SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, and SOCIETY

Prepared by: Group 2

Members:
ANDAYA, Angelica
ARTILLERO, Donna Rose
BARRERA, Kurt Albert
GERONIMO, TJ Algen
MANJARES, Maricar
OIRA, Jelyn
ORBIGO, Khristina Cazandra
PADRE, Rejean Ann

Answer the following guide Qs, handwritten or encoded, so u will have something to
review on for your final exam.

1. Give the definition for each of the following type/ colors of biotechnology &
give three (3) specific examples with a brief explanation for:
a. BLUE BIOTECH- covers the aquatic and marine fields, by using ocean resources
to create products and industrial applications.
b. BROWN BIOTECH- for when Deserts and dry regions are involved
c. DARK BIOTECH- as you can imagine, focuses on a darker topic: Bioterrorism
and biological warfare
d. GREEN BIOTECH- has to do with everything agriculture-related, focused on
improving crops in an accurate, targeted way.
e. GRAY BIOTECH- encompasses the Environment and biodiversity, environmental
protection, maintenance of biodiversity and removal of pollutants.
f. GOLD BIOTECH- is focused on the use of Bioinformatics, Computational
Science, Agile organization and analysis of biological data. We recently wrote a post
about what is Gold Biotech in more detail.
g. PURPLE BIOTECH- is reserved for the laws, ethics and philosophy revolving
around biotechnology.
h. RED BIOTECH- centers on Healthcare, by developing an advanced class of drugs
and therapies.
i. WHITE BIOTECH- is for Industrial processes and gene based technologies, as
well as the use of enzymes and microorganisms to produce biobased products.
j. YELLOW BIOTECH- covers Food Production.

2. Briefly discuss 3 advantages & 3 disadvantages of BIOTECHnology.

Advantages:

 Sustainable chemical, energy, and other material production through

biotechnology
Massive portions of the world's fossil fuel reserves have been used by humans. These
reserves are non-renewable and finite. Additionally, the greenhouse gases produced
by their use have a harmful influence on the environment. Biotechnology can support
environmental sustainability through synthetic biosynthesis, which employs live
organisms like bacteria, fungi, or plants to manufacture fuels, chemicals, and other
materials.
 Genetically modified plants boost the production of sustainable foods
Producing adequate food for both humans and animals will remain a challenge while
the world's population continues to grow at an uncontrollable rate. The World
Economic Forum's Council on Biotechnology claims that, although debatable,
genetically modified crops can aid in the solution to this issue. The research suggests
that current GM crops are boosting agricultural production in regions where they are
legal. For instance, 16.7 million farmers produced transgenic crops in 29 countries,
including 19 developing countries, on about 400 million acres in 2011. Existing GM
staple crops also aid in crop sustainability by enabling the use of fewer pesticides and
lowering the requirement for ploughing, which promotes erosion. By boosting
agricultural production and lowering grain fungal contamination, such crops also
improve the well-being of people and animals.

 Using seawater bioprocesses to make chemicals and fuel

Regarding biofuels, the ocean provides a plentiful supply of potential fuels and
chemicals. Given that the world's surface is covered by water over 70% of its area,
seaweed is probably prevalent in the air. Bioprocesses can be used to transform that
seaweed into biofuels. It is also possible to modify marine bacteria and microalgae to
increase their productivity and use them to produce chemicals and fuels.

 Bioprocessing with no waste

A zero-waste world was once only a pipe dream, but thanks to biotechnology, it might
not be entirely absurd. Biorefineries can close the production cycle and move us one
step closer to creating a zero-waste society by using industrial waste streams to make
chemicals and fuels.

 Using carbon dioxide as a primary ingredient

Biotechnology may truly be able to modify the perception that carbon dioxide is the
primary contributor to global warming & climate change. Recent developments in
science have improved our knowledge of how carbon dioxide is absorbed by living
things. As a result, researchers are starting to comprehend how carbon dioxide may
truly be captured and used to produce fuels, electricity, chemicals, and materials to
fulfill global demand.

 Organ regeneration via regenerative medicine

This one should go without saying, but recently there has been a rise in demand for
regenerative medicine. When the system is unable to mend itself, biotechnology
would make it possible to create organs and tissue in a lab and safely implant them.

 Medicine and vaccines are developed and manufactured with great haste
The capacity of medicines and vaccinations to prevent and treat illnesses has been
widely demonstrated, and this is highly relevant to the current state of the world. The
ability to quickly create medicines and vaccines against almost any target is now
made possible by biotechnology.

 Personalized, quick, inexpensive, and accurate diagnosis

Even though the WEF's Council on Biotechnology produced its report on the
advantages of biotechnology a while ago, its predictions regarding a worldwide
pandemic were accurate.
 Excellent for producing healthy food
With the use of biotechnology, our food's nutritional value has increased. The speed
and accuracy of scientists have grown due to food biotechnology, which can enhance
the food manufacturing process. The primary nutrients in food are created by the
crops grown on farms. However, by employing biotechnology to manage pests and
weeds and enhance soil nutrients, the agricultural industry may increase productivity
and the nutritional content of the crops produced.

 Contributes to medical sector improvement

The study of the genetic composition of the rest of humanity gained via biotechnology
has a significant positive impact on medicine. Among other things,
pharmacogenomics and genetic testing are two of the most important uses in
medicine. Pharmaceutical and diagnostic goods are created by medical biotechnology
using biological systems for research and development to cure or prevent illness.

 Reduces environmental footprints around the globe

Environmental biotechnology is positioned to replace less sustainable chemical and
material processes with more environmental friendly and biological ones.

 Lowers the infectious diseases rate

Reliable sources claim that individuals with incurable conditions have access to more
than 250 biotech medical goods. All of the aforementioned information indicates that
the advantages of biotech in the medical field should not be diminished. However, a
discussion of the advantages of biotechnology would be incomplete without
discussing the development of vaccinations to lower the prevalence of infectious
illnesses.

 Aids in preservation and conservation

The development of goods and technologies that would benefit our planet by utilizing
cell and biomolecular processes is the main goal of biotechnology.
Biotechnology offers us a way to extend our food's shelf life and longevity while also
helping to save natural resources. Recombinant antifreeze proteins created by
biotechnology are an illustration of a food preservation technique. Proteins called
recombinant antifreeze proteins can alter how ice crystals develop and lower the
freezing point of water. They increase the fruit and dairy products' frozen shelf lives.

Disadvantages:

 Destroy the crop

The soil serves as the crop's natural source of nutrients, as was already indicated.
However, biotechnology has made it possible for extra nutrients to be absorbed by
crops in addition to their natural ones. However, if the soil has been overburdened
with minerals from the crop, it may eventually lose its fertility, which might come at a
cost. If this occurs, there will be a period of recovery, which would lower the yield of
produced food at that time. For some, it may never recover, which would result in the
croplands being permanently destroyed.

 Reduces human life to a marketable commodity

The benefit of increasing human longevity is crucial for biotechnology. Yes, however,
there is discussion as to whether biotechnology has turned human life into a
commodity that may be controlled by others. For instance, payment may be necessary
before using biotechnology to apply a certain technique to treat a certain ailment.
Given the substantial expense and effort invested in the research, it is highly
questionable. However, because it doesn't make biotechnology completely accessible,
this is still clearly a drawback.

 Has a lot of unknowns

Because there are so many unanswered questions, biotechnology has several
drawbacks. Even though biotechnology has developed recently, there are still many
long-term repercussions that we are unaware of. What would happen if live cells'
DNA were changed to achieve a certain goal in the long run, for instance? Future
generations may suffer, but we don't yet know for sure.

 Might be used as a weapon

Let's say that biotechnology can change cells and the parts of cells to our advantage.
What guarantees that it cannot be changed to damage people? The development of
biological weapons via biotechnology opens the door to their use by terrorists.
To prevent situations when biotechnology is utilized to frighten or exterminate
mankind, the proper authorities must check the biotechnology process.

3. What is Nanotechnology? Give 3 applications of it & briefly discuss each

application.

Nanotechnology is the study and manipulation of matter at dimensions ranging

from 1 to 100 nanometers, where unique phenomena allow for novel applications.
Nanomaterials enable lighter, stronger, and more functional materials while
nanoelectronics power faster, smaller computing. Nanomedicine is facilitating early
diagnosis, smart drug delivery, and regenerative medicine. Nanotech is being
integrated into various industries such as food packaging, cosmetics, textiles,
chemicals, automotive, aerospace, and agriculture.

Applications:
1. Materials and Processes
- Durable smart fabrics with nanosensors for medicine, health monitoring etc.
- Nanoscale films for self-cleaning windows and eyeglasses.
- Nanoscale additives for lightweight armour.
- Nanocatalysts to boost chemical reactions.

2. IT and Electronic
- Nanoscale transistors, magnetic random access memory systems.
- Flexible electronics for wearables and medical devices.
- Quantum dot TV displays.
- Printed electronics.
- Improved flash memory and batteries.

3. Biomedicine and Healthcare

- Gold nanoparticles for targeted gene therapy and cancer treatment.
- Advanced imaging and diagnostic tools.
- Targeted drug delivery using nanocapsules.
- Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
- Nanoparticle-based vaccines.

4. Briefly discuss 3 advantages & 3 disadvantages of NANOtechnology.

Advantages of Nanotechnology
Enhanced Medical Treatments: Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize
healthcare by enabling targeted drug delivery systems. This means medications can be
delivered directly to diseased cells, minimizing side effects and improving treatment
efficacy.
Improved Materials and Products: The manipulation of materials at the nanoscale
can lead to the development of stronger, lighter, and more durable materials. This can
enhance products ranging from electronics to construction materials, making them
more efficient and sustainable .
Energy Efficiency: Nanotechnology can contribute to the creation of more efficient
energy sources, such as solar cells that capture more sunlight or batteries that store
energy more effectively. This can lead to significant advancements in renewable
energy technologies.

Disadvantages of Nanotechnology
Health Risks: The long-term health effects of exposure to nanoparticles are not fully
understood. There are concerns that nanoparticles could be toxic or cause unforeseen
health issues, particularly if they enter the human body or the environment.
Environmental Impact: The production and disposal of nanomaterials could pose
risks to ecosystems. Nanoparticles may accumulate in the environment and affect
wildlife, leading to potential ecological imbalances .
Economic Disruption: The widespread adoption of nanotechnology could disrupt
existing industries and job markets. As new technologies emerge, there may be
significant shifts in employment, requiring workers to adapt to new skills and roles.

5. What is Gene Therapy? Give 3 applications of it & briefly discuss each

application.

Gene therapy is a technique which involves the replacement of defective genes with
healthy ones in order to treat genetic disorders. It is an artificial method that
introduces DNA into the cells of the human body. The first gene therapy was
successfully accomplished in the year 1989.

Application of Gene Therapy

1. Replacement of Problematic Genes
Gene therapy can be used to replace genes that cause medical issues. In this approach,
scientists identify faulty genes responsible for diseases and aim to either fix or replace
them with healthy versions. For example, in conditions like cystic fibrosis, a defective
gene leads to the production of a faulty protein that affects lung function. By
introducing a normal copy of this gene into the patient's cells, the therapy can help
restore the function of the protein, potentially alleviating symptoms and improving the
patient's quality of life. This method often involves using vectors, such as viruses, to
deliver the healthy gene into the cells.
2. Enhancing the Body's Ability to Fight Diseases
Another application of gene therapy is to help the body fight against diseases by
adding new genes. This can involve introducing genes that enhance the immune
system's ability to recognize and attack diseases, such as cancer. For instance, in CAR
T-cell therapy, T-cells (a type of immune cell) are genetically modified to express a
receptor that targets cancer cells. This modification allows the immune system to
better identify and destroy cancer cells, leading to improved outcomes for patients
with certain types of blood cancers. By adding these beneficial genes, gene therapy
can empower the body’s natural defenses.

3. Treatment of Specific Diseases

Gene therapy is employed to treat various diseases, including cancer, ADA
deficiency, and cystic fibrosis. For example, in ADA deficiency, a rare genetic
disorder that affects the immune system, patients lack an enzyme necessary for
immune function. Gene therapy can introduce a functional copy of the ADA gene,
helping to restore the enzyme's production and improve immune responses. Similarly,
in cancer treatment, gene therapy can target specific mutations in cancer cells,
allowing for more personalized and effective treatment strategies. By addressing the
underlying genetic causes of these diseases, gene therapy offers hope for conditions
that were previously difficult to manage.

6. Briefly discuss 3 advantages & 3 disadvantages of Gene Therapy.

Advantages:
1.New, hopeful treatment options: Gene therapy provides hope for new treatments
for diseases that currently don’t have many other options. Without treatment, many
diseases and disorders lead to disability or premature death. With gene therapy,
research shows that the progression of these conditions has slowed down or even
stopped.
2.Earlier treatment: If you receive gene therapy earlier in your treatment, it can
prevent any damage before it occurs. Research is still underway to show to what
extent gene therapy may reverse damage.
3.Targets the underlying cause of disease: Gene therapy makes it possible to create
treatments that can specifically target any of the genes in your body.

Disadvantages:
1.Not guaranteed: Research into the science of gene therapy is only just beginning.
These therapies can’t guarantee to cure your disease or provide beneficial results.
There’s a chance the treatment won’t work or will have unexpected side effects.
2.Complicated process: Delivering foreign material into your body can cause an
immune response that may exclude you from future treatments or clinical trials.
3.Unknown long-term effects: The use of gene therapy can produce both good and
bad long-term effects that can last a lifetime. Because the science is so new, the
effects are unknown.

7. What is Nuclear Technology? Give 3 applications of it & briefly describe each

application.
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear Energy is the energy in the core of an atom. Where an atom is a tiny particle
that constitutes every matter in the universe. Normally, the mass of an atom is
concentrated at the centre of the nucleus. Neutrons and Protons are the two subatomic
particles that comprehend the nucleus. There is an exact massive amount of energy in
bonds that bind atoms together.

Nuclear Energy is discharged by nuclear reactions either by fission or fusion. In

nuclear fusion, atoms combine to form a larger atom. In nuclear fission, the division
of atoms takes place to form smaller atoms by releasing energy. Nuclear power plants
produce energy using nuclear fission. The Sun produces energy using the mechanism
of nuclear fusion.
Applications of Nuclear Energy

 Agricultural Uses of Nuclear Technology: Nuclear techniques help improve

food production through mutation breeding, which develops crop varieties that
are more resistant to diseases and environmental stresses. It is also used for insect
control (Sterile Insect Technique) and to enhance food preservation through
irradiation, which reduces spoilage and extends shelf life.

 Environmental Uses of Nuclear Technology: Nuclear techniques are used to

monitor and control pollution by tracing pollutants in water, soil, and air. These
methods also help in studying ecosystems, managing water resources, and
assessing climate change impacts.

 Medical Diagnosis and Treatments: Nuclear medicine uses radioactive

materials for diagnostic imaging (such as PET and CT scans) to detect diseases
like cancer. Radiation therapy is also a key treatment for cancer, where controlled
doses of radiation target and destroy cancer cells

8. Briefly discuss 3 advantages & 3 disadvantages of Nuclear Technology.

Advantages of Nuclear Technology:

Clean Energy Production: Nuclear power plants produce electricity without
emitting greenhouse gases during operation, making them a low-carbon energy
source.
High Energy Density: Nuclear fuel has an extremely high energy density, meaning a
small amount of fuel can produce a large amount of energy.

Medical Applications: Nuclear technology is crucial in medical imaging (like PET

scans) and cancer treatments (radiotherapy), saving countless lives.

Disadvantages of Nuclear Technology:

Radioactive Waste: Nuclear power plants produce radioactive waste that remains
hazardous for thousands of years and requires careful, long-term storage.
Safety Concerns: While rare, nuclear accidents can have severe and long-lasting
consequences, as seen in incidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima.
High Initial Costs: Building nuclear power plants is extremely expensive, requiring
significant upfront investment.
9. Briefly discuss the principle behind GMOs/ Genetically Modified Organisms?
Give 3 applications of it & briefly describe each application.

The principle behind genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is the direct

manipulation of an organism's genetic material, known as DNA, to introduce, remove,
or modify specific genes. This process, called genetic engineering, allows scientists to
alter an organism's traits in ways that would be difficult or impossible through
traditional breeding methods.

Here are three applications of GMOs:

1. Pest Resistance in Crops: Genes from bacteria like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can
be inserted into crops, making them produce insecticidal proteins. This reduces the
need for chemical pesticides, benefiting both the environment and farmers.
2. Herbicide Tolerance in Crops: Genes conferring tolerance to specific herbicides
can be introduced into crops, allowing farmers to use those herbicides for weed
control without harming the crop itself. This simplifies weed management and can
reduce the need for tilling, which benefits soil health.
3. Enhanced Nutritional Content in Crops: GMOs can be used to increase the
nutritional value of crops. For example, "Golden Rice" has been genetically modified
to produce beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, addressing vitamin A deficiency
in developing countries.

10. Are u in favor or not in favor on the above Cutting Edge technologies ~ Biotech,
Nanotech & Nuclear Tech? Why or why not? Expound on your answer.
List down your references.

REFERENCES
1.
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A

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5.https://byjus.com/biology/gene-therapy/

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https://www.britannica.com/science/genetically-modified-organism

10.