STS Compiled Topics For Finals Exam 2024

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY (STS) REVIEWER
Development of the Information - Rise of information mediation

Age institutions (news, bank, music
industries)
Nature of Information
- Traditional media (newspaper,
Information: informare (Latin) – to give books, audio CD, video CD, news
form, shape, or character to something channels, personal banking, etc.)
Purpose:
1. Basis of all communications Post-Gutenberg Era: Information Age
2. Convey representation of reality
- Invention of the computer and the
3. Destined to be communicated to
internet
someone or something
- Mass distribution of information is
Structure: Agent-Sign-Thing easy through the use of online
media (i.e. social media to access
The agent is informed by a sign about a
social networks)
thing
- Rise of social networks and crowd
sourcing
Information Eras
Johannes Gutenberg Some impacts of the Information
Age
- 15th century
- German craftsman Science & Technology
- Inventor of the printing press
- Research advances in physics,
Pre-Gutenberg Era chemistry, and biology
- Technological advances –
- Before the printing press
driverless cars, internet glasses,
- Information is hard to replicate
VR, AR
and distribute
- Too much dependence on
- Transmission of information is
technology
mostly word-of-mouth
- Only small umber (elite) has Society
access to information
- Convenient and efficient
Gutenberg Era communication through social
media
- Invention of the printing press
- Addiction to social media
- Mass distribution of information is
possible but expensive ______________________________
Compiled by Irish Trixie Miras (BS Biology III – Medical Biology) – Intern
Social Media in the Information Age - Rise of transparency ad challenge
of institutionalizing trust
Gutenberg Principle
- Mass markets are disrupted (no
- Paying for the information more middle men due to direct
provided by a (traditional) media buying sites)
institution (buying newspapers,
CD, DVD, etc.)
Society
- Easily meet people and share
Social Information Principle
ideas beyond geographical
- “Freely” accessing information boundaries
which is considered to be owned - Brings together like-minded
by the society (searching in people (networking groups)
Google, Facebook, etc.) - Invasion of privacy due to
published personal information
Crowd Sourcing
(photos)
- Information is published and - Addiction to social networking
enhanced/used by the society sites
(Wikipedia, comments section)
________________________________
Social Networking
- Information is published in a
Nanotechnology
network so that other network
members may access the Nanotechnology involves manipulating
information (Facebook, matter at unprecedentedly small scales
Instagram, etc.) of approximately 1-100 nm to create new
or improved products that can be used in
a wide variety of ways
Some Impacts of Social Media
Education
Key Ideas
- Easy access of educational
information on the internet 1. The nanometer is extremely small.
- Easy access of non-educational
2. At the nanometer scale, materials
(fake, sexual) information
may behave differently.
Business
3. We can harness this new behavior
- Easy promotion of products to make new technologies.
- Understanding customers through
crowdsourcing
Types of Special Microscopes
1. Optical microscope
2. Scanning Electron Microscope
(SEM) – provides the surface
morphology
3. Transmission Electron Microscope
(TEM) – provides the actual size
(atomic level)
Nano size: .000000001

Applications of Nanotechnology
Did scientists “create” nano?

No, it was already in nature!
Surface Areas at the Nanoscale:

The smaller the size, the bigger the space
occupied.
Smallness Leads to New Properties

through:
- Reactivity ________________________________
- Melting point
- Strength
- Conductivity Biotechnology and Healthy Society
- Color
“Biotechnology” was first introduced in
1917 by Hungarian agricultural
engineer, named Karoly Ereki or Karl
Different Nano-architectures Ereky.
- Nanostar
- Nanosponge
- Nanowire “Biology”, the science of life with
- Nanorods “technology”, the tools and techniques
- Nanotubes used to achieve specific purpose.
- Nanorice
The term “Biotechnology” is used in 2. Researches in Animal Genes
different forms
a) Livestock and poultry
1. Traditional biotechnology - industry
refers to the old or conventional
b) Transgenic fish and
techniques that involved the
aquaculture
making of fermented foods and
beverages, antibiotics and many 3. Researches in Plant Genes
others with the aid of
4. Researches in Health and
microorganisms, and production
Medicine
of desirable traits of plants and
animals through hybridization. 5. Researches in Biodiversity
2. Modern or new biotechnology 6. Environmental Biotechnology
- encompasses the manipulation
and modification of the
chromosome, specifically the Researches in Human Genes
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
a. Human Genome Project
sequences of organism through
Sequencing of the human genome
recombinant DNA technology.
(3 billion base pairs), which was
completed in 2003 is one of the
great achievements of modern
Unity in Diversity: The Central
science
Dogma of Molecular Biology
The central dogma of molecular biology
describes the two-step process of gene Application of Human Genome
expression, the transcription and Sequencing
translation, by which the information in
 The sequences can be used to
genes flows into proteins: DNA to RNA to
identify diseases that are
protein
associated with genes.
 The genome of hundreds of
Applications of Genetic Engineering microbes, plants, and animals are
already sequenced, and some are
1. Researches in Human Genes
ongoing.
a) Human Genome Project
 Comparing the genetic make-up
b) Bioinformatics and gene functions in different
species helps us understand the
c) DNA fingerprints
molecular process that maintains
d) Action of human genes life, and these can be used to heal,
feed, fuel, and sustain the world.
b. Bioinformatics mutation of p53 gene (Ramirez et
al., 2013).
An amalgamation of modern
Even aging was found to be
biology and computer science,
caused by the mutation of
which forms into a single discipline
mitochondrial DNA, which exhibits
that covers the area of genomics,
maternal inheritance.
transcriptomics, genetics, and
evolution It has an input of
engineering art and science since 2. Researches in Animal Genes
it engaged in designing new
a. Livestock and Poultry
algorithms, software and updating
Industry
data that help solve biological
problems.  According to Domingo and
Olaguera (2017) Philippine was
tagged by Chatham House (2014)
The Human Genome Project produced a as among the top 10 countries
large volume of human genome with the fastest-growing
sequences (GATC) that would cover 200 consumer of beef, pork, and
volumes of 1000 pages book that enable chicken products.
someone to read for 26 years (Chordia,
 §Biotechnology is being utilized in
2017). Hence, the project utilizes
livestock and poultry industries to
bioinformatics tools and software for
hasten breed development for
them to store their data that can be easy
improved animal health and
to access at no cost.
welfare, enhanced reproduction,
and improved nutritional quality
Example of free on-line bioinformatics is
and safety of animal-derived
a Basic Local Alignment Search Tool
foods, such as meat, milk, and
(BLAST), which finds the region of
eggs.
similarity between biological sequences.
b. Transgenic Fish and

c. DNA Fingerprinting Aquaculture
d. Action of Human Genes
 Transgenic fishes, mollusks, and
Many human genes are identified
crustaceans exhibited traits that
that control heritable diseases,
include faster growth rates,
such as osteoarthritis, aortic
improved food conversion
aneurysm, Duchenne muscular
efficiency, resistance to some
dystrophy, Huntington disease,
known diseases, tolerance to low
fragile X syndrome, breast cancer
oxygen concentrations, and
disposition gene BRCA1 and BRCA
tolerance to extreme
2 and variety of cancers caused by
temperatures (Chen, 1995).
 The cold water (salmon, trout) acquired the following benefits (ISAAA,
and warm water (tilapia, carp) 2016):
species which were inserted with
(1) increased productivity that
growth hormone (GH) gene from
contributes to global food, feed, and fiber
other fish species showed increase
security;
growth rate (Wakchaure et al.,
2015). (2) Self-sufficiency on a nation’s arable
land;
 Transgenic salmon was found to
increase growth rate by 400% to (3) Conserving biodiversity, precluding
600% and, at the same time, deforestation and protecting biodiversity
reduce their feed input up to 25% sanctuaries;
per unit of output, thus improving
(4) Mitigating challenges associated with
food conversion ratios (Devlin et
climate change; and
al., 1994).
(5) Improving economic, health, and
social benefits.
3. Researches in Plant Genes
4. Researches in Health and

Medicine (Red Biotechnology)
5. Researches in Biodiversity
(DNA Barcoding)
DNA barcoding has many
For 20 years planting GMO crops 90%
applications in various fields like
small/poor farmers in 30 countries
preserving natural resources,
protecting endangered species, 4. Interaction with wild and
controlling agriculture pests, native populations
identifying disease vectors, 5. Impact on birds, insects
monitoring water quality, and soil biota
authentication of natural health
products, and identification of B. Potential negative effects on
medicinal plants. Human Health
1. Transfer of allergenic
genes and other anti-
Environmental Biotechnology nutritional factors
2. Mixing of GM products in
the food chain
3. Transfer of antibiotic
resistance
C. Potential Socio-Economic
Effects
1. Loss of farmers’ access to
plant material
2. Intellectual property right
(IPR) could slow research
3. Impact of “terminator”
technologies
________________________________
With every new emerging technology,

potential risks are also present. The FAO
of United Nation in 2003, listed the main
arguments against GMOs in agriculture
as follows:
A. Potential negative effects on
the environment
1. Genes can end up in
unexpected places
2. Genes can mutate with
harmful effect
3. Accidental switching on of
“Sleeper” genes, and
silencing “active” genes
STS Finals Reviewer
(Con’t)
Origins of Life, Biodiversity, and
An enormous organic molecule is essential
Healthy Society for all living things, including carbohydrates,
What is life? proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
Life can be described as an inordinately,
Carbohydrates are classified into three
complex unsolved puzzle. Biologists define
subtypes:
life as all the diverse organisms descended
1. Monosaccharides
from a single-celled ancestor that evolved
2. Disaccharides
almost 4 billion years ago and shared
3. Polysaccharides
common characteristics.
Proteins are made up of amino acids and
can function as enzymes or hormones.
These characteristics of life include Lipids include a diverse group of
the following: compounds such as fats, oils, waxes,
1.) Order - cell structure formed from specific phospholipids, and steroids.
molecular patterns; Nucleic acids are classified into two, the
2.) Reproduction – formation of new Deoxyribonucleic Acid or DNA and
individuals; Ribonucleic acid or RNA.
3.) Growth and Development – increase in
size and figure; Where did the biomolecules come from?
4.) Energy processing – chemical and In a living organism such as a human, most
physical changes taking place in an biomolecules are made up of four elements,
organism, namely, carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and
5.) Regulation – maintenance of nearly nitrogen. Here, it shows that the human body
constant condition within an organism is made up of 96% of the mentioned
6.) Response to the environment – react to elements, and only 4% for the major and
a stimulus that results to movement trace elements. The biomolecules are
7.) Evolutionary adaptation – a process in essential components of a cell and perform a
which organism slowly or rapidly becomes wide variety of functions.
better suited to its environment to survive.
When viewed together, these characteristics Among the biomolecules, nucleic acids,
serve to define life. namely DNA and RNA, are responsible for
storing, transmitting, and utilizing genetic
Spontaneous generation theory – states information. This process is known as
that living things originated spontaneously genetic expression, which involves DNA
from nonliving matters such as the dust replication, transcription, the synthesis of
created fleas, and maggot arises from meat. RNA, and translation or protein synthesis.
However, a series of experiments from Nucleic acids carry the necessary genetic
several scientists on microorganisms and blueprint of a cell and are considered vital
fleas disproved the spontaneous generation biomolecules for the continuity of life.
theory.
Primordial soup – states that chemical
reactions of primordial gases such as
methane, ammonia, water, carbon dioxide,
and hydrogen sulfide, as caused by the
energy coming from geothermal heat,
sunlight, and lightning, catalyze the creation
of organic compounds, which is essential for
the genesis of life.
and the adaptation of an organism that varies
with different environments.
Genetic variation in populations

significantly contributes to biological
evolution, and that evolution explains the
adaptation of several species and the unity
and diversity of life on earth. The domain of
life is broadly grouped into three
categories: the domain Bacteria,
Archaea, and Eukarya, each with unique
With the aid of organic molecules and amino biological characteristics.
acids, life started on earth 3.5 to 4 billion
years ago, and it continues to evolve through Recently, several taxonomists proposed a
time. The first step in the development of life comprehensive modification of the
on this planet is known as chemical classification of life. The category is as
evolution. It is the formation of complex follows: 2 superkingdoms, 7 kingdoms, 96
organic molecules from simpler inorganic Phyla, 352 Classes, and 1469 orders. The
molecules through chemical reactions and new classification serves as a valuable
forms the first protocells in the early earth management tool, a reference for taxonomic
ocean, which lasted for 1 billion years. The and biodiversity research, and a
event was followed by biological evolution, classificatory backbone for biodiversity
the genetic change over time in natural databases, museums, libraries and
populations, which lasted for 3.7 billion textbooks.
years.
"The origin of life appears to be almost a
Charles Darwin define biological miracle, so many are the conditions
evolution as “descent with modification” which have led to be satisfied to get it
to summarize the evolutionary process in his going." – Francis Crick
book the origin of species. With this, two key
ideas are made: species showed evidence of Biological diversity or BIODIVERSITY is
“descent with modification” from common the variability among living organisms,
ancestor and natural selection as the including animals & plants found in
mechanism behind descent with terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic
modification. ecosystems; and the ecological complexes
of which they are part; this includes diversity
within species, between species and
ecosystems (CBD, 2018).
Biodiversity can be described at three

levels:
1. Genetic diversity – the diversity of
genes within a species
2. Species diversity – the diversity
among species in an ecosystem;
3. Ecosystem diversity – the diversity
of habitats, biological communities,
Hence, the unifying principles of evolution ecological processes, and variation
include the abiotic and biotic limiting factors within an ecosystem.
acting upon an organism, the continuous
state of change of a species in a population,
Scientists have estimated over 1.7 million of The Philippine marine ecosystem serves as
the world's species of animals, plants, a habitat for several marine turtles, fishes,
insects, and algae. Over 66,000 identified corals, algae, seaweeds, and mammals.
species of vertebrates, 1.3 million Unfortunately, almost all species of marine
invertebrates, 307,000 plants, and more than mammals are classified as threatened.
51,000 lichen, mushrooms, and brown algae
species have been identified. The Philippines has at least 2,000
threatened species of plants and animals
More than 30,000 species face the brink of based on DENR-DAO, thus making it one of
extinction, mostly amphibians, mammals, the top global conservation areas.
conifers, birds, corals, sharks and rays, and
some crustaceans. Major threats affecting biodiversity in the
country:
Due to the increasing number of threatened
species and extinction crises worldwide, 1. The increasing habitat loss and
some researchers suggest that the 6th mass degradation including decline in forest
extinction event is now happening. In coverage as caused by agricultural
contrast to the other extinction events, the conversion, logging, land-use changes and
current extinction episodes are driven by a wildfires.
mix of direct and indirect human activities 2. The proliferation of Invasive Alien Species
occurring faster than the previous extinction with 148 IAS recorded in the country. IAS are
events. plants or animals that are introduced by man,
accidentally or intentionally, outside of their
The Philippines is considered one of the 18 natural geographic range into an area where
mega-diverse countries and biodiversity they are not naturally present. National
hotspots in the world because of high Invasive Species Strategic and Action
endemicity and species diversity. Plan (NISSAP) for eradication and
management of IAS
A large percentage of terrestrial species can
only be found in the Philippines, with almost 3. Climate Change placed the whole country
47% of terrestrial wildlife are endemic. The as vulnerable to its effects.
country is also recognized as one of the
centers of endemism and diversity for 4. Wildlife Poaching
reptiles, birds, and amphibians in Southeast The overexploitation of wildlife resources
Asia. due to wildlife poaching and hunting. Some
of the species commonly poached and
PLANT BIODIVERSITY hunted in the Philippines include the
Philippine Eagle and Pangolin;
For plant biodiversity, the country ranks fifth Overexploitation of resources through
in species richness and contains 5% of the overfishing, illegal and destructive fishing
world's flora. It has more than 10,000 plant
species, with almost 50% considered 5. Pollution - The pollution of aquatic and
endemic to the country. terrestrial ecosystems due to high solid
waste generation and intensive use of
MARINE BIODIVERSITY agrochemicals
The Philippine marine biodiversity is also 6. Marine Plastic Pollution - The

considered one of the richest in the world and accumulation of plastics in our marine
the center of marine shore fish diversity. It is ecosystems harming the marine organisms.
situated at the apex of the coral triangle, the
epicenter of global marine biodiversity.
7. Overpopulation - The rapid increase in services are necessary for the production of
population growth, leading to overpopulation. all other ecosystem services. In fact, 30% of
As of December 2, 2020, the Philippine our food crops depend on pollinators such as
population already reached almost 110 birds.
million people, which ranks number 13 in the
list of countries with the highest population. Ecosystem services help improve human
Large human population size is the indirect well-being in the aspects of security, the
driver of biodiversity loss. basic material for good life, health, good
social relations, and freedom of choice and
8. Humans - Humans can be both a problem action.
and a solution to biodiversity loss. As a
problem, irresponsible human practices and International Commitments to
their impacts contribute significantly to Biodiversity Conservation:
biodiversity loss. As a solution, humans have 1. Convention on Biological Diversity
the knowledge, expertise, and financial (1992);
resources to conserve biodiversity. 2. Convention on Wetlands of
International Importance, also known
Why conserve biodiversity? as RAMSAR Convention (1971);
Filipinos should be concerned about 3. Convention on the Migratory Species
protecting and conserving our biodiversity (CMS), also known as Bonn
because of the ecosystem services it Convention
provided that are crucial to human well-being 4. The International Treaty on Plant
at present and in the future. Genetic Resources for Food and
Ecosystem services include provisioning Agriculture
services such as food, water, building 5. Convention on International Trade in
materials, biochemical and genetic Endangered Species of Wild Fauna
resources. and Flora :1974);
Regulating services such as climate 6. World Heritage Convention
regulation and carbon sequestration, flood
control, water purification, and disaster risk To conserve biodiversity, the Philippines has
reduction. Forest and wetlands are among joined and a signatory to several
the ecosystems that contributed most to international conventions and multilateral
climate and water regulation services. environmental agreements, which aim at
establishing international cooperation for the
Biodiversity also plays a vital role in the global regulation and protection of
regulation and control of infectious diseases. biodiversity.
Biodiversity loss can increase the risk of the
emergence of infectious zoonotic diseases, National Environmental Laws and
such as COVID-19. It highlights the need to Policies:
address threats to ecosystems and wildlife. 1. RA 7586 – National Integrated
Protected Areas System Act of 1992
Cultural services, the nonmaterial benefits 2. RA 9147 – Wildlife Resources
from ecosystem, such as ecotourism, Conservation and Protection Act of
recreation, cultural heritage, spiritual and 2001
religious inspiration. An increasing number of 3. RA 9072 – National Caves and Cave
Filipinos have been finding peace and Resources Management and
spiritual enhancement from nature. Protection Act of 2001
4. RA 8371 – Indigenous Peoples
The supporting services which involve Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997
seed dispersal, soil formation, primary 5. RA 7942 – Philippine Mining Act of
production and nutrient cycling. These 1995
6. RA 9003 – Philippine Solid Waste
Management Act of 2000
7. RA 9512 – Environmental
Awareness and Education Act of
2008
RA 7586 or the National Integrated

Protected Areas System Act of 1992,
which facilitates the creation of the protected
areas in the Philippines. Protected areas are
a portion of land or water set aside because
of their unique biological significance,
managed to enhance biological diversity,
and protected against destructive human
exploitation.
An amendment to the 24-year old NIPAS act Biodiversity is the foundation of human
was signed into law and created the health. As a citizen of a biodiversity-rich
Expanded NIPAS (E-NIPAS) act of 2018. country, we have the responsibility to help
There are currently 244 PAs distributed protect and conserve our biodiversity and
across the country, of which 94 of these are ecosystems in various ways, such as:
created under the ENIPAS act.  Keep your environment clean.
 Lessen your carbon footprint.
Three of these PAs are located in Caraga  Learn and apply the 3r’s of the
Region, including the Siargao Island, environment: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Tinuy-an falls, and Agusan Marsh Wildlife  Avoid using single-use plastics.
Sanctuary.  Conserve water and energy at home
 Increase our knowledge about biodiversity
To mainstream biodiversity conservation, the and conservation issues.
Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action  Support government policies and actions
Plan or PBSAP 2015-2028 were created that for the conservation and protection of our
serves as the country's framework in valuable ecosystem and lastly, support
conserving biodiversity to improve human government policies and actions for the
well-being conservation and protection of our valuable
ecosystem.
Biodiversity can provide us the essential

goods and services to support life and
attain healthier human wellbeing and
society on this planet.
As Baba Dioum said: "In the end, we will

conserve only what we love, we will love
only what we understand, and we will
understand only what we are taught."
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND from traditional biotechnology since it was
GENETICALLY MODIFIED already applied centuries ago.
ORGANISM Each chromosome contains many genes,
Karole (Karl) Ereki or Karl Ereky, the the basic physical and functional unit of
Hungarian agricultural engineer, was the heredity. A gene is a fragment of DNA that
first to introduce the word "biotechnology” consists of specific sequences of
in 1917. He merged biology, the science of nitrogenous bases that codes for a particular
life with technology, the tools, and protein, which comprised the majority of
techniques used to achieve a specific cellular structures and performed most life
purpose. As such, some considered him as functions.
the father of biotechnology. The DNA consist of joined nucleotides
Biotechnology became a field of science composing of sugar-phosphate molecules
that involves the use of living organisms or and either of the following four nitrogenous
biological processes to create products to bases: thymine (T), cytosine (C), adenine
improve our lives and health, and to help (A) or guanine (G).
solve the industrial and environmental James Watson and his colleague Francis
problems. Crick described that DNA formed into a
The word biotechnology can be called double helix, wherein the sugarphosphate
traditional biotechnology, which refers to molecules composed the outside strands
the old or conventional techniques that while inside are paired hydrophobic
involved the making of fermented foods nitrogenous bases. The chemical side
and beverages, antibiotics, and many groups of the nucleotides' nitrogenous bases
others with the aid of the microorganisms would form hydrogen bonds, connecting the
and the production of desirable traits of two strands.
plants and animals through hybridization. Based on the details of their structure, A
Later, with the accumulated knowledge and would form two Hydrogen bonds only with T,
understanding of molecular mechanisms of and G would form three Hydrogen bonds
genetics, the term modern or new only with C. This finding explained Chargaff’s
biotechnology evolved. It encompasses the rules. The base-pairing rules that dictate the
manipulation and modification of the combinations of nitrogenous bases that form
chromosome, specifically the the "rungs" of DNA. Only a pyrimidine (T and
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequences of C) - purine (A and G) pairing produces the 2-
an organism through recombinant DNA nm diameter indicated by the X-ray data. The
technology. It is a technique used in genetic ladder forms a twist every ten bases. The
engineering to enhance the traits of either linear sequence of the four bases varies in
microorganism, plant or animal, and to countless ways. Each gene has a unique
create products that are useful to the society sequence of nitrogenous bases. In April
and environment. Furthermore, 1953, Watson and Crick published a one-
biotechnology is categorized into red, white, page paper in Nature reporting their double-
green, and blue biotechnologies, which helix model of DNA.
denote for medical, industrial, agricultural,
and marine biotechnologies, respectively. We know that the earth consists a variety of
Many think that new biotechnology living things that contains similar genetic
contributed much to the world's economy, material, the DNA, which undergo processes
but in reality, massive wealth was obtained that maintain life. Thus, we term it as unity in
diversity… Before cell reproduction, both will produce the desired protein. The
prokaryotic cells (those without a nucleus, methods for making recombinant DNA are
like bacteria) and eukaryotic cells (with a central to genetic engineering. The figure
nucleus-that are found in fungi, protists, illustrates that the plasmid from a bacterium
plants and animals) undergo DNA replication was isolated, and the gene of interest from
to ensure that the two daughter cells will the other organism is inserted into the
contain an equal number of chromosomes plasmid making it as recombinant DNA.
for them to maintain their normal functions. Then, the plasmid is inserted back into the
In a eukaryotic cell, DNA replication, together bacterium, which is allowed to multiply and
with transcription and translation, happened produce the desired protein. The protein by-
during the interphase of the cell cycle. The product is utilized for basic research and
central dogma of molecular biology other application. The application includes,
describes the two-step process of gene the insertion of genes for pest resistance into
expression, the transcription, and translation, the plants, genes used to later bacteria for
by which the information in genes flows into cleaning up toxic waste, genes that produced
proteins: DNA to RNA to protein. During protein that dissolves blood clots in heart
transcription, the enzyme RNA polymerase attack therapy, and genes for human growth
synthesizes RNA, a copy of a segment of hormone that treats stunted growth.
DNA.
Applications of Genetic Engineering
Transcription and translation are spatially
1. Researches in Human Genes
and temporally separated in eukaryotic cells;
a) Human Genome Project
that is, transcription occurs in the nucleus to
b) Bioinformatics
produce a pre-mRNA molecule. The pre- c) DNA fingerprints
mRNA is typically processed to produce the d) Action of human genes
mature mRNA, which exits the nucleus and 2. Researches in Animal Genes
is translated into protein in the cytoplasm. a) Livestock and poultry industry
The proteins in both prokaryotes (bacteria) b) Transgenic fish and aquaculture
and eukaryotes (plants, animals and fungi) 3. Researches in Plant Genes
are composed of amino acids, which consist 4. Researches in Health and Medicine
of triplet code, such as AAUCCG-GAU-UUA- 5. Researches in Biodiversity
. Each protein is unique and perform distinct 6. Environmental Biotechnology
function in the organism. Hence, the
recombinant DNA technology used in 1. Research in Human Genes
genetic engineering is based on the a) Human Genome Project
properties and processes done by DNA, 8 in the human genome (complete set of
RNA and proteins. genetic information), only 2% comprised of
genes. The rest are non-coding sequences
The progress of biotechnology began with that have regulatory functions that signal
the development of techniques for making when and where the gene will be activated
recombinant DNA, in which genes from two and expressed, and that maintain the
different sources—and often different structural integrity of the chromosomes, but
species—are combined in-vitro into the some have unknown function. For decades,
same molecule. This process involved the studies that explore protein structure and
cutting of the segment of DNA (gene of functions, known as proteomics is a constant
interest) using specific restriction enzymes quest to help prolong life on earth, while
and move them between organisms as sustaining the integrity of the environment.
distinct as bacteria, plants, and animals that Completed sequencing of the human
genome (3 billion base pairs) in 2003 has their isolated nucleotide or protein
been one of the great achievements of sequences to sequence databases, to
modern science sustain the world. determine the statistical significance, to infer
the functionality and evolutionary
Application of Human Genome relationships between sequences, and helps
Sequencing identify members of gene families.
This achievement provides an excellent and
novel biological resource that will serve as 1.3. DNA fingerprinting
the basis for research and discovery of Every individual has a unique DNA profile or
practical applications. The sequences can be DNA fingerprints, which become part of
used to identify diseases associated with his/her identification. DNA fingerprinting is
genes. The genomes of hundreds of now applicable in analyzing forensic
microbes, plants, and animals are already samples, like body tissues, blood, teeth, and
sequenced, and some are ongoing. The data hair to identify the missing family member,
obtained from these activities are useful in the unidentified corpse during the war, fire
comparing the genetic make-up and gene and other calamities, and in linking suspects
functions in different species, help us to crimes. The illustration here are fragments
understand the molecular processes that of DNA being separated through gel
maintain life and utilized to heal, feed, fuel, electrophoresis. It is used to determine the
and sustain the world. suspect of the sexual assault case. The
result shows that suspect 1 was 10 really
1.2 Bioinformatics rapist because of the DNA of the sperm
Bioinformatics is a short term for biological collected from the victim was similar to the
information. This term is an amalgamation of DNA taken from the suspect.
modern biology and computer science,
which forms into a single discipline that 1.4. The action of human genes
covers the area of genomics, Many identified human genes control
transcriptomics, genetics, and evolution. It heritable diseases, such as osteoarthritis,
has the input of engineering, arts, and aortic aneurysm, Duchenne muscular
science since it engaged in designing new dystrophy, Huntington disease, fragile X
algorithms, software, and updating data that syndrome, breast cancer disposition gene
help solve biological problems. BRCA1 and BRCA 2 and variety of cancers
Human Genome Project produced a large caused by mutation of p53 gene. Studies
volume of human genome sequences showed that mutation of mitochondrial DNA
(GATC) that would cover 200 volumes of (mtDNA) caused aging, which exhibits
1000 pages book that enable someone to maternal inheritance.
read for 26 years. Hence, the project utilizes
bioinformatics tools and software for them to 2. Researches in Animal Genes
store their data that can be easy to access at 2.1. Livestock and poultry industry
no cost. Presently, there are several The increasing population worldwide would
applications of bioinformatics for increasing lead to the high consumption and demands
research in the area of biotechnology that of meat, milk, and poultry products. The
includes drug designing and development, Philippine Statistics Authority has reported
genome sequencing and mapping, that the per capita utilization of meat and egg
identification protein sequence, prediction products increased from 21.17 kg/year in
and understanding protein sequence, and 1990 up to 38.49kg/year in 2016. Our country
many more. One example of free on-line was tagged as among the top 10 countries
bioinformatics is the Basic Local Alignment with the fastestgrowing consumer of beef,
Search Tool (BLAST), which finds a region of pork, and chicken products. With this,
similarity between biological sequences. biotechnology is being utilized in livestock
Many researchers used this tool to compare and poultry industries to improve animal
health and welfare, hasten breeding and
reproduction, and improved nutritional
quality and safety of animal-derived foods,
such as meat, milk, and eggs.
2.2. Transgenic fish and aquaculture

Molecular biology and biotechnology are
also applied in the expansion in the
aquaculture industry to mitigate the
increasing demand for fishery products,
which consequently lead to uncontrolled
overfishing and poor fishery management. Benefits of planting GMO crops for the
Transgenic fishes, mollusks, and last 20 years:
crustaceans exhibited traits that include (1) increased productivity that contributes to
faster growth rates, improved food global food, feed, and fiber security;
conversion efficiency, resistance to some (2) Self-sufficiency on a nation's arable land;
known diseases, tolerance to low oxygen (3) Conserving biodiversity, protecting
concentrations, and tolerance to extreme biodiversity sanctuaries and precluding
temperatures. In particular, the cold water deforestation;
(salmon, trout) and warm water (tilapia, carp) (4) Mitigating challenges associated with
species, inserted with growth hormone (GH) climate change; and
gene from other fish species, showed an (5) Improving economic, health and social
increased growth rate. The transgenic benefits. In the Philippines alone, the
salmon increased their growth rate by 400% planting of 65 biotech maize from 2003 to
to 600% and, at the same time, reduce their 2015 has reached an estimated economic
feed input by up to 25% per unit of output, profit of US$642 million. Specifically, in 2015,
thus improving food conversion ratios. the net national impact of biotech maize on
farm income was estimated at US$82 million.
3. Researches in Plant Genes Medical biotechnology, also known as red
The International Service for the Acquisition biotechnology applies to the manufacturing
of Agri-Biotech Applications published a few of pharmaceuticals like antibiotics, vaccines,
of the plants that are genetically modified to enzymes, and molecular diagnosis. The
become insect resistant, disease resistant, following are examples of medical
herbicidetolerant, altered nutritional profile biotechnology applications:
and enhanced storage life. These crops are
already commercialized since 1996 and In 2003, the DNA barcoding, which was
have delivered substantial agronomic, proposed by scientist Paul Herbert of the
environmental, health, and social benefits to University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada,
farmers and more to the consumers. is now used as a way to identify species.
Besides, various plant secondary Barcoding utilizes a very short genetic
metabolites have been produced through sequence from a standard part of the
plant cell suspension culture and with the use genome taken from tiny amounts of species'
of bioreactors. These metabolites are tissue. The premise of DNA barcoding is that,
economically important as drugs, fragrances, by comparison with a reference library of
pigments, food additives, and pesticides. such DNA sections (also called
Table on researches in plant genes "sequences"), an individual sequence can be
used to uniquely identify an organism to
species.
It is like a “barcode” in a similar way that

black strips of Universal Product Codes
(UPCs) used by supermarket scanners to gene and the active gene may be silenced in
distinguish commercial products. – The inappropriate situations.
International Barcode of Life (iBOL), a 5-year
project (First phase), will lead to the 4. Interaction with wild and native
acquisition of DNA barcode records for 5M populations
specimens, representing 500K species. DNA The GMOs may compete with the
barcoding has many applications in various requirements of the wild species, such as
fields like monitoring water quality, protecting sunlight, oxygen, nutrients, food and others
endangered species, preserving natural in particular habitat. This could result to the
resources, controlling agriculture pests, displacement and even the extinction of the
identifying disease vectors, authentication of native species and consequently to the
natural health products, and identification of decline of biodiversity in the area.
medicinal plants.
5. Impact on birds, insects and soil biota
With every new emerging technology, GMOs are developed to become resistant to
potential risks are also present. The FAO of pests and infections by producing toxic
United Nation in 2003, listed the main substance. However, this substance may
arguments against GMOs in agriculture as also kill non-target species like birds, insects
follows: and soil biota that are important in plant’s
A. Potential negative effects on the pollination and Lifecycle, and soil fertility,
environment respectively.
1. Genes can end up in unexpected places
The term “escape” is referred as the B. Potential negative effects on human
horizontal transfer of gene that can be health
accomplished by microorganisms, such as 1. Transfer of allergenic genes and other
bacteria, like Agrobacterium tumefaciens, anti-nutritional factors
the soil bacterium that causes crown gall The plant products that are known to cause
disease, or tumour on a wide range of allergic reactions are peanuts, soy, tree nuts,
dicotyledonous plants that has been and wheat. The protein allergens of these
developed as a major foreign gene transfer foods, which may cause mild to severe
and expression vector for making transgenic reactions such as rashes, stomach upset,
plants. breathing and swallowing problems, and
dizziness are already identified and included
2. Genes can mutate with harmful effect in the list of known allergens in the Allergen
Presently, no studies have conclusively Online database. There are also scientists
asserted that the inserted genes in GM that are working to reduce food allergy and
plants have mutated or become stable over even transform the food with known allergen
generations. However, mutation have to become non-allergic.
happened in the past and it continues until
today. 2. Mixing of GM products in the food
chain
3. “Sleeper” genes could be accidentally The GMO products intended for animal
switch on and “active” genes could consumption are distributed and mix with
become silent other food in the market could be
These are the concerns of the GMO unintentionally consumed by the people. Like
opposition, since the inserted foreign gene is But corn that has been used for animal feeds
coupled with the insertion of promoter gene will be eaten by humans.
for it to be expressed in the host organism.
They speculated that same inserted 3. Transfer of antibiotic resistance
promotor gene may also activate the sleeper The antibiotic resistance gene that are
inserted in GMO may also move into the non-
target species, such as virus and pathogenic CLIMATE CHANGE
bacteria and fungi, which make them more “Climate change, if unchecked, is an
difficult to kill and control the spread of urgent threat to health, food supplies,
diseases. biodiversity, and livelihoods across the
globe.” – John F. Kerry, the former United
States Secretary of State, 2013-2017.
C. Potential socio-economic effects
1. Loss of farmers’ access to plant The United Nations Framework
material Convention on Climate Change
GMO products are produced and patented (UNFCCC) defined the term as: any change
by large and diversified private companies. of climate which is directly or indirectly
Under patent laws in Canada, U.S. and a associated with human activities that alter
number of other industrialized nations, it is the global atmospheric composition and
illegal for farmers to re-use the patented which in addition to natural climate variability
plant materials (e.g., seed) after they observed over periods of time. According to
harvest. They need to sign a licensing the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
agreement with the GMO producer prior to its Change (IPCC), climate changes over time
use. This scheme will limit the small-scale due to either natural variability or enhanced
farmers to access the plant materials. human activities or anthropogenic activities.
2. Intellectual property right (IPR) could The Earth is surrounded by a thin layer of
slow research gasses we call greenhouse gases. These
The intellectual property protection, protects gases are what make up our atmosphere.
and secures scientist’s or inventor’s right to The greenhouse effect is a natural process
use and benefit (e.g., financial) from his/her responsible for keeping the Earth at the
invention/creation for a certain period of time. temperature needed to sustain life. Acting
This allows the creators to make money from just like the glass walls of a greenhouse,
their creations, while preventing potential gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and
competitors from duplicating their inventions. nitrous oxide trap the sun’s heat in the
This right may discourage other researchers atmosphere and prevent it from escaping
to pursue his/her interest to conduct studies into space.
related to the patented or copyrighted
creations, thus hampering the development Steps of a Natural Greenhouse Effect:
of new innovations. From the main source of energy, the sun’s
radiation travels toward Earth. When it
3. Impact of “terminator” technologies travels through the atmosphere, clouds and
In “terminator technology”, which is also the atmosphere itself reflect about one-third
known as “suicide technology”, the plant is of the radiation back toward the sun. They
engineer by switching-off seed germination. also absorb about twenty percent of it. The
Wherein, after harvest the transgenic seed rest of the radiation–about fifty percent–
could not be used as plant material because reaches Earth, where it is absorbed by
it lost its capability to germinate. This will oceans and land. This keeps the Earth warm
prevent the growers to have continuous and sustains plant, animal, and human life.
supply of transgenic plants. They have to buy The Earth also releases heat back toward
fresh GM seeds from the producer for the space. Some of this heat passes directly
next season, which makes the farmers through the atmosphere. But most of it is
become more dependent to the company. captured and retained by greenhouse gases
before it can escape. This is the mechanism
that keeps the Earth warm.
The greenhouse gases such as water Climate Change is the long-term changes in
vapor, Carbon dioxide (CO2), Methane climate, including average temperature and
(CH4),Nitrous oxide (N2O), and Ozone (O3) precipitation. It recognizes that, although the
are produced by natural processes such as average surface temperature may increase,
the water cycle, growth and death of plants the regional or local temperature may
and animals, decaying of wood and other decrease or remain constant.
biodegradable materials and volcanic
activities. Al Gore said, “The warnings about global
warming have been extremely clear for a
Greenhouse gases are naturally occurring long time. We are facing a global climate
gases that keep the Earth comfortably warm crisis. It is deepening. WE are entering a
enough for plants and animals to live in at an period of consequences.”
average temperature of 15°C. They act as a
natural blanket around the Earth, trapping Significant evidences include the increase in
heat much like a glass roof of a greenhouse. global temperature. The graph on the left
Without the greenhouse effect, the Earth’s illustrates the change in global surface
average surface temperature would be some temperature relative to 1951-1980 average
30°C colder or approximately -15°C and temperatures. According to the records of
possibly not warm enough to sustain life. NASA (2020), 19 of the 20 warmest years all
have occurred since2001, except for 1998.
We are now facing a problem in which The year 2016 ranks as the warmest on
human activities – particularly burning fossil record. On the right, the map shows the five-
fuels (coal, oil and natural gas), agriculture year average variation of global surface
and land clearing – are increasing the temperatures. Dark blue indicates areas
concentrations of the greenhouse gases. We cooler than average. Dark red indicates
call this the enhanced greenhouse effect, areas warmer than average.
which is warming the Earth more than
what is normal. Another proof is the increased concentration
of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Carbon
Burning fossil fuels due to industrialization dioxide (CO2) is an important heat-trapping
and sustaining our modern lifestyle, the level gas, which is released through human
of greenhouse gases increases rapidly. The activities such as deforestation and burning
higher the concentration of greenhouse fossil fuels, as well as natural processes
gases in the atmosphere, the stronger the such as respiration and volcanic eruptions.
greenhouse effect making it into enhanced Over the past 170 years, human activities
greenhouse effect. Therefore, Climate have raised atmospheric concentrations of
change is caused by both natural events CO2 by 47%abovepre-industrial levels found
and human or anthropogenic activities. in 1850. This is more than what had
happened naturally over a 20,000yearperiod
Global warming is the increase in (from the Last Glacial Maximum to 1850,
temperature of the Earth's surface (both land from 185 parts per million or ppm to 280
and water) as well as its atmosphere. It is ppm). The map, Fig. 13.3 shows global
often described as the most recent example distribution and variation of the concentration
of climate change. When there is an increase of mid-tropospheric carbon dioxide in parts
in carbon dioxide (CO2) and other air per million. As you observed in the map, the
pollutants, together with the other overall color shifts toward the red with
greenhouse gases collected in the advancing time due to the annual increase of
atmosphere and absorbing sunlight and CO2.
solar radiation that have bounced off the
Earth's surface, it makes up the global The recent records of some greenhouse
warming. gases such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the
atmosphere reveal a significant decline. The (1978-2008). Hence, many of the events of
Philippines also experienced good air quality the life cycles of the plants and animals are
due to the strict implementation of quarantine sensitive to changes in the climate and are
measures in preventing the spread of indicators of changing climate.
COVID-19.
Changes in the global climate amplify the risk
BUT Climate Change has not stopped for of extreme weather disasters. The evidence
COVID-19. Greenhouse gas concentrations is overwhelming and the results devastating.
in the atmosphere are at record levels and Events like typhoon Haiyan or known as
continue to increase. Emissions are heading Yolanda in the Philippines may be the
in the direction of pre-pandemic levels strongest ever to hit land so far but as the
following a temporary decline caused by the oceans warm the power of storms is rising.
lockdown and economic slowdown, and the The recent Typhoon Ulysses strikes in the
world is still off track in limiting the rising country causing the worst flood in Metro
global temperature, according to the World Manila. It also killed dozens of people and
Meteorological Organization (WMO). destroyed thousands of homes. Increases in
air and water temperatures lead to rising sea
The melting of glaciers is another evidence levels, supercharged storms and higher wind
that climate change is happening. Ice is speeds, more intense and prolonged
melting everywhere on Earth, including the droughts and wildfire seasons, heavier
land ice sheets in Antarctica and Greenland, precipitation and flooding.
which have been losing mass since the early
1900s. Scientists project that if greenhouse There are two main approaches to
gas emissions continue to rise unchecked, addressing global climate change:
the Arctic could be ice-free in the summer as mitigation and adaptation.
soon as the year 2040 as ocean and air
temperatures continue to rise rapidly. Mitigation attempts to find ways to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions in the
Scientists pointed out that sea levels have atmosphere, altering the rate and magnitude
risen and fallen substantially over Earth's of future climatic changes. While adaptation
4.6-billion-yearhistory. But the recent global seeks to adjust human and natural systems
sea level is about one-tenth of an inch a year to a new or changing environment due to
and is rising more rapidly. Increasing its rate climate change, it depends on the significant
has the potential to cause striking changes in characteristics of the system of interest,
the world's coastlines. When temperatures which include sensitivity and vulnerability.
rise, ice melts, and more water flows to the The processes and forms of the adaptation
seas, and ocean water warms and expands typically can be distinguished by numerous
in volume. This combination of effects has attributes, including timing, purposefulness,
played a significant role in raising the and effect. The adaptation initiatives could
average global sea level. include all measures that fundamentally aim
to reduce the negative impacts of climate
There is also a significant change in the change, and to identify new opportunities
pattern of seasonal life cycle events in plants (such as the economic potential of carbon
and animals, such as the timing of leaf-out, offsets) and benefits associated with unique
blooming, hibernation, and migration climatic conditions.
because of climate change. For example,
higher nighttime temperatures and Mitigation and adaptation approaches are
cumulative seasonal rainfalls were both necessary and interdependent. Thus, a
correlated with changes in the arrival times comprehensive review of climate change
of amphibians to wetland breeding sites in implications at early stages is required in
South Carolina over a 30- year time period assisting policy-makers in developing
practical and long-term responses to climate Maximize the usage of public transportation;
change. The international global mitigation do recycling of used materials; reduce or you
efforts on climate change are coordinated in might refuse to do activities that contribute in
searching for consensus on the fight against the increased emission of carbon dioxide;
climate change. In 1992 during the United and increase the use of renewable energy
Nations Conference on Environment and sources instead of the non-renewable ones.
Development, the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate As the Former President of United States,
Change (UNFCCC) was created. It seeks to Barack Obama said, “We only get ONE
stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in HOME. We only get ONE PLANET. There’s
the atmosphere at a level that would prevent no Plan B.”
dangerous anthropogenic human-induced
interference with the earth's climate system. ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
The Kyoto Protocol can be defined as the Ecosystem and other ecological terms and
putting into practice of the UNFCCC. At the the basic physical, chemical, and biological
time, it represented the first global processes involved in an ecosystem. We will
commitment to reigning in the emissions also be tackling the different biomes present
responsible for global warming and in the Earth and the Philippine environment.
established the bases for subsequent
international accords on climate change. The ecosystem is the highest level of
Although the Protocol was signed on 16 ecological integration that encompasses one
March 1998, it did not come into effect until or more communities in a large geographic
16 February 2005. The text of the Paris area and includes the abiotic environment in
Agreement was approved on December 12, which the organisms live.
2015. It obliges all the signatory countries to
present National Climate Contributions that The environment is everything present
must be regularly updated by making them around us. It is the different elements we
increasingly ambitious so as to meet the have here on Earth (physical, chemical, and
defined long-term target. other natural forces). In the environment,
there are many different interactions
Since 1992, milestones have reached in between living and non-living things. In the
negotiations in international conferences like environment, physical and chemical
the COP or Conference of the Parties. Some processes are present globally, and these
of the most significant agreements on processes significantly affect the
climate change include: The target setting environment and biotic components. These
for developed countries to provide 100 billion processes are the Integrated Plate Tectonic
dollars for climate finance projects in Theory, global wind, and current patterns
developing countries. The goal's and nutrient cycle.
formalization to limit the global temperature
rise to below 2ºC compared to the In the Integrated Plate Tectonic Theory,
preindustrial era. The launching of the Ad Earth had one massive continent 300 million
Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform years ago; it is called Pangea, which was
and its two lines of work: surrounded by a single ocean named
Workstream 1, dedicated to working Panthalassa. Scientists believe that the
towards a binding global climate agreement Earth's outer shell is broken up into several
for the post-2020era; and plates that slide over its mantle.
Workstream 2, dedicated to raising the level Thus, these explain the modern plate
of climate ambition before 2020. The second tectonic theory. According to Brendan
period of commitment arising from the Kyoto Murphy, a geology professor, the planet's
Protocol runs until 2020, through what is evolution through time is driven by the
known as the Doha Amendment (COP18). breakup and formation of these plates. This
phenomenon is recently popularly known as surface. Mountains are a common feature of
the "Integrated Plate Tectonic Theory" the Earth, easily recognized by ordinary
people and scientists alike. Everywhere,
For global wind and current patterns, Earth's mountains capture the imagination as places
rotation, shape, and the sun's heating power of geological, biological, and climatic
are the main drivers for the global wind and diversity and as places with a view. A
current patterns. These abiotic processes mountain is a large landform that stretches
significantly affect the Earth's climate, which above the surrounding land in a limited area,
are distributed latitudinally. Thus, they are usually in a peak.
the main reasons for the biodiversity,
distribution, and dispersal of organisms. A mountain is generally steeper than a hill.
Biogeochemical cycles can be local or Desert is a dry region, lacks precipitation,

global. Soil is the main reservoir for nutrients and has little or no plants or animals. It
in a local cycle, such as phosphorus. In covers about 1/5 of the Earth's surface and
contrast, for those chemicals that exist has specific types of plants and animals
primarily in gaseous form—carbon and adapted to the environment.
nitrogen are examples—the cycling is mostly
global. Some of the carbon a plant acquires Grasslands are flat areas of grass that are
may have been released into the open and continuous. They are located
atmosphere by the organism's respiration. between temperate forests and deserts.
The carbon cycle depends on Grasslands vary in sizes due to the amount
photosynthesis and respiration. The of rain it receives. It receives about 500-900
phosphorus cycle depends on the rock's mm of rain per year and temperature ranges
weathering, and the nitrogen cycle depends from -20°C to 30°C.
on bacteria.
Forest has a wide area of land covered with
Life processes that organisms usually trees or other woody vegetation. It has a
undergo and experience: plant community, predominantly of trees or
1. COMPETITION – of limiting other woody vegetation, occupying a vast
resources of space and food. It will land space. It is a complex ecosystem
lead to dominance by a single consisting mainly of trees that buffer the
species in a given habitat. Earth and support a myriad of life forms.
2. PREDATION or domination by a
superior competitor. An aquatic ecosystem is a vast ecosystem
3. DISTURBANCES or disastrous in a water body that is divided into two main
natural phenomenon (e.g., tsunami, types, the marine, and freshwater
storms, etc.) and anthropogenic ecosystems, which cover 71.74% of the
disturbances (human intervention). Earth's surface.
Biome – a group of plants and animals Freshwater has a low salt concentration
cohabitating in the same environment over a (>1%), where plants and animals living in this
range of continents. It is a distinct biological biome would not survive in higher salt
community that has formed in response to a concentration areas. On the other hand, the
shared physical climate. "Biome" is a broader marine biome is much larger than
term than "habitat"; any biome can comprise freshwater, with 71% of the Earth's surface.
various habitats. It is subdivided into major It also stores most of the human needed
biomes, the land or terrestrial, and the water resources.
or aquatic biomes.
Terrestrial biomes occupy 55,660,000 mi² Philippine islands are volcanic in origin,
(144,150,000 km²), or 28.26% of Earth's part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, and are
mostly mountainous. For this reason alone, process of eliminating by not reinforcing it or
not only is it vulnerable to typhoons, but it is a total species death. It is the doom of the
also home to many active volcanoes, which vast majority of species; it is the rule rather
can cause significant earthquakes. Also, than the exception. It is subdivided into
because of its dynamic and strategic three types (local, global, and mass
location, the Philippines is one of the 18 extinction), for example, in the Philippines,
mega-bio diverse countries globally. the dwarf buffalo became extinct due to
environmental loss.
Unfortunately, human interventions, threats,
and issues in our environment have Some of the many initiatives that will
significantly increased its destructions. Here help mitigate climate change our
are some of the different problems we have environment:
encountered in our environment. These
threats can cause a drastic physical change 1. Abatement of pollution.
in the environment. 2. Integrated resource management.
3. Economic incentive/ Economic valuation
In the Philippines, one of the biggest of ecological services.
environmental threats is Typhoon. Philippine 4. Creation/establishments of protected
Atmospheric, Geophysical, and areas.
Astronomical Services Administration or 5. Regulation of all resources.
PAGASA has assigned local names to a 6. Gene bank
tropical cyclone in the country. These 7. Policies, Laws, Regulations, and
typhoons' significant damages were Enforcement.
recorded since 1963 that can range from
millions to billions (in Philippine Peso Philippine organizations that help in
currency) and several deaths. environmental mitigation:
But recently, one of the significant threats in
our environment is "Global Warming." The 1. World Wildlife Funds Philippines.
solar energy that our planet receives and 2. Tawi-Tawi Coastal Resources and
greenhouse gases are the reasons for Fisheries Conservation Project.
climate change. Ancient evidence is 3. Babuyan Islands Humpback Whales
present in ocean sediments, coral reefs, and Research & Conservation Project in the
layers of sedimentary rocks. This evidence Babuyan Islands.
reveals that the current warming we are 4. Malampaya Sound - Irrawaddy Dolphin
experiencing now is hotter, ten times faster Conservation Project.
than the average rate of ice-age recovery 5. Tañon Strait /Bais Bay Initiative.
warming. 6. Biodiversity Conservation of Apo Reef.
7. Community-Based Resource
As to the status of Philippine Coral Reefs, the Management and Food Security of the
lowest in South East Asia with the majority in Northern Guimaras Strait.
fair and good conditions. In 1918, the 8. Puerto Galera Coastal Resources and
Philippines had an estimated 450,000 Marine Biodiversity Conservation Project.
hectares of mangroves; by 1990, a mere 9. Community-Based Ecotourism Project in
139,725 hectares (31.05%) was left. In 1995 Donsol, Sorsogon. Together, initiatives and
only 117,000 hectares (26%) remain. these organizations will significantly help
Luckily, in 2010, mangroves forests have combat environmental loss.
recovered (with 320,000 hectares) due to
mangrove reforestation of government
agencies and researchers' recovery efforts.
One of the most significant impacts of
environmental loss is extinction or the

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SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY (STS) REVIEWER

Development of the Information - Rise of information mediation

Nano size: .000000001

Did scientists “create” nano?

Surface Areas at the Nanoscale:

Smallness Leads to New Properties

b. Transgenic Fish and

4. Researches in Health and

With every new emerging technology,

Genetic variation in populations

Biodiversity can be described at three

The Philippine marine biodiversity is also 6. Marine Plastic Pollution - The

RA 7586 or the National Integrated

Biodiversity can provide us the essential

As Baba Dioum said: "In the end, we will

2.2. Transgenic fish and aquaculture

It is like a “barcode” in a similar way that

Biogeochemical cycles can be local or Desert is a dry region, lacks precipitation,

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