MODULE 3: MIDTERM

Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

Dynamics of Science,
Technology and Society

1|P age
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

3 Dynamics of Science,
Technology and Society

CONTENTS
3.1.Stem Cell Technology and Genetic
Engineering
3.2.Human Reproduction Technology and
Family Planning: Significance to the
Growing Population
3.3.Health, Wellness and Aesthetics: The
Significance of Diet, Exercise, and
Nutrition to our Daily Lives
3.4.Drug Use and Abuse
3.5.Depression and Mental Health Science, Technology, and Society are
Awareness: Signs and Management dynamic, and ideas keep changing with every
3.6.Conservation Biology and Restoration tick of the clock. Due to the advancement of
Ecology: Its Importance to The science, technology also advances as well
Recovery of Endangered Species and our society copes with the technological
3.7.Global Warming and Climate Change revolution.
3.8.Cancer: Its Biology, Prevention and In this module, you will learn how
Cure science and technology correlate with
3.9.The Link Between Epidemiology and societal change. We will also learn the
COVID-19 different technologies used in medicine and
3.10. Biotechnology: Golden Rice and healthcare, production, and agriculture
Other Genetically Modified Organisms sectors, as well as in the commercial sector
3.11. HIV/AIDS and the Stigma and personal care.
We will learn about the modern ways
OUTCOMES of cancer treatment, human reproduction
LO2: Recognize and absorb the significant technology including IVF, health wellness
role of science and technology in society, and aesthetics, substance use and abuse,
most importantly in nation-building and, depression and mental health, conservation
conversely, the government’s role in and restoration ecology, global warming and
climate change, CRISPR and genetic
advancing science and technology.
engineering, the link between epidemiology
LO3: Discuss the importance of human and COVID-19, endangered species
rights in changing social conditions, recovery, biotechnology, golden rice and
technological development, and ethical other GMOs, and HIV/AIDS and stigma.
dilemmas.

2|P age
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

ACTIVITY

A. Instruction: Identify the scrambled word/s based on its definition.

1. BALLGO ARMWING = __________________ It’s a long-term rise in the earth’s
temperature.
2. TEMS LECL = ________________ a modern way to cure/treat disease by
removing/replacing damaged cells.
3. RANGEDEND = _______________ threatened to become extinct.
4. GAMITS = _______________ a negative attitude, prejudice, discrimination towards
certain diseases/illness.
5. PREDOCURITON = _______________ a process worn by organisms to perpetuate life on
earth.

B. Instruction: Using a Pyramid, identify the common points of Science, Technology, and
Society.

SCIENCE

????????

TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

3|P age
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

ANALYSIS

Instruction: Using the diagram below, formulate an idea of how the Dynamics of Science,
Technology, and Society help shape the world we are living in. State examples if necessary.

SCIENCE

TECHNOLOGY

SOCIETY

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

4|P age
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

• Embryonic stem cells derived

ABSTRACTION from human embryos.
• Embryonic stem cells derived
from mouse embryos.
• Embryonic stem cells derived
from primate embryos.
• Embryonic stem cells derived
from pig embryos.
• Embryonic stem cells derived
from cow embryos.
Embryonic stem cells have been the
subject of intense research because of their
3.1 Stem Cell and Genetic Engineering
potential to develop into any cell in the body,
STEM CELL
which may offer new therapies for a wide
Stem cells are a type of biological
range of diseases and conditions. However,
cell with the unique ability to differentiate
their use in research is often controversial
into various specialized cell types in the
due to ethical concerns surrounding the use
body. They can also regenerate, divide, and
of human embryos.
generate more stem cells. Stem cells can
2. Adult stem cells are found in various
potentially be used in medical treatments for
tissues throughout the body and are more
various conditions, including Parkinson's
limited in their differentiation potential.
disease, heart disease, and spinal cord
They can differentiate into a range of cell
injuries. However, there are ethical concerns
types within their tissue of origin, and
surrounding embryonic stem cells, which has
sometimes into closely related cell types
led to the development of alternative
in other tissues. These cells play
approaches, such as induced pluripotent stem
important roles in tissue repair and
cells (iPSCs) and adult stem cells.
regeneration throughout life. Here are
There are two main types of stem cells:
some examples of adult stem cells:
1. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent,
• Hematopoietic stem cells are
meaning they can differentiate into any
found in bone marrow and are
cell type in the body. They are derived
responsible for producing red and
from embryos at the blastocyst stage,
white blood cells and platelets.
typically five to six days after
• Mesenchymal stem cells are
fertilization. They are typically created
found in bone marrow and other
through in vitro fertilization and donated
tissues, such as adipose tissue,
for research with informed consent. Here
and can differentiate into bone,
are some examples of embryonic stem
cartilage, and fat cells.
cells:

5|P age
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

• Neural stem cells are found in some forms of leukemia, and researchers are
the brain and spinal cord and can investigating their potential for treating
differentiate into various nerve various other conditions, including spinal
cells and supporting cells. cord injuries, heart disease, diabetes, and
• Epithelial stem cells are found in Parkinson's disease. Stem cells are also
tissues such as the skin, intestine, important in drug discovery and testing, as
and liver and can differentiate they can be used to screen potential new
into various types of epithelial drugs for safety and effectiveness before
cells. they are tested in humans.
• Muscle stem cells are found in Stem cells are unique cells that can
skeletal and cardiac muscle and potentially develop into many different cell
can differentiate into muscle types in the body. While they offer a range
cells. of potential benefits, some potential
Adult stem cells have been used in disadvantages are associated with their use.
various therapeutic applications, such as Here are some of the advantages and
bone marrow transplants and regenerative disadvantages of stem cells:
medicine, due to their ability to differentiate Advantages:
into specific cell types and aid tissue repair. 1. Regenerative potential: Stem cells
Stem cells are important because can regenerate damaged or diseased
they have the potential to develop into many tissues and organs, potentially
different types of cells in the body during offering a cure for various medical
early life and growth. They serve as a repair conditions.
system for the body and can replenish other 2. Versatility: Stem cells can
cells damaged or lost due to injury, disease, differentiate into various types of
or aging. Stem cells are unique in their ability cells, including muscle, bone,
to renew themselves through cell division, cartilage, and nerve cells, making
and they can differentiate into specialized them valuable for various
cell types such as blood cells, muscle cells, applications.
nerve cells, and bone cells. This 3. Research: Stem cells can be used to
characteristic makes them valuable for better understand disease
medical research and therapeutic development and potential treatments
applications, as they may offer new and to develop new drugs and
treatments for various diseases and therapies.
conditions. Disadvantages:
Stem cell research can lead to new 1. Ethical concerns: Embryonic stem
insights into diseases, as well as new cells raise ethical concerns, as they
treatments and therapies. For example, stem are typically harvested from embryos
cell therapies have already been used to treat just a few days old.

6|P age
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

2. Tumorigenesis: The ability of stem 3. Synthetic biology involves creating

cells to grow and divide rapidly can new DNA sequences from scratch to
lead to the development of benign produce desired traits or functions.
and malignant tumors. 4. Cloning involves creating
3. Immune rejection: The recipient's genetically identical copies of an
immune system can reject stem cells organism or a specific gene.
derived from another person or 5. Transgenic organisms: These
animal, leading to complications. organisms have genes from other
4. Cost and accessibility: Stem cell species inserted into their genome,
therapies can be expensive, and often for specific purposes such as
access to them may be limited for producing medicines or improving
many people. crop yields.
6. Genome engineering: This involves
GENETIC ENGINEERING precise modifications to an
Genetic engineering is organism's genome, rather than
manipulating an organism's genetic individual genes.
material (DNA) to introduce desirable Many genetically engineered products
traits or remove undesirable ones. This can have been developed through genetic
involve the transfer of genetic material engineering. Some examples include:
between different organisms, or the 1. Genetically modified crops: These
modification of an organism's existing DNA. have been modified to resist pests and
Genetic engineering has many herbicides or to be more resilient to
potential applications, including agriculture, environmental conditions. Examples
medicine, and industry. However, it raises include genetically modified corn,
ethical and safety concerns, as the long-term soybeans, and cotton.
effects of introducing foreign genetic 2. Insulin: Insulin used to treat diabetes
material into an organism are not yet fully is often produced through genetic
understood. There are several types of engineering using bacteria or yeast.
genetic engineering, including: 3. Vaccines: Some vaccines, such as the
1. Recombinant DNA technology: hepatitis B vaccine, are produced
This involves the insertion of foreign using genetically engineered yeast.
DNA into an organism's genome, 4. Enzymes: Enzymes used in laundry
allowing it to express new traits. detergents and other cleaning
2. Gene editing involves making products can be produced through
targeted changes to an organism's genetic engineering.
DNA sequence using tools such as 5. Biodegradable plastics:
CRISPR-Cas9 or zinc finger Biodegradable plastics can be
nucleases.
7|P age
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

produced using genetically 2. Environmental concerns: Genetic

engineered bacteria. engineering can have unintended
6. Animal products: Some animal environmental consequences, such as
products, such as salmon, have been spreading GMOs to other plants and
genetically engineered to grow faster animals or creating superbugs resistant
or be more resistant to disease. to pesticides.
7. Gene therapy involves modifying a
patient's genes to treat or prevent 3.2 Human Reproduction Technology and
disease. Family Planning: Significance to the
This technology is still in its early Growing Population
stages, but it has the potential to
revolutionize medicine.
Advantages of Genetic Engineering:
1. Increased crop yields: Genetic
engineering can help create crops
more resistant to pests, diseases, and
environmental conditions, leading to
higher crop yields and better food
security.
2. Disease treatment: Genetic
engineering can produce proteins and
enzymes to treat diseases like
diabetes, hemophilia, and cystic
fibrosis.
3. Better livestock: Genetic Overpopulation refers to a
engineering can create more resistant situation in which the number of people in
animals to disease and produce more a particular geographic area exceeds the
meat, milk, or other products. capacity of the environment to sustain
4. New products: Genetic engineering them at a reasonable standard of living.
can produce new products, such as The impacts of overpopulation on society
biodegradable plastics, biofuels, and can be significant and wide-ranging.
medicines. Addressing overpopulation requires various
Disadvantages of Genetic Engineering: strategies, including promoting family
1. Ethical concerns: Some people are planning and reproductive health services,
concerned about genetic engineering, improving access to education and economic
particularly when creating genetically opportunities, and implementing sustainable
modified organisms (GMOs). development practices.

8|P age
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

HUMAN REPRODUCTION such as questions about the ownership of

TECHNOLOGY embryos, the use of surrogacy, and access to
Human reproduction technology these technologies. Here are some of the
(HRT) refers to a set of medical techniques advantages and disadvantages of HRT:
and procedures designed to assist in Advantages:
achieving pregnancy or prevent infertility. 1. Increased chances of conception:
These technologies are used to address HRT can help couples who are
various types of fertility issues, including experiencing infertility, giving them
those related to male and female reproductive a greater chance of achieving a
systems. pregnancy.
Some of the most used human 2. Treatment of genetic disorders:
reproduction technologies include: HRT can be used to screen for and
1. In vitro fertilization (IVF): This is a prevent the transmission of certain
process where eggs are removed genetic disorders, helping to reduce
from a woman's ovaries and fertilized the prevalence of these conditions.
with sperm in a laboratory. The 3. Preservation of fertility: HRT can
resulting embryos are then be used to preserve fertility for
transferred back to the woman's individuals undergoing medical
uterus. treatment that may impact their
2. Intrauterine insemination (IUI): In ability to conceive in the future, such
this process, sperm is inserted into as cancer treatment.
the uterus using a catheter. 4. Same-sex couples: HRT can be used
3. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection to help same-sex couples have
(ICSI): This is a specialized form of biological children, allowing them to
IVF where a single sperm is injected start families.
directly into an egg. Disadvantages:
4. Surrogacy: An arrangement where a 1. Cost: HRT can be expensive, making
woman carries a pregnancy for it inaccessible for many who could
another person or couple. benefit from it.
5. Egg and sperm donation: This 2. Emotional stress: HRT can be
involves using eggs or sperm from a emotionally taxing for individuals
donor to achieve pregnancy. and couples, particularly if the
Human reproduction technology has treatments are not successful.
revolutionized the field of reproductive 3. Risk of multiple pregnancies: HRT
medicine, making it possible for many can increase the chances of multiple
people to overcome infertility and start pregnancies, which can be risky for
families. However, these technologies can both the mother and the fetus.
also raise ethical, legal, and social issues,
9|P age
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

4. Ethical concerns: HRT raises ethical 3. Behavioral methods: This includes

concerns about the manipulation of methods such as abstinence and
human life, the commodification of withdrawal.
reproduction, and the potential 4. Emergency contraception: This is a
exploitation of women's bodies as form of contraception that can be
egg donors or surrogates. used after unprotected sex or
contraceptive failure to prevent
FAMILY PLANNING pregnancy.
Family planning is the process of Family planning is an essential aspect of
making informed decisions about when to reproductive and sexual health and can help
have children, how many children to have, individuals and families make informed
and how to space the births of those decisions about their future. Here are some
children. It involves using contraception or of the advantages and disadvantages of
other methods to prevent unintended family planning:
pregnancy. Advantages:
The goal of family planning is to give 1. Empowering individuals and couples
individuals and couples the power to control to make informed decisions about
their reproductive health and make choices their reproductive health and future.
about their lives. By enabling individuals to 2. Reducing the risk of unintended
plan when and how to have children, family pregnancies and their associated
planning can improve maternal and child health risks, such as maternal and
health outcomes, reduce poverty, and infant mortality, low birth weight,
promote gender equality. There are many and complications during childbirth.
different methods of family planning, 3. Allowing individuals and couples to
including: plan better and prepare for pregnancy
1. Contraception: This includes and parenthood can improve both
methods such as condoms, birth parents' and children's health and
control pills, intrauterine devices well-being.
(IUDs), and sterilization. 4. Reducing the financial burden of
2. Fertility awareness-based raising children can help reduce
methods: This involves tracking poverty and increase economic
fertility signs, such as basal body stability.
temperature and cervical mucus, to 5. Promoting gender equality by giving
determine the most fertile menstrual women greater control over their
cycle days and avoid or encourage reproductive health and career
pregnancy. opportunities.
Disadvantages:

10 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

1. Limited access to family planning mortality rates, and decrease the

resources, particularly for incidence of pregnancy-related
marginalized populations such as complications.
low-income individuals and those 3. Economic stability: Family planning
living in rural areas. can contribute to economic stability
2. Cultural and societal stigmas against by reducing the financial burden of
contraception and family planning raising children and enabling
can prevent individuals from individuals to plan and prepare for
accessing these resources and making their future.
informed decisions about their 4. Reduced environmental impact: A
reproductive health. growing population puts increasing
3. Side effects or health risks associated pressure on natural resources and can
with some methods of contraception contribute to environmental
can vary depending on the degradation. HRT and family
individual's health history and risk planning can help reduce the
factors. environmental impact of human
4. Ethical concerns regarding the use of populations by enabling individuals
certain methods of contraception, to make choices about their family
such as emergency contraception and size.
hormonal contraceptives, which 5. Social empowerment: HRT and
some individuals and groups view as family planning can empower
abortifacients. individuals and couples to take
Human reproduction technology (HRT) control of their reproductive health
and family planning are significant tools in and make informed decisions about
addressing the challenges posed by a their future. This can lead to greater
growing population. Here are some of their social and economic empowerment
significances: for women and marginalized
1. Control over population growth: populations.
HRT and family planning can help
regulate population growth by
enabling individuals and couples to
decide when to have children and
how many to have.
2. Improved health outcomes: By
reducing unintended pregnancies,
HRT and family planning can
improve maternal and child health
outcomes, reduce maternal and infant

11 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

3.3 Health, Wellness, and Aesthetics: The purpose. It involves consciously making
Significance of Diet, Exercise, and healthy choices that enhance one's overall
Nutrition to our Daily Lives well-being. These choices may include
regular exercise, a balanced and nutritious
diet, stress management techniques,
adequate sleep, social connection, and
engaging in meaningful activities or hobbies.
Wellness is a dynamic and ongoing process
that requires continual effort and attention.
Aesthetics is the branch of philosophy
that studies beauty, taste, and artistic
perception. It encompasses many topics,
including the nature of beauty, the principles
of art and design, and the psychological and
emotional responses to art and beauty. In a
Health is a state of physical, mental, broader sense, aesthetics describes anything
and social well-being defined by the World visually appealing or pleasing to the senses.
Health Organization (WHO). It is not merely This can include the beauty of nature, the
the absence of disease or infirmity, but a design of objects, the appearance of people,
holistic state of being in which an individual and the sensory experience of food, music, or
can fulfill their potential, cope with the other art forms.
normal stresses of life, work productively,
and contribute to their community. Health is DIET, EXERCISE, AND NUTRITION
influenced by various factors, including A diet refers to the food and drink
genetics, lifestyle, social and economic consumption pattern of an individual or a
conditions, and access to healthcare services. population. It can include the types and
Maintaining good health is important for amounts of food and beverages consumed
overall quality of life and can help prevent or and the frequency and timing of meals. Diet
manage many chronic diseases. is a crucial aspect of overall health and well-
Wellness refers to a state of being in being, as it plays a significant role in
which an individual experiences optimal maintaining proper nutrition, preventing
health and well-being in all aspects of chronic diseases, and managing weight. A
their life, including physical, mental, healthy and balanced diet typically consists
emotional, and social dimensions. It goes of various foods from different food groups,
beyond the absence of disease or illness and including fruits and vegetables, whole
encompasses a holistic approach to health, grains, lean protein sources, and healthy fats.
incorporating practices and behaviors that People follow many different types of
promote balance, vitality, and a sense of diets for various reasons, such as weight loss,
12 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

athletic performance, religious or cultural that involves alternating periods of

beliefs, or health concerns. There are many fasting and eating.
types of diets, including: However, it is important to consult with
1. Mediterranean Diet: This diet a healthcare professional before making
focuses on whole grains, fruits, significant changes to your diet, especially if
vegetables, legumes, fish, and you have any underlying health conditions.
healthy fats like olive oil. Exercise is any physical activity to
2. Ketogenic Diet: This diet involves maintain or improve overall health and
consuming high amounts of fats, fitness. Exercise can take many forms, such
moderate amounts of protein, and as walking, running, cycling, swimming,
very low amounts of carbohydrates. weightlifting, yoga, and dancing. The
3. Vegetarian Diet: This diet numerous benefits of exercise include
eliminates meat but allows for other improving cardiovascular health,
animal products like eggs and dairy. strengthening muscles and bones, reducing
4. Vegan Diet: This diet eliminates all the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes
animal products, including meat, and heart disease, improving mood and
dairy, and eggs. mental health, and maintaining healthy body
5. Paleo Diet: This diet focuses on weight. Regular exercise is an important part
consuming whole, unprocessed foods of a healthy lifestyle and can be tailored to
available to our hunter-gatherer an individual's needs and preferences.
ancestors. Several types of exercise can be
6. Low-Carb Diet: This diet restricts beneficial for overall health and fitness:
carbohydrates, to promote weight 1. Cardiovascular Exercise: This type
loss and improve blood sugar control. of exercise, also known as aerobic
7. Gluten-Free Diet: This diet exercise, involves movements that
eliminates gluten, a protein found in increase your heart rate and breathing
wheat, barley, and rye, and is rate, such as running, cycling,
primarily used to manage celiac swimming, or brisk walking.
disease. 2. Strength Training: This exercise
8. DASH Diet: This diet emphasizes involves using weights or resistance
fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and to build muscle and improve strength.
low-fat dairy, and is designed to Examples include weightlifting,
lower blood pressure. resistance bands, or bodyweight
9. Flexitarian Diet: This diet is exercises like push-ups and squats.
primarily plant-based but allows for 3. Flexibility and Stretching: This
occasional meat consumption. exercise help improve your range of
10. Intermittent Fasting: This is not a motion and reduce the risk of injury.
specific diet but a pattern of eating
13 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

Examples include yoga, Pilates, and carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins,

static stretching. minerals, and water.
4. High-Intensity Interval Training Diet, nutrition, and exercise are all
(HIIT): This type of exercise essential components of a healthy lifestyle.
involves short bursts of intense Here are a few reasons why they are so
activity followed by rest periods. It important:
can be done with bodyweight 1. Improved physical health: A
exercises or equipment like healthy diet and regular exercise can
kettlebells or battle ropes. help you maintain a healthy weight,
5. Low-Impact Exercise: This exercise reduce your risk of chronic diseases
is gentle on the joints and may be like diabetes and heart disease, and
suitable for people with injuries or improve your overall physical health.
conditions that limit high-impact 2. Improved mental health: Exercise
exercise. Examples include walking, has been shown to reduce symptoms
swimming, or cycling. of depression and anxiety, and a
6. Balance and Stability Training: healthy diet can also have a positive
This type of exercise helps improve impact on your mental health.
coordination, balance, and stability, 3. Increased energy: A healthy diet
which can reduce the risk of falls and and regular exercise can help
injuries. Examples include tai chi, improve your energy levels, making
yoga, balance ball exercises, or it easier to tackle daily tasks and stay
stability board exercises. focused throughout the day.
Nutrition is the study of how food 4. Improved sleep: Exercise and a
affects the human body and the process of healthy diet can help improve the
providing the body with the nutrients it quality of your sleep, allowing you to
needs to function properly. It encompasses feel more rested and refreshed when
the science of food, the nutrients in food, you wake up.
how the body uses those nutrients, and the 5. Increased longevity: A healthy
relationship between diet, health, and lifestyle can help you live healthier
disease. Nutrition is important for lives.
maintaining good health and preventing
chronic diseases such as obesity, heart
disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. It also
plays a critical role in developing,
developing, and maintaining bodily
functions. Proper nutrition involves
consuming a balanced diet with the right
amounts of essential nutrients, including

14 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

3.4 DRUG USE AND ABUSE properly and under the guidance of a
healthcare provider to avoid adverse
reactions or interactions with other
medications.
Drug use refers to the consumption of
substances that can alter the way the body
and mind function. This can include the use
of prescription drugs, over-the-counter
medications, illegal drugs, and other
Drugs can treat, cure, or prevent substances such as alcohol and tobacco.
diseases or medical conditions. They can Drug use can have different purposes,
relieve symptoms, cure infections, manage including medical, recreational, or spiritual
chronic conditions, or prevent the purposes. Medical drug use is when a person
progression of certain diseases. Drugs can be takes a drug under the supervision of a
derived from a variety of sources, including healthcare provider to treat a medical
plants, animals, and synthetic materials. condition or relieve symptoms. Recreational
They can be administered in various ways, drug use is when a person uses drugs to
including orally, by injection, topically, or achieve pleasurable effects, such as euphoria
through inhalation. or relaxation. Spiritual drug use is when a
There are different types of drugs, person uses drugs as part of a religious or
including: spiritual practice. However, drug use can
1. Prescription drugs: These require a also lead to harmful effects on the body and
prescription from a licensed mind and, in some cases, can lead to
healthcare provider, such as a doctor addiction, overdose, and death. Drug abuse
or nurse practitioner. refers to the use of drugs in a way that is
2. Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs: harmful to the individual or others, such as
These can be purchased without a using drugs in excessive amounts or using
prescription and are generally them in a way that is not intended.
considered safe for use without Legal drugs are drugs that can be
medical supervision. purchased and consumed legally, usually
3. Herbal supplements: These are with a prescription from a healthcare
products made from plants or plant provider or over-the-counter (OTC) from
extracts used for medicinal purposes. a pharmacy or drug store. Here are some
They are not regulated by the FDA in examples of legal drugs:
the same way as prescription or OTC 1. Prescription drugs: These are
drugs. prescribed by a healthcare provider
Drugs can have a wide range of effects and can only be obtained with a
on the body, and it's important to use them prescription. Examples include

15 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

antibiotics, antidepressants, pain financial problems, or strained

relievers, and blood pressure relationships
medications. 3. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
2. Over-the-counter drugs: These can when attempting to stop using drugs.
be purchased without a pharmacy or 4. Developing a tolerance to a drug,
drug store prescription. Examples requiring larger doses to achieve the
include pain relievers like ibuprofen desired effects.
and acetaminophen, antihistamines 5. Engaging in risky behaviors while
for allergies, and cough and cold under the influence of drugs.
remedies. Drug abuse can lead to a wide range of health
3. Dietary supplements: These problems, including overdose, heart disease,
substances can be consumed to liver damage, and mental health disorders.
supplement the diet and are available Treatment for drug abuse typically involves
without a prescription. Examples a combination of therapy, support groups,
include vitamins, minerals, and and medication-assisted treatment,
herbal supplements. depending on the individual's needs and
4. Tobacco: Although smoking tobacco circumstances.
is harmful to health, it is legal in Illegal drugs are drugs that are prohibited
many countries and can be purchased by law and their production, distribution,
by individuals who are of legal age. sale, and possession are punishable by
5. Alcohol: This is a legal drug that can legal penalties. Illegal drugs are also known
be purchased by individuals who are as controlled substances or illicit drugs.
of legal age. However, excessive These drugs are considered harmful to the
consumption of alcohol can have health and well-being of individuals and
harmful effects on the body and society, and their use can lead to addiction,
mind. physical harm, and social problems. Many
Drug abuse refers to the habitual misuse illegal drugs are classified as controlled
of drugs, including both illegal substances substances by the government and are
and prescription medications. Drug abuse prohibited for possession, distribution, and
can have serious negative effects on a use. Some examples of illegal drugs
person's physical health, mental well-being, include:
and relationships with others. Some common 1. Marijuana (cannabis)
signs of drug abuse include: 2. Cocaine
1. Neglecting responsibilities at work, 3. Heroin
school, or home 4. Methamphetamine (meth)
2. Using drugs despite negative 5. LSD (acid)
consequences such as legal issues, 6. Ecstasy (MDMA)

16 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

7. Psilocybin mushrooms (magic 3.5 DEPRESSION AND MENTAL

mushrooms) HEALTH AWARENESS: SIGNS AND
8. Synthetic cannabinoids (spice or K2) MANAGEMENT
9. Synthetic cathinone (bath salts)
10. Prescription opioids (such as
Oxycontin or Vicodin) when used
without a prescription or not as
directed.
Drugs should be regulated because
they can have serious negative effects on
individuals and society when abused. The
regulation of drugs helps ensure that they are
used safely, appropriately, and for their
intended purposes. When drugs are abused, Mental health refers to our
they can cause harm to individuals and emotional, psychological, and social well-
communities in many ways. For example, being. It affects how we think, feel, and
drug abuse can lead to addiction, overdose, behave daily. Good mental health means
and other health problems. It can also having the ability to cope with the normal
increase crime rates, social disruption, and stresses of life, to work productively and
other negative consequences. fruitfully, and to form positive relationships
Regulating drugs helps prevent these with others. Just like physical health, mental
negative outcomes by controlling the health can be impacted by various factors,
availability, quality, and distribution of such as genetics, environment, and life
drugs. Regulatory agencies set standards for experiences.
drug quality, ensure that drugs are tested for Examples of mental health illnesses include:
safety and efficacy before approval, and 1. Depression - a condition that can
monitor their use and distribution to prevent cause persistent feelings of sadness,
abuse. Furthermore, drug abuse can also hopelessness, and loss of interest in
have negative economic consequences, activities that you used to enjoy.
including lost productivity, increased 2. Anxiety disorders - conditions
healthcare costs, and increased criminal characterized by excessive worry,
justice costs. Regulation helps minimize fear, or panic, which can interfere
these costs by ensuring that drugs are used with daily activities.
appropriately and that drug-related problems 3. Bipolar disorder - a condition that
are minimized. can cause extreme shifts in mood,
energy, and activity levels.
4. Schizophrenia - a chronic and severe
mental health illness that can cause

17 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

disturbances in thinking, perception, shaking, and other physical

emotions, and behavior. symptoms.
5. Post-traumatic stress disorder 6. Delusions or hallucinations: Some
(PTSD) - a mental health condition mental health conditions, such as
that can develop after experiencing or schizophrenia, can cause delusions or
witnessing a traumatic event, such as hallucinations.
a natural disaster, military combat, or 7. Suicidal thoughts or behavior:
physical or sexual assault. People with mental health problems
There are many different types of may experience thoughts of suicide
mental health problems, and the signs and or engage in self-harm.
symptoms can vary widely depending on the Preventing and managing mental
individual and the specific condition. health problems involves taking steps to
However, some common signs and promote mental health, reduce stress, and
symptoms of mental health problems seek help when needed. Here are some
include: examples of ways to prevent and manage
1. Changes in mood: This can include mental health problems:
sadness, hopelessness, irritability, or 1. Practice self-care: This can include
anger that persist for an extended getting enough sleep, eating a healthy
period. diet, exercising regularly, and taking
2. Changes in behavior: This can time to relax and de-stress.
include changes in appetite or sleep 2. Build a support system: A strong
patterns, withdrawal from social support system of family, friends, or
activities, avoidance of friends and mental health professionals can help
family, or increased alcohol or drug prevent and manage mental health
use. problems.
3. Changes in thought patterns can 3. Seek professional help: If you are
include feeling confused, disoriented, experiencing mental health problems,
or having trouble concentrating or it's important to seek help from a
remembering things. healthcare professional, such as a
4. Physical symptoms: Mental health therapist, psychiatrist, or primary
problems can sometimes cause care provider.
physical symptoms such as 4. Manage stress: Stress can contribute
headaches, fatigue, digestive to mental health problems, so it's
problems, or pain without a clear important to find healthy ways to
physical cause. manage stress, such as exercise,
5. Anxiety or panic attacks: This can meditation, or talking to a friend or
include intense feelings of fear or therapist.
anxiety, rapid heartbeat, sweating,

18 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

5. Avoid substance use: Substance use, 2. Life events: Traumatic or stressful

including drugs and alcohol, can events such as the death of a loved
worsen mental health problems, so one, divorce, job loss, or financial
it's important to avoid substance use difficulties can trigger depression in
or seek help if you are struggling with some people.
addiction. 3. Brain chemistry: Depression may be
6. Stay connected: Social isolation can caused by an imbalance of chemicals
contribute to mental health problems, in the brain that regulates mood.
so it's important to stay connected 4. Medical conditions: Certain medical
with friends and family, even through conditions, such as chronic pain,
virtual means. thyroid disorders, or cancer, can also
7. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness contribute to the onset of depression.
practices like meditation or yoga can Some common signs and symptoms of
help reduce stress and promote depression include:
mental health. 1. Persistent sadness or feelings of
emptiness: People with depression
DEPRESSION may feel sad or down for extended
Depression is a mental health periods, without any obvious cause.
condition that can make a person feel sad, 2. Loss of interest in activities: People
hopeless, and unmotivated for a long time. with depression may lose interest in
It's more than just feeling sad for a few days. activities they once enjoyed, such as
People with depression may have trouble hobbies, socializing, or work.
sleeping, lose interest in things they used to 3. Changes in appetite or weight:
enjoy, feel tired and irritable, and have Depression can cause changes in
difficulty concentrating. It can be caused by appetite or weight, such as overeating
genetic, environmental, and psychological or undereating.
factors. It's important to seek help if you or 4. Insomnia or hypersomnia: People
someone you know is experiencing with depression may have trouble
symptoms of depression. Treatment can sleeping or sleeping too much.
include therapy, medication, and lifestyle 5. Fatigue or loss of energy:
changes. Depression can cause feelings of
Depression can have many different fatigue, exhaustion, or lack of energy.
causes and can start in a variety of ways. 6. Difficulty concentrating or making
Some possible causes of depression include: decisions: People with depression
1. Genetics: People who have a family may have trouble focusing, making
history of depression may be more decisions, or remembering things.
likely to develop the condition 7. Feelings of guilt or worthlessness:
themselves. Depression can cause people to feel
19 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

guilty or worthless, even if they have therapy, medication, and lifestyle

done nothing wrong. changes. However, many people do
8. Suicidal thoughts or behavior: not seek treatment due to stigma, lack
People with depression may of awareness, or fear of
experience thoughts of suicide or discrimination.
engage in self-harm. 4. Mental health awareness reduces
stigma: Stigma surrounding mental
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS health can prevent people from
Mental health awareness is crucial seeking help when they need it and
because it helps to reduce the stigma can also lead to discrimination and
surrounding mental illness and encourages social isolation. Mental health
individuals to seek the help they need. Here awareness campaigns can help to
are a few reasons why mental health reduce stigma and promote
awareness is so important: acceptance and understanding of
1. Mental health is just as important mental illness.
as physical health: Many people 5. Mental health awareness can save
understand the importance of taking lives: Untreated mental health
care of their physical health but may problems can lead to severe
overlook their mental health. Mental consequences, including suicide.
health problems can have a Mental health awareness campaigns
significant impact on a person's can help to identify people who may
quality of life and can even lead to be at risk of suicide or other severe
physical health problems if left consequences and encourage them to
untreated. seek help.
2. Mental health problems are
common: According to the World 3.6 CONSERVATION BIOLOGY AND
Health Organization (WHO), one in RESTORATION ECOLOGY: ITS
four people in the world will be IMPORTANCE TO THE RECOVERY
affected by mental or neurological OF ENDANGERED SPECIES
disorders at some point in their lives.
Mental health issues are not rare, and
they can affect anyone, regardless of
age, gender, ethnicity, or social
status.
3. Mental health problems can be
treated: There are a variety of
effective treatments available for
mental health problems, including
20 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

Endangered species are animal or and ecosystems and develop strategies to

plant species at risk of extinction. These conserve and protect them. This includes
species are facing threats that are putting identifying critical habitats and corridors,
them at risk of disappearing from the planet. developing plans for species recovery, and
The International Union for Conservation implementing policies and actions to reduce
of Nature (IUCN) is the global authority threats such as habitat loss, overexploitation,
on the conservation status of plant and pollution, and climate change.
animal species, and they have established Conservation biologists work to
criteria for determining the conservation develop effective strategies for conservation,
status of species. Species classified as including habitat restoration, captive
endangered meet certain criteria, such as breeding programs, protected areas, and
having a small population size, a limited sustainable resource management practices.
geographic range, or facing threats from They also work closely with local
habitat loss, hunting, or climate change. communities and stakeholders to understand
There are many reasons species become and address social and economic factors
endangered, including habitat loss due to contributing to environmental degradation.
human activities such as deforestation, Conservation biology plays an
pollution, climate change, poaching, important role in preserving biodiversity and
hunting, and overfishing. Endangered maintaining healthy ecosystems. It helps us
species are important because they play understand the complex relationships
critical roles in their ecosystems, and their between species and their environments and
loss can have cascading effects on other provides the knowledge and tools to protect
species and the environment. Efforts to endangered species and their habitats.
protect and conserve endangered species are
critical for maintaining biodiversity and RESTORATION ECOLOGY
ensuring a healthy planet for all species, Restoration ecology is a branch of
including humans. ecology that focuses on restoring
degraded or damaged ecosystems to their
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY original, healthy state. It is a
Conservation biology is a scientific multidisciplinary field that combines
discipline that focuses on understanding principles from ecology, biology, geology,
and protecting biodiversity, including the hydrology, and social sciences to develop
conservation of endangered species and and implement restoration plans. The goal of
their habitats. It is an interdisciplinary field restoration ecology is to improve ecosystem
that draws on a range of disciplines including functioning, biodiversity, and resilience by
ecology, genetics, biogeography, sociology, reintroducing native species, improving
and economics. It aims to identify and habitat quality, and restoring ecosystem
understand the factors that threaten species processes. Restoration projects may range
21 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

from small-scale efforts, such as restoring protect or restore them, such as

wetlands or planting native vegetation, to captive breeding programs,
large-scale efforts, such as restoring entire reintroduction programs, and
watersheds or degraded landscapes. population monitoring.
It involves assessing the current 3. Invasive species management
condition of an ecosystem, identifying the involves identifying and managing
causes of degradation, and developing a invasive species that can harm native
restoration plan that is appropriate for the site species and ecosystems, such as
and considers the needs of the local removing invasive plants and animals
community. Restoration efforts may involve and implementing measures to
removing invasive species, reintroducing prevent their spread.
native species, and modifying land use 4. Sustainable resource management:
practices to reduce erosion, sedimentation, This involves managing natural
and pollution. resources such as forests, fisheries,
Restoration ecology is important for and wildlife sustainably, such as
addressing environmental challenges such as implementing sustainable harvesting
habitat loss, biodiversity loss, and climate practices and reducing the impact of
change. By restoring damaged ecosystems, human activities on the environment.
we can help to improve ecosystem services 5. Environmental education and
such as carbon sequestration, water outreach: This involves raising
purification, and soil fertility, as well as awareness about the importance of
provide important habitat for wildlife and biodiversity and ecosystems and
preserve the cultural and ecological values of promoting actions to protect them,
the area. such as providing educational
Many methods are used in materials, organizing public events,
conservation biology and restoration ecology and working with local communities.
to protect and restore biodiversity and 6. Policy and advocacy: This involves
ecosystems. Some examples include: advocating for policies and
1. Habitat conservation and regulations that protect biodiversity
restoration: This involves and ecosystems, such as creating
identifying critical habitats and protected areas and regulating
developing plans to protect or restore harmful activities such as pollution
them, such as reforestation projects, and deforestation.
wetland restoration, and coral reef These are just a few examples of the
restoration. methods used in conservation biology and
2. Species management: This involves restoration ecology. The most effective
identifying threatened or endangered conservation and restoration efforts often
species and developing strategies to involve a combination of different methods,

22 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

tailored to the specific needs of the 5. Economic value: Endangered

ecosystem and the species involved. There species can have economic value,
are several reasons why it is important to such as ecotourism or developing
conserve and restore our endangered species: new medicines based on natural
1. Biodiversity: Endangered species compounds found in plants and
are a part of the earth's biodiversity, animals.
and their loss can lead to a loss of
ecological diversity. Biodiversity is 3.7 GLOBAL WARMING AND
important for maintaining healthy CLIMATE CHANGE
ecosystems and supporting the many
services they provide, such as clean
air and water, nutrient cycling, and
climate regulation.
2. Ecological balance: Endangered
species play important roles in their
ecosystems, and their loss can disrupt
the balance of the ecosystem. For
example, the loss of a predator Greenhouse gases are gases in the
species can lead to an increase in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat from
population of prey species, which can the sun and contribute to the Earth's
have cascading effects on other natural greenhouse effect. These gases
species in the ecosystem. include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous
3. Cultural and aesthetic value: oxide, and fluorinated gases.
Endangered species have cultural and The greenhouse effect is a natural
aesthetic value, and their loss can process that is necessary for life on Earth, as
impact cultural traditions and values. it helps to keep the planet warm enough to
For example, many cultures have support living organisms. However, when
traditional practices and beliefs the levels of greenhouse gases in the
closely tied to species or ecosystems. atmosphere become too high, the Earth's
4. Scientific and educational value: temperature can increase beyond what is
Endangered species provide considered safe for human habitation. This is
important scientific research and known as global warming.
education opportunities. Studying Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is
endangered species can help us essential for mitigating the worst effects of
understand how ecosystems work, climate change. This requires a collective
how species interact with each other effort from individuals, businesses, and
and their environment, and how we governments to transition to cleaner energy
can better protect them. sources and reduce their carbon footprint.

23 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

GLOBAL WARMING displacement of populations due to sea-level

Global warming refers to the long- rise and increased frequency of extreme
term increase in the Earth's average weather events, economic disruptions due to
surface temperature, primarily caused by damage to infrastructure and property, and
the buildup of greenhouse gases in the impacts on agriculture and food security.
atmosphere. These gases, such as carbon Climate change and global warming
dioxide, methane, and water vapor, trap heat are closely related concepts. Global warming
from the sun and prevent it from escaping is one aspect of climate change. It is the
into space, resulting in a warming effect. primary driver of the other environmental
The primary cause of global warming is impacts associated with climate change. The
human activity, particularly burning fossil increased concentration of greenhouse gases
fuels (coal, oil, and gas) for energy and in the atmosphere due to human activities is
transportation. When these fuels are burned, causing global temperatures to rise, and this
they release carbon dioxide and other warming is causing a range of changes in the
greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, Earth's climate. Therefore, while "global
contributing to the greenhouse effect. warming" and "climate change" are often
Deforestation, industrial processes, and used interchangeably, it's important to
agriculture are significant sources of recognize that global warming is just one
greenhouse gas emissions. Human activities aspect of the broader climate change
such as transportation, manufacturing, and phenomenon.
farming also release other gases, such as Climate change and global warming
methane, contributing to the problem. are causing a range of environmental impacts
that we are already experiencing, including:
CLIMATE CHANGE 1. Rising temperatures: Average
Climate change is a long-term shift temperatures worldwide have
in global weather patterns and average steadily increased, causing
temperatures, typically because of human heatwaves, droughts, and increased
activities, such as burning fossil fuels and risk of wildfires.
deforestation, which release large 2. Melting of ice: Melting glaciers and
amounts of greenhouse gases into the polar ice caps are causing sea levels
atmosphere. It is causing various to rise, which in turn is leading to
environmental impacts, including rising sea increased coastal flooding and
levels, more frequent and severe weather erosion.
events, increased frequency and intensity of 3. Changing precipitation patterns:
heat waves and droughts, and shifts in the Climate change is leading to more
distribution and abundance of plant and intense and frequent rainfall in some
animal species. It also leads to significant areas, while other areas are
social and economic impacts, including the
24 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

experiencing droughts and water implementing policies to reduce

scarcity. emissions from transportation,
4. Impacts on wildlife: Climate change industry, and agriculture.
is causing shifts in the distribution 2. Conservation and reforestation:
and behavior of plant and animal Protecting and restoring forests can
species, affecting entire ecosystems help to absorb carbon dioxide from
and food chains. the atmosphere, while also providing
5. Increased frequency and severity important habitat for wildlife.
of weather events: Climate change 3. Energy efficiency: Improving
leads to more frequent and severe energy efficiency in buildings and
extreme weather events such as industry can reduce the amount of
hurricanes, typhoons, and tornadoes. energy needed and, therefore, the
6. Economic impacts: Climate change amount of greenhouse gas emissions
is leading to disruptions in produced.
agricultural productivity, damage to 4. Sustainable transportation:
infrastructure and property due to Encouraging public transportation,
floods and storms, and increasing cycling, and walking can reduce
insurance and disaster relief costs. greenhouse gas emissions from
7. Human health impacts: Climate transportation.
change contributes to the spread of 5. Sustainable agriculture:
diseases carried by insects, as well as Encouraging sustainable agricultural
worsening air pollution and heat- practices, such as reducing food
related illnesses. waste and adopting regenerative
These impacts are already being felt farming methods, can help to reduce
worldwide, and if we don't take action to greenhouse gas emissions from
address climate change, they are likely to agriculture.
become even more severe in the coming 6. Climate education: Educating
years. Preventing climate change and global people about the causes and impacts
warming requires collective action and a of climate change and how they can
range of efforts, including: reduce their carbon footprint can help
1. Reducing greenhouse gas raise awareness and motivate action.
emissions: The most effective way to 7. International cooperation:
prevent global warming is to reduce Addressing climate change requires
the amount of greenhouse gases global cooperation and coordination,
released into the atmosphere. This including agreements and policies at
can be achieved by transitioning to the national and international levels.
clean energy sources such as wind, These efforts require collective
solar, and hydropower, and by action and long-term commitment, but they

25 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

are essential for preventing the worst impacts cancer, each classified according to
of climate change and preserving a healthy the type of skin cell involved.
planet for future generations. 3. By the stage or extent of the cancer:
This classification is based on how
3.8 CANCER: ITS BIOLOGY AND much the cancer has grown and
PREVENTION AND CURE spread. The stages of cancer range
from stage 0 (early, localized cancer)
to stage IV (advanced cancer that has
spread to other parts of the body).
4. By the grade of the cancer: This
classification is based on how
abnormal the cancer cells look under
a microscope. Higher-grade cancers
are more abnormal and tend to grow
and spread more quickly.
5. By the molecular characteristics of
the cancer cells: This classification
Cancer is a group of diseases is based on the genetic and molecular
characterized by the uncontrolled growth features of the cancer cells. This
and spread of abnormal cells in the body. information can be used to identify
Normally, cells in the body divide and grow the best treatment options for a
in an orderly way, but cancer cells grow and particular patient.
divide uncontrollably and can invade nearby Cancers can be categorized based on
tissues and organs. their origin in the body. The following are
There are many types of cancer, and each some of the most common types of cancers
is classified based on the type of cell that is classified according to their origin:
initially affected. There are several ways to 1. Carcinomas: These are cancers
classify cancer, including: originating from the epithelial cells
1. By the type of tissue or organ covering the body's surface or lining the
affected: This is the most common internal organs. Carcinomas are the most
way of classifying cancer. For common type of cancer and include
example, lung cancer, breast cancer, breast, lung, prostate, and colon cancers.
colon cancer, and prostate cancer are 2. Sarcomas: These cancers arise from
all named after the organs they affect. connective tissue, such as bone,
2. By the type of cell involved: This cartilage, fat, muscle, or blood vessels.
classification is based on the type of Sarcomas are less common than
cell that becomes cancerous. For carcinomas and include osteosarcoma,
example, there are many types of skin chondrosarcoma, and leiomyosarcoma.

26 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

3. Lymphomas: These cancers originate chemicals. Viral infections, such

from the lymphatic system responsible as human papillomavirus (HPV)
for fighting infections. Lymphomas and hepatitis B and C, can also
include Hodgkin's lymphoma and non- increase the risk of certain types
Hodgkin's lymphoma. of cancer.
4. Leukemias: These cancers arise from • Lifestyle factors that can
blood-forming cells and affect the blood increase the risk of cancer
and bone marrow. Leukemias include include tobacco use, alcohol
acute and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, consumption, a diet high in
acute and chronic myeloid leukemia, and processed and red meat, and lack
hairy cell leukemia. of physical activity. These factors
5. Brain and spinal cord tumors: These can lead to inflammation and
cancers are also called central nervous oxidative stress in the body,
system tumors and can originate from the damaging cells and increasing the
brain or spinal cord. risk of mutations.
6. Germ cell tumors: These cancers arise • Genetic factors can also play a
from the germ cells, which are the cells role in the development of
that produce eggs in women and sperm cancer. Inherited mutations in
in men. Germ cell tumors can occur in certain genes, such as BRCA1
the ovaries or testicles and other body and BRCA2, can increase the risk
parts. of breast and ovarian cancer.
7. Neuroendocrine tumors: These rare Other genetic mutations can
cancers arise from cells that produce occur spontaneously during cell
hormones. Neuroendocrine tumors can division or because of exposure
occur in different parts of the body, to environmental factors.
including the lungs, pancreas, and Once a genetic mutation occurs, it can
gastrointestinal tract. cause cells to divide and grow
Cancer develops when normal cells in uncontrollably, forming a tumor. Tumors
the body undergo genetic mutations that can be benign, meaning they do not invade
cause them to grow and divide nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the
uncontrollably. These mutations can be body, or malignant, meaning they can invade
caused by a variety of factors, including: nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the
• Environmental factors that can body, a process called metastasis. Over time,
increase the risk of cancer cancer cells can continue accumulating
include exposure to carcinogens, mutations that allow them to grow and divide
which are substances that can even more aggressively, making the cancer
cause cancer, such as tobacco more difficult to treat. However, early
smoke, radiation, and certain

27 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

detection and treatment can improve the 2. Radiation therapy: Radiation

chances of a successful outcome. therapy uses high-energy radiation to
The signs and symptoms of cancer can vary kill cancer cells. This can be done
depending on the type and stage of cancer, externally or internally using
but some general signs and symptoms to radioactive sources.
look out for include: 3. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses
1. Persistent fatigue or weakness drugs to kill cancer cells.
2. Unexplained weight loss Chemotherapy can be administered
3. Persistent pain or discomfort, such as intravenously or orally and is often
headaches, back pain, or abdominal combined with other treatments.
pain 4. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy
4. Changes in the skin, such as new or uses the body's immune system to
changing moles, or skin that appears fight cancer. This can be done by
darker or yellowish. boosting the immune system or using
5. Persistent cough or hoarseness drugs targeting specific proteins in
6. Difficulty swallowing or persistent cancer cells.
indigestion. 5. Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy
7. Changes in bowel or bladder habits, uses drugs that specifically target
such as blood in the urine or stool, or certain proteins or genes involved in
frequent urination cancer cell growth and spread.
8. Unusual bleeding or discharge, such 6. Hormone therapy: Hormone
as from the vagina or nipple therapy is used to treat cancers that
9. Swollen lymph nodes, especially if are hormone-sensitive, such as breast
they are hard or painless. and prostate cancer. This therapy
10. Persistent fever or night sweats. works by blocking hormones or
There are several different types of preventing the body from producing
cancer treatments available, and the type of hormones.
treatment recommended depends on the type 7. Stem cell transplant: Stem cell
and stage of cancer and the patient's overall transplant involves replacing
health and preferences. Here are some damaged bone marrow with healthy
common cancer treatments: stem cells. This can be done using a
1. Surgery: Surgery is often used to patient's own stem cells or with stem
remove cancerous tumors from the cells from a donor.
body. The goal of surgery is to These treatments can be used alone or in
remove as much of the cancer as combination with each other. The type of
possible while preserving treatment recommended depends on the type
surrounding healthy tissue. and stage of cancer, as well as the patient's
overall health and preferences. It's important

28 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

to discuss all treatment options with your 6. Get vaccinated: Vaccines can
doctor and consider each treatment's protect against certain cancer-
potential benefits and risks. causing viruses, such as human
Cancer prevention involves taking papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis
measures to reduce the risk of developing B.
cancer. While there is no guaranteed way to 7. Get screened: Regular screening
prevent cancer, there are steps you can take tests can help detect cancer early
to lower your risk. Here are some when it is most treatable.
recommendations:
1. Avoid tobacco: Smoking and using 3.9 THE LINK BETWEEN
tobacco products can increase the EPIDEMIOLOGY AND COVID-19
risk of developing various types of
cancer, including lung, mouth, throat,
pancreas, bladder, kidney, and cervix
cancer.
2. Eat a healthy diet: Plenty of fruits,
vegetables, whole grains, and lean
proteins can help reduce cancer risk.
Avoid processed and red meats, and
limit alcohol intake.
3. Maintain a healthy weight: Being
overweight or obese increases the Epidemiology is the branch of medical
risk of many types of cancer, science that studies human populations'
including breast, colon, rectum, and distribution, causes, and effects of health
kidney cancer. and disease conditions. It involves
4. Exercise regularly: Regular examining patterns of diseases and health
physical activity can help reduce the outcomes in populations, as well as the
risk of many types of cancer, factors that contribute to those patterns,
including breast, colon, and lung including biological, environmental, and
cancer. social determinants.
5. Protect your skin: Exposure to Epidemiologists use various methods,
ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the including statistical analysis, to identify risk
sun or tanning beds can increase the factors and potential causes of diseases, and
risk of skin cancer. Protect your skin to design and evaluate interventions to
by wearing protective clothing, using prevent or control their spread. They also
sunscreen, and avoiding the sun work to monitor and respond to outbreaks of
during peak hours. infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, and
other public health emergencies.

29 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

Epidemiology aims to improve populations' investigate the distribution and determinants

health by understanding and addressing the of diseases. Here are some of the most
factors that influence health and disease. common study designs:
To understand how epidemiology works, 1. Cross-sectional studies: Cross-
there are several key steps involved: sectional studies involve collecting
1. Surveillance: The first step in data on a group of people at a single
epidemiology is surveillance, which point in time. This type of study is
involves monitoring and recording useful for estimating the prevalence
data on diseases and health events. of a disease and identifying risk
This can involve collecting data from factors for the disease at that point in
hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and time.
other sources. 2. Case-control studies: Case-control
2. Descriptive Epidemiology: Once studies compare a group of people
data is collected, the next step is to with a disease (cases) to those
describe the patterns of disease without the disease (controls). This
occurrence. Descriptive type of study is useful for identifying
epidemiology aims to answer risk factors for a disease.
questions about who is affected by 3. Cohort studies: Cohort studies
the disease, where and when it involve following a group of people
occurs, and how it spreads. over time to investigate the
3. Analytic Epidemiology: Analytic development of a disease. This type
epidemiology is used to identify the of study is useful for identifying risk
causes of diseases and their risk factors for a disease and determining
factors. This involves examining the the incidence of the disease in the
relationships between lifestyle, population.
environment, genetics, and disease 4. Randomized controlled trials:
outcomes. Randomized controlled trials involve
4. Intervention: The final step is to use randomly assigning participants to
the information gathered through receive either a treatment or a
epidemiology to develop and placebo, and then following them
implement interventions to prevent or over time to assess the effectiveness
control the spread of disease. This of the treatment. This type of study is
can involve implementing public useful for evaluating the
health interventions, such as effectiveness of treatments or
vaccination campaigns, education interventions for a disease.
programs, or policy changes. 5. Ecological studies: Ecological
There are several epidemiological study studies involve analyzing data at the
designs used by epidemiologists to population level, rather than the

30 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

individual level. This study is useful respiratory droplets generated when

for investigating the relationship an infected person talks, coughs, or
between environmental factors and sneezes. These droplets can land in
disease. the mouth or nose of someone nearby
Each study design has its own strengths or be inhaled into their lungs, leading
and weaknesses, and epidemiologists choose to infection.
the most appropriate study design based on 2. Contact transmission: The virus can
the research question and available also spread by touching a surface
resources. contaminated with the virus and then
touching one's mouth, nose, or eyes.
COVID-19 However, this is considered a less
COVID-19, the novel coronavirus common transmission method
disease, is a highly infectious respiratory compared to respiratory droplets.
illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It 3. Airborne transmission: There is
was first identified in Wuhan, China in growing evidence that COVID-19
December 2019 and has since spread rapidly can also be spread through tiny,
across the globe, leading to a global aerosolized particles that can remain
pandemic. Symptoms of COVID-19 can suspended in the air for longer
range from mild (fever, cough, and fatigue) periods of time, especially in poorly
to severe (pneumonia, acute respiratory ventilated indoor spaces. This
distress syndrome, and multi-organ failure), transmission mode is considered less
and it can be fatal, particularly in older adults common than respiratory
or those with underlying medical conditions. transmission, but it can occur in
The virus spreads primarily through certain settings.
respiratory droplets when an infected person The signs and symptoms of COVID-19
talks, coughs, or sneezes, and can also be can vary from person to person, but some
transmitted by touching a surface common ones include:
contaminated with the virus and then 1. Fever or chills
touching one's mouth, nose, or eyes. 2. Cough
Preventative measures, such as wearing 3. Shortness of breath or difficulty
masks, practicing social distancing, washing breathing
hands regularly, and getting vaccinated, are 4. Fatigue
critical in controlling the spread of COVID- 5. Muscle or body aches
19. 6. Headache
There are three main modes of COVID- 7. Loss of taste or smell
19 transmission: 8. Sore throat
1. Respiratory transmission: The 9. Congestion or runny nose
virus is primarily spread through 10. Nausea or vomiting
31 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

11. Diarrhea 2. Wear a mask: Wear a mask that

Symptomatic and asymptomatic are covers your nose and mouth in public
terms used to describe the presence or places, especially indoors, or around
absence of symptoms of a particular disease, others not part of your household.
such as COVID-19. 3. Practice physical distancing:
• Symptomatic refers to someone Maintain at least 6 feet (2 meters) of
who is experiencing symptoms of distance from others who are not part
a disease. In the case of COVID- of your household.
19, symptoms may include fever 4. Wash hands frequently: Wash your
or chills, cough, shortness of hands often with soap and water for
breath or difficulty breathing, at least 20 seconds, especially after
fatigue, muscle or body aches, being in a public place or blowing
headache, loss of taste or smell, your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
sore throat, congestion or runny Use hand sanitizer if soap and water
nose, nausea or vomiting, and are not available.
diarrhea. 5. Cover coughs and sneezes: Cover
• Asymptomatic refers to your mouth and nose with a tissue or
someone who is infected with a the inside of your elbow when you
disease but does not exhibit any cough or sneeze.
symptoms. In the case of 6. Stay home if you're sick: If you have
COVID-19, some people may be symptoms of COVID-19, stay home
infected with the virus but never and get tested.
develop any symptoms, or they 7. Clean and disinfect frequently
may have such mild symptoms touched surfaces: Clean and
that they do not realize they are disinfect frequently touched objects
sick. However, even if someone and surfaces such as doorknobs, light
is asymptomatic, they can still switches, and countertops regularly.
spread the virus to others who By following these preventive measures,
may develop severe symptoms. you can help prevent the spread of COVID-
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, it's 19 and protect yourself and others around
important to follow these preventive you.
measures: There is currently no cure for COVID-
1. Get vaccinated: Vaccines have been 19, but there are several treatments available
proven safe and effective in that can help alleviate symptoms and reduce
preventing COVID-19 and its severe the risk of severe illness and hospitalization.
complications. Get vaccinated when These treatments include:
it is available to you. 1. Monoclonal antibodies:
Monoclonal antibodies are
32 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

laboratory-made proteins that mimic 3.10 BIOTECHNOLOGY: GOLDEN

the immune system's ability to fight RICE AND OTHER GENETICALLY
viruses. They have been authorized MODIFIED ORGANISMS
for emergency use in people with
mild to moderate COVID-19 who are
at high risk of progressing to severe
disease.
2. Antiviral drugs: Antiviral drugs
such as Remdesivir have been
authorized for emergency use in
hospitalized patients with COVID-19
who require supplemental oxygen or
mechanical ventilation.
3. Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids
such as dexamethasone have reduced Biotechnology is a field of science that
the risk of death in hospitalized involves using living organisms or their
patients with severe COVID-19. components to create useful products or
4. Oxygen therapy: In some cases, processes. This can include genetic
patients with severe COVID-19 may engineering, which involves modifying an
require oxygen therapy to help them organism's DNA to give it new traits or
breathe. abilities or using microorganisms to produce
5. Supportive care: Supportive care useful substances like antibiotics or
such as fluids, rest, and fever- enzymes. Biotechnology also includes fields
reducing medications can help like bioinformatics, which uses computers to
alleviate symptoms of COVID-19. analyze biological data, and biomedical
It's important to note that the best way to engineering, which develops medical
prevent severe illness from COVID-19 is to devices and technologies. Biotechnology has
get vaccinated, practice preventive applications in a wide range of fields,
measures, and seek medical care if you including medicine, agriculture, energy
develop symptoms. If you think you may production, and environmental science, and
have COVID-19, contact your healthcare has the potential to transform the way we live
provider or local health department for and work.
guidance on testing and treatment. There are several different types of
biotechnology, including:
1. Medical biotechnology involves
using biotechnology to develop new
medicines, vaccines, and therapies to

33 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

treat diseases and improve human help break down stains and improve
health. the effectiveness of the detergent.
2. Agricultural biotechnology: This 2. Food and beverages: Biotechnology
involves using biotechnology to produces a wide range of food and
develop new crop varieties that are beverage products, including cheese,
more resistant to pests and diseases, yogurt, beer, and wine.
have better yields, and can grow in 3. Personal care products:
harsher environments. Biotechnology produces various
3. Industrial biotechnology involves products, including cosmetics,
using biotechnology to create new shampoos, and soaps.
materials, chemicals, and fuels that 4. Medicine: Biotechnology produces
are more sustainable and many medicines, including insulin,
environmentally friendly. vaccines, and cancer therapies.
4. Environmental biotechnology 5. Cleaning products: Biotechnology
involves using biotechnology to produces enzymes used in cleaning
address environmental issues, such as products, such as drain and toilet
pollution control and waste bowl cleaners.
management. 6. Agriculture: Biotechnology
5. Forensic biotechnology involves produces genetically modified crops
using biotechnology to help solve that are more resistant to pests and
crimes, such as DNA analysis and diseases and can improve yields.
fingerprinting. 7. Biodegradable plastics:
6. Marine biotechnology: This Biotechnology is used to produce
involves using biotechnology to biodegradable plastics that are made
study and develop new products from from renewable resources and break
marine organisms, such as algae, down more easily than traditional
seaweed, and fish. plastics.
7. Bioinformatics: Using Biotechnology plays an important role in
computational tools and techniques a wide range of fields and has the potential
to analyze biological data, such as to address many of the challenges facing our
DNA sequencing data, and make world today, from improving human health
predictions about biological systems. to protecting the environment and promoting
Several biotechnology products are sustainable development. Here are some of
found everywhere and are commonly used in the advantages and disadvantages of
our daily lives. Here are some examples: biotechnology:
1. Laundry detergents: Many laundry Advantages:
detergents contain enzymes produced 1. Improved human health:
using biotechnology. These enzymes Biotechnology has led to the
34 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

development of new drugs and creating economic inequality and

therapies that have improved the limiting access to benefits for certain
quality of life for millions of people. populations.
2. Increased food production: 4. Lack of understanding: Some
Biotechnology has enabled the people may not fully understand
development of crops that are more biotechnology and its applications,
resistant to pests and diseases, leading to fear and resistance.
produce higher yields, and grow in 5. Regulatory challenges:
harsher environments. Biotechnology regulation can be
3. Environmental benefits: complex, and there may be
Biotechnology has the potential to challenges in ensuring that biotech
reduce environmental impact through products are safe and effective.
the development of sustainable
products and processes. GENETICALLY MODIFIED
4. New industries and jobs: ORGANISMS
Biotechnology has created new GMOs, or genetically modified
industries and jobs, particularly in organisms, have had their genetic material
areas such as biomanufacturing and altered using biotechnology techniques.
bioenergy. This involves the insertion of genes from one
5. Scientific advancements: organism into another to give the recipient
Biotechnology is advancing our organism a new trait or characteristic.
understanding of the natural world GMOs are most associated with
and has the potential to lead to new agricultural crops, where genetic
discoveries and innovations. modification improves traits such as pest and
Disadvantages: disease resistance, drought tolerance, and
1. Family planning: There are yield. For example, a genetically modified
concerns about the safety of corn plant may have a gene inserted, making
genetically modified organisms and it more resistant to a pest or herbicide. GMOs
other biotech products, particularly are also used in other applications, such as
regarding potential health and the production of medicines and the
environmental impacts. development of biotech products. However,
2. Ethical concerns: Some people have there is debate surrounding the safety and
ethical concerns about the use of regulation of GMOs, with some people
biotechnology, particularly in areas expressing concerns about potential
such as genetic engineering and environmental and health impacts. However,
cloning. the scientific consensus is that genetically
3. Economic inequality: modified crops are safe and can significantly
Biotechnology can be expensive,
35 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

improve food security, reduce pesticide use, modified crops has also been controversial,
and increase crop yields. with some concerns around the safety and
regulation of these crops. Nonetheless,
GOLDEN RICE golden rice remains an important example of
the potential benefits of genetic engineering
in addressing global health challenges.
The importance of GMOs lies in their
potential to address a range of global
challenges, including:
1. Improving food security: By
increasing crop yields, reducing crop
loss due to pests and disease, and
making crops more resilient to
environmental stresses such as
drought, GMOs have the potential to
Golden rice is a genetically help feed a growing global
modified variety of rice engineered to population.
contain higher levels of beta-carotene, 2. Reducing pesticide use: By
which is converted to vitamin A in the engineering crops that are naturally
body. Vitamin A deficiency is a major health resistant to pests, GMOs can help
problem in many developing countries, reduce the need for harmful
particularly in Asia and Africa, where pesticides, which can have negative
millions of children suffer from blindness impacts on human health and the
and other health problems because of environment.
vitamin A deficiency. 3. Developing new medicines: Genetic
Golden rice was developed in the late engineering is used to produce
1990s by researchers in Switzerland and proteins and other molecules that can
Germany and has since undergone further be used in the development of new
development and testing in several countries. medicines, including vaccines and
The rice is genetically modified to produce cancer treatments.
beta-carotene in the grain's endosperm, 4. Promoting sustainable agriculture:
which is the part of the rice people eat. By reducing the need for harmful
The development of golden rice was seen as pesticides and improving crop yields,
a breakthrough in the fight against vitamin A GMOs can help promote more
deficiency, as it offers a way to address this sustainable agricultural practices.
nutritional deficiency by using a staple food 5. Addressing nutritional
crop widely consumed in many developing deficiencies: GMOs can be
countries. However, the use of genetically engineered to contain higher levels of

36 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

key nutrients, such as vitamin A in produce proteins and other molecules

golden rice, which can help address that can be used to develop new
nutritional deficiencies in developing medicines.
countries. Disadvantages:
It is important to note that there are 1. Potential health risks: There are
concerns about the safety and regulation of concerns that GMOs may negatively
GMOs and that more research is needed to impact human health, although the
fully understand their long-term impacts on scientific consensus is that GMOs are
human health and the environment. safe to eat.
However, the use of GMOs has the potential 2. Environmental risks: There are
to provide significant benefits and help concerns that GMOs may negatively
address some of the most pressing challenges impact biodiversity and ecosystems,
facing our world today. Here are some of the although the scientific consensus is
advantages and disadvantages of GMOs: that GMOs are not inherently more
Advantages: harmful to the environment than non-
1. Increased crop yields: Genetic GM crops.
modification can create crops more 3. Intellectual property issues: GMOs
resistant to pests, diseases, and can raise issues around intellectual
environmental stressors, resulting in property and ownership of genetic
higher crop yields and reduced loss of material.
crops. 4. Resistance development: GMOs
2. Improved nutritional content: may lead to resistance to pests and
GMOs can be engineered to contain diseases, potentially reducing the
higher levels of key nutrients, such as effectiveness of these crops over
vitamin A in golden rice, which can time.
help address nutritional deficiencies 5. Labeling issues: Some people
in developing countries. believe that consumers have the right
3. Reduced need for pesticides: Some to know if they are eating genetically
genetically modified crops has been modified foods, and labeling
engineered to resist pests and requirements for GMOs vary widely
diseases, reducing the need for between countries.
harmful pesticides and herbicides.
4. Improved taste and appearance:
GMOs can be designed to have better
taste and appearance, making them
more appealing to consumers.
5. Development of new medicines:
Genetic engineering can be used to

37 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

3.11 HIV/AIDS AND THE STIGMA sore throat, and rash. During this
stage, the virus replicates rapidly in
the body and spreads to other cells,
leading to a sharp drop in CD4 cells.
2. Clinical latency: After the acute
stage, the virus enters a stage of
clinical latency, also known as
asymptomatic HIV infection. During
this stage, the virus is still active, but
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency the immune system keeps it under
Virus) is a virus that attacks and weakens control. People with asymptomatic
the immune system, making it more HIV infection may not have any
difficult for the body to fight off infections symptoms for many years, but the
and diseases. HIV is primarily transmitted virus is still able to damage the
through the exchange of certain bodily immune system.
fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, 3. AIDS (Acquired Immune
and breast milk. If left untreated, HIV can Deficiency Syndrome): AIDS is the
progress to AIDS (Acquired Immune most advanced stage of HIV
Deficiency Syndrome), a condition in which infection. It occurs when the immune
the immune system is severely damaged, and system is severely damaged, and the
the body is vulnerable to life-threatening body is unable to fight off infections
infections and cancers. and diseases. People with AIDS have
HIV is a chronic condition that can be a CD4 cell count of less than 200
managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART), cells/mm3 or an AIDS-defining
a combination of medications that can condition, such as Kaposi's sarcoma
suppress the virus and prevent the or Pneumocystis pneumonia.
progression to AIDS. With proper treatment
and care, people living with HIV can live
long, healthy lives and reduce the risk of
transmitting the virus to others.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
infection progresses through several stages,
each with different symptoms and levels of
severity. The stages of HIV are:
1. Acute HIV infection: This stage
occurs within 2-4 weeks of infection
and is often accompanied by flu-like
symptoms, such as fever, headache,

38 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

5. Sore throat: A persistent sore throat

may be a symptom of HIV infection.
6. Headaches: Headaches are a
common symptom of many viral
infections, including HIV.
7. Muscle and joint pain: HIV can
cause muscle and joint pain that can
be severe.
8. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea:
HIV can cause gastrointestinal
symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting,
and diarrhea.
9. Night sweats: HIV can cause night
sweats that are often accompanied by
chills.
10. Weight loss: HIV can cause
significant weight loss, especially in
The signs and symptoms of HIV (Human the later stages of the infection.
Immunodeficiency Virus) can vary from
person to person and may depend on the AIDS
stage of the infection. In some cases, people AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency
with HIV may not experience any symptoms syndrome) is a medical condition caused
for many years. However, here are some by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus
common signs and symptoms that may be (HIV). HIV attacks and weakens the
associated with HIV infection: immune system, the body's natural defense
1. Fever: A low-grade fever that against infections and diseases. If left
persists for several weeks may untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS, where
indicate early HIV infection. the immune system is severely damaged, and
2. Fatigue: Feeling tired or lethargic, the body becomes vulnerable to life-
even after getting enough rest, is a threatening opportunistic infections and
common symptom of HIV infection. cancers. AIDS is a chronic and potentially
3. Body rash: A rash on the skin, fatal condition, but with early diagnosis and
especially the trunk, may occur early proper treatment, many people with HIV can
in HIV infection. prevent the progression to AIDS and live
4. Swollen lymph nodes: HIV can long and healthy lives. HIV is primarily
cause swelling of the lymph nodes, spread through the exchange of certain body
which are part of the body's immune fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids,
system. and breast milk, during sexual contact,
39 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

sharing of needles or other injection help people with HIV live longer, healthier
equipment, and from mother to child during lives. Some common classes of ART drugs
pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. include:
There is currently no cure for HIV/AIDS, but 1. Nucleoside reverse transcriptase
antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help inhibitors (NRTIs)
manage the virus and reduce the risk of 2. Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase
transmission. inhibitors (NNRTIs)
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency 3. Protease inhibitors (PIs)
syndrome) is the most advanced stage of 4. Integrase inhibitors (INSTIs)
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) 5. Entry inhibitors
infection, where the immune system is ART is typically prescribed as a
severely damaged, and the body is combination of three or more drugs, and the
vulnerable to opportunistic infections and specific combination can vary depending on
cancers. The stages of AIDS are as follows: the individual's viral load, CD4 count, and
1. Early stage: During the early stage other factors. In addition to ART, people
of AIDS, people may experience with HIV and AIDS may also receive
symptoms such as fever, fatigue, medications to prevent and treat
weight loss, and swollen lymph opportunistic infections, such as
nodes. These symptoms may last for pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP),
a few weeks or months. tuberculosis (TB), and cytomegalovirus
2. Middle stage: As AIDS progresses, (CMV).
the immune system becomes weaker, There are several ways to prevent HIV
and people are more susceptible to and AIDS, including:
infections and diseases. Common 1. Practicing safe sex: Use condoms or
opportunistic infections during this other barrier methods during sexual
stage include tuberculosis, activity to reduce the risk of HIV
pneumonia, and fungal infections. transmission. You can also consider
3. Late stage: In the late stage of AIDS, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
the immune system is severely medication, which can reduce the risk
compromised, and people may of HIV transmission in people who
experience life-threatening infections are at high risk.
and cancers, such as Kaposi's 2. Avoiding sharing needles: HIV can
sarcoma, lymphoma, and cervical be transmitted through sharing
cancer. needles or other injection equipment,
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a so it's important to use clean needles
combination of medications that target and equipment every time you inject
different stages of the HIV life cycle. ART drugs.
can slow down the progression of HIV and

40 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

Check For Understanding/Personal Reflection

Write your personal reflection in a yellow paper based on the topics

discussed, state the value and significance of studying Science,
Technology and Society. Maximum of 3 paragraphs for each question.
Each question is equivalent to 5 points. Make it comprehensive (not
just a one or two sentence answer) and DO NOT COPY ANSWERS
FROM THE INTERNET/GOOGLE without proper in-text citations, the
teacher could discern plagiarized outputs.

Guide Questions:

a) What is the importance of knowing the STS dynamics?

b) Why is it important to have knowledge on the relationships
between science, technology and society? Explain
comprehensively.
c) How dynamics is STS? How is your understanding of STS different
from what is explained in this lesson?
d) What role does science and technology take in the Philippine
society, culture, and identity?

3. Getting tested: Knowing your HIV such as hepatitis B and

status can help you take steps to pneumococcal disease.
prevent transmission and access
treatment if needed. 6. Educating yourself and others:
4. Taking antiretroviral therapy Learning about HIV and how it's
(ART) as prescribed: If you have transmitted can help you make
HIV, taking ART as prescribed can
informed decisions about your sexual
help reduce the amount of virus in
your body and reduce the risk of health and reduce stigma and
transmission to others. discrimination associated with HIV.
5. Getting vaccinated: Vaccines can
help prevent other infections that can
be more serious in people with HIV,

41 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

ASSESSMENT

Name: __________________________________ Score: ___________

Degree Program/Year/Section: ____________ Date: ____________

A. Identification: Read each question carefully and identify what is being defined. Write
your answer on each space before each number. Write legibly.
_______________ 1. refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

_______________ 2. a condition that can cause persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and
loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy.
_______________ 3. a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing
a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, military combat, or physical or sexual assault.
_______________ 4. refers to a situation in which the number of people in a particular geographic
area exceeds the capacity of the environment to sustain them at a reasonable standard of living.
_______________ 5. refers to a set of medical techniques and procedures designed to assist in
achieving pregnancy or prevent infertility.
_______________ 6. are organisms that have had their genetic material altered using
biotechnology techniques.
_______________ 7. is a genetically modified variety of rice that has been engineered to contain
higher levels of beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body.
_______________ 8. is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread
of abnormal cells in the body.
_______________ 9. These cancers originate from the lymphatic system, which is responsible for
fighting infections. Lymphomas include Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
_______________ 10. are gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat from the sun and
contribute to the Earth's natural greenhouse effect.
_______________ 11.is a long-term shift in global weather patterns and average temperatures,
typically because of human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, which
release large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

_______________ 12. are animal or plant species that are at risk of becoming extinct.

_______________ 13. is a scientific discipline that focuses on understanding and protecting

biodiversity, including the conservation of endangered species and their habitats?

42 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

_______________ 14. a virus that attacks and weakens the immune system, making it more
difficult for the body to fight off infections and diseases.
_______________ 15. is the branch of medical science that focuses on the study of the
distribution, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in human populations?
B. Analysis: Using Venn Diagram state the similarities and differences of the following:
1. Stem cell therapy and Gene therapy

Stem cell Gene therapy

2. HIV and COVID-19

HIV COVID-19

43 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

C. Explanation
1. State the ethical boundaries of biotechnology. When can we say it is ethical? Or when
we can consider it as unethical?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

2. As a concern youth, what can you contribute in mitigating the continuous rise of earth’s
temperature? What programs can you suggest to our government officials to address
this concern?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

44 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

REFERENCES

Academic Emporia. (n.d.). “Milankovitch Theory.” Accessed February 1, 2023.

http://academic.emporia.edu/aberjame/student/howar2/theory.htm.

Britannica. (n.d.). “Montreal Protocol.” Accessed February 1, 2023

https://www.britannica.com/event/Montreal-Protocol.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2007). “Climate Change.” Accessed February 1,

2023. https://www.ipcc.ch/publication_and_data/ar4/wgl/en/faq-2-1.html.

Pavico, J.M.F. (2015). Exploring Life Through Science. Quezon City: Phoenix Publishing House.

Real Climate. (2010). “The Carbon Dioxide Theory of Gilbert Plass.” Accessed February 1, 2023.
http://www.realclimate.org/index.ph/archives/2010/01/the-carbon-dioxide-theory-of-gilbert-
plass/.

Stern, N. (2007). “How Climate Change Affects People Around the World.” In the Economics of
Climate Change. p. 56-65. https://books.google.com.ph/books.

The Encyclopedia of Earth. (2016). “Climate Change.” Accessed February 5, 2023.

http://www.editors.eol.org/eoearth/wiki/climate_change_main.

Ariola, Mariano M. General Psychology with Drug Education. Quezon City: Katha Publishing
Co., 2009

Ariola, Mariano M. Sociology and Anthropology with Family Planning. Manila: Unlimited Books
Library Services and Publishing Inc., 2016

Demers, D. History and Future of Mass Media: An Integrated Perspective. Creskill, New Jersey,
2007

De Jesus, T. V. (2013). What we should know about stem cell treatment in the PH. Inquirere.net.
Retrieved from http://business.inquirer.net/105075/what-we-should-know-about-stem-cell-
treatment-in-the-ph

Everding, G. (2016). Genetically Modified Golden Rice falls short on lifesaving promises. The
Source. Retrieved from https://source.wustl.edu/2016/06/genetically-modified-golden-rice-falls-
short-lifesaving-promises/

BANWA Natural Science. (2008). University of the Philippines Mindanao.

45 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society
 Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society Midterm

Broecke, R.Z. (2009). Fixing climate. London: Profile Books.

Reinhald, Johnsen, K. (2017). “Teaching Biotechnology” in Waddington, D.C. Education,

Industry and Technology: Science and Technology Education and Future Human needs. Vol. 3.
No. 1, 75-84

Ricklefs, R. E.; Miller, G. (2000). Ecology. 4ed. s. 1.: W. H. Freeman

WHO (2007). The World Health Report 2021 – a Safer Future: Global and Public Health Security
in the 21st Century. New York.

46 | P a g e
Cuartela, Abrantes ‖ Science, Technology and Society