benefits and consequences of technology strayer uni soc450 discussion question

Hello class, most of the world’s hungry people live in Sub-Saharan Africa. Poverty and conflict are the biggest reasons for hunger in Africa, but there are water shortages, no or little government support, soil erosion and deforestation in some areas. Undernourishment, death, stunted growth are a few results from hunger. Currently, much of the food we consume is made from biotechnology. The crops that have been genetically modified can withstand climate changes, less nutrients to grow, no pesticides against bugs, and are either modified through modern techniques or artificially selected. Manufacturing uses biomaterials for soap, laundry detergent, plastics, fuels, and cosmetics. Most of your cotton clothes use some form of biotechnology. But, the most significant area that biotechnology is utilized is in the science/medical fields. Whether the biotechnology is helping cure diseases, slow down Alzheimer’s, or altering genes that cause disease, this technology improved the life expectancy of people. Finally, while benefits seem endless, biotechnology has risks too that could pose health issues and others related to enhancing biotechnology for evil.

The risks to biotechnology include unintended consequences like scientists at the CDC being exposed to Anthrax, Ebola, and the flu. Another unintended consequence is that any of the deadly things mentioned previously gets released into the public. With the possible release to the public, that leads us to the most significant risk and that is weaponizing biotechnology. Creating a biohazard or dirty bomb with any of the major diseases to release over the enemy or people in general. Some of the diseases include: anthrax, botulism, hemorrhagic fever, black plague, smallpox, typhoid, and yellow fever. With new gene editing technique, the risk for bio weapons is increasing at an alarming rate. Furthermore, the release of research material has raised a risk because people may star building bioweapons in their home since some forms do not need a special lab.

I believe that developing countries should continue to expand their biotechnology fields, but there must be some layers of protection. For instance, the CDC works with the deadliest bugs on the planet, but cures and other research performed on them should be classified or protected so the research does not get into the public hands. Biotechnology for medicine and food should continue because that may help with hunger and find cures for different diseases and birth defects. Finally, with biotechnology, people who need transplants for organs may receive a bioengineered one which may eliminate the waiting list if scientists can create a suitable match to human organs.

Barbara Tallent