NJS
Science, Technology and Society
Reviewer
THE INFORMATION AGE
Introduction to Information Age
• Knowledge communicated or obtained
about a specific fact or circumstance.
• Highly modernized, automated, data-
driven, and technologically advanced.
• Also known as the "Digital Age" and
"New Media Age.”
James R. Messenger's Theory (1982)
• Proposed the theory of the information
age.
• Emphasized the interconnection of
computers, real-time operation, and
user-friendly aspects.
• Defined the Information Age as the era
where access to and control of
information characterize human
civilization.
Before and After Information Age:
• Before: People viewed as mechanical
machines; industrial era with figures like
Galileo, Newton, Edison, Bell, and Ford.
• After: Shift to viewing the human mind as
a computer; tech leaders like Steve Jobs
and Bill Gates; emphasis on services
over manufacturing.
CORE VALUES IN DEVELOPMENT
Human Dignity
- Recognizing human rights and faculties.
Popular Participation
- Involving people in development
planning and implementation.
Empowerment
- Providing skills for self-reliance.
Common Good
- Development for the majority.
Social Justice
- Equitable distribution of wealth, power,
and opportunities.
Sustainability
- Considering needs across generations.
Social Responsibility
- Everyone contributing to addressing
social issues.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
1) No Poverty: Inclusive economic growth
for sustainable jobs and equality.
2) Zero Hunger: Agriculture's role in
eradicating hunger and poverty.
3) Good Health and Well-being: Essential
for sustainable development.
4) Quality Education: Foundation for
improved lives and development.
5) Gender Equality: Fundamental for a
peaceful, prosperous world.
6) Clean Water and Sanitation: Essential for
the world we want to live in.
7) Affordable and Clean Energy: Crucial for
addressing major challenges.
8) Decent Work and Economic Growth:
Sustainable development requires quality
jobs.
9) Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure:
Crucial for sustainable development.
10) Reduced Inequalities: Universal policies
addressing the needs of disadvantaged
populations.
11) Sustainable Cities and Communities:
Ensuring opportunities for all.
12) Responsible Consumption and
Production: Emphasis on responsible
production and consumption.
13) Climate Action: Addressing the global
challenge of climate change.
14) Life Below Water: Managing this
essential global resource for a
sustainable future.
15) Life on Land: Managing forests,
combating desertification, and preserving
biodiversity.
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16) Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions:
Access to justice, building effective
institutions.
17) Partnerships: Revitalizing the global
partnership for sustainable development.
Level of Development
- A stage in life where individuals fulfill
physical, social, political, economic,
moral-spiritual, emotional/psychological,
and intellectual needs.
Information Age Overview
• Web Browsers: Software to access and
navigate the World Wide Web (e.g.,
Internet Explorer, Firefox).
• Search Engines: Tools to find information
on the Internet (e.g., Google Search,
Yahoo Search).
• Basic Computer Skills: Word processing,
cybersecurity awareness, understanding
computers.
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
• Transparency in Data Practices.
• Informed Consent.
• Responsible Data Governance.
TRUTHS OF THE INFORMATION AGE
• Information must compete.
• Newer is equated with truer.
• The media sells what the culture buys.
• The early word gets the perm.
• You are what you eat and so is your
brain.
• Anything in great demand will be
counterfeited.
• Ideas are seen as controversial.
• Undead information walks ever on.
• Media presence creates the story.
• The medium selects the message.
• The whole truth is a pursuit.
BIODIVERSITY AND HEALTHY SOCIETY
Biodiversity
- Biodiversity encompasses the entire
spectrum of life on Earth, from unicellular
organisms to multicellular species. It is
the variety of life in all its forms,
supporting essential elements for our
survival. "Bio" refers to life, and
"diversity" denotes variety.
Healthy Society
- A healthy society ensures residents have
access to quality education, safe homes,
employment, transportation, physical
activity, nutrition, and healthcare. Well-
functioning ecosystems are crucial for
healthy communities.
Relation to Biodiversity
- Healthy communities depend on robust
ecosystems. To achieve this, preserving
and conserving biodiversity is essential.
LEVELS OF BIODIVERSITY
Genetic Biodiversity
- Variation within the same species,
inherited from parents to offspring.
Examples include traits for disease
resistance and stress tolerance.
Species Diversity
- Variety of species in a region, influenced
by environmental conditions. Taxonomy,
the scientific study of classification,
includes species richness (number of
species) and species evenness
(distribution among species).
Ecological Diversity
- Interaction of different species in an
ecosystem, emphasizing the importance
of diverse ecosystems for essential
services.
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Values of Biodiversity
- Consumptive Use Value: Estimating the
local population's use of natural
resources, such as food, drugs, and fuel.
Productive Use Value
- Placing value on nature's products, like
lumber and wool, after passing through
the market.
Social Value
- Reflecting cultural, spiritual, and
recreational values of biodiversity, tied to
livelihoods.
Aesthetic Value
- Appreciating the beauty of nature.
Ethical Value
- Upholding the principle of 'live and let
others live,' acknowledging the right of all
forms of life to exist.
Optional Value
- Preserving biodiversity for future
possibilities.
Ecosystem Service Value
- Assigning monetary values to ecosystem
goods and services like oxygen
production, water purification, and habitat
maintenance.
Biodiversity Benefits
- Health and Medicine: Utilizing
biodiversity for disease prevention and
cures. Historical examples include herbal
medicines, while modern
pharmaceuticals continue to be
developed.
Food
- Dependence on healthy ecosystems for
agriculture and fisheries, emphasizing
agrobiodiversity.
Energy
- Historical development influenced by
various factors, with recent concerns
about the environmental impact of
energy use on biodiversity.
Water Storage and Flood Control
- Natural and artificial water storage, flood
control through dams, with pros and
cons.
THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY
Habitat Loss and Destruction
- Caused by deforestation, urbanization,
agriculture, mining, and infrastructure
development.
Over-Exploitation
- Excessive use of natural resources
leading to overfishing, illegal wildlife
trade, logging, and overgrazing.
Natural Calamities
- Impact on biodiversity through events
like earthquakes, floods, and wildfires.
Chemical and Environmental Pollution
- Introduction of hazardous substances
into the environment, including chemical
and environmental pollution.
Biological Pollution
- Introduction of harmful non-indigenous
organisms, leading to biodiversity loss,
ecosystem disruption, economic impact,
and human health issues.
CONSEQUENCES OF THREATS
• Extinction of species and populations.
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• Degradation of ecosystems.
• Erosion of genetic diversity.
• Loss of ecosystem services.
• Erosion of support systems of human
societies.
PROTOCOLS ON BIODIVERSITY
Montreal Protocol: Addresses ozone depletion
by phasing out substances like CFCs.
Kyoto Protocol: Aims to limit global temperature
increase below 2 degrees Celsius.
Cartagena Protocol: Ensures safe transfer and
use of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs).
Convention on Biological Diversity: Promotes
conservation, sustainable use, and fair benefit
sharing from genetic resources. Adopted in 1992
at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS
(GMOs) AND GENE THERAPY
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and
Biotechnology Timeline
BIOTECHNOLOGY
- Biotechnology is a science-driven
industry using living organisms for
product and process development.
History: Coined by Karl Ereky, the field traces
back to zymotechnology, studying fermentation.
Notable advancements include genetic
engineering in the 1970s, leading to GMOs,
biopharmaceuticals, and gene therapy.
APPLICATIONS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
Medicine
- Biotechnology crucial for
pharmaceuticals, vaccines, gene
therapy, and personalized treatments.
Agriculture
- Biotechnology improves crop yield, pest
resistance, and nutritional content.
Industry
- Biotechnology revolutionizes materials,
promoting easily degradable products.
Environment
- Microorganisms, fungi, and enzymes
used to restore contaminated
ecosystems.
TYPES OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
Red Biotechnology
- Health sector, develops vaccines,
antibiotics, and regenerative therapies.
-
Green Biotechnology
- Focus on agriculture, fights pests, and
strengthens crops against environmental
challenges.
White Biotechnology
- Industrial branch, improves
manufacturing processes and develops
biofuels.
Yellow Biotechnology
- Focus on food production, genetically
improves food quantity and quality.
Blue Biotechnology
- Exploits marine resources for
aquaculture, cosmetics, and healthcare
products.
Grey Biotechnology
- Conservation and restoration of
contaminated ecosystems through
bioremediation.
Gold Biotechnology (Bioinformatics)
- Deals with biological information,
especially DNA and amino acid
sequences.
SUB-CATEGORIES
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1980s-1990s: Becomes a leader in
biotechnology, developing GM crops with
Brown, Purple, Orange, Black Biotechnology
improved traits.
- Further specialization in agriculture, legal
studies, information dissemination, and
health attacks.
Advantages of Biotechnology CONTROVERSIES AND ETHICAL ISSUES
- Lowers CO2 emissions, optimizes water
usage, and minimizes chemical
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
processes.
- Concerns about environmental and
Health Improvements
health impacts, lack of transparency, and
- Enhances medical diagnosis, decreases consumer awareness.
infection rates, and supports healthcare
Pesticides and Herbicides
progress.
- Roundup's alleged health risks and
Sustainable Agriculture
environmental damage, including the
- Offers nutritious, toxin-free food, reduces controversy over glyphosate and cancer.
pesticide usage, contributing to
Seed Patents
sustainable farming.
- Criticized for aggressively protecting GM
Poverty and Hunger Alleviation
seed patents, leading to legal action
- Increases land cultivation and food against farmers.
production, addressing global hunger.
Lobbying and Political Influence
DISADVANTAGES OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
- Accusations of using financial resources
to influence political decisions and
regulations.
Impact on Biodiversity
- Lab-engineered foods may reduce crop
diversity, impacting ecosystems. Monoculture and Biodiversity
Health and Environmental Risks - Promotion of select GM crop varieties
linked to concerns about agricultural
- Unforeseen allergies, potential organism
biodiversity and monoculture farming.
poisoning, and escape of modified
bacteria pose risks. Deceptive Marketing
Ethical Controversies - Criticisms of marketing practices
downplaying or misrepresenting risks
- Cloning, genome modification, and
associated with products.
assisted reproduction raise ethical and
societal concerns. Environmental Impact
Economic Impact - Concerns about pollution and harm to
non-target organisms from agricultural
- Increased yields may lead to job
chemicals.
displacement, and high biotechnology
costs can hinder smaller landowners. Ethical Dilemmas for Farmers
BIOTECHNOLOGICAL CONTRIBUTIONS - Farmers face dilemmas such as inability
to save seeds and concerns about
Monsanto's economic power.
1970s: Introduces Roundup herbicide, followed
by Roundup Ready crops.
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PROS AND CONS OF ORGANIC GARDENING
AND GMOS
GMOs (Pros)
• Reduced Pesticides
• Higher Yield
• Food Production Increase
• Added Nutritional Values
• Cost-Effective
• Does Not Need Fertile Land
• Resistance to Sickness
• More Nutrients
GMOs (Cons)
• Allergic Reactions
• Antibiotic Resistance
• Altered Taste
• Harm to Organisms
• New Allergies
• Health Complications.
• Crop Failures
Organic Gardening (Pros)
• Disease Prevention
• Soil Protection
• Pest and Disease Resistance
• Natural Fertilizers
• Animal Reproduction
Organic Gardening (Cons)
• Expensive
• Limited selection
• Short shelf life
• Potential lack of authenticity
• Labor-intensive.
GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS
(GMOS) - BENEFITS AND RISKS
Risks:
• Allergenicity: Introducing genes across
species may create new allergens.
• Environmental Impact: Altering
ecosystems.
• Herbicide and Pesticide Use: GMOs
engineered to resist pests may lead to
increased chemical usage.
Benefits:
• Enhanced Nutritional Value
• Increased Crop Yields
IMPACTS OF GMOS ON THE FUTURE
Governmental Policies
- Regulatory decisions, trade impacts,
economic effects, and market access
influence GMO outcomes.
Agricultural Practices
- Reduced pesticide use, enhanced
nutritional value, biodiversity concerns,
climate resilience, and potential loss of
biodiversity.
USES OF GENE THERAPY
Gene Therapy
- Medical approach correcting genetic
issues without drugs or surgery.
Uses:
1. Monogenic Diseases: Treating cystic
fibrosis or sickle cell anemia.
2. Cancer: Targeting cancer cells using
gene therapy.
3. Hemophilia: Introducing clotting factor
genes.
4. Infectious Diseases: Making patients
more resistant to certain diseases.
Voretigene Neparvovec (Luxturna)
- Approved gene therapy for inherited
vision loss.
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ETHICAL ISSUES IN GENETIC ENGINEERING
Genetic Engineering
- Laboratory technologies altering
organism DNA.
ETHICAL ISSUES
1. Ethical and Religious Objections: Some
view genetic engineering as playing God.
2. Genetic Anomalies: Unintended health
problems due to genetic manipulation.
3. Genetic Diversity Hampered: Loss of
genetic diversity.
PROS AND CONS OF GENETIC
ENGINEERING
Pros:
• Better Variety of Crops
• Enhanced Longevity
Cons:
• Hamper Dietary Value
• Entry of Pathogens
GENE THERAPY POTENTIAL, CHALLENGES,
AND RISKS
Potential
- Treating genetic diseases, cancer
therapy, infectious disease control, rare
diseases, and more.
Challenges
- Safety concerns, long-term effects,
temporary results, high costs, ethical
questions, and regulatory hurdles.
Risks
- Unwanted genetic changes, immune
reactions, cancer risk, ethical concerns,
and viral vector issues.
GENE THERAPY IN THE PHILIPPINES
Research and Development
- Scientists in the Philippines studying
gene therapy for disease treatments.
Clinical Trials:
- Testing gene therapy treatments on
patients to ensure safety.
Rules and Safety:
- Government regulations ensuring safety
and ethical standards.
Access and Cost:
- Availability and affordability of gene
therapy may vary in different regions.
NANOTECHNOLOGY
Nanotechnology
- Nanotechnology involves manipulating
matter at the atomic and molecular scale,
showing potential to transform various
industries.
Nanomanipulation
- The ability to control and rearrange
individual atoms to create new
structures.
Nanomaterials
- Engineered materials with nanoscale
features, made from metals,
semiconductors, or polymers.
Nanoparticles
- Tiny particles in the nanometer range,
exhibiting unique properties in medicine,
electronics, and catalysis.
Relationships:
• Nanotechnology studies matter at the
nanoscale.
• Nanomanipulation controls matter at the
nanoscale.
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• Nanoparticles and nanomaterials result - Introduced the concept of molecular
from nanotechnology and nanotechnology.
nanomanipulation.
FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS IN
Nanoscale Science and Engineering NANOTECHNOLOGY

- Study and manipulation of matter at the

nanoscale, spanning disciplines like
Scale and Properties
chemistry, physics, and engineering.
- Nanoscience studies matter 1-100
nanometers in size, exhibiting unique
properties.

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT
Quantum Mechanics

Origins - Describes behavior at the atomic and

subatomic levels, fundamental to
- Started with Richard Feynman's 1959 nanoscale phenomena.
lecture, envisioning atomic and
molecular manipulation.
Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approaches
Conceptual Growth
• Bottom-Up: Assembles structures from
- Expanded through Drexler's molecular
atoms and molecules.
nanotechnology and advancements in
• Top-Down: Breaks down larger materials
scanning probe microscopy.
to generate nanostructures.
EARLY CONCEPTS AND THEORETICAL
FOUNDATIONS
APPLICATIONS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
a) Feynman's Lecture (1959): Proposed
manipulating atoms for creating new
materials and devices. 1. Electronics: Nanoscale transistors and
b) Drexler's Molecular Nanotechnology quantum dots for smaller, more powerful
(1980s): Introduced the idea of building devices.
structures atom by atom. 2. Medicine: Nanoparticles in drug delivery
c) Scanning Probe Microscopy (1980s): and nanoscale imaging for disease
Enabled visualization and manipulation detection.
of individual atoms. 3. Energy: Nanomaterials enhance solar
cells, batteries, and energy efficiency.
4. Materials Science: Nanocomposites and
PIONEERS IN NANOSCIENCE AND
nanocoating for stronger, lighter
NANOTECHNOLOGY
materials.

Richard Feynman NANOTECH ETHICS

- Visionary behind nanotechnology's

conceptual foundation.
Health and Safety
Gerd Binnig and Heinrich Rohrer
- Nanoparticles can be risky to workers
- Developed the Scanning Tunneling and consumers. Safety measures must
Microscope (STM). be in place.

K. Eric Drexler
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Dual-Use Dilemma 3. Disruption of ocean currents.
4. Spread of diseases.
- Nanotech can be used for good and
harm. Preventing misuse is crucial.
WHO CAN FIX IT?
Environmental Impact
Governments
Positive
- Laws to reduce emissions.
o Nanotech helps clean air
pollution. Businesses
- Sustainable processes.
Negative People
o Some nanomaterials harm the
- Personal choices and voicing concerns.
environment. Marine life suffers
from released nanoparticles.

Safety Concerns
STS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
- Exposure to Nanoparticles raises toxicity
concerns. Inhalation, ingestion, or skin
absorption can lead to health issues. Negative Contributions:

• Resource extraction for clean energy

CLIMATE CHANGE harms the environment.
• Dependence on fossil fuels increases
emissions.
• Society's decisions, like reliance on fossil
Climate change
fuels and excessive consumption,
- A long-term shift in average weather contribute negatively.
patterns.
Global Temperature Positive Contributions (Adaptation):
- The Earth is getting warmer, leading to • Drought-resistant crops.
climate changes. • Early warning systems.
• Sea walls to prevent flooding.
Weather vs. Climate
- Weather is short-term, while climate is
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
long-term.

Causes: 1. Climate Change

1. Deforestation: Releases CO2, reduces
- Definition: Long-term shift in average
trees capturing CO2.
weather patterns.
2. Burning Fossil Fuels: Releases CO2,
- Examples: Global warming, extreme
used for energy.
weather.
3. Biodiversity Reduction: Weakens
- Causes: Deforestation, burning fossil
ecosystems' ability to capture carbon.
fuels, biodiversity reduction.
- Effects: Changing wildlife patterns,
Effects: melting ice caps, extreme weather.

2. Food Waste
1. Wildlife adaptations and cycles change.
2. Ice caps melt.
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- Definition: Discarding edible food, a
global issue.
- Causes: Overproduction, retail practices,
consumer behavior, supply chain issues,
lack of infrastructure.
- Effects: Economic loss, environmental
impact, resource depletion, food
insecurity.
- Prevention: Education, improved supply
chain, surplus redistribution, incentives,
policy change.
- Definition: Presence of plastic in the
environment, harming ecosystems.
- Effects: Wildlife impact, economic
consequences, environmental damage,
human health risks.
- Causes: Single-use plastics, improper
waste disposal, lack of recycling.
- Recommendations: Reduce single-use
plastics, improve recycling, legislation,
public awareness.

7. Air Pollution

- Definition: Presence of harmful

substances in the air.
- Causes: Industrial emissions, vehicle
emissions, fossil fuel burning,
deforestation, agriculture.
- Effects: Respiratory issues,
3. Global Warming
cardiovascular problems, environmental
damage, global warming.
- Definition: Long-term warming due to
- Prevention: Clean energy adoption,
increased fossil fuel use.
improved transportation, industrial
- Causes: Power generation,
regulations, reforestation, public
manufacturing, deforestation,
awareness.
transportation.
- Effects: Hotter temperatures, severe
8. Water Pollution
storms, increased drought, rising oceans,
food scarcity.
- Definition: Contamination of water
- Prevention: Energy conservation, electric
sources, rendering water unusable.
vehicles, reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
- Effects: Health issues, economic impact,
environmental damage.
4. Deforestation
- Causes: Improper waste disposal,
industrial discharge, agricultural runoff.
- Definition: Cutting down forests, leading
- Prevention: Reduce plastic consumption,
to emissions and habitat loss.
proper waste disposal, car maintenance,
- Causes: Logging, forest fires, agriculture
sustainable landscaping, public
expansion, urbanization.
awareness.
- Effects: Climate change, desertification,
soil erosion, species extinction.
- Recommendations: Sustainable logging,
agroforestry, responsible consumption,
conservation, reforestation.
5. Biodiversity Loss

- Definition: Decrease in variety of life

forms, driven by human activities.
- Effects: Ecosystem disruption, economic
impact, increased vulnerability, reduced
food variety.
- Prevention: Protecting habitats,
sustainable practices, combating
invasive species, raising awareness.

6. Plastic Pollution