. Alcala – Biological Science

• Ramon C. Barba – Horticulture

• Edgardo D. Gomez – Marine Biology

Benigno Aquino III

• S&T sector is seen to be a priority based budget on the budget for research and development (R&D)

• Philippine Space Technology Program: Diwata-2 in 2018, Diwata-1 in 2016

• importance of disaster preparedness

Rodrigo Duterte

• Contributions: farming mechanization, water pumps, GMOs, fertilizers, better transport, communication, learning.

• Adverse Impacts: resource depletion, waste, dependence on S&T.

What are contributions and adverse impacts of S&T in the Philippines?

Atoy Llave

Inventor of the Salamander Amphibious Tricycle.

Aisa Mijeno

Creator of the SALt Lamp (Sustainable Alternative Lighting).

Dr. Fe del Mundo

Developed the Medical Incubator.

Rolando dela Cruz

Inventor of the Mole Remover (from Anacardium occidentale).

Abelardo Aguilar

Discovered Erythromycin (from Streptomyces erythreus).

Maria Orosa

Known for creating Banana Ketchup (made from mashed banana, sugar, vinegar, and spices).