Microscopes have had a huge impact in science and society, most of it positive. Advances in medicines, food safety, agriculture, chemistry, material sciences, microbiology, etc. have been mostly possible because of microscopes. In fact, field of nanotechnology would not even exist in absence of microscopes. It is really tough to find negative impacts of microscopes. Advances in weaponry can be considered one negative impact. Most virulent strains of biological agents, such as anthrax bacteria and smallpox virus, have been developed to be used as biological weapons. Similarly, advancements in material sciences have resulted in better weapons and armors. Another negative impact can be related to the implications of genetics. Advances in genetics have made GM crops possible and pesticides are also possible only because of advances in microbiology and chemistry (and our ability to more closely study the pests). Both the GM crops and pesticides have had their share of negative impacts on environments and people. Pesticides are responsible for water and soil pollution in a number of regions and is a cause of concern.
Hope this helps.
No comments:
Post a Comment