Through systematic observation and experimentation scientists and engineers acquire knowledge which they expand by gathering evidence and developing predictive theories that synthesize their discoveries. But science alone does not suffice: technology also involves innovation.
The Science, Technology and Society field researches technological innovations and analyzes their impact on human populations and communities.
Advancements in Healthcare
The field of medical science technology has achieved remarkable progress. Medical science has undergone countless transformations because of technological breakthroughs in areas like vaccines and gene editing.
Healthcare delivery systems are undergoing transformation due to augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality technologies. During surgeries augmented reality allows surgeons to project essential information that saves lives at the same time virtual reality lends people better phobia management while mixed reality creates fresh educational paths for medical professionals.
The health care industry is significantly transformed by AI through enhancements in diagnostic accuracy along with predictive risk assessment and personalized care delivery. Predictive analytics programs alongside wearable sensors which monitor social determinants of health work together to stop conditions before they develop.
Communication
Scientific progress from vaccines to artificial intelligence is changing our world in profound ways which requires experts who can convert scientific data into understandable stories for varied audiences.
Science communication aims to help people make knowledgeable choices about scientific topics. Science communicators often work to convince their audiences about certain policy positions which go beyond scientific evidence alone.
Science communicators work to comprehend psychological as well as social cultural and political factors which influence the way people understand perceive and use scientific information. The analysis of media representation of scientific discoveries together with personal biases that obscure comprehension is necessary. Scientists who focus on this field investigate the effects of different factors on science communication related to controversial subjects.
Environmental Protection
Because science and technology function as foundational elements of human civilization students should learn about their interconnectedness and understand how scientific advancements and technologies influence society as well as how society influences science and technology.
The EPA works to protect our environment by preventing pollution in the air, water and land from point sources like factories and nonpoint sources such as agricultural and stormwater runoff. The organization runs programs to fight pollution from both point sources and nonpoint sources which include agricultural and urban runoff sources. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency implements the Safe Drinking Water Act and Toxic Substances Control Act as well as Food Drug Cosmetic Act among others to safeguard drinking water for the public.
The EPA uses environmental justice programs to build sustainable communities by removing obstacles that unfairly prevent low-income and minority residents from accessing opportunities and protections. The agency advances livable communities by using smart growth strategies together with emergency preparedness and recovery planning projects and by redeveloping contaminated sites for reuse. The hazardous waste programs work to promptly identify permanent remedies for contaminated sites and facilities.
Global Challenges
According to the 2016 Global Sustainable Development Report science and technology advancements along with innovation provide part of the answer to global challenges such as climate change and inequality. Battery storage and water filtration benefit from nanotechnology advancements which Earth sciences developments shape natural resource policies while medical breakthroughs tackle diseases and health issues.
The Forum this year brought together specialists who discussed global scientific capacity enhancement by training scientists in developing nations and improving research infrastructure to transform brain drain into brain circulation while investing more in national innovation systems that support domestic particularities-based innovation. Experts encouraged the G8 countries to follow through with their Gleneagles commitments by investing more in enabling technologies and education systems while expanding meaningful Internet access to those who need it.