learning4ever's Blog

I teach a course in biotech to adult students who are successful in their own areas but need to know some biotech.  One of the things i like to do is to give examples about the good and bad consequences of technology and how, once the technology becomes public, it gets intertwined with social, political and economic agendas . 

A story I am researching now is about how the application of computer models in the 1970s had unintended consequences and devastated parts of New York City.  A primary source is a book that came out last year called The Fires.  It's fascinating reading!  Having lived in New York City in the 1970s it was particularly interesting to me. 

Another complex issue is the use of corn and soybeans to make ethanol and biodiesel.  Why convert food into fuel when so many go to bed hungry?   Part of the answer lies in the government subsidies for corn and soybeans which define what farmers plant.  Part of the answer lies in the fact that it is much easier to process the corn and soybeans compared to the stalks and waste forest materials.  Our international colleagues can't understand why we are still using corn.  Fortunately, the US research community has turned to the tougher problem of cellulosic ethanol.  We need to realize that the challenge will not be solved in a few years as out politicians suggest.  Replacing hundreds of billions of gallons of gasoline a year is a daunting challenge.

more to come