SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY: VARIED AREAS OF INTEREST

Prepared by: Ms. Mila Grace D. Gutierrez, MPA

Marinduque State University, Boac, Marinduque

The broad scope of Science, Technology, and Society (STS) covers various areas of interest, each
critical to addressing contemporary global challenges and advancing human development. Below
is a discussion of these topics, along with examples illustrating their relevance and application:

A. Sustainability – Energy and Environment

1. Global Warming and CO2 Emission Control
Addressing climate change requires reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Technologies
like carbon capture and storage (CCS), the process of recovering carbon dioxide from the
fossil-fuel emissions produced by industrial facilities and power plants and moving it to
locations where it can be kept from entering the atmosphere in order to mitigate global
warming, and carbon sequestration in forests aim to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels.
International agreements like the Paris Climate Accord also play a role in global
cooperation for emission reduction.
o Example: The development of renewable energy policies in the European Union,
such as the European Green Deal, focuses on achieving net-zero carbon emissions
by 2050.
2. Long-Term Energy Paths
Developing sustainable, long-term energy strategies includes transitioning from fossil
fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydrogen energy.
o Example: Germany’s "Energiewende" policy aims to phase out nuclear energy
and increase reliance on renewable energy sources by 2050.
3. Strategies for Efficient and Renewable Energy Use
Maximizing energy efficiency and deploying renewable energy technologies reduce
overall energy consumption and improve sustainability.
o Example: The use of smart grids, energy-efficient appliances, and renewable
energy integration in the U.S. has helped to reduce electricity waste and increase
clean energy use.
B. Life Sciences
1. Ethical Aspects of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine
The ethical debate surrounding stem cell research involves concerns about the moral
status of embryos and the potential for cloning or genetic manipulation.
o Example: In countries like the U.S., stem cell research is heavily regulated,
balancing scientific innovation with ethical concerns regarding human life and
reproductive technologies.
2. New Applications of Genomics to Agriculture
Advances in genomics have led to the development of genetically modified crops with
enhanced resistance to pests, drought, and disease.
o Example: The introduction of genetically modified (GM) crops such as Bt cotton
and Roundup Ready soybeans has revolutionized agricultural productivity,
especially in regions like the U.S. and India.
 3. Translation of Science to Marketplace: Development of Medicine for Global Health
Bridging the gap between scientific research and product development is key to
improving healthcare, particularly in underserved areas.
o Example: The rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines (e.g., Pfizer-BioNTech
and Moderna mRNA vaccines) showcased how global collaboration and
investment can accelerate the translation of medical research into life-saving
solutions.
C. IT’s Impact on Human Society
1. Interoperability
Interoperability enables diverse IT systems to communicate and share data, which is
essential in areas like healthcare, finance, and international business.
o Example: The success of electronic health records (EHR) systems relies on their
ability to communicate across different platforms, which improves patient care by
giving doctors access to comprehensive medical histories.
2. Digital Archiving
Preserving digital data ensures that cultural, scientific, and historical records remain
accessible for future generations.
o Example: The Internet Archive and national libraries, such as the Library of
Congress, play a crucial role in archiving digital content for posterity.
3. Security/Privacy
As digital technologies become more pervasive, ensuring cybersecurity and protecting
personal privacy are vital.
o Example: The European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
sets a global standard for data privacy, impacting how companies collect, store,
and use personal information.
D. Capacity Building
1. Science Education and Communication
Effective science education and communication are critical for fostering a scientifically
literate society that can engage in informed decision-making.
o Example: Initiatives like the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in the
U.S. promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills in science education.
2. University Reform
Modernizing universities to meet global challenges includes focusing on interdisciplinary
research, industry partnerships, and innovation.
o Example: The University of California, Berkeley’s “Innovative Genomics
Institute” is an example of reform integrating cutting-edge research with industry
and societal needs.
3. Intellectual Property Rights
Protecting intellectual property (IP) is critical to fostering innovation while ensuring fair
access to knowledge and technology.
o Example: The global patent system allows inventors to protect their ideas, but
debates exist around IP’s role in pharmaceutical pricing and access to essential
medicines.
E. Science and Technology for Human Security
F. New Frontiers Opened by Science and Technology
1. New Frontiers Opened by IT (Information and Communication Technology)
Advances in IT, such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud
computing, are transforming industries and societies.
o Example: AI applications in healthcare, like IBM Watson, assist doctors by
providing diagnostic recommendations based on vast datasets.
2. New Frontiers Opened by NT (Nano-Technology)
Nanotechnology opens new possibilities in medicine, materials science, and electronics,
enabling advancements such as drug delivery systems and nanoscale sensors.
o Example: Nanoscale drug delivery systems are revolutionizing cancer treatment
by delivering medication directly to tumor cells, minimizing side effects.
3. New Frontiers Opened by Manufacturing
Emerging technologies like 3D printing and robotics are transforming manufacturing by
enabling rapid prototyping, mass customization, and more efficient production methods.
o Example: The use of 3D printing in the aerospace industry, such as by companies
like SpaceX, allows for the production of complex components at a fraction of the
cost and time compared to traditional manufacturing methods.

Each of these areas highlights how science and technology intersect with societal needs and
future challenges, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to solve global
issues.

ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS:

Using the above discussions, choose ONE (1) from the following questions and answer it in not less than
500 words. Submit in PDF form in the google classroom.

A. Sustainability – Energy and Environment

1. What are the key challenges the Philippines faces in transitioning to renewable energy,
and how can government policies support this transition while addressing the needs of
local communities?
2. Evaluate the role of carbon emission control technologies in mitigating the effects of
global warming in the Philippines. Are these technologies feasible for widespread
implementation in a developing nation?

B. Life Sciences

3. How can advancements in genomics contribute to agricultural sustainability in the

Philippines, and what ethical considerations should be addressed in their widespread
use?
 4. What role does Philippine research in stem cells and regenerative medicine play in the
global medical field, and how should ethical concerns surrounding these technologies be
balanced with scientific progress?

C. IT’s Impact on Human Society

5. In what ways can improving interoperability between Philippine government agencies

and the private sector enhance service delivery and efficiency, particularly in healthcare
and education?
6. Discuss the impact of data privacy regulations, such as the Philippine Data Privacy Act,
on the development of digital industries. How should the balance between innovation and
privacy be managed?

D. Capacity Building

7. What reforms are necessary in the Philippine education system to build capacity in
STEM fields, and how can these reforms prepare the next generation for global
competitiveness?
8. How can universities in the Philippines better support the translation of research into
commercial products and services, particularly in the fields of science and technology?

E. Science and Technology for Human Security

9. In what ways can science and technology help the Philippines reduce its vulnerability to
natural disasters, and what are the key challenges in implementing these technologies in
disaster-prone areas?
10. How can the Philippines utilize advancements in biotechnology to combat infectious
diseases, and what strategies are needed to ensure equitable access to these innovations
across different regions?

F. New Frontiers Opened by Science and Technology

11. How is the development of nanotechnology transforming industries in the Philippines,

and what regulatory frameworks should be in place to ensure the responsible use of this
technology?
12. Evaluate the potential of ICT advancements, such as artificial intelligence and big data,
to address social and economic inequalities in the Philippines. What are the risks
associated with these technologies, and how can they be mitigated?