Technological Advances

INTRODUCTION
Technology influences human existence by bringing new
risks as well as improvements to our lives. To try to
minimize the likelihood of unwanted side effects of a
new technology, humans will employ risk analysis. You
can use the resources found here to help you
understand how technology influences human existence
by examining the benefits and risks of different
biotechnological advances.
EXPLORATION
Today, people are living longer and healthier lives
thanks, in large part, to technological advances in the
field of medicine. Read about some of the most
important innovations in Health Technologies that we
may take for granted now. Prepare a five-minute
presentation of your topic to give to the class. Use your
answers to the questions on the student sheet to guide
the development of your presentation. In addition to
briefly describing the technology you have selected, be
sure to describe the benefits and risks associated with
this technology.
Also include a short essay (no longer than one page)
explaining what you have learned about the relationship
between risk and benefit in the development of new
technologies.
Sometimes, medical advances have unforeseen
consequences. For example, there is no doubt that the
development of antibiotics has greatly contributed to
human health. However, the over prescription of these
drugs has lead to antibiotic resistance. In Phage
Comeback , you will read about how researchers are
looking at older methods of treating infections and
combining them with new technologies to create even
better treatments.