Specific Issues in Science and Technology Lesson 1

The Information Age

The Information Age is characterized by rapid technological advancements, data-driven society, and automated processes.
It represents a period starting in the last quarter of the 20th century, marked by effortless access to information via publications and computers.
Also referred to as the Digital Age or New Media Age due to the rise of computers and information technologies.

Key Definitions

Information is defined as "knowledge communicated or obtained regarding a specific fact or circumstance," highlighting its vital role in survival and communication.
The Theory of Information Age, proposed by James R. Messenger in 1982, emphasizes the interconnection of computers through telecommunications and the importance of convenience and user-friendliness in driving technological advancement.

Historical Development

Significant milestones in the development of information and communication:
- Sumerian writings (3000 BC) utilized pictographs.
- Egyptian hieroglyphic writing began in 2900 BC.
- The invention of papyrus rolls (500 BC) and Chinese small seal writing (220 BC).
- Gutenberg's printing press invention in 1455 revolutionized the dissemination of information with movable metal type.
- Establishment of the Library of Congress in 1802 marked the importance of organized information access.
- In the 1830s, the first viable design for a digital computer emerged alongside the creation of the world's first computer program by Augusta Ada Byron.
- Development of key technologies, including the telegraph (1837), electronic amplifying tube (1906), and ENIAC computer (1946).

Technological Milestones

Continuous evolution of communication systems:
- 1945 foresight of hypertext by Vannevar Bush laid groundwork for future internet development.
- The 1960s saw advancements like machine-readable codes in libraries and the creation of the UNIX operating system (1969).
Formation of information science as a discipline in the 1940s marked the growing recognition of the significance of information technology.

Factors to Consider in Checking Website Sources

The continual upgrade and rapid spread of information technology necessitate critical assessment of online sources to ensure validity and reliability.

The Information Age

The Information Age is characterized by rapid technological advancements, data-driven society, and automated processes.
It represents a period starting in the last quarter of the 20th century, marked by effortless access to information via publications and computers.
Also referred to as the Digital Age or New Media Age due to the rise of computers and information technologies.

Key Definitions

Information is defined as "knowledge communicated or obtained regarding a specific fact or circumstance," highlighting its vital role in survival and communication.
The Theory of Information Age, proposed by James R. Messenger in 1982, emphasizes the interconnection of computers through telecommunications and the importance of convenience and user-friendliness in driving technological advancement.

Historical Development

Significant milestones in the development of information and communication:
- Sumerian writings (3000 BC) utilized pictographs.
- Egyptian hieroglyphic writing began in 2900 BC.
- The invention of papyrus rolls (500 BC) and Chinese small seal writing (220 BC).
- Gutenberg's printing press invention in 1455 revolutionized the dissemination of information with movable metal type.
- Establishment of the Library of Congress in 1802 marked the importance of organized information access.
- In the 1830s, the first viable design for a digital computer emerged alongside the creation of the world's first computer program by Augusta Ada Byron.
- Development of key technologies, including the telegraph (1837), electronic amplifying tube (1906), and ENIAC computer (1946).

Technological Milestones

Continuous evolution of communication systems:
- 1945 foresight of hypertext by Vannevar Bush laid groundwork for future internet development.
- The 1960s saw advancements like machine-readable codes in libraries and the creation of the UNIX operating system (1969).
Formation of information science as a discipline in the 1940s marked the growing recognition of the significance of information technology.

Factors to Consider in Checking Website Sources

The continual upgrade and rapid spread of information technology necessitate critical assessment of online sources to ensure validity and reliability.

Theory of Information Age

Proposed in 1982, defining the Information Age as a new era characterized by interconnected computers through telecommunications.
Information systems operate in real-time and on-demand, emphasizing convenience and user-friendliness.
User dependence is a crucial factor driving the advancement of this age.

Timeline of the Information Age

3000 BC: Emergence of Sumerian writing with pictographs.
2900 BC: Introduction of Egyptian hieroglyphics.
1300 BC: Development of tortoise shell and oracle bone writing.
500 BC: Use of papyrus rolls for writing.
220 BC: Creation of small seal writing in China.
100 AD: Introduction of the parchment codex, an early form of books.
105 AD: Invention of woodblock printing and paper in China.
1455: Johannes Gutenberg develops the printing press with movable metal type, revolutionizing printing.
1755: Samuel Johnson publishes a dictionary standardizing English spelling.
1802: Establishment of the Library of Congress; introduction of the carbon arc lamp.
1824: Research into persistence of vision enhances visual media technology.
1830s: First designs for digital computers appear, and Augusta Lady Byron writes the first computer program.
1837: Invention of the telegraph facilitates long-distance communication.
1861: Projection of motion pictures onto screens becomes possible.
1876: Dewey Decimal System introduced for library organization.
1877: Eadweard Muybridge showcases high-speed photography techniques.
1899: Launch of the first magnetic recordings.
1902: Special effects become integral to motion pictures.
1906: Lee DeForest invents the electronic amplifying tube, crucial for sound technology.
1923: Creation of the television camera tube, advancing broadcast technology.
1926: Release of the first practical sound movie.
1939: Regular television broadcasts begin in the U.S.
1940s: Information science emerges as a formal discipline.
1945: Vannevar Bush conceptualizes hypertext, influencing future web development.
1946: Development of ENIAC, one of the first electronic general-purpose computers.
1948: Claude Shannon contributes foundational work in information theory.

Types of Computers

Workstation: A powerful desktop computer designed for specialized tasks such as 3D graphics and game development, offering more resources than laptops.
Laptops: Portable computers that include desktop essentials in a compact, battery-powered format; commonly referred to as notebooks.
Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs): Small, touch-screen devices without keyboards, lightweight and battery-operated, used for data management.
Servers: Enhanced computers providing network services; characterized by powerful processors, ample memory, and large storage capacities.
Mainframes: Large computer systems used by enterprises to process massive transactions daily, sometimes referred to as enterprise servers.
Wearable Computers: Integrated into devices like smartphones and watches, performing various computing tasks such as email and scheduling.

Historical Milestones in Technology

1957: Development of the planar transistor by Jean Hoerni, a major advancement in semiconductor technology.
1958: Introduction of the first integrated circuit, leading to more compact and efficient electronic devices.
1960s: The Library of Congress created LC MARC, which revolutionized the cataloging of library materials through machine-readable codes.
1969: UNIX operating system was developed, notable for its multitasking capabilities.
1971: Release of the first microprocessor chip by Intel, marking a significant step in computing technology.
1972: Philips and MCA developed the optical laserdisc, an early optical storage medium.
1974: Standard videodisc encoding format was agreed upon by MCA and Philips.
1975: Altair Microcomputer Kit was launched, recognized as the first personal computer for public use.
1977: RadioShack introduced the first complete personal computer, expanding accessibility for consumers.
1984: Launch of the Apple Macintosh, known for its user-friendly interface.
Mid-1980s: Distinction between artificial intelligence and information categories was made.
1987: Introduction of Hypercard by Bill Atkinson, utilizing the recipe box metaphor for information management.
1991: Publishing of 450 complete works of literature on a single CD-ROM, illustrating advancements in data storage technology.
1997: RSA encryption and network security software's 48-bit code was cracked, raising concerns about internet security.

Evolution of Information Dissemination

Growth of information surpassed human capacity for management, intensifying in the 1960s and 1970s.
Richard Wurman coined the term “Information Anxiety” in the 1980s to describe the tension arising from the overwhelming amount of information.
The 1990s saw information becoming a key asset in business, leading to the rise of information officers.

Importance of Biodiversity

Biodiversity is defined as the variability among living organisms across ecosystems, significant for sustaining life and providing essential ecosystem services.
Understanding biodiversity requires studying the interactions between biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components of ecosystems.
High biodiversity can indicate ecosystem health and resilience to natural disasters, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts.

Nutritional Impact of Biodiversity

Biodiversity contributes significantly to human nutrition; access to diverse foods is essential for health.
Nutrition is intertwined with ecosystem services, with variations in food types impacting nutrient availability.
Intensified agricultural practices may enhance food production but can negatively affect biodiversity and, consequently, human health.

Health, Biology, and Biodiversity

Organisms rely on their environment for survival, necessitating clean air, water, and food.
Public health policies aim to balance food production with environmental protection, addressing pesticide use and pollution.
Climate change poses significant risks to health and environment, with greenhouse gas emissions needing careful management to avoid economic repercussions.

Benefits of GMOs

GMOs facilitate higher farming efficiency through reduced pesticide use, leading to lower labor costs.
Pest-resistant GMO crops can potentially increase harvest yields, improving food security.
Control over hybrid seed purity can result in better crop production and character traits.
GMOs enhance food processing and extend shelf life, improving nutritional and pharmaceutical characteristics.
Currently, over 400 million acres of GMO farmland exist globally, primarily in the US, Brazil, Argentina, India, and Canada.
Common GMO products on the market include corn, soya bean, and papaya, showcasing their widespread acceptance and integration.

Ongoing Research and Development

Research continues into genetically modified animals, such as faster-growing Pacific salmon and chicken resistant to bird flu, indicating the potential for further advancements in food production.