GE-STS Module 6: Nanotechnology & Gene Therapy

GE-STS: Science, Technology, and Society - Module 6

• Module Title: GE-STS: Science, Technology and Society, Nanoworld and Gene Therapy, Module 6
• Learning Objectives:
  • Discuss the implication of nanotechnology in society.
  • Describe the concept of gene therapy and various forms.
  • Assess the potential benefits and detriments of nanoworld and stem cells to global health.
  • Value the learnings in nanoworld and gene therapy through reflective writing.
• Overview:
  • Genetic engineering and its benefits, and potential harms were mentioned in previous modules.
  • Nanotechnology deals with infinitely small structures (the nanoworld).
  • Nanotechnology and nanodevice processing are rapidly developing.
  • Applications include energy, electronics, environmental science, food protection, and medicine.
  • Nanotechnology promises advancements in medicine, including new drug delivery, diagnostics, and gene therapy.
  • Potential consequences and unintended consequences, related to human and environmental health, must be examined.

Nanoworld

• Nanometer (nm): One billionth of a meter, very small.
• Nanoscale: The size scale of atoms and molecules, where important new phenomena occur, that are only visible using powerful microscopes.
• Nanomaterials and Structures:
  • Nanomaterials, structures, devices, and systems are produced using scaled-up, reliable, and cost-effective nanomanufacturing techniques.
  • Two main manufacturing approaches: bottom-up (building up from atoms/molecules) and top-down (breaking down larger materials).
• Viewing Nanomaterials:
  • Electron microscopes, atomic force microscopes, and scanning tunneling microscopes are used to see nanomaterials in detail.
  • Electron microscopes use electron beams to magnify images, and atomic force microscopes use a mechanical probe to study the surface characteristics of materials.
• Benefits and Concerns of Nanotechnology:
  • Potential benefits: Improved detection and removal of contaminants, development of benign industrial processes, and improved medicine for different inherited and acquired diseases.
  • Potential concerns: High reactivity and toxicity, pervasive distribution in the environment, lacking nano-specific EPA regulation.

Gene Therapy

• Concept: A potential method for treating or preventing diseases related to genes.
• Basic Process:
  • Gene replacement: Replacing a mutated gene with a healthy copy.
  • Gene inactivation: Inactivating a mutated gene that functions improperly.
  • Gene introduction: Introducing a new gene to help fight a disease.
  • Gene delivery uses carriers, often modified viruses (vectors) to deliver normal human DNA, that don't harm the recipient cells.
• Types of Gene Therapy:
  • Somatic gene therapy: Modifies genes in non-reproductive cells, providing benefits for the patient but not affecting future generations.
  • Germ-line gene therapy: Modifies genes in reproductive cells. This is more controversial due to risks of unforeseen consequences for future generations.

Stem Cell/Gene Therapy

• Stem Cells:
  • Mother cells with potential to become any cell type under appropriate conditions.
  • Stem cells can be used for research to understand disease processes and create new treatments.
• Sources of Stem Cells:
  • Embryonic stem cells: Derived from embryos, often surplus embryos from IVF clinics.
  • Somatic stem cells: Exist throughout the body after development, though their ability to differentiate into many types of cells is debated.

Evaluation & Reflection

• Evaluation Questions: Answer questions on gene therapy, its forms and applications, and nanotechnology's impact.
• Metacognitive Phrases: Complete phrases related to the benefits and concerns of gene therapy and nanotechnology.
• Reflection: Write a reflection on the discussions about nanotechnology and gene therapy.

References

• Information sources are listed, but references are omitted per instructions.