Chapter 7 Ethical Dimension of Science and Technology
Ethical and Social Dimensions of Science and Technology
UDHR Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- Is an important document in the history of
human rights
- Contains a preamble and 30 articles
Preamble – states that “recognition of the inherent
dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all
members of the human family is the foundation of
freedom, justice, and peace in the world”
First 5 articles of UDHR
Article 1 – Right to equality
Article 2 – Freedom from discrimination Article 3 –
Right to life liberty and personal security
Article 4 – Freedom from slavery or servitude Article
5 – Freedom from torture and degrading treatment
Article 27 – states that everyone has the right to
participate in the cultural life of the community and
to share in scientific advancement and its benefits
- Also called the right to science and culture
which is one of the core economic, social
and cultural rights
Scientist and policy-makers – shoulder the burden of
upholding the right to science, since majority of the
general public are consumers and not science
practitioners
1945 – the members of the Nazi party of Germany
were tried for war crimes
Nuremberg Trials – one such trial prosecuted
involved in unethical human experimentation. As a
result of so-called Doctors Trial, the Nuremberg
Code was drafted
- Contained 10 points which detailed the
elements of ethical medical experiments
- It is the landmark document in clinical
research ethics
Clinical research ethics – is one of the applications of
applied ethics, a branch of ethics or moral
philosophy.
Applied ethics – examines specific issues such as
abortion, animal rights and environmental concerns
among others.
Science itself cannot dictate what is right or wrong,
ethics serves the purpose of providing a moral point
of view.
7.1.1 Ethical Decision-Making in Science
Framework – scientist follow this in an attempt to
consider issues, options and arguments that may
arise in any situation that requires a decision.
Essential elements in making a decision
1. identifying stakeholders.
2. identifying possible options or course of
action.
3. review arguments for each option.
4. making a rational choice from the available
options, backed with the strongest set of
moral reasons or principles.
Moral Principles – provide distinctive guidance in 7.1.2 Code of Ethics of Scientist and Engineers Code
making ethical decisions of Ethics – exist in order to guide scientist and
engineers to perform their work in an ethical
Standard approach in medical ethics
manner.
1. Autonomy
- Are published documents and they are
2. Non-maleficence
authoritative reminders of the rules and
3. Beneficence
duties that scientist and engineers must
4. Justice
abide in
Ethical matrix – is an ethical tool developed to help
in decision-making Purpose of code of ethics

- It was developed by Ben Mepham in the 1. Establish standards of conduct in cases not
1990s dictated by common sense

- The matrix aims to assists no non- 2. Formulate rules to govern a practice or

philosophers in appreciating the value of discipline.

ethical insights to arrive at ethical 3. Provide a framework for resolving conflicts

judgements 4. Manage the expectation of the public in a
3 Principles of Ethical Matrix practice or discipline

1. Well-being – refers to the maximization of

NAST (National Academy of Science and Technology)
good
- published the Ethical Principles and
2. Autonomy – refers to freedom
Guidelines for Filipino Scientists
3. Fairness – refers to respect for justice and
- it aims to guide Filipino Scientist to achieve
the law
a high-level of professional and ethical
- The ethical matrix suffers the disadvantage
behavior
of not giving weight to the different
considerations.
- The ethical matrix allows one to identify
ethically relevant considerations.
General Principles 7. Development of students and other
1. Ethical scientific practices - All Filipino stakeholders - All Filipino scientists should
scientists should abide by the ethical be committed to educating students and
principles contained within this document. other stakeholders in science and to serving
In addition, they should be able to criticize as role models of proper conduct.
and rectify wrongful behavior by colleagues. 8. Advocacy for scientific approaches - All
2. Ethical Use of Science in Philippines Society Filipino scientists should protect the
- All Filipino scientists should be able to freedom of scientific thought and
ensure that scientific knowledge is used for expression and should avoid being
the advancement of the nation. influenced by ideological, religious, and
3. Conflict of Interest - All Filipino scientists political views when conducting their work.
should refrain from making biased Article 1 in Code of Ethics for the Chemistry
judgements and statements that may favor Practitioners – states that chemistry professionals
self-interest. have an obligation to the society.

4. Intellectual Honesty - All Filipino scientist Section 3 of the General Principles – chemists are

should properly acknowledge the work of required to abide by rules and regulation protecting

other scientists when using their findings the environment.

and results in making reports or publishing

studies.
7.2 Social Dimension of Science and
5. Weighing the benefits of science vis-à- vis Technology: The Device Paradigm
potential harm - All Filipino scientists
Technology - refers to the techniques and processes
should strive to minimize potential harms of used to achieve a certain purpose; being considered
science to the society and the environment. as object, knowledge & activity.
6. Commitment to professional development Intention – the commitment to a goal
as scientist – All Filipino scientist should
strive to improve competency by
undertaking further studies and being open
to constructive criticism
Albert Borgmann – stated that there are 3 essential family and friends together, encouraging healthy
types of approach to technology social interactions.

1. Substantive view – considers technology as 7.3 Robotic: An Example of Contemporary Issue in

a force of its own Science and Technology
2. Instrumentalist View – considers technology
Ray Kurzweil – his work The Singularity is Near: When
as a mere instrument to achieve social
Humans Transcend Human Biology, he identifies
values that are independent of technology
technologies capable of driving the society to
themselves
singularity.
3. Pluralist view – considers the dynamic
interactions between technology and social Singularity – is the point wherein the intelligence of
values as a complex web machines converge with that of humans.

According to Borgmann, the promise of technology 3 technologies

– is to bring the forces of nature and culture under
control, to liberate us from misery and toil and to 1. Genetics
enrich our lives. 2. Nanotechnology
3. Robotics
Device Paradigm – this is to remove ambiguity; they
are distinguished from devices Bill Joy – co-founder of Sun Microsystems has
warned about how GNR threaten to make human an
Borgmann Devices – used woodstove & television in endangered species.
explaining the device paradigm.
7.3.1 Background on Robotics
Devices become readily available because they
operate in an instantaneous, ubiquitous, safe and Robotics – refer to the use and development of
easy way. robots

Woodstove - it does not only provide warmth but Robots – programmable machines that are capable
also physical and social engagement; the family of motion and interaction with their surroundings
gathers in front of the stove after performing the
Artificial Intelligence (AI) – is a field of study that
chores required for building the fire. In addition,
seeks to develop intelligent computational systems
there is increased interaction between family
members when they do the chores together. The Rossum’s Universal Robots – a play by Karel Capek,
central heating system, becomes a device because depicting the creation of machines that serve as
although it provides warmth, it removes the physical humanoid slaves
and social engagement.
Robota – Czech word which means forced labor
Television - Borgmann considered this as a window
on the world – making all goods of the Earth
available to people in the comfort of their living
rooms; they are simply rectangular machines with
screens capable of displaying moving and colored
pictures that are transmitted from faraway places.
Without social context, they are devices, they are just
present in the living room; with social context, it
can serve to gather
Robots – classified by the International Federation of Robotics as Isaac Asimov – a science fiction writer formulated the 3 laws of
either service or industrial robots robotics in 1940
Service Robot - find domestic and field applications; perform task 1. A robot may not injure a human being or through inaction,
for humans or equipment excluding industrial automation allow a human being to come to harm
applications
2. A robot must obey orders given to it by human beings
Industrial Robot – are strictly used in industrial settings; except where such orders would conflict with the first law
automatically controlled, 3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such
reprogrammable, multipurpose manipulators programmable in protection does not conflict with the 1st and 2nd law.
three or more axes.
Zeroth Law of Robotics – states that a robot should not bring harm to
Unimate – the first programmable robot to be employed in a humanity through action or inaction
factory developed by George Devol in 1954
Telesurgery - wherein the surgeon and the patient are separated by
Unimation Inc. – further developed Unimate long mistakes

Joseph Engelberger – founded Unimation Inc in 1956; “Father of Robotic Liability Matrix - assigns weights to the liabilities that are to
Robotics” be shouldered by the involved parties.; since liability is shared, no
single party is indicated, leading to fairer judgment of the case.
Autonomy – certain degree of robots ranging from partial to full
autonomy Social robots – robots capable of interacting with humans in a human-
like fashion
Partial Autonomous Robots – require human input
ASIMO – Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility by Honda; is a bi-pedal
Fully Autonomous Robots – usually equipped with artificial
robot capable of integrating to a domestic environments such as in
intelligence; capable of interacting with their surrounding and
home and offices
working for long times without human intervention
Sophia – by Hanson robotics; is a human-like robot that is being
7.3.2 Roboethics and Ethical Issues in Advanced
developed as a AI equipped service and entertainment robot ; the
Robotics
creator of Sophia envision a future where in human-AI collaboration
Roboethics – it rose through the existence of such robots and their leads to symbiosis
imminent integration to the society; aims to develop scientific,
Saudi Arabian Citizenship – award granted to Sophia in Saudi Arabia
cultural and technical tools that will encourage the beneficial use
and the first robot given such
of robotics for the society and prevent its misuse against
humanity.

Gianmarco Veruggio – coined the term roboethics

 Chapter 8
Information Age
Information Age – time period in which people could
access information and knowledge easily.
– also known as Computer Age, Digital Age
or New Media Age.
James R. Messenger – conceived the theory of
Information Age in 1982
- He published the book “The Death of The
American Telephone & Telegraph.
- He is known as the Father of the
Information Age.
8.1 History of Information Age
Johannes Gutenberg – made the first version of the
printing press
- 500 years ago, Gutenberg was responsible for initiating an
information & communication revolution
Periods of Information Revolutions
1. The 1st information revolution is print-
based, this is the Gutenberg era when mass
distribution of information became possible
2. The 2nd information revolution is
dominated by pre-digital
developments when computers started to
be introduced.
3. Last revolution began by the introduction of
Internet
- Scientific Revolution changed the modern
era by introducing important scientist, their
discoveries led to the development of
modern tools, inventions and innovations
- Industrial Revolution brought about major
changes in agriculture, manufacturing,
mining, transportation, and most especially
in communication and information
technology
Some experts agree that a common start date for
modern era of information age is the launch of the
first electronic general- purpose computer known as
ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and
Computer) by John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert
- ENIAC was used by the US Army to
computer World War II ballistic firing tables
- ENIAC’s Field of Application
o weather prediction
o atomic energy calculations
o cosmic ray studies
o thermal ignition
o random-number studies
o wind-tunnel design
- ENIAC became obsolete as the need arose
for faster computing speeds
- ENIAC used panel-to-panel wiring and
switches for programming, occupies more
than 1000 square feet and 18,000 vacuum
tubes and weighted 30 tons

Different Eras that paved the way for Information

Age

- Renaissance influenced the information age by

creating the idea of inventions
 UNIVAC I (Universal Automatic Computer) 1976 First personal Apple-1 Steve
computer with Wozniak &
- is the first American commercial computer, keyboard Steve Jobs
designed for business use 1981 First true mobile Osborne-1 Adam
- could perform about 1000 calculations per computer Osborne
second 1983 First Motorola Martin
commercial Dynatac Cooper
Internet – first developed by US the Department of
mobile phone 8000x
Defense
1988 First fully Fuji DS-1P Steve
- it led to the formation of the ARPANET digital camera Sasson
1988 First fully Gavillian Manny
(Advance Research Projects Agency
functional Fernandez
Network) laptop computer
- in early days the internet was used mainly 1991 First website info.cern.ch Tim
by scientist to communicate with other address Berners-
scientists Lee
- the internet remained under government 1991 World Wide Tim
control until 1984 Web Berners-
Lee
World Wide Web (WWW) or Web 1992 First smartphone Angler Frank
Canova
- August 23 1991 users accessed
1993 First personal Apple John
internet for the first time
digital assistant Newton Sculley
- Web is defined as “combination of all Message Pad
resources and users on the internet 1993 First popular Mosaic Marc
that are using the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) web browser Andreeseen
1994 Yahoo Jerry
Internet vs Web Yang&
David Filo
- Internet is a global network of networks
- Web is a collection of information which is 1995 First online Amazon.com Bezos
accessed via the internet retailer
1995 Internet Microsoft
explorer
Year Description Name of Inventor 1996 Google Larry Page
developed invention /developer
& Sergey
1946 First general- ENIAC J.Mauchly &J. Brin
purpose Eckert
1997 First social Six Degrees Andrew
computer
media site Weinrich
1965 First Olivetti Pier Giorgio 2001 First online Wikipedia Jimmy
commercial Programma Perotto
encyclopedia Wales&
desktop 101
Larry
computer
Sanger
1974 First internet Telenet Bolt Beranek 2007 First smartphone iPhone Steve Jobs
service & Newman
by Apple Inc
provider
 8.2 Computers and Mobile Phones
- Computers and mobile phones provided a major defining event
that accelerated the advent of the information age
8.2.1 Computers
- Computers is defined as “a machine or
device that performs processes, calculations
and operations based on instructions
provided by a software or hardware.
- It is designed to execute applications and
provides a variety of solutions by combining
integrated hardware and software
components
Types of computer
- According to purpose
- According to functionality
- According to size
According to purpose
- General purpose computers
o Designed to perform range of task
o Have the ability to store
numerous programs
o Lack in speed and efficiency
- Specific purpose computers
o Designed to handle a specific
problem or to perform specific task
o A set of instructions is built into
the machine
According to functionality
Analog Computer – uses physical phenomena
Digital Computer- performs calculations and logical
operations with quantities represented as digits
Hybrid Computers – capable of inputting &
outputting in both digital and analog signals.
According to size
Super computer – fastest and most powerful type of
computer; very expensive
Mainframe computer – very large and expensive
capable of supporting hundred or thousands of users
simultaneously
Mini computer or Server – midsize computer; capable
of supporting 4 to 200 users simultaneously
Micro computer or Personal Computer
- Desktop Computer: a personal or micro-
mini computer sufficient to fit on a desk
- Laptop Computer: a portable computer
complete with an integrated screen and
keyboard
- Palmtop Computer/Digital
Diary/Netbook/Personal Digital Assistant: a
hand-sized computer, no keyboard the
screen serves both as an input and output
device
- Workstation: terminal or desktop computer
in network, term for a user’s machine in
contrast to a “server” or “mainframe”
SUMMIT – the fastest supercomputer, it has a Social Media vs Social Networking
storage of 148.6 pentabytes
Social media is a platform for broadcasting
In May 2013, the Philippines was the first ASEAN information whereas social networking is a platform
country to possess a supercomputer named as “IBM for communicating with one another.
Blue Gene” the pilot project that utilized the
supercomputer was DOST’s Nationwide Operational - There are 5.11 billion people unique mobile
Assessment of Hazards (Project NOAH). users
- There are 4.39 billion internet users in 2019
- There are 3.48 billion social media users in
2019
8.2.2 Mobile Phones
- 3.26 billion people use social media
- The world’s first mobile phone call was Timeline of Social Media
made on April 3 1973 2002 Friendster
- In 1983 Motorola released its first 2003 LinkedIn, Myspace
commercial mobile phone known as 2004 Facebook
“Motorola DynaTac 8000X 2005 Youtube
- The first available commercially available 2006 Twitter
device that could be properly referred to as 2007 BizSugar, Tumblr
a “smartphone” began as a prototype called 2008 Facebook
“Angler” developed by Frank Canova in Messenger
1992. 2010 Instagram,
- A refined version was marketed to Pinterest, Viber
consumers in 1994 by BellSouth under the on mobile devices
name “Simon Personal Communicator”.
On average, people 7.6 social media accounts. The
8.3 Social Media and Social Networking Sites average daily time spent on social media as of
January 2018 is 42 minutes per day
Social media – a computer-based technology that
facilitates the sharing of ideas, thoughts and
information.
Friendster – founded by Canadian computer
programmer Jonathan Abrams in 2002 as a social
networking service website but redesigned and
relaunched as a social gaming platform in June 2011

LinkedIn – was founded in the late 2002, it

considered as the most popular social media site for
professional networking.
 Viber – launched in 2010 as a cross platform voice
over IP and instant messaging software application
Myspace – is an American social networking website
Facebook is the most popular website with
which is launched in 2004 by Tom Anderson, Christ
2.3 billion users followed by Youtube with
DeWolfe and Jan Hart. It holds the record of the
1.9 billion users.
most visited social networking site in the world from
2005 to 2008

Skype – was first released in August 2003, it was the 8.4.1 Health Risks
first to add video conferencing in 2006
Being over exposed to digital media can take a toll
Facebook – was launched and founded by Mark
on your mental and emotional well- beings as well as
Zuckerberg with his college roomates with Eduardo
cause various physical problems
Saverin in 2004
1. Eyestrain and Hearing Problems
Youtube – began when paypal employees created a
video-sharing website where users could upload, 2. Brain Cancer
share and view content. www.youtube .com was 3. Depression
activated February 14, 2005 4. Accidents
a. Anti-Distracted Driving Act of 2016
Twitter – was created on March 2006 by Jack Dorsey,
“bans the use of a mobile
Noah Glass, Biz Stone and Evan Williams, it is an
communication device while driving
online news and social networking service.
or waiting on a red signal
Tumblr – a microblogging and social networking
website founded by David Karp in 2007. Users can
follow other users blog. Information Overloading
BizSugar – a social networking platform and niche
b. The term “information overload”
resource for small business owners, entrepreneurs
was coined by Bertram Gross but it
and managers. Created in 2007 by DBH
was popularized by Alvin Toffler in
Communications
his book “Future Shock” in 1970
Facebook Messenger – is a messaging app and c. Is a situation in which too much
platform. Originally developed as Facebook Chat in information is given at one time
2008 which can cause the inability to
think clearly.
Instagram – created by Kevin Systrom and Mike
Krieger and launched in October 2010

Pinterest – a web and mobile application startup

designed to discover information in the world wide
web. Launched in 2010
8.4.3 Data Privacy
Data privacy or information privacy is the necessity
to preserve and protect any personal information
collected by any organization from being accessed
by a third party.
8.4.3.1 Data Privacy Act of the Philippines
Filipinos are heavy social media users, for 4 years
straight the Philippines leads the worldwide social
media users (2016-2019).
President Beningno Aquino signed into law the
Republic Act No. 10173 known as the Data Privacy
Act (DPA) of 2012
Scope of RA 10173
- All personal information must be collected
for reasons that are specified, legitimate
and reasonable
- Personal information must be kept accurate
and relevant, used only for the stated
purpose and retained only for as long as
reasonably needed
- Personal information must be kept
discarded in a way that does not make it
visible and accessible to unauthorized third
parties.
The Data Privacy Act protects individuals from
unauthorized processing of personal information
that is private and identifiable.
6. Computer related forgery, fraud and
identity theft
8.4.5 Fake News
Fake news also known as junk news or
pseudo-news as a type of yellow
journalism or propaganda that consist of
8.4.4 Cybercrime
Cybercrime is a crime in which a computer is the
object of the crime (hacking, phishing, spamming)
or is used as a tool to commit an offense (child
pornography, hate crimes).
Criminals can also use computers for
communication and document or data storage,
criminals who perform these illegal activities are
often referred to as hackers
Cybercrime can be broken into two categories
1. Crimes that target computer networks or
devices. These types of crimes include
viruses and denial-po-service (DoS) attacks
2. Crimes that use computer networks to
advance other criminal activities. These
types of crimes include cyberstalking,
phishing and fraud or identity theft.
8.4.4.1 Cybercrime Prevention Act of the
Philippines
Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention
Act of 2012 was signed into law by President
Benigno Aquino
Punishable acts under 10175
1. Cybersex, child pornography
2. Cyber libel which includes posting
defamatory comments on social networking
sites
3. Unsolicited commercial
communication
4. Offenses against the confidentiality,
integrity and availability of computer data
and system
5. Cybersquatting
deliberate disinformation or hoaxes.
How to spot fake news:
1. Take a closer look
a. Check the source of the story
2. Look beyond the headline
a. Check the entire article, many fake
 news stories use
sensationalist or shocking
headline to grab attention
3. Check other sources
a. Are other reputable
new/media outlets
reporting on the story?
4. Check the facts
a. Fake news stories often
contain incorrect dates and
altered timelines
5. Check your biases
a. Are your own views or
beliefs affecting your
judgement of a news
6. Is it a joke?
a. Satirical jokes are popular
online and sometimes it is
not always clear whether a
tory is just a joke or a
parody
Another useful way is CRAP test
Currency – when was the article written?
What about the sources they are using?
Relevancy/Reliability – Are they using appropriate sources & data?
Authority – who wrote it? Are they credible?
Are they a real person?
Purpose/Point of view – Why is it being written? Is it
a fact or opinion?
Chapter 9
Biodiversity and the Healthy Society
Biodiversity – encompasses the variety of all life on earth. It
forms the web of life in which we greatly depend. It
encompasses a lot of things: living organisms are numerous
and interacts with one another and with non-living things.
3 billion years – evolutionary history that makes up the Earth
today. It is continuously shaped by natural processes and
greatly by the influence of humans
The 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity – defined
biodiversity as the “variability among living organisms from all
sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine, and other
aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which
they are part: this includes diversity within species, between
species, and of ecosystems.
Species Richness – measured by counting all species in an
area.
Species count – is not the sole measure of biodiversity and is
weighted differently for eash species.
Crown-of-thorns Starfish - is an important species when it
comes to the assessment of coral reefs because it is a
significant coral predator
Number of Golden Snails- is a useful determinant of the
production in rice harvest. High number of it can help in the
prediction of a low turnout in rice harvest, the eggs of Golden
Snails are considered as pest for rice plant
Biotic - pertains to all of the living organisms within an
ecosystem. (eg plants, animals, fungi and any other living
things)
Abiotic - includes all of the non-living things in an ecosystem.
Ecology – is derived form the Greek word Genes – are part of the DNA which dictate the traits
“oikos” which means house. means study of or characteristics of an organism.
organisms in their or the place they live in. It
is a study of living things, their interaction
with one another, and their environment. It
is a discipline which attempts to understand
the complex web of linkages, relationships
and interdepended in the ecosystem or
environment.

Ecosystem - refers to life forms of plants,

animals, and non-living things that belong in
an organized unit. It encompasses the biotic
and abiotic component in an environment,
as well as their relationship and
interactions. It provides habitat to various
organisms.

Fauna - refers to all of the animal life within

a specified region, time period, or both

Flora - refers to groups of indigenous plants

in an ecosystem of a geographical region;
Derived from the word “floral” which means
relating to flower

Relative Abundance - refers to the relative

proportions of different species in an
ecosystem.

Trophic Structure - basically, answers the

question of who eats who? The feeding
relations of the species in a community or
an ecosystem determines the flow of energy
and nutrient cycles. It determines the
biological organization of a community

9.2 Types of Biodiversity

Variety in Biodiversity -identifies how much

resources and species an ecosystem has,
not just in terms of raw species count, but
also as an indicator of genetic and resource
diversity

Genetic Diversity - refers to the variation in

the genes of a species of individuals as well
as how they are closely related to the
members of a species in an environment.
Species Diversity - is the variability of different
species represented in a community. This level of
biodiversity involves species richness, or the number
of species in a region, and their abundance relative
in that area.
Community or Ecosystem Diversity - refers to the
variety of ecosystems in a given region. A region with
several ecosystems may be able to provide more
resources to help native species survive, especially
when one ecosystem is threatened by drought or
disease.
Functional Diversity - refers to the range of things an
organism does in communities and ecosystems. It
relates to the manner by which species behave,
obtain food, and use the natural resources in an
ecosystem.
9.3 Importance of Biodiversity
Biodiversity is important to human beings because it
is the source of our food, shelter, medicine, and
clothes. It is where we derive raw materials for
various activities that sustain us, such as in industrial
and commercial activities.
A. supports food security, dietary health and
livelihood sustainability
B. provides important resources for medical
research
C. plays a role in the regulation and control of
infectious diseases
D. essential for climate change adaptation
E. has social, cultural and spiritual
importance with communities
Medicines - originated from and are largely sourced
from ecosystems.
Traditional Health Program - has endorsed 10
medicinal plants to be used as herbal medicines.
These include among others: Sambong (Blumea
balsamifera), Akapulko (Cassia alata), Ampalaya
(Momordica charantia), and Lagundi (Vitex
negundo).
Natural products – raw materials used for for
houses, furniture, and clothes.
Ecosystem Services – are also vital to the existence
of life. These services are the result of the functions
and processes of ecological system.
Forests - are also indispensable as habitat for various
wildlife.
Decomposition - caused by microorganisms is
responsible for the sustainability of various
processes
9.4 Threats to Biodiversity
Habitat Destruction/ Habitat Loss - is one of the
biggest threats to biodiversity. It is one of the biggest
threats to biodiversity
Over-exploitation - means harvesting species from
the wild at rates faster than natural populations can
recover. Overfishing and Overhunting are types of
over-exploitation.
Overpopulation – Human overpopulation poses a
threat to biodiversity if it is coupled with
unsustainable pattern of consumption and poor
government policies as regard food security and
conservation.
Invasive Alien Species – species that are introduced
accidentally or deliberately in that habit or not in the
normal distributional range could threaten other
organisms especially if the species introduced have
the same ecological niche as those naturally existing
in that ecosystem. Are the second largest threat to
biodiversity after habitat loss
Global Climate Change - increase in global
temperature could be detrimental to some species.
9.5 Interrelatedness of Society, Environment and
Health
Living Organism - are dependent on their
environment in terms of living and reproduction.
Healthy Environment – means a robust and well- There are also 984 species of wild flora that are
preserved biodiversity. An ecosystem with a healthy threatened for possible extinction, 179 of which are
and diverse species consequently results to a healthy critically endangered, 254 are endangered, 406 are
diet of the population vulnerable and 145 are threatened.

Climate change – poses a serious threat to human
health and subsistence. Brought about by
anthropological activities causes significant negative
effect on human health and the environment
Biodiversity loss - these can be prevented through
proper legislation, implementation of sound laws
and policies, appropriate research with adequate
government support, education and awareness
raising, and the sustainable use of biodiversity.
Imported Pets - have been source of invasive alien
species. These imported pets can easily survive and
adapt to new environments and may eventually
dominate other native species. (eg goldfish, turtles,
spiders, lizards)
Benguet Province - they launched a project to plant
cherry blossoms to boost its tourism in 2016. there
will be ill-effects of introducing alien and potentially
invasive alien species.

9.6 Biodiversity in the Philippines Invasive alien species and effects

Philippines - it is considered a mega-diversity Alien species Effect on the ecosystem
country when it comes to variety of ecosystems, Forest Mangrove host of unidentified termite
species and genetic resources. species
invaded native communities
- one of the 17 countries in the world can have and affected many or all of the
this much biodiversity. Fire Ant animals and plants in the
- on a per unit area basis, the Philippines probably community; has fiery and
harbors more diversity of life than any other painful stings; nests in the
country on the planet soil.
- the country host 52, 177 described species, it
affected vegetables and
contains 2/3 of the Earth’s biodiversity and 70% Sprialing Whitefly ornamentals. Accidentally
of worlds plants and animal species due to its
introduced with the
geographical isolation.
importation of ornamental
According to the Biodiversity Management Bureau of kalanchoe in the 1970s.
DENR, the Philippines is also considered a accidentally introduced in
biodiversity hotspot specifically refers to 25 the importation of potato
biologically rich areas around the world that have Riceblack bug planting materials. Heavily
lost at least 70% of their original habitat. infesting potato farms in
Benguet in Northern
There is 1437 terrestrial mammals, birds, reptiles
Philippines
and amphibians that are listed as threatened under
DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2004-15. Of these American cockroach ubiquitous house pest.
711 are endemic species or species that can only be displaced most invertebrate
found in the Philippines. faunas; pest to agriculture as it
Big headed ant harbors phytophagous insects
that reduce crop
productivity.
 Invasive alien species and effects
Alien species Effect on the ecosystem
Jumping plant lice introduced by the typhoon in
1980. Has affected almost all
standing L. leucocephala
plantations.

Water hyacinth labeled as the “ecosystem

engineer” or “invasive habitat
modifier” caused clogging
waterways,
impeding boat transport, and
reduction in fisheries
productivity
Golden apple snail originally introduced to
increase the protein source of
Filipino diet, but became
a major pest in the farm rice.
can out compete native
Gold fish species of fish, stir up mud
when they fee, which
increases the cloudiness of the
water and affects the
growth of aquatic plants.

e
 Chapter 10
Modern Biotechnology
Genetic Engineering – is one of the many tools of
biotechnology to produce novel or improved
organism through direct gene modification.
- is considered the most dominant. Its beginning
can be traced back from two scientific
breakthroughs that unified genetics with
biotechnology namely: DNA structure 1953 and
recombinant DNA experiment of 1973
Three Distinct stages include:
1. Ancient
2. Classical
3. Modern biotechnology
CRISPR-Cas9 – a gene-editing toll to make two girls
HIV-Resistant
Professor He Jiankui – announced that he used the
CRISPR-Cas9
10.1.2 Genetically Modified Organisms
Recombinant DNA technology – or genetic
modification, it is also known as Genetic Engineering
GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) – possesses
the desired trait
AquAdvantage salmon - became the first genetically
modified animal to be approved by the United States
Food & Drug Administration (FDA) last 2015 as fit for
human consumption.
- it takes at least 2 years to grow into market size
but it was cut into half through genetic
engineering.
Event – this term was used to differentiate one GM
crop variety from another
Japan - country that garnered first place with the
greatest number of approved GM events.
Usa -is considered as the largest producer of GM
crops followed by Brazil, Argentina, Canada and
India.
5 most commonly approved GMO traits for food
and crop
1. Resistance to environmental stress
a. Flood-tolerant rice
b. Drought Resistance Corn
2. Disease Resistance
a. Resistance to disease such as the
ringspot virus developed for
Rainbow papaya
3. Consumer or Producer Enhanced
a. Resistance to browning developed
for Arctic Apple
b. Resistance to bruising developed
for Innate Potato
4. Herbicide Tolerance (HT)
a. Resistance to herbicide such as
glyphosate developed for corn,
cotton, canola, soybeans, sugar
beets and alfalfa
5. Insect Resistance (Bt)
a. Resistance to insects such as the
European corn borer developed for
Bt corn, Bt brinjal (Southeast Asian
Eggplant)
b. Bt stands for Bacillus thuringlensis
10.1.3 GMO in the Philippines
- 90 GM crop events were approved some of
which were undertaken as early as 2003
Genetically Modified Crops Approved in the
Philippines
For Direct Use or For Propagation
Processing
Corn TC1507 Corn MIR162
Soybean DAS 44406-6 Corn MON810
Oilseed Rape MS8
Oilseed Rape RF3
Cotton GHB 119
Cotton T304-40
10.1.4 Ethical Issues
Extrinsic - issues that are connected to the
application of genetic engineering
- Accessibility of these technologies
- Allocation of scarce resources
- Rights and special protections for chimeric
entities possessing certain degrees of
intelligence or sentience never before seen in
nonhuan animals.
- Health risks associated with transgenics and
genetically modified foods.
- Long-term effects on the environment when
transgenic or genetically modified organisms are
released in the field.
Intrinsic - issues that are raised with regards to the
process of genetic engineering.
distinguished from what is usually perceived to
be ‘human.’
- Identification of genetic engineering research
that should be considered morally impermissible
and banned.
- Redefinition of the term ‘normal’ in light of the
transgenic interventions undertaken.
10.2 Gene & Cell Therapy
Gene Therapy - is the modification of an organism’s
gene.
Approaches on how gene therapy works
1. one approach requires a working copy of a
gene that is later on transferred to the
affected cells containing the disease-
causing gene.
2. the latter is either inactivated or replaced
with a healthy copy of the gene.
3. third approach is to introduce a new or
modified gene into the human body to aid in
the treatment of the disease.
Somatic Cell Gene Therapy - all cells in the body that
are not involved in reproduction belonged to this
category.
- Any alteration made to the gene will not
be passed on to future generations
Germline Gene Therapy - results to heritable traits
- this includes the reproductive cells
namely: egg and sperm cell and even the cells from
very early embryos

- Fundamental issues arising from the creation of

new species
- Perception of species boundaries as either
‘fixed’ or a ‘continuum’.
- Degree of pain/suffering of ‘traditional’
organisms vs chimeras and transgenics.
- Possibility of creating physical or behavioral
traits in humans due to transgenic interventions
that may or may not be readily
4 key aspects that must be taken into Vector – these are genetically engineered viruses and
consideration in the administration of gene stem cells, in a successful gene delivery, the protein
therapy by The Department of Health & Human product encoded by the working copy of a gene is
Services of the State Government of Victoria biologically functional. the gene therapy can be
Australia undertaken either inside the body or outside the
body.
1. Identify the disease-causing gene
2. Specific location of the affected cells in the Ex vivo gene therapy - is any procedure
body accomplished outside.
3. Availability of the working copy of the
In vivo gene therapy - where cells are treated inside
gene
the patient's body.
4. Mode of delivery of the working copy of the
gene to the affected cell Glybera – is the first gene therapy for use
throughout the entire Europe
5 Main Types of Gene Therapy
- was developed by UniQure which aims to treat
1. Gene Addition
patients with lipoprotein lipase deficiency, a
a. Insertion of new copy of a gene
person with this kind of rare disease cannot
b. Hemophilia, Leber’s congenital
properly digest fats
amaurosis, lysosomal storage
diseases, X-linked chronic Luxturna - the first FDA approved direct
granulomatous disease administration gene therapy in the United States.
2. Gene Correction
- it was made available last 2017 to patients that
a. Removal of repeated or faulty
has confirmed biallelic RPE65
parts
mutationassociated retinal dystrophy
b. Replacement of damaged or
- severe vision problems that include night
dysfunctional region
blindness leading to complete blindness, that
c. Huntington’s disease
can affect both children and adults, were
3. Gene Silencing
addressed by this type of treatment
a. Degradation of mRNA
b. Rheumatoid arthritis
4. Reprogramming
Zolgensma - it was developed by Novartis for infants
a. Addition of one or more genes with spinal muscular atrophy. this inherited disease,
specific type of cell
which leads to the death of nerve cells, is addressed
b. Type 1 diabetes at its early stage for a one-time treatment that costs
5. Cell Elimination $2.125 million.
a. Introduction of “suicide genes” in
tumor cells
b. Cancer
10.2.3 Stem Cells
Stem Cells –are at the forefront of both gene
therapy and cell therapy, its ability to self-renew and
to mature into specialized cells of each tissue provide
the patient with a therapeutic technique that
potentially lasts for a lifetime. no formal
classification of cells exists at present
Cell Potency - they make use of the cell’s capability
to differentiate into various cell types
Pluripotent Stem Cells – has the ability to
differentiate into almost all cell types
1. Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCS) - from embryo
2. Nuclear Transfer Embryonic Stem Cells
(ntESCs) - from the nucleus (from patient’s
adult cell) is transferred to an egg cell (from
donor)
3. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) -
from differentiated adult (somatic) cell
4. Parthenogenetic Embryonic Stem Cells
(pES) - from unfertilized oocytes
Multipotent Stem Cell - has the ability to
differentiate into specialized cells with specific
functions.
1. Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) - from
adult bone marrow, peripheral blood,
umbilical cord blood.
2. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) - from
umbilical cord blood, bone marrow, fat
tissue
3. Neural Stem Cells (NSCs) - from induced
pluripotent stem cells, embryonic stem cells
4. Epithelial Stem Cells - from epidermis,
linings of the gastro-intestinal tract
10.2.4 Cell Therapy
Cell therapy - transfers live and intact cells to the
patient, the cells may come from a donor (allogeneic
cells) or from the patient, himself (autologous cells).
Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T Cell Therapy - it
is a treatment used for a specific form of acute
lymphoblastic leukemia seen in children and young
adults
Main steps in CAR T Cell Therapy
1. Collection - isolate T cells (subtype of white
blood cell) from a patient’s blood sample
through leukapheresis.
2. Engineering - create chimeric antigen
receptors on the surface of T cells that react
to cancer cells.
3. Multiplication - grow millions of CAR T cells
in the laboratory.
4. Conditioning Therapy - grow millions of
C(AR) T cells in the laboratory.
5. Infusion - infuse CAR T cells back into the
patient’s blood intravenously
Tisagenlecleuvel (Kymriah) – was the gfirst CAR T
cell therapy approved by the FDA last 2017, with this
treatment, a patient’s immune cells (T Cells) are
modified in such a way that it recognizes and attacks
cancer cells more readily.
10.2.5 Ethical issues Four Basic
Principles

1. Autonomy - will it respect a competent individual’s right

to choose?
2. Beneficence - will it promote well- being?
3. Justice - will it be equitable and fair?
4. Non-Maleficence - will it do no intentional
or unintentional harm?

Ethical Issues regarding gene and cell therapy

1. Authority figure to decide on traits considered as normal

from those that are a disability or disorder
2. The necessity to develop a new concept of therapy with
unknown risks even if there are alternatives
3. Moral status of human embryo vs human being that has
been born
4. Proper timing to shift from animal studies to clinical trials
5. Distinguishing ‘good’ vs ‘bad’ uses of gene therapy
6. Potential hazardous effects of gene and transgene
shedding
7. Use of gene therapy to enhance basic human traits
8. Societal acceptability of individuals who are ‘different’
due to the emerging use of gene therapy
 Chapter 11
The Nano World
Background of Nanotechnology Nano- originated from
the Greek word nanos meaning dwarf
1 nm/nanometer- measures a billionth of a meter or 10
raised to negative 9 meter.
Nanoscience- deals with the study of phenomena and
manipulation of material at the nanoscale.
Nanotechnology- understanding and control of matter
at the atomic and molecular levels in the range of 1-
100nm.
Richard Feynman- presented aspeech on the idea of
manipulating small particles titled “There’s Plenty of Room
at the Bottom” in December 29, 1959 during an American
Physical Society meeting in California Institute of
Technology which later on published the same speech in
February 1960 in Caltech’s Engineering and Science
Magazine.
Norio Taniguchi- from Tokyo University of Science,
coined the termed “nanotechnology”(1974). It was
initially description on semiconductor processors
such as a thin film deposition and ion beam milling
that involves characteristic control in the order of a
nanometer.
National Nanotechnology Institute- was the first federal
agency that efforts in nanotechnology.
Microscopy Tools in Nanotechnology Electron
Microscope- sample is bombarded by electrons and
monitoring either scattering or transmission effects.
● Scanning Electron
Microscopy- 3D images of particles
● Transmission Electron
Microscopy- 2D images of particles but more
rendered and creates greater resolution.
Scanning Tunneling Microscope-
applying voltage bias between an
electrical probe tip over the surface of a sample. Gerd
Binnig and Heinrich
Rohrer developed the first STM at IBM Zurich in 1981.
Atomic Force Microscope- pitched by Binnig and Calvin
Quate, AFM can render image of different surfaces with a
similar mechanism of STM.
Carbon Nanomaterials Classes of
Nanomaterials
● Carbons Based
● Inorganic Based
● Organic Based
● Composite Based
Fullerenes- spherical carbon-caged molecules with 60
or more carbon atoms. Heat resistant and
superconductive. Discovered by Harold Kroto, Sean
O’Brien, Robert Curl, and Richard Smalley first known as
Buckminsterfullerene or buckyball.
Fullerenes are widely used as
antioxidants that responds to free radicals.
Carbon Nanotubes- cylindrical in
shape and linked in hexagonal shapes. Sumio Iijima is
credited to the discovery. Nanotubes can be
cylindrical and open ends or closed
ends formed by pentagons in the ends. Nanotubes are
ideal for spacecraft materials due to its strength-weight
ratio.
Graphene- a one atom thick sheet tightly bound in a
hexagonal lattice. It is the thinnest and lightest
compound ever discovered. Discovered by Sir
Andre Geim and Sir Kostya Novoselov. Graphene has a
wide potential due to
its characteristics, most recently it is being used in
Lithium Based Batteries.
Issues and Concerns in Nanotechnology
● Lower recovery and recycling rates
● Lack of trained engineers and workers
● Environmental Implications
● Dissemination of Toxic persistent nano
substance
● High-energy requirements for nanoparticle
synthesis
● Behavioral and Physiological changes in
water.
● Toxic in algae and water fleas
● Exposure causes growth delay in crops.
● Can enter and damage the bloodstream Increase
of antibiotic resistant superbugs
● Can damage DNA
● Toxic when ingested
● Nanotechnology can be pervasive
● May introduce new efficiencies and paradigms
● Difficult to detect in the body
Nanotechnology in The Philippines Dr. Fabian Dayrit-
chairman of the Nanotechnology Technical Panel of
DOST.
Nanostructured Solar Device- UP, Ateneo, and La Salle
focused on the development of solar cells based on
solid state nanomaterials and dye synthesize materials.
Nanocomposite Materials- Led by Dr. Blessie A. Basilia has
come up with a biodegradable, environment-friendly food
packaging materials that protects food and extends its
shelf life using organoclay from local bentonite that is
blended with thermoplastic starch made from cornstarch.
Nanoparticle TiO2 in Commercial Paint- titanium dioxide
is a photocatalytic ultrafine TiO2 developed by Cristal
Global was incorporated in Boysen Knoxout. Paint
transforms airborne toxins into safe residues. If exposed
to UV light, reduction and oxidation reactions leads to
formation of adsorbed Free radicals.
Chapter 12
Climate Change and The Energy Crisis
Climate Change and Global Warming
Climate Change- any significant long-term change
in the expected
patterns of average weather of a region over a significant
period of time.
Impacts of Climate Change
● Direct Impact (natural phenomenons)
● Impact on ecosystems and
environmental relationships.
 ● Indirect Impact(poverty, conflicts, etc.) - Carbon Dioxide

Global Warming- is the slow increase in the average - Water Vapor

temperature of the - Methane

earth’s atmosphere because an increased amount of - Ozone

heat striking the earth from the sun is being trapped in - Nitrous Oxide

the atmosphere and not radiated out in space. Rising - Hydrofluorocarbons

concentrations of greenhouse gases in the earth’s ● Deforestation- permanent removal of trees to
make room for something besides forest.
atmosphere has caused global warming.

● Coal Mining- invasion and destroys sizable

ranges of
Natural Causes of Climate Changes
wilderness area, displacing the native fauna and
● Volcanic Eruptions- discharge of Carbon Dioxide,
removing habitat and food source.
aerosols (such as volcanic ash or dust)

and Sulfur Dioxide. ● Burning of Fossil Fuels- hydrocarbons that

produces harmful greenhouse gases.

● Industrial Processes- industries and factories give

Ocean Currents- distributes heat around the globe.
When water molecules are heated, they exchange off various pollutants into the
freely with the air in a process called evaporation.
Constant environment including land, air, and waters.
evaporation increasing the storms.
● Agriculture- emission of methane and
● Orbital Changes- Precession(orientation if earth’s
nitrous oxide.
axis of rotation), Eccentricity(deviation of a curve
Climate Observation- sourced from numerous
or orbit from circularity.), and
meteorological and related observational networks and
Obliquity(angle of tilt of the Earth's axis of systems throughout the world.
rotation.)

● Variation in Solar Radiation- changes of radiation Temperature Trends- global average temperature is one of

depends on the number of sunspots(darker areas the most-cited indicators of global climate change.

on the surface of the sun)

Glaciers and the Global Sea Level- Melting of land-
based glaciers and ice sheets & thermal expansion
Anthropogenic Causes of Climate Change
of the upper ocean caused by warming surface
● Greenhouse Gases- gases that traps heat inside
waters.
the earth's

● Atmosphere
El Nino- large scale oceanographic/meteorological Deadliest Typhoons in the Philippines
phenomenon that develops in the Pacific and is ● Haiyan (Yolanda)
associated with extreme climatic variability. ● Thelma (Uring)
● Ike (Nitang)
Characteristics of El Nino
● Fengshen (Frank)
● Occurs in the pacific every 2-9 years
● Washi (Sendong)
● Starts in the northern winter
● Durian (Reming)
● Once established, it lasts for the 1st half of the
● Bopha (Pablo)
incoming year
● Amy
● Exhibit phase-locking at annual cycles
● Agnes (Undang)
● It has a biennial cycle
Climate Indicators of El Nino ● Nina (Sisang)

● Delayed onset of rainy season

● Early termination of rainy season
● Weak monsoon activity
● Far Tropical Cyclone Track
● Less number of Tropical cyclones
entering PAR.
Drought- 3 consecutive months of way below normal
rainfall condition.

Greater than 60% reduction

Dry Spell- 3 consecutive months of way below normal

rainfall condition. Greater than 21-60% reduction

La Nina- a weather occurrence brought by the changing

temperature over the Equatorial Pacific Ocean.

Flooding- water inundates land that’s normally dry. Caused

by excessive rain, a ruptured dam, rapid melting of ice and
floodplain.
Energy Crisis Forms of Energy Causes of Energy Crisis

● Thermal ● Oil Crisis

● Radiant ● Over-Consumption

● Kinetic ● Overpopulation

● Electrical ● Infrastructure Damage

● Chemical ● Aging Infrastructure

● Nuclear ● Political Events

● Gravitational ● Terrorism

Effects of Energy Crisis

Sources of Energy ● Unexpected Power outage
Renewable- energy resources that are ● Oil price increase
available in unlimited amount in nature.
● Inflation
● Solar Energy
● Economic uncertainty
● Geothermal Energy
● Increase of domestic good price
● Wind Energy
● Rise in unemployment level
● Biomass Energy
● Poverty
● Hydroelectric Energy
● Poor Health
Non-Renewable- energy resources that are available in
● Low knowledge production
limited amount in nature.
● Depletion on foreign reserve
● Petroleum Products
● Devaluation of currency
● Hydrocarbon Gas Liquids
● Increase of lending rate
● Natural GAs
● Slow pace of infrastructural development.
● Coal
● Nuclear Energy

Energy Crisis- the price rise of the

energy resources or a great shortage in the supply of the

resources of energy.