Group Web Report Outline

Technology and World Change – Group Project Presentation

G-11 (Poh Wan Ting, Fiona Lim, Ng Yongxiang, Koh Wen Cong)

Topic: Genetically Modified (GM) Foods

 

Area of Interest: Genetically modified foods are foods derived from genetically modified organisms. GM foods were first put on the market in the early 1990s. Typically, genetically modified foods are transgenic plant products: soybean, corn, canola, and cotton seed oil. Genetically modified organisms have had specific changes introduced into their DNA by genetic engineering techniques.

Rationale: The use of GM food to increase agricultural productivity had the potential to solve the problem of food scarcity.  Modifications, which render plants less vulnerable from pests, lead to less pesticide use, which is better for the environment. GM crops have the capacity to solve many countries’ food problems such as malnutrition and also provide adequate supplies for the future. In addition, it can help in improving the native country’s GDP and open newer market avenues.

Executive Summary:

–       History of GM foods

–       Current use of GM foods and situation vs future of GM foods

–       Reasongs for GM foods (Social, political, economic, medical, environmental etc.)

–       Different types of GM foods available

–       Differences between GM food and normal food

History of Genetically Modified Food: GM food was initially created to improve crop protection and by doing so, increase yield of crops. Crop protection was improved by introducing resistance of plant diseases and increased tolerance to herbicides. The first GM food, GM tomato puree was sold commercially was in 1996, in Britain. Some other issues that GM food was targeted to solve was global poverty, and increase in nutrition for the malnourished in developing countries.

Current uses of Genetically Modifiend Food:

– Biotechnology in Developing Countries – Double Haploids, Mutation Breeding (where new variations can be generated by irradiation or by chemical treatments), F1 hybrids (where plants grow faster, have higher yields, are more resistant to environmental stresses), Tissue Culture (allows whole, often virus free, plants to grow from a single cell in an artificial medium)

– Marker-aided selection (MAS) – allow plant breeders to select a piece of DNA that is associated with a particular trait, can speed up plant breeding process.

–       Case Study 1: Non-food crops – Bt cotton in China and South Africa

–       Case Study 2: Abiotic Stress Resistant Rice

–       Case Study 3: Increasing yield in rice by dwarfing

–       Case Study 4: Improved micronutrients in rice

–       Case Study 5: Improved resistance to diseases in bananas

–       Case Study 6: Herbicide resistant soybean

– Genetically modifying chickens so that they can’t pass on flu

Future uses of Genetically Modified Food:

–       Biopharmaceuticals – Vaccines in food

–       Study of plant phenotypes -> Ocean farming – bioengineering algae that converts carbon dioxide waste from coal-fired plants to biofuel

–       Boosting plants’ light-capturing capabilities

–       Genetically altered mosquitoes thwart dengue spreaders (still on trial)

–       Genetically modifying animals so they can’t feel pain.

Conclusions: Summary of our findings. How GM foods have affected us over the years and how GM foods are possibly going to affect us in the future. How GM foods have contributed to world change.

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Individual Topical Review Paper Outline

Specific Innovation of Interest:

Plastic surgery developed in the 20^th century was used in caring for soldiers suffering from disfiguring facial injuries. It then evolved into cosmetic surgery for the intended purpose of enhancement of appearance beyond the average level towards some aesthetic ideal.

Rationale for selecting this innovation:

Physically attractive women and men earn more than average-looking ones, and very plain people earn less. Beauty is naturally rewarded in all aspects of life ranging from work to sports to school where physical attractiveness would seem to matter. Therefore, many seek to “go under the knife” to attain that edge. My paper seeks to explore how this innovation have changed the landscape of aesthetic beauty.

Background:

Here I would be writing about the history of reconstructive surgery and its main functions before deviating into its niche market today.

Historical Perspective:

Plastic surgery was mainly used to correct functional impairments caused by burns; traumatic injuries; congenital abnormalities; developmental abnormalities; infections, diseases and cancer.  Reconstructive surgery is usually performed to improve function and done to approximate normal appearance.

Current Situation:

Advertising and TV exposure has led many into turning to plastic surgery more and more to attain that ideal look. In the past 10 years, cosmetic surgery in the United States has increased by more than 700 percent.

Future Considerations:

The use of technology to diminish the effects of ageing. Laser resurfacing and photo rejuvenation are some of the skin treatments to removing wrinkles. Could this possibly lead to a seventy-year-old grandmother who looks just like her granddaughter?

Conclusion:

Ancient Romans and Egyptians have performed cosmetic plastic surgery. However, only with the advancement in medical science and introduction of anesthesia, cosmetic plastic surgery began to appeal more. In addition, increased media attention and on beauty and perfection has led many to pursue their ideal appearance. I would dwell deep into such implications and how future technology could possibly change the landscape.

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