STS Reviewer (Semis) PDF

STS REVIEWER (SEMIS) BY: FERNANDEZ, MA. ALTHEA R. (BSN-1A) LESSON 1. The Information Age The Information Age started in the late 20th century when information became easier to access using computers and networks. It made...

STS REVIEWER (SEMIS) BY: FERNANDEZ, MA. ALTHEA R. (BSN-1A) LESSON 1. The Information Age The Information Age started in the late 20th century when information became easier to access using computers and networks. It made society modern, automated, and data-driven. Technologies of the Information Age: 1. AI (Artificial Intelligence): Machines that think and make decisions like humans. 2. Robotics: Robots that perform tasks like humans. 3. Cloud Computing: Storing files and programs online instead of on your device. 4. Edge Computing: Processing data close to where it's collected, like in smart devices, for faster results. 5. Automation: Using technology to do repetitive work automatically. Other Important Technologies: Blockchain: A secure system to record and track transactions. Outsourcing: Hiring other companies to do work for you. Software and Apps: Tools to solve problems, work, or entertain. Communication Tech: Connecting devices and people for easy sharing of information. Issues in the Information Age: Cyberbullying: Protected by laws like the Anti-Bullying Act (RA 10627) and laws on slander (Article 358). Fake News: Fake stories spread easily because people don’t verify them. To check if news is true: look for credible sources, reliable authors, and recent dates. STS REVIEWER (SEMIS) 1  LESSON 2. BIODIVERSITY It’s the variety of all living things—plants, animals, and ecosystems. SPECIES DIVERSITY number of different species in a specific area and how many of each species are present. EVOLUTION process where organisms develop traits that help them survive and grow, making them different from other species in their environment. ECOSYSTEM a community of living organisms that interact with each other and their environment. THREATS IN BIODIVERSITY 1. Habitat loss and destruction (Loss and destruction of habitats) 2. Alterations in ecosystem (Changes in the balance of ecosystems composition 3. Over-exploitation (Overuse of resources) 4. Pollution and contamination 5. Global climate change BIODIVERSITY AND HUMAN HEALTH People’s health impacts the economy and growth. A healthy, sustainable environment is necessary for life. Biodiversity provides food, health, and resources for people's livelihoods. Biodiversity is a valuable source for medical research materials. Biodiversity offers many resources for both traditional and modern medicine. It helps control and prevent infectious diseases. Biodiversity plays a key role in the cultural, spiritual, and social growth of communities. Protecting biodiversity is crucial for adapting to climate change. Healthy ecosystems support relief and recovery during disasters. STS REVIEWER (SEMIS) 2  LESSON 3. Rosalie Ellasus tested Bt Corn, a genetically modified corn that is resistant to the Asian corn borer. The farm with Bt Corn produced a much larger harvest compared to others. Jack Williamson was the first to use the term "genetic engineering." Genetic engineering is the process of purposely changing an organism's genes, which may include transferring genes from another organism. GMO (GENITICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM) an organism created through genetic engineering. Its genetic material (DNA) is changed in ways that do not happen naturally through mating or natural recombination. GMOs IN FOOD AND AGRI INDUSTRIES Pest Resistance: Bt corn is changed to fight off corn worms using a natural protein. Virus Resistance: GM papaya is modified to protect it from a virus. Herbicide Tolerance: Roundup Ready soybean can survive the herbicide glyphosate. Fortification: Golden rice is made with extra Vitamin A to help with nutrition. Cosmetic Preservation: Arctic apple doesn’t turn brown when cut. Faster Growth: AquAdvantage salmon grows faster because it has a gene from another fish. GMOs IN NON-FOOD CROPS AND MICROORGANISMS Flower Production: Flowers are modified to have different colors and last longer in vases. Paper Production: Poplar trees are changed to have less lignin, making it easier to produce paper. Pharmaceutical Production: Periwinkle plants are modified to produce more vinblastine, a chemical used in cancer treatments. Bioremediation: Shrub tobacco is changed to absorb harmful metals like zinc and lead from the environment. Enzyme and Drug Production: CGTase is an enzyme made by GMOs, used to enhance food flavors. STS REVIEWER (SEMIS) 3  Medical Field: Humulin is genetically engineered insulin used to treat Type 1 diabetes. BENEFITS OF GMOS More efficient farming Bigger harvests Better control over fertility Easier food processing Improved desirable traits Enhanced nutrition and medicine POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS OF GMOS Risk of genes spreading to non-GMO plants. New pests or weed problems may develop, and resistance could increase. Viruses and bacteria could combine to create new harmful pathogens. POTENTIAL HUMAN HEALTH RISKS OF GMOS Changes in the balance of natural microorganisms. Creation of harmful toxins. Possible new allergens in food. Concerns related to the Human Genome Project. Mutations in genetically engineered microorganisms. Risks related to cloning. GMOS IN THE PG CONTEXT 1998: The National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP) created guidelines for the release of GMOs and potentially harmful species. 2002: The Department of Agriculture released guidelines for importing and releasing GM plants and products (AO no.8). Present: 70 GMO applications have been approved by the DA for environmental release. 2004: The Philippines became one of 15 countries to adopt agricultural biotechnology applications. Former Senator Juan Flavier: Authored a bill requiring labeling of GM foods. 2006: The Philippines joined the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and issued EO no.514, setting biosafety requirements. 2010: The Organic Agriculture Act favored organic farming over GMOs. STS REVIEWER (SEMIS) 4  Negros Organic Island: Successfully banned GMOs. Davao City: Prevented field testing of GM Bt eggplant. 2012: Former Representative Teddy Casino pushed a bill for GM food labeling. December 2015: The Supreme Court ended field testing of GM Bt eggplant and declared AO no.8 (2002) null and void. March 2016: Several government agencies (DOST, DA, DENR, DOH, DILG) passed Joint Circular no.1, outlining rules and regulations for modern biotechnology. STS REVIEWER (SEMIS) 5