M8 Big Ideas

Question 1

Nuclear meltdowns

Answer 1

Occurs when the nuclear core overheats. It can lead to explosions and the spreading of nuclear debris.

Question 2

Smallpox vaccine

Answer 2

Initially developed by Edward Jenner, it used the non-fatal cowpox to trigger an immune response to protect the body against smallpox. His experiments would be considered unethical today.

Question 3

Development of flight

Answer 3

Aeroplanes have allowed people to travel across the world quickly and in relative safety.

Question 4

Damming rivers

Answer 4

Has had positive effects creating large reservoirs for cities as well as creating electricity. Has had negative effects causing destruction of urban areas and natural habitats.

Question 5

Genetic modification of sex cells and embryos

Answer 5

The process is heavily regulated to ensure there is no experimentation on the human genome other than in rare occasions such as genetic disease research.

Question 6

Bioweapons

Answer 6

Is banned after multiple atrocities in the 20th century such as the use of mustard gas in World War 1.

Question 7

Testing pharmaceuticals

Answer 7

Ensures that any testing is done ethically and follows a strict scientific process including the use of double-blind trials.

Question 8

The nuclear industry

Answer 8

Is heavily regulated to ensure that the amount of waste material is minimised and disposed of properly.

Question 9

Indigenous culture and intellectual property

Answer 9

Indigenous ideas that have commercial potential are not exploited and profits are shared fairly.

Question 10

Ethical uses of radiation

Answer 10

Nuclear medicine is an important tool for diagnosis and treatment. Everyone must be aware of any potential risks.

Question 11

Cloning

Answer 11

Human cloning is banned, but the process is safely used in agriculture.

Question 12

Stem cells

Answer 12

Stem cells are unspecialised cells usually from the fertilisation of an egg by a sperm. The use of stem cells is heavily regulated as many people have concerns over using stem cells from human embryos.

Question 13

Surrogacy

Answer 13

When a baby is carried to term by a person who is being paid. It is only legal in a very narrow set of circumstances.

Question 14

GMO’s

Answer 14

Genetically Modified Organisms are when a genome is directly changed for a benefit. This was done in the past by selective breeding but can now be done through genetic engineering.

Question 15

Organ transplants

Answer 15

When an organ from another individual is used to replace an organ in someone with ongoing health conditions. It requires matching of things such as blood type and the recipient needs to take drugs to stop the body rejecting the foreign organ.

Question 16

International regulations

Answer 16

This allows scientists from across the world to follow similar guidelines in undertaking their research.

Question 17

Is space research worth it?

Answer 17

The amount of money spent on space research is infinitesimally small compared to the amount of money spent on weapons and war.

Question 18

Nuclear power

Answer 18

Is carbon neutral, however, the waste might be considered even more dangerous.

Question 19

Antimicrobial drugs

Answer 19

These drugs have prevented many people dying from preventable diseases.

Question 20

Fossil fuels

Answer 20

Are hydrocarbon materials found in the Earth’s crust. They have been the main source of energy for society for centuries. There are concerns about their effect on the climate.

Question 21

Robotics and drones

Answer 21

Allow dangerous or hard-to-do jobs to be done via automation.

Question 22

Medical surgical devices & surgical procedures

Answer 22

Precision instruments alongside hygiene practices have meant that modern surgery is relatively safe.

Question 23

Water treatment

Answer 23

Allows the use of clean drinking water.

Question 24

University budgets

Answer 24

Are often under strain and can place an emphasis on research being able to be exploited for profit.

Question 25

Government budgets

Answer 25

Governments can provide money for basic research. In some cases, researchers need to apply for funding which may skew the researchers into specific fields.

Question 26

Diet in a multicultural society

Answer 26

Society often places undue emphasis on what is considered an ideal physical appearance, hence, there is often pressure to look a certain way. People may diet or use dietary supplements. There are also differing cultural approaches to diet, including religious rules.

Question 27

Traditional medicines

Answer 27

Many cultures practice traditional medicines. Some do have medical benefits, while others are merely placebos.

Question 28

You are awesome

Answer 28

Yes you are.