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

PALAWAN STATE UNIVERSITY College of Sciences GE-STS: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY Nanoworld and Gene Therapy Module 6  Table of Contents Content Page Title Page Table of Contents……………………………………………………………………….1 Learning Outcomes………………………..…………...

PALAWAN STATE UNIVERSITY College of Sciences GE-STS: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY Nanoworld and Gene Therapy Module 6  Table of Contents Content Page Title Page Table of Contents……………………………………………………………………….1 Learning Outcomes………………………..…………………………...………………2 Overview…….………………………………………………………………….............3 Initial Activity…………………….………………….......………………………………4 Discussion ……………………………….…...…………………………….................5 6.1 The Nanoworld…………………………………………….............5 6.1.1 How Small is a Nanoscale? ………………………..................5 6.1.2 How to View Nanomaterials ………………………..................6 6.1.3 Nanomanufacturing ………………………...............................7 6.1.4 Benefits and Concerns of Using Nanotechnoligy ……………8 6.2 Gene Therapy ……………………….…………..…….…………..9 6.2.1 The Basic Process ……………….…………..………..………..9 6.2.2 Stem Cell/Gene Therapy ……………….………….…………..10 6.2.3 Sources of Stem Cells ……………….…………..…….………10 Learning Check ……………………………………………..………..……………….11 2 Evaluation………………………………………………….…………..……………….12 Rubrics………………………………………………………………………………….13 Reflection……………………….………………………..…………………………….14 References…………………………………………………………………................15 Page 1  Learning Objectives After going through in this module, you should be able to: ✔ LO1 Discuss the implication of nanotechnology in society. ✔ LO2 Describe the concept of gene therapy and its various forms ✔ LO3 Assess the potential benefits and detriments of nanoworld and stem cell to global health. ✔ LO4 Value the learnings in nanoworld and gene therapy through reflective writing. 3 Page 2  Overview Grasp it! We discussed GMOs in our previous module, how they are created, how visible they A nanometer (nm) is a billionth of a meter. are in our localities, and how they benefit and 1 nanometer is about 100 times smaller harm us. Genetic engineering just amazed us, than a bacterial cell. now let us see how nanotechnology and gene therapy works. Your fingernails grow at the rate of about 1 nanometer per second. Over the past few decades, science has been progressing into the infinitely small-the A 7-foot-tall basketball player is 2 billion nanoworld. Nanotechnology and nanodevice nanometers tall. processing are now happening at a rapid rate. Its applications are wide-ranging and have Nanotechnology is already applied influenced many science and industry sectors, commercially in products ranging from including energy, electronics, environmental mobile phones, computer discs, tennis science, food protection, and medicine. rackets and golf clubs to sunscreens and cosmetics. Nanotechnology in medicine promises to revolutionize the delivery of medications, L'oreal have developed nanosize vesicles diagnostic methods, and gene therapy. called nanosomes, which are used to Scientists are developing new approaches to transport active ingredients such as pure gene therapy that offer a promise for one day vitamin e through the skin treating different inherited and acquired Nanoscience is not just one science. It is diseases. a platform that includes biology, chemistry, physics, materials science and We have seen the huge potentials of engineering. new technologies and different fields of study, but how about the risks? It is also important for 4 Prerequisites for gene therapy include us to examine their potential for unintended finding the best delivery system (often a consequences, especially those related to virus, typically referred to as a viral human and environmental health. vector) for the gene. In this module, we will talk about Https://www.Tcd.Ie/nanoscience/whatisnano nanotechnology, gene therapy, and their /nanofacts/ benefits and concerns. Page 3  Initial Activity “My Wishlist” At present, advances in science and technology have become more pronounced. Inventions and new technologies transformed the world and the everyday lives of every one of us. There are so many things that were just mere visions of the future yesterday, but now, a reality. But of course, there are still a lot of technological tools that don’t exist yet. On the table below, write down your technological innovation wishes concerning each area of science that you wish one day will come to reality. My Wishlist Health Environment Electronics 1. 1. 1. 2. 2. 2. 3. 3. 3. 5 Page 4  Discussion 6.1 The Nanoworld We know that the discovery of light microscopes revolutionized human understanding of the natural world. But did you know that modern microscopes are once again exposing a whole new world? It is called the nanoworld. Perhaps, you already heard the prefix “nano”. It refers to something so small that it can only be seen with a powerful microscope. Through the use of nanoscale, scientific researchers have developed new technological tools that greatly improved different aspects of our lives. What do you call the area of science that conducts science and technology at the nanoscale? We call it nanotechnology. It is concerned with manufacturing ‘things’- generally, materials and devices on the scale of atoms and molecules which are of great help to the advancement of different sectors of society, especially health, environment, electricity, electronics, food, and agriculture. 6.1.1 How Small is a Nanoscale? A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter. The illustration below shows how small nanoscale is compared to other particles or materials. 6 https://www.nano.gov/nanotech-101 Page 5  Discussion 6.1.2 How to view Nanomaterials Scientists are using special types of microscopes to view nanomaterials. These are the electron microscopes, atomic force microscope, and scanning tunneling microscope. 1. Electron microscope- It utilizes a particle beam of electrons to light up a specimen and develop a well-magnified image. They can magnify objects up to a million times. https://dissolve.com/stock-photo 2. Atomic force microscope- It makes use of a mechanical probe that gathers information from the surface of a material. It is used to determine topography and other properties of surfaces. 7 https://www.polymersolutions.com/ Page 6  Discussion 3. Scanning tunneling microscope- It works by scanning a very sharp metal wire tip over a surface. It enables scientists to view and manipulate nanoscale particles, atoms, and small molecules. https://www.alamy.com/ 6.1.3 Nanomanufacturing Nanomanufacturing refers to scaled-up, reliable, and cost-effective manufacturing of nanoscale materials, structures, devices, and systems. It contributes to new technologies and improved materials being produced. Below are the two fundamental approaches to nanomanufacturing. 1. Bottom-up fabrication- It manufactures products by building them up from atomic- and molecular-scale components. However, this process can be time-consuming. Scientists and engineers are still in search for effective ways of 8 putting up together molecular components that self-assemble. 2. Top-down fabrication- It trims down large pieces of materials into nanoscale. This process needs larger amounts of materials and discards excess raw materials. Note. Information about microscopes used in viewing materials and the two fundamental approaches to nanomanufacturing are from Serafica, et al. (2018). Page 7  Discussion 6.1.4 Benefits and Concerns of Using Nanotechnology As mentioned at the beginning of the lesson, nanotechnology has various applications in different sectors of the society and environment. However, according to Dayrit (2005), some concerns need to be addressed before using and promoting materials derived from nanotechnology. And these are the following: 1) Nanotechnology is not a single technology; it may become prevalent. 2) It seeks to develop new materials with specific properties. 3) New efficiencies and paradigms may be introduced that may render certain natural resources and current practices uncompetitive or obsolete. 4) It may be complicated to detect its presence unless one has the specialist tools of nanotechnology. Table 6.1 Benefits and Concerns of the Application of Nanotechnology in Different Areas Example of Areas Affected by Possible Benefits Concerns Nanotechnology ∙ Improved detection and ∙ High reactivity and Environment removal of contaminants toxicity ∙ Development of benign ∙ Pervasive distribution in industrial processes and the environment materials ∙ No nano-specific EPA regulation ∙ Improved medicine ∙ Ability to cross cell Health membranes and 9 translocate in the body ∙ No FDA approval needed for cosmetics or supplements ∙ Better products ∙ Redistribution of wealth Economy ∙ New jobs ∙ Potential cost of cleanups and healthcare ∙ Accessibility to all income levels. Note. Information of benefits and concerns of the application of nanotechnology in different areas from University of Washington (n.d.) Page 8  Discussion 6.2 Gene Therapy You have learned about nanotechnology. Now, let us unfold one of the fields that involve an application of nanotechnology, the gene therapy. Gene therapy is a potential method to treat or cure human disorders related to genes. It is an advanced method using genes for the treatment or prevention of disease. In the future, this approach may allow physicians to treat a disease by inserting a gene into a patient's cells instead of using conventional means such as medications or surgery. 6.2.1 The Basic Process There are several approaches to gene therapy. These are the following (Fliesler, 2017): Replacement of mutated gene that causes disease with a healthy copy of the gene. Inactivation of a mutated gene that is functioning improperly. Introducing a new gene into the body to help fight a disease. In general, a gene cannot be directly inserted into a human gene or cell. A gene is inserted into another gene using a carrier or vector. At present, the most common type of vectors are viruses that have been genetically changed to carry normal human DNA. (Science Daily, 2017) Two Types of Gene Therapy The idea of gene therapy is based on the modification at the origin of a 10 disease; the fixation of defective genes that tend to contribute to such diseases. Below are the two forms of gene therapy. 1. Somatic gene therapy- involves the manipulation of genes in any cells of the body except sperm and egg cells that will be helpful to the patient, but not inherited to the patient's descendants. 2. Germ-line gene therapy- involves the genetic modification of reproductive cells, the sperm and egg cells that will pass the change on to the next generation. Page 9  Discussion 6.2.2 Stem Cell/Gene Therapy Talking about gene therapy, have you heard about stem cells? If so, maybe you were curious if they could help people with serious illnesses. Stem cells are mother cells with the capacity to become any cell type in the body. Under the proper conditions in the body or a laboratory, stem cells differentiate to self-renew or replicate. They can become cells of the blood, heart, muscles, brain, among others. Why is there such an interest in stem cells? Researchers and doctors hope stem cell studies can help to: (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2019) 1) Increase understanding of how diseases occur. 2) Generate healthy cells to replace diseased cells (regenerative medicine). 3) Test new drugs for safety and effectiveness. 6.2.3 Sources of Stem Cells 1. Embryonic stem cells- are derived from a three to five-day-old human embryo that is in blastocyst phase of development and has about 150 cells. The embryos are usually extras that have been created in IVF (in vitro fertilization) clinics where several eggs are fertilized in a test tube then implanted into a woman. (Crosta, 2013) 2. Somatic stem cells- are cells that exist throughout the body after embryonic development. (Crosta, 2013) They are also capable of self-renewal and, with appropriate signals, differentiate into various cell types from the organ from which 11 they are derived. The extent to which they are capable of creating various types of cells is controversial. 6.2.4 The Bioethics of Gene Therapy There are ethical issues involved in gene therapy. Some of the inquiry cited are the following (Genetics Home Reference, 2017): 1. How can “good” and “bad” uses of gene therapy be distinguished? 2. Who decides which traits are normal and which constitute a disability or disorder? 3. Will the high costs of gene therapy make it available only to the wealthy? 4. Should people be allowed to use gene therapy to enhance human traits such as height, intelligence, or athletic ability? Page 10  Learning Check Make a simple concept map showing the potential and realized impacts of nanotechnology in society. Page 11  Evaluation A. Answer the following questions briefly. 1. Describe the gene therapy and its various forms using a graphic organizer. B Complete the following metacognitive phrases. 1. Nanotechnology and gene therapy are beneficial to global health because… 13 __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 2. The nanoworld and gene therapy have some alarming concerns about potential health risks for the reason that… __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 3. After knowing the potential benefits and detriments of nanoworld and gene therapy, I realized that… __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Page 12  Rubrics Rubrics for Concept Mapping Criteria 10 7-9 4-6 1-3 Content Contents are Contents are Some contents Contents are relevant. The relevant. are not irrelevant. topics are Some of the relevant. Many properly subtopics are Some subtopics are summarized not included. subtopics are missing and and organized. Topics are not included are not organized. and are not properly properly summarized summarized and and organized. organized. Creativity Ideas and Ideas and Some of the The concept figures are figures are ideas and map is plain creative. creative. Some figures are and not Thoughts are thoughts are creative. Some creative. original; familiar; thoughts are drawings are drawings are familiar; neat and clear. almost neat drawings are and clear. almost neat and clear. Instructor’s Comments 14 Page 13  Reflection Blog Well done! You have finished the discussions about nanotechnology and gene therapy. Now, please write your reflection on the topics discussed in this module. ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 15 _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Page 14  References Serafica, J.P., Pawilen, G., Caslib, B. & Alata, E.J. (2018). Science, Technology and Society. Rex Book Store, Inc. 856 Nicanor Reyes Sr. St., Manila. Doria, B., Nacario, C. & Solis, M. (2018). Science, Technology and Society. Jimczyville Publications. #16 Concha St., Bgry. Tinajeros, Malabon City. Mayo Clinic. (2019, June 8). Stem cells: What are they and what they do. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-marrow-transplant/in-depth/stem-c ells/art-20048117 Medline Plus. (2020, September 21). What is gene therapy? U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/therapy/genetherapy/ National Technology Initiative. (n.d.). Size of the Nanoscale. Nano.gov. https://www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/what/nano- O’Connor, T. (2014). Embryonic and somatic cells as a source of genetic medicine. Scitable. https://www.nature.com/scitable/content/embryonic-and-somatic-stem-cells-as-a-6067 3/ Paddock, C. (2012, May 40). Nanotechnology in Medicine: Huge Potential, But What Are The Risks? Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/244972 Resourse Library. (n.d.). Nano World. National Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/media/nano-world/ 16 Prepared by: Mikee B. Venturillo CS-BPS Faculty Page 15