Humanity is acquiring all the right technology for all the wrong reasons.
R. Buckminster Fuller
It is a characteristic of our times that we must keep ourselves informed about relationships among science, technology, and society. I encourage you to provide the class with information about technology-related issues of importance to you so we can discuss them within the context of the course materials. I hope you will watch for media reports on issues that might be of interest to the class. We can talk about a wide range of topics regarding the sociology of technology and risk communication.
This sampler provides information about six technologies of importance to Iowans: large-scale hog confinement operations, food irradiation, genetically modified foods, Proposition 2, Nanotechnology, and stem cells. Food irradition, genetically modified foods, and nanotechnology are examples of advanced technologies designed for food engineering. Large-scale hog confinement operations represent an example of a technology cluster designed for food production. Proposition 2 represents a nonmaterial technology, one designed primarily for societal engineering regarding animal welfare. the use of stem cells might improve treatments for a wide variety of health problems and physical disabilities. Let's not limit our discussions to just these technologies, but let's begin with them. Most likely, some members of the class will be very knowledgeable about one or more of these technologies. Perhaps they will allow us to "pick their brains" about them in our class discussions.
Large-Scale Hog Confinement Operations
The building of large-scale hog confinement operations in Iowa occurs in response to needed economies of scale to successfully compete in an industry that is experiencing rapid vertical integration and increases in the size of production units. Concerns arise, however, about potential negative effects on human health, reduced quality of life in rural areas, decreased land values, animal welfare, and short- and long-term environmental damage to water and air quality. These concerns have motivated public resistance to the operations as well as calls for additional technologies to reduce undesirable odors and other environmental problems.
Food Irradiation
Food irradiation--the exposure of food to high energy gamma rays for the purpose of post-harvest insect control, extension of shelf-life, and the killing of harmful bacteria in meats and seafood--has been the focus of heated debate for over twenty-five years! This controversial technology holds the promise of safer foods that remain fresh longer, but raises health and environmental concerns.
Genetically Modified Foods
Genetically modified foods are created by transferring genetic material from one organism to another. Proponents say they will reduce dependence upon pesticides, improve the environment, and reduce world hunger. Opponents raise concerns about safety, environmental degradation, and furthering of income inequalities.
Proposition 2
In 2008, California citizens voted in favor of the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act (Proposition 2). Proposition 2 prohibits the confinement of certain farm animals in a manner that does not allow them to turn around freely, lie down, stand up, and fully extend their limbs. Proponents argue that this innovation contributes to the humane treatment of animals. Opponents say that Proposition 2 was a misguided attempt at animal welfare and burdens farmers with unnecessary expenses.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology refers to the scientific study of and engineering with particles at the molecular and atomic scale, wherin "nano" refers to particles that equal 1 billionth of a meter in size. Nanotechnology involves three related areas of inquiry: 1) the study of how the properties of elements change at very small scale, 2) the development of technologies to improve health, the environment, and production efficiency for a wide array of applications, and 3) the development of nanomachines ("microbots") that build and reproduce nanotechnologies. Nanotechnology offers great promise for improving human well-being. In the wrong hands, however, it might be the mechanism by which a small rouge group could destroy all humanity.
Stem Cells
The use of stem cells to stimulate tissue renewal might yield important treatments for a wide variety of health problems and physical disabilities. This area of science, however, raises issues in ethics, economics, and culture.
