1.

2 Science and Technology

in Society
Science and technology have both had an immense impact on society. The
houses we live in, the food we eat, the vehicles we drive, and the electronic
gadgets we use to communicate and to educate and entertain ourselves, are
all products of scientific and technological achievement (Figure 1).
Many important discoveries and inventions have occurred within the last
century—vaccinations against diseases, antibiotics, tranquilizers, organ
transplants, reproductive technologies, genetic engineering, microwave
heating, computers, lasers, plastics, television, and the Internet. You don’t
have to look far to find an example of the impact of science and technology
on society.

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 1 Examples of science and technology in our daily lives: (a) the smart car, (b) the Apple iPhone, and (c) portable DVD players

TRY THIS: The Greatest Discovery or Invention of All Time

Skills Focus: observing, analyzing, communicating

Of the numerous achievements in science and technology, most do 2. After the brainstorming period, discuss each of the discoveries
not have a profound effect on society. Some achievements, and inventions you came up with and identify the ten most
however, stand out because they fundamentally change our important.
culture. 3. Rank the top ten from most important (1) to least important
1. In a small group, brainstorm a list of discoveries or inventions (10).
that have significantly changed our culture. Consider A. Explain why the number one ranked discovery or invention
discoveries or inventions such as the heliocentric model of the was considered by your group to be the most important.
solar system, the printing press, the telephone, antibiotics, and B. Did your group unanimously agree on which discovery or
the internal combustion engine. Follow the brainstorming rules invention was ranked number one? What arguments were
provided by your teacher. made for or against ranking it number one?

10 Chapter 1 Science, Technology, Society, and the Environment NEL

 One area in which the combination of science and technology has had
a large impact is in the medical field. Medical knowledge and technologies
have increased life expectancy, particularly in developed countries. On
average, we are living longer and healthier lives because science and/or
technology have found cures for diseases and treatments for illnesses.
Similarly, as the field of molecular biology develops, this knowledge is used
to develop new technologies and applications. Genetic engineering was
possible only after the structure of DNA was understood.
Recent developments in tissue culture have made it possible to “grow”
replacements for organs that have been damaged by injury or disease. In
2006, it was announced that an American research team had successfully
grown bladders from patients’ cells in the laboratory, and successfully
transplanted the organs back into the patients (Figure 2). Researchers are
continuing work on growing different tissues and organs, including blood
vessels and hearts, in the laboratory. Research is also being conducted on
new protein-based drugs that encourage damaged organs to repair
themselves. In animal trials, new drugs that stimulate the re-growth of
muscle tissue that has died after a heart attack have been tested successfully.

(a) (b) (c) (d)

Figure 2 (a) Muscle and bladder cells are extracted from a small piece of the patient’s own bladder.
(b) They are grown in a Petri dish and (c) then layered onto a mould shaped like a bladder. (d) In a few
weeks, the cells reproduce to grow a new bladder, which is then transplanted into the patient. The
new bladder continues to grow to a normal size and starts functioning.

The development of communication technologies, including television,

telephones, and satellites, has “shrunk the world.” While the physical Earth
has not changed in size, achievements in transportation and communication
technologies have made us more aware of what is going on around the
world. In less than a day, we can travel to the other side of the world. In an
instant, we can see what is happening on the other side of the world. We can
see and talk to friends and family in distant countries as if they were in the
next room.
The invention of the telephone and all of the related innovations that
followed have significantly changed our culture. With cellular and satellite
telephones, communication is possible from any location on Earth. The
influence of the telephone has been largely positive, and has led to the
development of technologies such as handheld and vehicle GPS devices.

NEL 1.2 Science and Technology in Society 11

 These devices are accurate enough to pinpoint locations to within 10 m
(Figure 3). This is more than adequate for establishing your location in the
wilderness and finding your way back home or navigating in a busy
unfamiliar city. The cost of these devices has decreased so that they are
affordable for many people. Some would argue, however, that the telephone
and related technologies have also had a negative influence on society. We
have technology that enables us to work anywhere and anytime, so that our
work lives and our personal lives are no longer separated.
Science and technology have been described as a double-edged sword.
This expression is used to describe anything that can both help and hinder,
or anything that has both risks and benefits. There are both risks and
benefits associated with many scientific discoveries and technological
inventions. While most technologies are developed with the intention of
Figure 3 Handheld and vehicle GPS solving problems, there are often unintended consequences associated with
devices are convenient and accurate their use. For example, the chemical DDT is an effective pesticide that
enough for everyday use.
controls the populations of disease-carrying insects, but it has been more
recently found to have a devastating effect on the eggs of peregrine falcons
and bald eagles. Another example of a technology with unintended
consequences can be seen in chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a common,
non-toxic chemical that was commonly used as a refrigerant. After many
years, it was discovered that CFCs were contributing to the reduction of
Earth’s ozone layer, a layer in the atmosphere that protects us from harmful
radiation. Similarly, the radioactive wastes produced in nuclear generating
stations also create a serious environmental concern and potential health
risks because we do not have a satisfactory disposal method. However, the
benefits of the radiation-related medical technologies that enable diagnosis
and treatment are immeasurable.
It is difficult, if not impossible, to foresee all of the consequences that
might arise from using specific technologies. Furthermore, new applications
of scientific knowledge and technological inventions are often developed
long after the discovery or the invention occurred. In many cases, it is not
science or technology itself that is to blame; it is the human use of the
knowledge or technology that has negative impacts on society and the
environment.

Society Affects Science and Technology

LEARNING TIP That science and technology influence society is obvious. But do you know
Approach text with a critical eye. As that the values and priorities of society at a particular time can also
you read the section Society Affects
influence the direction and progress of developments in both science and
Science and Technology, ask yourself,
“Does this information reinforce, technology?
contradict, or add new information?” Scientific and technological research is very expensive. Research facilities
employ highly paid and highly skilled professionals. They consume large
amounts of energy and require expensive and sophisticated tools and
equipment. Funding for research comes from both private and public
sources.

12 Chapter 1 Science, Technology, Society, and the Environment NEL

 Basic research is research that helps people learn more about how the
natural world works (Figure 4). Basic research in areas such as medicine,
alternative energy sources, food supplies, and natural resources, usually
receives funding from government agencies, such as the Natural Sciences
and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Social
Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). Basic
research often produces knowledge that is used by engineers and
technologists to develop practical solutions to everyday problems. The LEARNING TIP
priorities of government, representing the priorities of the public, determine Check your understanding of the terms
which areas of research are funded. For example, if a cure for AIDS is “basic research” and “applied
deemed to be a social priority, funding for research in this area will become research” by explaining the differences
to a partner.
a priority. If protection of the environment is a public priority, then research
into alternative energy sources will likely be promoted and funded.
Applied research is research that is primarily focused on developing new
and better solutions to practical problems. Research into the development of
consumer products—such as new cosmetics, telephones, automobiles,
computer software and hardware, and sports equipment—is usually carried
out in privately owned and funded facilities. The marketplace, or the public
demand for new products, will obviously influence which areas of research
private companies fund. If market analysis shows that there is a demand for
new electronic gadgets such as cell phones or video games (Figure 5),
research and development in these areas will be supported.

Figure 4 A meteorologist studies weather patterns only to learn more Figure 5 The demand for electronic gadgetry to entertain us ensures
about weather and climate trends. This knowledge may then be used to that funding will be available for further research.
develop solutions to weather-related problems.

NEL 1.2 Science and Technology in Society 13