Solved by a verified expert:Biology and Technology in the Real World
Instructions
Written Assignment: Biology and Technology in the Real World
Addresses course outcomes 1-4:
recognize and explain how the
scientific method is used to solve problems
make observations and
discriminate between scientific and pseudoscientific explanations
weigh evidence and make decisions
based on strengths and limitations of scientific knowledge and the scientific
method
use knowledge of biological
principles, the scientific method, and appropriate technologies to ask relevant
questions, develop hypotheses, design and conduct experiments, interpret
results, and draw conclusions
1. Select one of the topics listed below.
2. Find at least two information sources related to the
topic.
3. Write a 750-1500 word paper, excluding references and
title page. You must read the information sources that you find and summarize
the information in your own words, addressing each of the questions and
expectations for your chosen topic. Extensive quotes from the article are
discouraged. Use APA style.
Topics (select one)
a) Genetically modified organisms (GMOs). What is the
purpose genetic engineering of crop plants and domestic animals? Briefly
explain how GMOs are created. What foods in your supermarket contain GMOs? Are
foods that contain GMOs safe for human consumption? What types of regulations
exist for these foods? Clearly explain your reasoning for each answer. The
following website from FDA regarding GMO regulation may be helpful:
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm352067.htm
b) Stem cells. Your friend had a spinal cord injury after a
bad car accident. The medical team has decided that he is a good candidate for
a clinical trial using stem cell therapy. Your friend has not had a biology
course since high school, so you decide to write him a letter sharing your
knowledge of stem cells. Include in your letter a description of the biology of
stem cells and how these cells are unique from other cells. Contrast the
different types of stem cells, including pros and cons of each. Explain how
stems cells are can be used to treat diseases and injury, with special focus on
spinal cord injuries. Conclude with your own opinion. The following website
from NIH regarding stem cell research will be very helpful:
http://stemcells.nih.gov/index.asp.
c) Fracking (hydraulic fracturing) and tar sands (oil
sands). With society’s dependence on
nonrenewable fossil fuels, the oil & gas industry is turning to the use of
hydraulic fracturing and tar (oil) sands to extract natural gas and oil
respectively. A friend asks you
“What’s all this controversy in the news about fracking and tar
sands?” Briefly explain to your
friend how hydraulic fracturing and tar (oil) sands are used to obtain these
fossil fuels. Then, in more detail, describe the environmental problems that
may result from these processes and why they are controversial. Issues that may
be addressed involves, but are not limited to, water, air and soil pollution,
effects on human health, effects on other species and natural ecosystems.
Finally, give your opinions on possible solutions to these environmental
problems, with your reasoning backed by the references that you studied. The
following websites from EPA may be helpful:
http://www2.epa.gov/hydraulicfracturing