LESSON GEN cE MODIFIED ORGANISM: CE, HEALTH, AND POLITICS SES At the end of t lesson, the students should be able to: identity issues on genetically modified organisms (GMOs); * discuss different implications and impact of GMOs; and create a research paper on the impact of GMOs in the Philippine context. art In 2001, Rosalie Ellasus, a former overseas Filipino worker in Singapore turned farmer, attended the Integrated Pest Management sane apiners Field School and was introduced to Bt Com, a genetically snodified corn that is resistant to the destructive Asian com borer. Ms roa lunteered for demo-testng in her fied. Bt Com yielded 7-2 cons per ecre as comparcd ro a regular yield of 4.2 to pet hectare. Ao et eid praying. was ncedad, This ane of he seca 8e8 of genetically modified organisms (GMOS) (Ongkiko, 2016). oS hhas been with the human society since Genetic or roduced to humankind and when animals were a ing wipe process of genetic alterations i al Put natural Sree gd that tho tnt gore eptoeréss WPS Ce OY Jack ie was in 19 rence fetion novel Dragon’ Island (Stableford Watiamson, author of te 1 research findings on the DNA’s role f before actual 2004), ae ee vear‘grocture, the double-hells of Watson and Crick, in heredity ant : ‘ous search for development, genetic ‘Through continu’ were published fiction novel. It became a reality en in scienct wzineering no longer stayed in science cience, Technology, and Society ty cin bss in Sen, Tecnla ad ®genetic engineering is the in science laboratories. The general process of 4 8 hhere it may involve deliberate manipulation of the organism’s genes, Wl transfer of genes from other organism. An antibiotic-resistant E. coli bacteria was created in 1973. To date, there are ongoing researches on GMOs such as using genetically modified male mosquitoes as pest control over female mosquito carriers of Zika virus. However, despite the many possibilities of creating solutions for problems and opening doors for innovations, genetic engineering faces much opposition. Opponents raise ethical, social, and environmental issues related to genetic engineering and its GMOs. This lesson will present the existence of genetic engineering, specifically GMOs in the different areas of life, the impact to humankind, and the controversies that surround them. Genetically Modified Organism Genetically modified organism (GMO) is the term used for an organism created through genetic engineering. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2014) defines GMO as an “organism, either plant, animal, or microorganism, in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating or natural recombination.” Below is a diagram of how bacterial gene is introduced through genetic engineering to plant cells and tissues to develop and breed a genetically modified plant, RSI ME 980069008 20, Figure &. The Genetic Engineering Process on a Pi a Plant & Science, Technology, and SocietyGMOs was perceived to help in the nology for the benefit of humans in different industries medicine, The development of advancement of tech like agriculture and GMOs in Food and Agricultural Industries The Center for Eo 2013) identified the followi industries: ‘Ogenetics and Environmental Health (CEEH, ‘ing roles of GMOs in the food and agricultural Pest resistance ~ genetically modified plants to resist certain Pests. ‘An example is Bt Com. The DNA (genome) of the Bt ‘Corn has been modified with the gene of Bacillus thuringiensis, a soil bacterium that produces proteins which is toxic to corn borers (worms). i 2. Virus resistance — genetically modified plants to resist certain viruses. ‘An example is GM papaya or rainbow papaya. The papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) is known to be detrimental to papaya plants. The protein of PRSV was introduced to the papaya plant through plant tissue which turned out to be resistant to the virus itself, The effect was like the vaccines humans have against measles or influenza virus.Herbicide tolerance — genetically modified plants to tolerate herbicide An example is Roundup Ready soybean. Glyphosate, an herbicide for weeds, was introduced to soybeans making it tolerant to the herbicide itself. Farmers then can spray the herbicide killing the weeds but not the soybeans. Fortification — genetically modified plants fortified with certain minerals, An example is Golden Rice, Beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, was introduced through biosynthesis genes to the rice, making the rice grains fortified with vitamin A. Cosmetic preservation ~ genetically modified plants resist natural discoloration, An example is Arctic Apple. The apple variety was genetically modified to suppress the browning of apple due to superficial damage. Increase growth rate ~ a genetically modified organism that has higher yield in growth than normal species. ‘An example is AquAdvantage salmon. A gene from an ocean Pout, an cel-like fish was introduced to Pacific Chinook salmon, making the salmon grow faster than its normal rate, _ GMOs in Non-Food Crops and Microorganisms Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in : ( non-food crops and some microorganisms involve the following: |. Flower production - GMOs in flower modified color and extended vase life of © Science, Technology, and Society Production are seen in flowers.are, er ae Blue Roses. The so-called "blue" roses, which ingetter wie lilac or purple, contained cyanidin 3,5-dighucoside. fiavencia a) h large amounts of flavonols. The introduction of | the producing co P¥drosvlase gene into pelargonidin- oF cyanidin- cee ® Tose cultivars diverts the anthocyanin biosynthetic pauhway toward the production of delphinidin glucosides and lower color to blue (Elomaa & Holton, 1994). Paper production — modified characteristics of trees for higher yield of paper production. Examples are poplar trees. Lignin is a complex polymer in trees that is removed from wood to make paper through kraft process, through inserting genes that code for ferulic acid in young poplar trees, the lignin structure is modified, making lignin easier to breakdown (Veniza, 2014). Pharmaceutical productions — modified plants to produce pharmaceutical products. Examples are periwinkle plants. Bacterial genes were added to the periwinkle plant to enhance the production of vinblastine, an alkaloid usually added to drugs for cancer treatments like Hodgkin’s lymphoma (Runguphan, 2010). Bioremediation — use of modified plants that can assist in the bioremediation of polluted sites. ‘An example is shrub tobacco, Nicotiana glauca, of shrub tobaceo genetically modified with phytochelatin TaPCSI1, ie used for bioremediation. It shows high level accumulation sine, lead, cadmium, nickel, and boron and produces high biomass.Figure 9, Nicotiana glauca ified mi isms Enzyme and drug production — use of modified microarean that can produce enzymes for food processing and m bs One example of this is CGTase. Cyclomaltodextrin glycosyltransferase (CGTase), an enzyme used for food flavor enhancer, is produced in higher quantity by bacterium Bacillus which was genetically modified with the gene of a thermophilic anacrobe, Thermoanaerobacter, carrying CGTase (Pedersen & Jorgensen, 1995), Figure 10. Thermoanaerobacter Another example is artemesin. Artemesinic acid is a compound used for anti-malarial drug extracted from sweet wordwood plant. Through genetic engineering, it can be synthetically produced by yeast and bacteria with sweet wordwood plant gene (Zimmer, 2006). GMOs in the medical field ~ genetic engineering is playing « lent of human-dreaded diseases. It helps in the production of drugs, gene therapy, and laboratory researches, ‘One classic example is Humulin, insulin used by Type 1 diabetes dependent, In the past, % feiese, —* » the genetically engineered Patients who are insulin- insulin is extracted from the pancreasesof Pigs and diabetics us ee ba have caused allergic reactions to some National Madea 1978, researchers from the City of Hope Company were abl Center and Genentech Biotechnology inline ied to produce human insulin. The gene for almost exactly veg to bacterial DNA that was able to produce in the mass prod same human insulin. This was a breakthrough Ree eis luction of human insulin, In 1996, modified 7 was approved, called the Humalog. 'e Figure 11, Humulin, a sample of genetically engineered insulin. Benefits of GMOs Studies show some of the potential benefits of GMOs: Higher efficiency in farming — with the use of pesticide- resistant/herbicide-tolerant GMO crops, there will be less use for herbicides/pesticides, and lower cost for labor and cultivation. st — GMO crops resistant to pests and Increase in harves otential growth and harvest. diseases means increase in p — controlling the purity of the hybrid seeds Control in fertility ther yields. (GMO seeds) ensures hia ease in food processing ~ altered characteristics of GMO crops help ease food processins. Improvement of desirable characteristics — GMOs offer longer hanced color and taste, enhanced production or shelf life, en! Feauction of enzymes, and other modified characteristics of plants, animals, and microorganisms. «tn: Sect Ise in Science, Technology, and Sot @) Inc! Chapte!— GMO crops 7 Ete! : ical enhancement : 5 Nutritional and pharmaceuti Golden Rice fortified with like maize fortified with lysine and § ! ; for viral vitamin A and iron. There are now edible vaccines f and diartheal diseases. + Reduce the use of fertilizer and pesticides There are over 400 million acres of GMO farmlands all over the world, The top five countries that operate GMO farmlands are the United States, Brazil, Argentina, India, and Canada. Some of the GMO agricultural crops that have been approved for public consumption and are already in the market include: alfalfa, com, papaya, soya bean, sugar beets, and squash. Most of these GMO crops were made to be resistant to pests. Some examples of common food with GMOs are Kellogg's Corn Flakes, Quaker Chewy Granola Bars, Ultra Slim Fast, Quaker Yellow ‘Corn Meal, and Alpo Dry Pet Food. In the animal industries, there are ongoing researches like studies on Pacific salmon that grows twice faster than the native salmon and chicken resistant to HSN1 bird flu viruses. However, these GMO animals are all in research laboratory and not yet approved for public consumption. Potential Risks of GMOs Despite the promising claims of GMOs, the opponents of GMOs claim otherwise. For example, there are studies that show a link in the adaption of pesticide-resistant GMO crops to the significant growth of super weeds that became pesticide-resistant, too. This caused additional problem to more than 12 million acres of farms in the United States, Opponents of GMOs have the following major concerns: 1, Since genetic engineering is still a young branch of science there are inadequate studies on the effects of O: a f GMI : 's to humans 2, Genetic engineering promotes mutati rer s ion in organis; i. long term effect is still unknown, ims which the ¢ . aae 3. Human co; nsur = 'mption of GMOs might have the following effects: * More allergi re allergic reactions — GMO food may trigger more allergic reacti the mage stiONs, more so create new ones, as side effect of 8ene alteration, Gene mutati es pana — GMO food may develop abnormalities mM, more than ime the desired product of the gene Antibiotic i Antbite resistance — GMO food contains antibiotic- ressaal genes; this may cause disease-causing bacteria il ely to be more antibiotic-resistant too, increasing the Possibility of widespread of the disease. * — Nutritional value - GMO food may have change in their nutritional value. Potential Environmental Risks Caused By GMOs Karki (2006) summarized the perceived potential environmental risks caused by GMOs. The identified major risks are the following: 1. Risk in gene flow — there is a potential risk of the modified gene to be transferred from the GMO crop to its wild relative or organism in the soil and human intestine (when ingested). For example, a decaying GMO plant could possibly transfer the modified genes to the bacteria and fungi in the soil. Bacteria and fungi are capable of using a genetic material from their surroundings. There are no studies yet on the effects of the absorbed modified gene to the other organisms. forms of resistance and secondary pests and ‘weed problems ~ GMO crops resistant to certain pesticides vray trigger new form of pest resistance while GMO herbicide- tolerant crops may lead to the over use of the herbicides which may trigger new form of weed resistance, 3, Recombination of Virus and Bacteria to Produce New "pathogens — the modified gene can be transferred and integrated in the viral or bacterial genes which may lead to 2, Emergence of new cific Issues in Science, Technology, and Society Chapter INE: Spesa i viral or bacterial gene modification OF mutation. This living new disease that modified virus and bacteria may then cause ee may affect other organisms including human cave s Other direct and indirect environmental risks caused By (Molfino & Zucco, 2008): 1. Direct environmental risks are: + introduction of the GMOs in the natural enviro i may cause disruption of the natural communities throug! competition or interference; * the possibility of unexpected behavior of the GMOs in the environment if it escapes its intended use and may post threats or become pest; * may cause harmful effects to ecosystem processes if GMOs interfere with the natural biochemical cycles; and the persistence of GMO genes after its harvest which = impacts to the consumer of GMO nment like managing negative ent such as evolution became resistant toConsumption of Gi M nati }Os may have adverse effects since it is not ura i ally or organically produced: consumption microorganis of GMOs may alter the balance of existing sms in the human digestive system; Producti ‘ction of toxins may be detrimental to human health; and Product tion of allergens may have adverse effects on humans. Worldwi hina eee Bee ‘are many groups that campaign against GMO oes armmption. They encourage people to boycott GMO products and to be vigilant in checking ifthe food they buy has GMO ingredients. ippines, the Supreme Court has ruled against the use of Bt eggplant, another genetically modified crop (Ongkiko, 2016). Other potential risks that raise major concern are: Scientists and search for wa! ‘one of the keys promising ways '© " Human Genome Project (HGP) — Mapping of human genes ‘to provide framework for research and studies in the field of medicine. It was feared that the ability to produce human genetic information would create biases and give much power to people holding the information and to the disadvantage of those who do not have the genetic information. Mutation of genetically engineered microorganisms Genetically modified bacteria and viruses may mutate to become more resistant or virulent that may cause more dreadful diseases for human beings. Cloning — The asexual reproduction of an organism using parent cell through genetic engineering, In February 24, 1997, the first mammal, Dolly, a sheep from Scotland, was born through cloning. With its celebrated success came the fear of human cloning. It emerged the ethical issue of man “playing God.” : edical practitioners would definitely continue to reserve lives. Genetic engineering is perceived to be ye rhe venture. Gene therapy and gene alteration are mprove human health conditions. m wes in Science, Technology, and Society 143) ‘Chapter IIL: Specific IsYS the process of this quest. , min On the other hand, great fears 100 ecial process There are many things to be considered before a certain m using genetic engineering be accepted. These concerns were affirmed by the reports, of the World Health Organization. WHO reported three major issues On GMOs that are in international public debates. These are the potential risks of allenzic reactions, gene transfer/flow, and outcrossing (WHO, 2014). The primary issue on GMOs presented in public debate is its unnatural production or what is termed to be a violation of nature. The creation of new organisms, like GMOs, posts moral issues on defiance to natural laws. Another concem is the potential risks to the environment and human health, to which so much is unknown yet. Biosafety on GMOs There are initiatives for the protection of the general human Population regarding the issues and concerns about GMOs. International organizations developed principles and treaties that somehow ensure biosafety on GMOs. Some of these initiatives are as follows: * The Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex). The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) together with the World Health Organization (WHO) created The Codex Alimentarius Commi (Codex). Codex is an intergovernmental body that develops the Codex Alimentarius, know us the International Food Code. Codex is responsible for the development of standards, codes of practices, guidelines, and recommendations on food safety. With the pressing issues and concems on GMOs, in 2003, Codex has developed principles for the human health risk analysis of genetically modified (GM) food products. The principles inciude pre-market assessments of GM food products and its evaluation of direct and indirect effects. However, the Codex principles has no complement their xx Principles (WHO, 2014),Cartagena Pro "ocol on Biosafe Protocol is 4 ae i». Established in 2003, Cartagena the transbeuntttational environmental treaty that regulates (Mog), w8Y movements of Living Modified Organisms conse: fe”, Ct8en8 Protocol requires exportee to seek HO, 2014 he importers before its first shipment of LMOs (WHO, 2014), z igreement on labeling of GM food and food ‘¢ment requires exporters of GM food import gene's © label their products and give rights to “mPorting parties to reject or accept the GM products. The Premise of this policy is that consumers have the right to know and the freedom to choose GM or non-GM products (Whitman, 2000), » The agre and food The World Health Organization (WHO, 2014) claims that all GM Products that are available in the international market have passed safety assessment by national authorities. The safety assessments basically look at the environmental and health risk factors and food safety usually follows the Codex Food Code. GMOs in Philippine Context Introduction of GMOs in our country created issues and controversies similar to other countries with GMOs. There are, of ‘course, Proponents and opponents of these issues. The GMO concem started in the 1990s with the creation of the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP) through Executive Order No. 430 of 1990. The NCBP developed the guidelines on the planned release of genetically manipulated organisms (GMOs) and Potentially harmful exotic species in 1998. In 2002, the Department of eased Administrative Order No. 8, the guideline for the Haare cael eleass itd the euiltoamest of GM pints aol plant He oa that same yee ibe eniry of CMO Inigtiaian, dated ave 28 a) ‘The Philippines was marked to be the first country enenules ved commercial cultivation of GMOs when GM corn Bate a moved in 2002 (Serapio & Dela Cruz, 2016). Chapter III: Specific Issues in Science, Technology, and SocietyFrom December 2002 to present, there are 70 GMO ie approved by the Department of Agriculture for the release 10 environment, 62 GMOs of which are approved for food feed and processing and the remaining 8 were approved for propagation (Aruelo, 2016). In 2004, the Philippines was classified by International Service a acquisition of agri-biotech applications as one of the fourteen biotech- mega countries which grow 50,000 hectares or more of GMO crops annually James, 2004). In that same year, Senator Juan Flavier authored a bill on the mandatory labeling of food and food products with GMOs. The Senate did not pass the bill In 2006, the Philippines became part of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. In the same year, Executive Order No. 514 was issued to address the biosafety requirements of the Cartagena Protocol and the establishment of the National Biosafety Framework (NBF). In 2010, the Organic Agriculture Act was issued, encouraging organic agriculture than GMO-related agriculture. Prior to this act, there are several provinces like Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental which agreed to support organic agriculture. There was the establishment of the Negros Organic Island through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the two provinces in 2003. With this MOA, the two provinces were able to ban the entry of GMOs and living GMOs to their provinces through provincial ordinance. Similar to this case, Davao City passed the Organic Agriculture Ordinance in 2010. This city ordinance helps the prevention of field testing of GM Bt eggplant in the UP Mindanao Campus (Aruelo, 2016), In 2012, Representative Teddy Casio, together with other congressmen, filed a bill pushing for the mandatory labeling of GM food and food products. To date, there is no Philippine biosafety law, only biosafety regulations formed under NBF. A study on the biosafety regulations of the Philippines concluded thatthe existing regulation is weak, which canbe fixed through necting such as a republic act (Richmond, 2006). nn In December 2015, the Supreme Court o, the field testing of GMO Bi eggplant and dect No. 8, series of 2002 of the Department of This means that any actions or procedures rdered to put an end to lared Administrative Order Agriculture as null and void. related to GMO importations Science, Technology, and Societyand propagation ig te, gator ™porarily is issued in accordan, Porarily put to stop unti inistratin Ce With the ne oP Uma new administrative order In March 7, 29 : »201 of Science and Techeayts government agencies namely, the Department of Environment ang mee! Department of Agriculture, Department Department of the | atural Resources, Department of Health, and Department Circutge Au" and Local Government, passed a Joint eeaeh Teach * No. 1, series of 2016 on rules and regulations for the release in the pit pment, handling and use, transboundary movement, plant and plant a onment: and management of the genetically modified ss ee Plant products derived from the use of modern biotechnology. j nt circular paves way to issuance of new permits for planting and importing GM crops in the country. ee ____. Genetic engineering is an emerging ficld of science. Its quests are to preserve and prolong life. In more than four decades since the first genetically modified bacteria was produced, thousands of genetically modified organisms have been created and propagated. Some are approved by experts and government authorities for human use and consumption while others are kept in institutional research laboratories subject for more experiments. There are advantages and disadvantages in using genetic engineering in both fields of medicine and food and agriculture, there are controversies that are still debatable up to the present. The major concern of the Opponents is the long-term effect of GMOs to humans while the proponents’ flagship is the success stories of the GMO recipients. There is still a long way to go for GMOs to prove itself, as humans seek answers to life’s predicaments or as humans play like God.THE NANO WORLD al ‘ LESSON OBJECTIVES — At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to: * — define nanotechnology: * — characterize nanoscale; * — deseribe the various uses of nanotechnology: * discuss concerns on the use of nanotechnology; and * explain the status of the use of nanotechnology in. the Philippines. pam) ei — Scientific researchers have developed new technological tools that greatly improve different aspects of our lives. The use of nanoscale is one important interdisciplinary area generated by advancement in science and technology. Scientists and engineers were able to build materials. with innovative properties as they manipulate nanomaterials. Indeed, research and application of knowledge on nanomaterials will continue to bring Widespread implications in various arcas of the society, especially health care, environment, energy, food, water, and agriculture, Nanotechnology refers to the science, engineering, and technology conducted at the nanoscale, which is about 1 to 100 nanometer (NNI, 2017), Nanoscience and nanotechnology employs the study and application of exceptionally small things in other areas of science including materials science, engineering, physics, biology, and chemistry (NI, 2017), ) Science, Technology, and SoxistyThe concepts of nanotechnology and nanoscience started in December 29, 1959 when Physicist Richard Feynman discussed @ method in which scientists can direct and control individual atoms and molecules in his talk “There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom” during the American Physical Society meeting at the California Institute of Technology. The term "nanotechnology" was coined by Professor Norio Taniguchi a decade after the dawn of the use of ultraprecision machining (NNI, 2017). How Small is a Nanoscale? A nanometer is a billionth of a meter, or 10° of a meter. The illustration below shows how small nanoscale is compared to other particles or materials.Manipulation of nanomaterials needs an adept understanding of their types and dimensions. The various types of nanomaterials are classified according to their individual shapes and sizes. They may be particles, tubes, wires, films, flakes, or shells that have oné or more nanometer-sized dimensions. One should be able to view and manipulate them so that we can take advantage of their exceptional characteristi How to View Nanomaterials Scientists use special types of microscopes to view minute nanomaterials. During the early 1930s, scientists used electron microscopes and field microscopes to look at the nanoscale. The scanning tunneling microscope and atomic force microscope are just among the modern and remarkable advancements in microscopy. 1. Electron microscope German engineers Ernst Ruska and Max Knoll built the first electron microscope during the 1930s. This type of microscope utilizes a particle beam of electrons to light up ‘a specimen and develop a well-magnified image. Electron microscopes produce higher and better resolution than older light microscopes because they can magnify objects up to a million times while conventional light microscopes can magnify objects up to 1,500 times only. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) are the two general types of electron microscope. 2, Atomic force microscope (AFM) It was first developed by Gerd Binig, Calvin Quate, and Christoph Gerber in 1986. It makes use of a mechanical probe that gathers information from the surface of a material, i) Science, Technology, and SocietySeannij Ng tunneling iz microscope view ial ae type of microscope enables scientists 10 molecules, In ae eel particles, atoms, and small Nobel P; 186, Gerd Binig and Heinrich Rohrer won the rize in Physics because of this invention. Nanomanufacturing It refers Prana ge reliable, and cost-effective manufacturing research, aaprcuecieei ack noon devices, and systems, It also involves h . yrporation of processes for the construction of materials, Therefore, nanomanufacturing leads to the development of new products and improved materials, There are two fundamental oe to nanomanufacturing, either bottom-up oF top-down (NNI, 1. Bottom-up fabrication It manufactures products by building them up from ‘atomic- and molecular-scale components. However, this method can be time-consuming. Scientists and engineers are still in search for effective ways of putting UP together molecular components that self-assemble and from the bottom-up to organized structures. 2. Top-down fabrication It trims down large pieces of materials into nanoscale. This process needs larger amounts ‘of materials and discards excess raw materials. to the assembly of are new ai I yet jop-down and bottom-up fabrication. ypproaches | from the application of principles in ( ‘These include: Dip pen lithography Pan method in wh h the tip of an atomic ciunet Speer a 5 ‘chemical fluid and then utilized to “write” on & surface, like an ‘old-fashioned ink pen ‘onto paper Cchaguer 1; Specie ses I Selence, Technology, amd Society &* — Self-assembly It depicts an approach wherein a set of components join together to mold an organized structure in the absence of an outside direction, + Chemical vapor deposi It is a procedure wherein chemicals act in response to form very pure, high-performance films. * — Nanoimprint lithography It is a method of generating nanoscale attributes by “stamping” or “printing” them onto a surface, * — Molecular beam epitaxy Itis one manner for depositing extremely controlled thin films. * — Roll-to-roll processing It is a high-volume practice for constructing nanoscale devices on a roll of ultrathin plastic or metal. * — Atomic layer epitaxy Tvis a means for laying down one-atom-thick layers on a surface. With the use of these techniques, nanomaterials are made more durable, stronger, lighter, water-repellent, ultraviolet-- or infrared- resistant, scratch-resistant, ¢lectrically conductive, _antireflective, antifog, antimicrobial, self-cleaning, among others. The abovementioned characteristics lead to the manufacture of the present variety of nanotechnology-enabled products such ws tennis rackets and baseball bats to catalysts for purifying crude oil and ultrasensitive recognition and classification of biological and chemical toxins, {t is not impossible that in the near future, computers that are better, more efficient, with larger storage of memory, faster and energy. saving will be developed. Soon, the entire memory of a computer will be. saved in a single tiny chip. Moreover, nanotechnology has the Potential to construct high-efficiency, low-cost batteries and solar cells, & Science, Technology, nd SocietyDistinct Features of Nanoscale ; Nanotechnology involves and it allows scientists to make u: physical, Operating at a very small dimension ise of the exceptional optical, chemical, a Se a lechanical, and biological qualities of materials of that small scale (NNI, 2017). The following are distinct features of nanoscale. Scale at which much biology occurs. Various activities of the cells take place at the nanoscale. The deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) serves as the genetic material of the cell and is only about 2 nanometers in diameter. Furthermore, the hemoglobin that transports oxygen to the tissues throughout the body is 5.5 nanometers in diameter. ‘A good number of modern researches focus on advancing therapies, tools, and treatments that are more accurate and custom-made than traditional methods and cause no adverse effects on the body he bio-barcode assay, which is sh for identification of specific ir small number in & procedures, ‘An example of this is irly inexpensive approach for a gease martes in the blood despite thei particular specimen. reimiasscer @ Specific sues in Selene? chapter Ik: SpelSeale at which quantum effects dominate properties of materials. Particles with dimensions of 1-100 nanometers have Properties that are significantly discrete from particles of bigger dimensions, Quantum effects direct the behavior and properties of particles in this size scale. The properties of materials are highly dependent on their size. Among the essential properties of nanoscale that change as a function of size include chemical reactivity, fluorescence, magnetic Permeability, melting point, and electrical conductivity. One example is the nanoscale gold, which is, not only the yellow-colored element we are used to seeing but it can also appear red or purple. Gold’s electrons display restricted motion in the nanoscale. Practically, nanoscale gold particles Selectively build up in tumors, where they permit both precise imaging and targeted laser destruction of the tumor while avoiding damage on healthy cells. Nanoscale materials have far larger surface areas than similar masses of larger-scale materials. As we increase the surface area per mass of a particular material, a greater amount of the material comes in contact with another material and can affect its reactivity. If 1 cubic centimeter is filled with micrometer-sized cubes—a trillion (1012) of them, each with a surface area of 6 square micrometers—the total surface area amounts to 6 square meters, or about the area of the main bathroom in an average house, When that single cubic centimeter of volume is filled with 1-nanometer-sized cubes—1021 of them, each with an area of 6 square nanometers—their total surface area comes to 6,000 square meters.“ayn ae g* EEE (0 tm ae Figure 13, ‘The Effect of the Increased Surface Area Provided by Nanostructured Materials Government Fundin i ig for Nanotechnology in Different Countries (Dayrit, 2005) = 1 U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative * The best-known and most-funded program is the National Nanotechnology Initiative of the United States. The NNI was established in 2001 to coordinate U.S. federal nanotechnology R&D. The NNI budget in 2008 and 2009 were $1.4 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively. European Commission + In February 2008, the EC officially launched the European Nanoelectronics Initiative Advisory Council (ENIAC). Japan (Nanotechnology Research Institute, under the National Institute for Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, AIST) ‘Taiwan (Taiwan National Science and Techn for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology) India (Nanotechnology Research and Education Foundation) jology Program China (National Center for Nanoscience and Technology) Israel (Israel National Nanotechnology Initiative) chapter I: Specie sues in Siene, Technoloey and SocietyAustralia (Australian Office of Nanotechnology) Canada (National Institute for Nanotechnology or NINT) South Korea (Korea National Nanotechnology Initiative) Thailand (National Nanotechnology Center or NANOTEC) Malaysia (National [Malaysia] Nanotechnology Initiatives or NNI) Possible Applications of Nanotechnology in the Philippines (Dayrit, 2005) wren ICT and semiconductors Health and medicine Energy Food and agriculture Environment Nanotech Roadmap for the Philippines (funded by PCAS- TRD-DOST) L, PMP YS Fw PP ICT and semiconductors Health and biomedical Energy Environment Agriculture and food Health and environmental risk Nano-metrology Education and public awarenessBenefits and Concer i n Nanotechnology —— — eianotrai has various applications in different sectors of the Pisative.callea Sadan ‘Salamanca-Buentello etal. (2005) proposed af teen Challenges Using Nanotechnology” ee of nanotechnology to address critical sustainable challenges, They suggested a model that could help figure out the possible contributions of the community in overcoming global challenges that pose risk on health and other aspects of peoples’ lives. However, there are concerns that need to be addressed before using and promoting materials derived from nanotechnology (Dayrit, 2005). 1. Nanotechnology is not a single technology; it may become pervasive. 2. Nanotechnology seeks to develop new materials with specific properties. new efficiencies and paradigms 3, Nanotechnology may introduce ices which may make some natural resources and current practic uncompetitive or obsolete. 4, It may be complicated to detect its presence unless one has the Specialist tools of nanotechnology. ‘Table 2. Benefits and Concems of the Application of Nanotechnology in Different Areas Example of Areas Affected by Possible Benefits Nanotechnology ‘Concerns: [paves ened SE > Improved detection |+ High reactivity and and removal of toxicity contaminants + Pervasive distribution in « Development of the environment benign industrial | + No nano-specific EPA processes and regulation materials Chapter Ill: Specific tsues in Science, Technology and Society+ Improved medicine y to eross cell membranes and translocate in the body No FDA approval needed for cosmetics or supplements * Better products Redistribution of wealth * New jobs * Potential cost of cleanups and healthcare Accessibility to all income levels (Source: University of Washington, n.d.) Social and Ethical Considerations in Conducting Research on Nanotechnology 1, Who will benefit from it? On the other hand, who won't? 2. For whom and what are your objectives for developing your product? How will it affect social, economic, and political relationships? ‘What problem is your “product” trying to solve? Who will have access to it? Who will be excluded? Are there dangers involved with its development (e.g., safety, health, pollution)? How can you minimize them? aw Se 7. Who will own it? How can you assure access to it? (Source: University of Washington, n.d.) Nanotechnology is an advanced interdisciplinary field that ‘encompasses science and technology that manufactures materials of great help to the improvement of various areas of society especially health care, environment, energy, food, water, and agriculture. It is a field that ® Science, Technology, and Society