CHAPTER 15

CLIMATE CHANGE AS A RESULT OF GLOBAL WARMING

Have you noticed that for the past few years that the weather is getting more extreme? Animals we
have seen when we were young have gone extinct? Or have you noticed how our climate has been
shifting from its normal patterns?

These observations are not only experienced by you but also by the rest of the people of the world. The
culprit behind these events is Global Warming.

Over the past century, continuous dependence of people on fossil fuels as source of energy has' resulted
to the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This has led to the unusually
rapid increase in the Earth's average temperature, which was defined as Global Warming by the NASA
Earth Observatory.

Obviously, humanity has greatly forced the changes of the Earth's natural climate.

As reported by the UCSUSA Organization, an increase of 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit of the average
temperature of the earth over the past 130 years. Majority of that increase occurred over only these
past 35 years. It was recorded that the hottest year was last 2016. Since 1998, the 12 warmest years
have already occurred in our planet.

Earth's Natural Greenhouse Effect

hearth's greenhouse effect will give us a better understand about global warming and climate change.
The sun is the principal source of the heat and energy of the earth. as to reach the earth, 30% of it is
reflected into the space. These reflections may be due to the clouds or ice in the atmosphere. The land,
ocean, and the rest of atmosphere absorbs the remaining 70%. Our planet is heated due to this due to
this absorbed heat.

Once the earth's surface warms up, thermal infrared radiation or heat energy be released in the
atmosphere. Water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane present the atmosphere will most likely absorb
the released heat energy of the earth. The said gases tend to trap the heat on the earth's surface instead
of sending it off to the outer space. Unfortunately, this enhances the heating that we get from direct
sunlight: This results to the natural greenhouse effect on earth.

We might think that we do not benefit from the greenhouse effect. Life on earth benefits greatly from
the natural greenhouse effect. The absence of the greenhouse effect may lead to a very cold earth. The
present 15°C (59°F) of the earth's average surface will decline to -18°C (0°F).

Enhanced Greenhouse Effect

Currently, the primary concern of the scientists is the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in
the earth's atmosphere. Mostly this is due to human activities that require burning of fossil fuels and the
vast clearing of land. Research showed that since the Industrial Revolution, nearly 38 percent of the
carbon dioxide have increased as of 2009 and 148 percent of the methane levels.
In comparison, today's atmosphere has greater concentration of greenhouse gas molecules than before.
This means that more of the infrared energy released by the earth's surface is trapped in our
atmosphere. Add it up to the absorbed Sun's energy, the earth's surface temperature rises.

According to NASA, EPA, and other scientific and governmental bodies, if we do not do something about
the global warming, climate change will happen, sea levels will rise, ocean acidification will worsen,
unpredictable weather patterns sill most likely happen sooner than we have imagined.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the greenhouse gases include the following:

1. Carbon Dioxide (CO) - primarily emitted by burning fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and oil), solid waste,
trees and wood products. Removal of CO2 from the atmosphere is primarily the thru absorption of
plants.

2. Methane (CH) - emissions are from livestock, agricultural practices, and the decay of organic waste.
Production and transport of fossil fuels release methane.

3. Nitrous Oxide (NO) - agricultural and Industrial activities and combustion of fossil fuels and solid
waste are the primary source of nitrous oxide.

4. Fluorinated Gases - also known as High Global Warming Potential (GWP) gases; synthetic powerful
greenhouse gases from the emissions of industrial processes. It includes Hydrofluorocarbons,
Perfluorocarbons, Sulfur hexafluoride and nitrogen Trifluoride.

Sources of Greenhouse Gases

From an annual report given by the EPA, Inventory of US Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks, these are
the primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions in USA.

1. Electricity production. The largest amount of greenhouse gas emissions is from electricity production.

2. Transportation. Majority of the fuel used by the vehicles are petroleum based (gasoline and diesel).

3. Industry. Production of goods from raw materials in the factories requires the use of fossil fuels that
leads to emissions of greenhouse gases.

4. Commercial and Residential. Handling wastes and burning fossil common sources of greenhouse
gases in homes and commercials places like market and cities.

5. Agriculture. Livestock such as cows and goats, agricultural soils and production of rice release
greenhouse gases.

6. Land use and Forestry. Trees have been the primary absorber

the atmosphere. Clearing of lands make it difficult to control the concentration of the top greenhouse
gas, CO2.

Global Warming is Changing the Earth

Impacts of the enhanced global warming have been identified by various

scientists.

More frequent hot days and fewer cool days

More intense heat waves

Worsening storms, floods and droughts

Intensified Hurricanes

Warmer ocean surface temperatures

Rising sea levels

More frequent coastal flooding

Island nations may disappear

Accelerated melting of ice sheets and glaciers

Changes in the growing season of plants

Disruption of normal ecosystem

Loss of animal habitat

Possible extinction of animals

Projected Health Impacts of Climate Change

Humans are not excused with the harmful effects of Climate Change. Here's a list of the possible impacts
of climate change to humankind.

Increase malnutrition and consequent disorders.

Increase in the number of people dying and suffering from disease and injury due to heat waves, floods,
storms, fires, and droughts.

Continue to change the range of some infectious disease vectors.

Have mixed effects on malaria.

Increase the burden of diarrheal diseases.

Increase cardio-respiratory morbidity and mortality associated with ground

level ozone.

Managing the Effects of Global Warming

In the present condition of the world right now, we must find ways to manage effects of Global
warming. Practical solutions should be started in order to decrease the carbon emissions, slow down the
pace of global warming and provide a sustainable future to the next generations.

The primary action that humankind must do to effectively address warming is to reduce the emissions of
greenhouse gases into the earth's atmosphere.

One way to help as individuals is by reducing our personal carbon emissions every day. The leaders of
the world must put into actions that can support an implement laws and regulations that can provide
efficient climate solutions.

Carbon Footprint Computation

One way to determine a person's environmental impact is through Carbon Footprint computation. It is
usually expressed in equivalent tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO). It calculates the sum of all the produced
carbon induced by a person's energy use. Awareness of personal carbon footprints can help reduce
energy consumption leading to minimized carbon emissions production.

Since 1970, an estimate increase of 36 percent of the atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide has
been reported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Based from scientific studies, the increase
of CO, concentration in the atmosphere originates mostly from human activities.

Carbon footprint calculators have been developed by the EPA and non-profit environmental agencies in
order to calculate individual carbon contributions. Online calculators are also available. In using the
calculator, personal information about vehicle or public transportation usage, energy used at home,
water consumption, food consumption, goods production and waste management are necessary to get
the computation.

Minimizing personal energy consumption is the primary way to reduce carbon footprint. Use of public
transportation or low-emission vehicles, energy-efficient products at home, reusing and recycling are
just some of the ways to decrease carbon footprints.

Ways to Reduce Global Warming and Climate Change

To reduce Global Warming and the alarming climate change, the people can do their own part by doing
the following:

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

Use Less het and air conditioning.

Drive less and drive smart.

Buy energy efficient products.

Grow your own foods in your backyard.

Plant trees in your back yard.

Replace incandescent lights to fluorescents light bulbs.

Use hybrid or electric cars.

Encourage others to conserve.

Support the government projects geared toward environmental preservations.

ENERGY CRISIS

A sustainable and reliable source of energy of a country shows its prosperity and development. As
stated by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the primary energy sources include petroleum,
natural gas, coal, renewable energy, and nuclear electric power. Energy sources such as crude oil,
natural gas, coal, and nuclear energy are classified as non-renewable because they do not form or
replenish in a short period of time. These non-renewable energy sources are extracted from the ground
in the form of liquids, gases, and solids. Liquid petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel fuel are
made out of the crude oil. Butane, ethane, and propane are taken from both natural gas and crude oil.

Solar, Geothermal, Hydropower, Wind, Biomass, and Bio-fuels are renewable energy sources that
replenish naturally in a short period of time. Biomass includes wood and wood waste, landfill gas,
Biogas, Ethanol, and biodiesel

Energy crisis may lead to questions such as, "Will we run out of energy? "Or “How do we secure our
access to energy?" At present, developing countries have high demands of energy resources in order to
secure its future economic development. Unfortunately, environmental risks are associated in accessing
energy demands.

Causes of the Energy Crisis

The causes behind the energy crisis can never be blamed to a single factor. This global problem can be
attributed to the following according to the publications of the World Energy Organization.

1. Overconsumption. This is a result of too much use of fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal.

2. Overpopulation. The human population steady increase leads to more demands to energy resources.

3. Poor infrastructure. The continued use of outdated equipment's in maintaining old infrastructures
limits energy production.

4. Unexplored renewable energy options. Ignorance of other renewable energy sources options will lead
the people to greatly depend in non-renewable energy resources.

5. Delay in commissioning of power plants. The big difference between the energy demands and supply
of some countries may be due to its reliance to the old power plants established years ago.

e such as leaving the ore problem with the

has poor distribution

6. Wastage of energy. The energy wasting habits at home such as leaving lights on or leaving electronic
gadgets plugged adds more problem with the energy shortage nowadays.

7. Poor distribution system. If the energy from plants has poor distribution system, tripping and
breakdowns will be more frequent.
8. Major accidents and natural calamities. Energy supply shortages may be caused by natural calamities,
like volcanic eruptions, floods and earthquakes, and major accidents. This may result to greater increase
in energy price in the global market.

9. Wars and attacks. Unsettled wars involving Middle East countries may create major problems for
energy consumers due to global shortage.

10. Miscellaneous factors. These factors include Political Events, Strikes, Tax hikes, Severe Weather
Changes. If the problems will arise from oil producing companies, it will directly cause energy crisis.

OCEAN THERMAL ENERGY CONVERSION: ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES

One of the latest technologies nowadays that can secure the earth's energy requirement and at the
same time address the issues of climate change is the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion.

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Basics

As defined by the Office of Energy and Renewable Energy, OTEC, short for Ocean Thermal Energy
Conversion is a process that can generate electricity by using the heat energy stored in the Earth's
oceans. This is an energy technology invented by Georges Claude in the 1920s. The first OTEC plant was
built in Cuba. It can produce electrical energy from the temperature difference between the deep cold
ocean water and the warm tropical surface waters. It works best if the temperature difference about 36
degrees Fahrenheit or 20 degrees Celsius.

This alternative energy resource can provide continuous power source be sustained all year round. It is
said to be a sustainable.

Since OTEC can produce billions of watts of electrical energy, this might be one way to address the
current energy issue price volatility, unsustainable supply, and climate change.

Types of OTEC Systems

Closed-cycle or Anderson OTEC cycle. In the closed cycle, a fluid with low boiling point like the ammonia
is used to power up a turbine in order to generate electricity. The heat exchanger pumps the warm
surface seawater, where the ammonia is vaporized. It then turns the turbo-generator. The second heat
generator now pumps the cold deep seawater then condenses the vapor back into a liquid.

Open-cycle or Claude OTEC cycle. In the open cycle, the warm seawater is placed in a low-pressure
container to boil. The steam produced powers the turbine attached to an electrical generator. The
steam produced is salt free, almost pure and fresh water. Once exposed to cold temperatures from deep
ocean water, the steam will be condensed back into liquid.

Hybrid system. This OTEC system combines the features of both Closed and Open cycle.

The OTEC power plants are of two different kinds. There are floating power plants or sea-based and
another is the land-based. Both land and sea-based power plants work almost the same.

Advantages and Disadvantages of OTEC Technology

The use of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion as source of electrical energy has its pros and cons.
Advantages include the following:

1. It produces clean, green renewable energy.

2. It produces no chemical pollution.

3. It does not involve burning fossil fuels which leads to lessened greenhouse

gas production

4. It can provide potable water from ocean water.

5. It can also produce fuels such as hydrogen the cells in electric cars.

6. This technology can be used for aquaculture, refrigeration, and air conditioning.

The disadvantages of depending energy resources from OTEC System the following:

1. OTEC plants are only suitable in tropical areas.

2. Electricity produced by OTEC power plants is costly.

3. Construction of OTEC power plants requires great amount of investment

4. Construction of power plants may damage coral reefs and other ecosystems.

5. OTEC system may result to political concerns.

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

In order to find the best solution to address the current environmental crisis, environmental awareness
is a number on requirement. Here is a list of the current issues the environment is facing today:

1.Air pollution. Toxins from the factories and vehicle are the primary reason behind the air pollution.
Urban sprawl, acid deposition, and oil leaks contaminate the groundwater. The burning of fossil fuels
from the power plants and manufacturing plants discharge different gases that pollute the air.

2. Water pollution. In the increasing human population results to more demand for clean water.
Pollution of water are mostly caused by discharges from agricultural and industrial activities.

3. Soil and land pollution. Mining for minerals, deforestation, construct and industrial activities degrade
the earth's surface. Land pollution big impact in the terrestrial ecosystems.

4. Climate change. The melting of the polar ice, new heal seasons are some of the many destructive
impacts of the Climate Change resulting from the increasing temperature of the earth's surface.

5. Global warming. Greenhouse gases are by-products of fossil fuel utilization. In turn, it leads to
environmental changes that affect humans, animals, and plants.

6 Deforestation. The forests play a great responsibility in managing the earth’s temperature and
precipitation. The increased number of human population results to more demands for homes, food and
materials. The forests are continuously losing in order to provide these demands.
7. Increased carbon footprint. Human activities directly and indirectly produce greenhouse gases. As
humans depend in fossil fuels, carbon footprint is increased and this cause destruction to the earth.

8. Genetic modification. The demands for food due to the increasing population have been addressed by
genetic engineering. The humans found a way to modify the genes of the plants through this
technology. However, these genetically modified food causes threat to the animal consumers those
results to poisons and sicknesses.

9. Effect on marine life. One of the problems in the world is facing the increasing amount of carbon in
the water. This has a direct effect on shell fishes and microscopic fishes.

10. Public health issues. The present environmental problems are a great threat to the wellness of the
humankind, including the animals. If left unresolved, this may affect the life span of both humans and
animals.

11. Overpopulation. At present, the sustainability of the earth's resources is at threat due to the
increasing growth of population. This is one of the most salient environmental problem that needs to be
addressed immediately.

12. Loss of biodiversity. Human activities have affected the earth's biodiversity. Destruction of habitat
leads to loss of biodiversity.

13. Littering and landfills. The problem in proper waste disposal has been one of the issues related with
the growth of population and industries. Municipal and household garbage once incinerated or buried in
landfills result to environmental damage in the long run. Certain waste products of manufacturing
industries generate refuse that cannot be refuse and must be properly dispose of.

14. Ozone layer depletion. The ozone layer provides a great protection against the radiation of the sun.
The presence of Chlorofluorocarbon's (CFC's) in the atmosphere breaks the bond of the ozone in the
stratosphere. The greatest ozone depletion was detected over the Antarctic.

15. Mining. The earth's minerals once extracted through mining may release harmful chemicals to the
atmosphere. These emissions may pollute the air, water and the soil.

16. Natural resource depletion. Overconsumption of the non-renewable resources of the earth may lead
to global warming that result to more alarming environmental issues.

17. Natural disasters. Millions of people are severely affected by the natural calamities happening in the
planet. This includes hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and forest fires. What makes it worst is its
unpredictability and the irreparable outcomes.

18. Nuclear issues. One great source of energy comes from nuclear resources. However, its by-product,
the radioactive waste is extremely harmful toxic. Improper disposal of radioactive wastes will affect
humans and animals including in the environment.

19. Habitat loss. Habitat destruction, fragmentation, and degradation are the different kinds of habitat
loss. This environmental concern may pose a great threat to the wildlife and terrestrial ecosystems.

20. Acid rain. The acidic rain water caused by the contamination of precipitation with nitrogen and
sulfuric acids has great ecological effects. The acid deposition may affect the aquatic ecosystems, forest,
man-made structures. and even cause health issues.
21. Agricultural pollution. The use of chemical products like pesticides and fertilizers has been a common
agricultural practice nowadays in dealing with pest. As the chemicals seep into the ground, it
contaminates the groundwater and thereby will soon affect the plants and crops.

22. Light and noise pollution. One of the common concerns arising from the urban areas is the high
density of lights from buildings, cars, and street lights. This pollution greatly affects the bird populations
especially in their communication, mating, and social behavior. 23. Urban sprawl. Urban sprawl or the
widespread population growth in undeveloped areas brings about results to various effects. This include
increase in public costs, traffic flow congestions, health issues, and environmental concerns.

24. Medical waste. The refuse generated from healthcare facilities like hospitals, laboratory clinics,
dental clinics, and nursing homes are considered biologically hazardous waste. Improper disposal of
these biomed can lead to environmental contamination.

CHAPTER 14

As our body systems are prone to aging and diseases, humans always look for ways of prolonging and
saving life. Health is very important but fact that our system is not perfect as we are affected by the
environment, aging, foods that we take, and lifestyle. Most of us are born normal but few are physically
and mentally challenged. But what causes these abnormalities? Will these people continue to suffer or
there is a little chance to eliminate those sufferings by reengineering our genes?

In order for us to have a background in the current trend of medicine. presents the ideas behind gene
therapy.

GENES AND THE HUMAN GENOME

Genome is a complete set of the genes in a cell or organism. Human genome resides in 46 chromosomes
that basically come in pair in which 23 are from the father and another 23 from the mother. These pairs
of chromosomes dictate the characteristics of an organism and can be determined as dominant or
recessive.

A chromosome is made up of two chromatids and each chromatid contains sequence of DNA
(deoxyribonucleic acid). DNA commonly found in the nucleus of every cell. The DNA strand, when
divided into portions, constitutes many genes. Genes are made up of hundreds of thousands of chemical
bases. This specific portion of the DNA performs specific function specifically in the production of
hormone or enzymes. Not all genes in the strand of DNA are working at the same time. For example, the
genes that are "switched on" in the heart are different from those gen "switched on' in the eye. The
genes or portion of the DNA sequence that a proteins are called introns and the non-coding regions are
called exons.

GENETICS DISORDERS

Genetic disorders are diseases caused by abnormalities in the DNA sequence of an individual. These
irregularities can happen in just one gene or there is an addition or subtraction of chromosomes. There
are more than 4000 identified medical disorders that are caused by defective genes. Although genes are
responsible for predisposition of these diseases, the environment, diet, and lifestyle are also factors that
trigger these diseases. These genetic disorders are classified into single-gene disorder, chromosomal
disorder, and multifactorial inheritance.

Single-Gene Disorder

Single gene disorders are caused by mutations in specific genes. In humans, there are 50,000 to 100,000
estimated genes that are responsible for coding proteins which are needed by cells and tissues to
perform its specific function.

Single-gene disorders are classified into autosomal single-gene disorder and X-linked disorders. The
question is that, how can we determine if the disorder is autosomal or X-linked? Remember that the
human chromosomes always come in 23 pairs, i.e.22 pairs of autosomes and a pair of sex chromosome.
Autosomal gene disorder happens in genes that can be found within the 22 pairs of non-sex
chromosomes while X-linked disorder originated from the genes of sex chromosomes.

Chromosomal Disorders

Chromosomal may happen under certain conditions. It might be an excess or deficiency of the whole
chromosome, chromosomal rearrangement, and contiguous-gene syndrome. There are many structural
abnormalities in the chromosomes and some of it are related to cardiovascular diseases that lead to
congenital heart disease. Chromosomal rearrangement happens if there is breakage and reconstruction
but in abnormal form. Structural rearrangement, however, may lead to loss or gain of genetic material
but typically gaining human chromosomes is less harmful than the loss of genetic materials.

Multifactorial Inheritance

Multifactorial inheritance is not caused by some changes or abnormalities in a single gene or

chromosome. It is basically caused by the combination of genetic changes that produces the disease.
Multifactorial inheritance might happen 5-10% in the first degree relatives with higher risk than that of
the 2nd degree relatives.

GENE THERAPY

Gene therapy is a method of treating or preventing diseases by repairing, or turning on or off genes of a
patient's cells. The process includes the use of vectors and non-viral method to move a DNA or o or
another. Some of the vectors in gene therapy are retrovirus, adeno associated virus, cis, and trans-acting
elements, and herpes simplex virus method, the other hand, has certain advantages over vectors or viral
method can be produced in large scale. Injection of naked DNA is the simplest method under non-viral-
method. Cells, tissue and even organisms that undergone gene there considered transgenic or
genetically modified. The two main types of gene are somatic gene therapy and reproductive gene
therapy.

Somatic gene therapy are those which are not related to reproductive gene therapy. It is basically the
introduction of genes to cells in a target organ to produce enzymes which are needed by the body to
functions well. It means that, somatic gene therapy helps the organ to function well but it doesn't alter
the genetic makeup of an organism. The changes in organisms caused by somatic gene therapy are not
transmitted to its offspring.
Reproductive gene therapy or germ-line cell therapy is basically the introduction of corrective genes to
sperm cells, egg cells, or even zygotes (4-day old). The main goal or objective is to eliminate the
abnormalities that can possibly be transmitted to the offspring. It is the alteration of genetic makeup of
the offspring by targeting the abnormal genes in the parent's sex cells.

However, gene therapy requires the identification of the correct genes responsible in the progression of
diseases. The most crucial part of gene therapy is the delivery of the modified gene to the cell or target
organ and this should be done in accurate, controlled and effective way. It can also be noted that
modified genes are not always accepted by the cells for the reason that our cells have its natural
defense mechanism and kills foreign bodies. Most failures in gene therapy are caused by the rejection of
the modified genes.

Benefits and Disadvantages of Gene Therapy

Though gene therapy is not yet mastered, we believe that it is just only a of time. However, it provides
us today these benefits:

1. It offers cure to several diseases like cancer, Parkinson's disease, AIDS, asthma, diabetes, heart
diseases as well as hereditary diseases.

2. It can replace defective cells.

3. It has a promising potential not only in the field of medicine but in s related fields like agriculture.

These are the disadvantages of gene therapy:

1. Modifying organisms means modifying its capabilities.

2. Viral vectors could recover its ability to cause disease.

3. It can damage the gene pool resulting to multigene disorder.

4. High cost.

5. Ethical issues

1. DNA Evidence in Court. In 1995, O.J. Simpson was found “not guilty in the murder of two people. DNA
evidence linked O.J. Simpson to murder but the defense claimed that the crime scene samples could
have contaminated or could have been planted as part of a conspiracy as Simpson. How reliable is DNA
evidence in court? What level of certainty does DNA evidence provide? Are there any instances where
should not be allowed? Are there any risks associated with using DNA as evidence in court?

2. The Human Genome Project. If a doctor was able to see your entire genome, it could lead to earlier
detection of disease and better treatment. So should everyone's DNA be sequenced at birth and kept in
a database? If so, who else should have access to it? Should employees have access if their employees
are in jobs in which there is a high risk to others, such as airplane pilots? What if your health insurance
company (the folks who pay your medical bills) had access to it?

3. Genetic Testing. Scientist now have the ability to analyze your genome and look for specific traits. In
some cases, this is very simple: If you have an extra copy of chromosome 21, you will have Down's
syndrome. But in other cases, it's not quite as clear-cut. What if a test can only give a probability of
developing a disorder? What about other kinds of genetic test, such as a test to see what kind of sport
your child might be good at? How far should we go with genetic testing?

4. Cloning. Cloning sounds pretty cool, but are there any practical reasons why it should be done? What
benefits may arise from cloning animals? What about humans? Should countries around the world fund
or support research into cloning?

5. Stem Cell Research. Scientist believe that human embryonic stem cells hold the key to treatment and
cures for a wide variety of diseases. But others are fundamentally opposed, on moral grounds, to the
use of human embryos for scientific purposes. Should countries around the globe support or fund
research that involves human embryos?

6. Gene therapy. Gene therapy has the potential to cure diseases such as Parkinson's disease,
Alzheimer's, and cancer. But the same technology could potentially be used to make designer babies,
"where the parents choose various traits of their offspring, such as sex, eye, color, height, etc., before
they are born. How far should we go?

7. Genetic Patents. Research organizations invest a lot of money to identify gene sequences involved in
genetic diseases and to establish test kits for these diseases. Once a test is complete, do they have the
right to patent theses sequences as their own for the purpose of profit? How night this affect the access
and cost of medical treatment?

CHAPTER 13

This chapter sets out brief progress of the developing fields of to explore the complex connection
between society and technology. Research and design on nanoscale has the potential to transform
almost all facets of human life like electronics, communications, biotechnology, healthcare, military, and
environmental protection. Its benefits and impacts to society has been determined. Many analysts have
felt that this new field will be the "the Next Industrial Revolution”.

WHAT IS NANOTECHNOLOGY

Nano, as unit of measurement of length, is an analogous entity like meter. How small is Nano? Just
divide a meter into one billion to visualize how small Nano is. The prefix Nano means a factor of billionth
(109) in the metric system and can be applied in time (nanosecond), volume (Nano liter), etc. The
nanoscale usually refers to the length of around 0.1nm to 100 nm. The nanomaterials or nanostructures
are in the form of nanoscale.

The first definition of “nanotechnology" came from Norio Taniguchi, a professor of Tokyo Science
University. He coined the term at the international conference on industrial production in 1974 to
describe work on semiconductor processes such as thin film deposition and ion beam milling on the
order of a nanometer without naming it as such.

There have been many efforts to describe the definition of nanotechnology. And, if somebody will ask a
hundred scientists, a hundred different definitions of nanotechnology will be collected.

The absence of generally accepted, strictly recognized meaning of "nanotechnology is explained by

various technologies that nanotechnology covers. Moreover, nanotechnologies are now being
constantly updated and improved which explains why many concepts about principles of their
implementation are not completely clear.

Nanotechnology is the study and manipulation of matter at a scale about 1 to 100 nanometers. It
involves characterization, design, and production of structures, devices, and systems with unique
properties by fine-tuning the physical, chemical, mechanical, and optical properties of materials at the
nanoscale.

NANOTECHNOLOGY OF THE PAST

It has been discovered by advanced technology today that even long before the beginning of "nanoera"
people were engaged in different processes and used these into practice in small scale subconsciously.
The following lists show the nanotechnology of the past.

Thousands of years B.C. .

Ancient Egyptians

- Fermentation process on nanolevel (making bread, wine, beer, cheese, and other food stuffs).

- Nanoparticles of galenite (lead sulfide) were formed in hair dyeing process. etc.

Ancient Rome

Licurgus cup; 4th Century AD (British heritage) possess unusual optical properties (bowl is green in
natural light and red if illuminated from within).

Recent techniques discovered particles of gold and silver from 50-100 nm in size (responsible for
unusual coloring of the bowl).

Middle Ages

Stained-glass windows have been admired in Europe because of close to perfection. As the latest study
shows, the windows contained additives of gold and nanoparticles of other metals.

NANOTECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES

What is the Philippines doing to welcome this new technology? The Philippi through the effort of
Department of Science and Technology- Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI)
provides opportunities a to local industries by Nano Lab.

Nanotech Facilities and Equipment in the Philippines

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)

Atomic Force Microscope (AFM)

Molecular Beam Epitaxy

X-Ray Diffraction

Raman, FTIR, Optical emission characterization

Nanoparticle size analyzer

Surface area analyzer

The following are the lists of nanotechnology projects that are being worked out in the Philippines under
the supervision of DOST-ITDI, encouraging local community to rely on what are abundant, unexploited,
and natural organic or inorganic nanomaterials:

1. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and semiconductors.

e.g., use of nanowires to ultrafast ICT with small power consumption

2. Solar cells

. e.g., dye sensitized-based solar cells (DSSC) is low-cost solar cell belonging to the group of thin film
solar cells

3. Agriculture

. e.g., facilitate gene transformation and expression of animal and plant cells.

4. Food

e.g., biodegradable food packaging

5. Environment

e.g., water purification by nanofilters for treating heavy metal contaminated water

MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATION OF NANOTECHNOLOGY

Nanotechnology Application EXAMPLES

1. Water treatment and purification Nanomembranes for water purification, desalination

and detoxification

Nanosensors for the detection of contaminants and

pathogens

Nanoporous zeolites, nanoporous polymers and

attapulgite clays for water purification

Magnetic nanoparticles for water treatment and

remediation

TiO2 nanoparticles for the catalytic degradation of

pollutants
2. Environmental remediation Zero-Valent Iron Nanoparticles for Abatement of
Environmental Pollutants (Li, Elliot, and Zhang, 2006)

The removal of contaminants and Nanoscale iron particles (Zhang, 2003)

pollutants from the environment

(e.g. contaminated soil and ground water or.

surface water)

3. Green Nano Composites Starch based-nano composites

materials having ecofriendly. attributes that Cellulose based-nano composites

are technically and. economically feasible Protein based-nano composites

while minimizing the generation

of pollution (Khalil, Bhat and Yusra 2011)

NANOTECHNOLOGY ISSUES

Government and industry investments in research and development (R&D) shows manifestation that
many developed countries have embraced the “new technology", the nanotechnology. In fact, it has
been predicted by Lux Research back in 2005 that the peak of nanotech will reach to $3,6 trillion
(Harper, 2015) and today the total worldwide investment in nanotechnology by developed countries is
more than 10 billion dollar.

While nanotechnology is here in the Philippines today, there are lots of pro that need to be fulfilled or
be discovered:

• Health Issues

 Environmental Issues

• Agriculture

It is done fairly in Information Communication Technology (ICT) by developing a workforce

knowledgeable (skilled laborers and health-knowledge workers) to in major cities and abroad with
process outsourcing centers.

Here is the summary of a real life experience today on Nanotechnology middle-class Filipino family,
taken from the essay entitled “Everyday Life Scenario by Erwin P. Enriquez. pp. 72-73.

Juan wants a new computer because his computer can no longer handle the new computer games. His
family go to mall. Upon window shopping for what would be an upgrade or replacement, he read a
brochure with newest processors manufactured using 32 nanometer (nm) technology. (Example Core
TM i, i5, and i7 CPUs). On the other side of the mall, his mother is looking for an air conditioner to
replace the old one, so she can save on the electric bill. A salesman shows her the added features of the
new line of products which uses something called "nano”” to purify and disinfect the cold air that unit
blows into the room. His father as he exists the from the restroom just realizes that the urinal that he
just used did not have to be flushed with water anymore, indeed saving a lot of water, and yet the
restroom did not smell.

This scenario sounds fictional, but it is based on real-life experiences of some Filipinos today affected by
nanotechnology. Nanotechnology has indeed, arrived.

At the present, large fraction of the Philippine population in rural areas experiences poverty which do
not have the means of clean water, electricity, medical treatment, and even education. Nanotechnology
can provide solutions to these basic needs in rural areas.

• Cheaper and more readily accessible solar cells based on quantum dots

Clean water using nanocatalysts or nanoporous membranes that will filter off impurities

• Enhanced agricultural productivity assisted by nanotechnology

Medical care using portable medical diagnostic kits using nanotech

Advances in ICT in computations and telecommunications may by education effectively

CHAPTER 12

Nowadays, every information is in the hand of every individual. Johannes Gutenberg (Born Feb 3, 1468)
a German blackswithand publich who was responsible for shaping the nature of the society by
establishing the first form of spreading information. This is called as the Gutenberg Principle, where the
distribution of information become possible, but expensive and yet institutionalized. According to
researchers, this principle has been fixed and all pervasive that it has become like a hidden foundation
and standing as we are now, in the twilight of this era, it is still difficult to appreciate the extent to which
it has shaped the fabric of our world. However, it was the advent of a new world, where in the
information does not coincide with the Gutenberg Principle.

Gutenberg principle has a great impact to shape our world at the present time - most likely
characterized as the Post-Gutenberg era (the world of what is currently called social media). Identifying
both the ways in which organizations will feel its impact and also the ways in which organizations will
have to adapt in order to survive where power will not lie in the institutionalized capability to control
access to information.

THE PRE-GUTENBERG WORLD

In early times, books were created manually by hand. They were transcribed through clay, papyrus, wax,
and parchment. Besides, governments chose on whom will be given the education to read. They were
scared that the inti mass communication will be the hindrance in their ruling. The transmission of
information relied only through "word-of-mouth” channels. In 1440 printing press was built through
Johannes Gutenberg which heralded mass communication. However, it took hundred years for this to
spread.

THE GUTENBERG REVOLUTION

"The printing press was an important step towards the democratization of knowledge"

Eisenstein, 1969.

According to the researchers, Gutenberg Revolution is a term used to express the democratizing effects
of the invention of the printing press among society. The invention of the printing press allowed for
worldwide changes to take place. Democracy was born through the invention of the printing press and
the effects it had on society. It allowed people to have a voice who weren't able to spread their
messages before. Although the distribution of information becomes possible, it is expensive and only a
few can afford it. Hence, to satisfy the needs of every one, distribution of information was
institutionalized and mediated.

THE POST-GUTENBERG WORLD

On the other laws, the dispersal of information took a long time through printing press. In 1920, the
radio broadcasting was introduced. It marked a significant jump in the speed of communication. It made
the spreading of information even more quickly and widely. However, in the 1970s, the Information Age
accelerated global communication. It started when the microprocessor began and took it as the
introduction to the Internet Browser, which made the Information Age significant to up to this day.

In the early times of the internet, it still follows Gutenberg Principle. Both money and expertise are
required for you to be able to access the internet and spread information and was therefore still the
greater access to information was not fulfilled. However, the speed in accessing the information through
internet was great. For that reason, many investments appear to serve and create opportunities with e-
commerce as the major new web-based phenomena.

According to Stacy (2008), the development of internet in our world, changed 2 major expansion:

First uploading and downloading of different forms of media, such as image. videos, and audios, were
now possible through internet access. Second, spread and publishing of information were now much
easy because of different tools.

This time information can now be on the hand of every individual and all the potential individuals. This is
called as the Post - Gutenberg Principle or Social Information Principle (Stacy, 2008).

INFORMATION AGE

Man has always the need for communication and continuous of information. This need is motivated by
man's need society, giving, and receiving instructions and precautions, giving comfort and
encouragement and improving everyday ways and means. But it wo do this especially in the early times
because of distance, time, and location that communication and exchange of information can take a
long time before it gets to the receiving end.

Man has employed different strategies to combat this issue by using signals such as fire, flags, drums,
and writings on clay or stone tablets. Some eve employed some animals to deliver messages like horses
with a rider messenger or a messenger pigeon. But still, waiting for the message to reached the receiver,
and waiting for the response to come was not always easy.

The discoveries and inventions on communication and information technology have greatly helped to
this constant need of man. There are three distinct historical periods for this revolution of information
technology (Washington, DC. Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (OASD), Command & Control
Research Program (CCRP), 1997). The first modern information revolution began in the mid-nineteenth
century and includes telegraph, telephone, and radio. These three inventions have greatly helped in
improving the people's lives. Businesses, government, military, and foreign policy establishments were
able to communicate easier.

The second modern information revolution followed the first one and extended until the mid-20th
century and includes television, early generation computers, and satellites. These inventions have
greatly improved communication and have bypassed even further distances in a faster time. The
industrial society and governmental affairs have greatly benefited from this, saving so much money that
was at first spent over communication and exchange of information.

The third modern information revolution probably began in the 1980s and has surpassed the two other
revolutions. This age which includes our time is now calls as the "knowledge revolution." This includes
advance information technologies and has a remarkable impact in the politics, economics, sociology,
and culture knowledge creation and distribution.

The information age has a big impact in the society in that a lot usually spent on ensuring that the
message has reached the receiving end and deciphering the message is correct is now saved.
Communication has become more effective and efficient. Goods are easily made by the producers and
easily sold to wholesalers then to the retailers and finally to the individual consumers. Businesses
flourished and it has greatly helped improve every nation's economy. Governments have also improved
their ways of handling their political affairs be it locally or internationally. Military affairs have become
so much easier as well. A lot of wars were prevented because of more effective and timely
communication. Lay people also experienced the instant messaging world that loved ones living far
away can instantly be reached by one click.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND ITS IMPACT TO THE SOCIETY

According to Brown (2018), among the three billion people around the world, 20 % uses online social
media. Social media users spend an average of two hours every day tweeting or liking posts in different
platforms. Social media has become a form of virtual reality and a form of escape from the tyranny of
life. Geographical distance is no longer a hindrance in communicating with other people around the
globe. Ideas become more fluid making censorship next to impossible.

According to Merriam-Webster (2016), social media is defined as a form of electronic communication

wherein the users share information, ideas and even videos by creating online communities. It is an
internet-based medium intended for sharing information. Social media is not only a communication tool
but it also serves as an avenue for collaboration and reviewing of information an opinions. In commerce,
social media also serve as a brand monitoring tool that help boosts their sales. The entertainment and
gaming industry has already joined the wagon.

Mark Schaefer (2011), an author, blogger and Social Media Marketing consultant cited a summary in his
blog how the world has changed because of social media.
 • Social media made the society less individualistic and traditional groups more reinforced.

In education, including informal learning, social media served as an important catalyst.

• Selfies shared in social media send different messages worldwide.

• In the world of social media, online equality is different from offline equality.

• Not the company, but the people who uses social media define its functionality.

• The public social media can be viewed as traditionalist or conservative.

Posted photos and use of emojis in social media has shifted human communication.

The world became less homogenous because of social media.

Personal commerce has been greatly promoted with the help of social media.

Social media. for some, served as their online "homes".

Gender Relations has been profoundly affected by social media.

Human conversations and relationships are now polymedia.

• Memes in social media served as Moral Police that has set the stand normal behavior among
the general public.

Social media is a privacy threat, but not for the non-users.

In general, social media and the advancement of information technology he greatly influenced daily
living of people. May it serve as an advantage or disadvantage the society must learn how to still
manage to be in control in all of this.