Science and Technology
Explain the difference between science and technology
Science refers to a system of obtaining knowledge based on scientific technique; it is also the structured body of knowledge obtained via such research (Diaz, Bertoldi, & Bidlingmaier, 2011). As such, the system utilizes experimentation and observation to explain and illustrate phenomena. On the other hand, technology is a wide notion that entails a species’ utilization and knowledge of tools, and how it impacts the capability of the species to regulate and adapt to its surrounding. In the human society, technology is a result of engineering and science, even though some advances in technology predate the 2 notions (Diaz, Bertoldi, & Bidlingmaier, 2011). Technology can also be defined as the amalgamation of skills, methods, skills and processes aimed at developing devices or instruments or to complete scientific investigation.
Biotechnology and how it is used
Reproductive cloning is the biotechnology selected. Generally, cloning refers to the process of producing a genetically similar copy of an organism or a cell. Reproductive cloning entails generating an animal or human that is genetically similar to the donor via somatic cell nuclear transfer (Cibelli et al., 2013). In this type of cloning, the embryo that is created is usually put back into the womb where it can embed and grow. Perhaps a well known example of reproductive cloning is the Dolly sheep. Experiments on reproductive cloning were conducted for over four decades via the embryo splitting process, in which a sole early-stage 2-cell embryo is physically split into 2 individual cells and then develops as 2 similar embryos. The 1990s saw reproductive cloning undergo through considerable change, after Dolly’s birth, who was produced through the Somatic Cell Nuclear transfer (SCNT) process (Cibelli et al., 2013). This technique involves taking out the entire nucleus from the cell of an organism, and putting the nucleus into an egg cell whose nucleus had been taken out. When the somatic nucleus gets inside the egg, a mild electrical current is utilized to stimulate the egg and starts dividing. Therefore, an embryo that is cloned, basically the embryo of an identical twin of the original organism is generated.
Reproductive cloning is used for several reasons. Firstly, cloning of animals such as livestock is aimed at duplicating a current desirable mix of characteristics, like effective growth and high production of milk, devoid of the genetic “lottery” and combination that takes place in sexual reproduction (Cibelli et al., 2013). This type of cloning makes it possible to replicate an animal with a certain genetic modification (like ability to generate a pharmaceutical in milk) more quickly compared to natural mating. Secondly, reproductive cloning is used by sterile couples who desire to have a baby who is genetically similar to one of them or genetically similar with another nucleus donor. Thirdly, this kind of cloning is used by parents who have lost their child and desire to have another who is genetically identical to the one that they lost. Fourthly, reproductive cloning is utilized by individuals who require a transplant (for instance, of cord blood) to treat a disease they are suffering from or an illness their child has and who, as such, desire to gather genetically similar tissue from a infant or fetus that is cloned (Cibelli et al., 2013). Lastly, cloning is used to revive endangered species. Some wild species have already been cloned, encompassing 2 relatives of livestock known as the banteng and the guar.
Scientific discoveries
One scientific discovery that had to occur prior to reproductive cloning is the discovery of DNA. DNA was discovered y James Watson and Francis Crick on 28th February, 1953. They discovered the double-helix DNA structure that consisted of 2 strands that twist around each other and had nearly an infinite range of chemical prototypes that developed instructions that the human body followed (Olby, 2013). The two scientists discovered that the DNA was responsible for determining unique human characteristics such as hair and eye color. Another scientific discovery has to do with the discovery of the human cell. Robert Hooke first discovered the human cell in 1665 (Schmidt & Davis, 2001). Hooke was among the first scientists to study organisms under a microscope. Even though the microscopes during his time were not that strong, Hooke was still able to make a vital discovery. When he used his microscope to look at a thin slice of cork, it came as a surprise when he saw something that looked like a honeycomb. The cork composed of many small units, which he called cells. He derived the term “cell” from the Latin word “cella” which essentially mean ‘a tiny room.
Technologies
One of the technologies that had to exist prior to the development of reproductive cloning is the microscope. The magnifying glasses were the first “microscopes” and they had one power, normally approximately 6X to10X. Sometime around the year 1590, Zaccharias Janssen and his father Hans who were Dutch spectacle makers began experimenting with these lenses (Ruestow, 2004). For instance, they put a number of lenses in a tube, leading to an important discovery. They found out that the object that was near the end of the tube seemed to be really made bigger, much bigger than any simple magnifying glass could attain alone. As such, they invented the compound microscope (i.e. a microscope utilizing 2 or more lenses). Since then, there have been more improvements in the microscope, making it possible for humans to see the tiniest of objects that are invisible to the naked eye. Therefore, the microscope has been in existence for more than 4 centuries. Another technology is the electric circuit board (Schmidt & Davis, 2001). The electric circuit board was first discovered by a German scientist and inventor known as Albert Hanson in 1903. He first described the utilization of numerous layers of foil conductors laminated to an insulating board. The discovery of this electric circuit board would facilitate reproductive cloning may decades later. As such, this technology has been in existence for more than a century.
Positives and negatives of biotechnological advances, and biotechnologies that you think should not be pursued
One of the advantages of biotechnology is that it can help decrease hunger. Biotechnology has Helped in enhancing the nutritional content of food supply. Needed minerals and vitamins can be generated in croplands and this decreases health issues associated with deficiency of nutrients. Another advantage of biotechnology is that it provides opportunities for medical advancement. Studies involving the human genome have made it possible to understand more about genetic illnesses and several cancers thus helping scientists to develop more effective treatments and cures for them (Diaz, Bertoldi, & Bidlingmaier, 2011). One of the disadvantages of biotechnology is that it can prove to be hard on the soil. Producing crops utilizing biotechnology can impact the soil’s ability to grow or generate vegetation in future. Another disadvantage is that biotechnology can be utilized for destruction. There is the possibility of diseases being weaponized and hence used to harm human populations. In my opinion, biotechnologies that seek to clone humans should not be pursued. This is because they are likely to result in birth defects attributable to human errors. Also, cloned humans have a tendency of having a short lifespan (Cibelli et al., 2013).
References
Cibelli, J., Wilmut, I. S., Jaenisch, R., Gurdon, J., Lanza, R., West, M., & Campbell, K. H.
(2013). Principles of Cloning. Cambridge, MA: Academic Press.
Diaz, L., Bertoldi, M. D., & Bidlingmaier, W. (2011). Compost Science and Technology.
Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier.
Olby, R. (2013). The Path to the Double Helix: The Discovery of DNA. North Chelmsford,
MA: Courier Corporation.
Ruestow, E. G. (2004). The Microscope in the Dutch Republic: The Shaping of Discovery.
Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press.
Schmidt, D., & Davis, E. B. (2001). Using The Biological Literature: A Practical Guide,
Revised And Expanded. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
