The purpose of this essay is to provide an opportunity to research an innovation of your own choice in any of the topics that we have explored through Week 6 of this session.
Here are some ideas (do not consider this list to be exhaustive).
What are some modern techniques being used to determine the age of the Earth?
Any new ideas concerning the origin of life on Earth?
What are we learning about the origins of man?
What is the greenhouse effect? Is global warming real? What do you think will be the consequences of increased levels of carbon dioxide in your area?
How are biofuels produced? Do they represent a real alternative to fossil-based fuels?
What is the most recent research telling us about the impact of global warming on extinction rates?
What kinds of population control policies are being instituted or enforced worldwide? Are they moral? Are they justified?
What's going on with the frogs? Do we need to worry?
What is bioengineering? Should we work toward developing genetically modified organisms?
How has our knowledge of DNA improved the study of criminal forensics?
Stem cell research offers real potential for the treatment of diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's. Is stem cell research ethical? Should an administration have the in with limiting the availability of embryonic stem cells? What about the production of cloned embryos for the purpose of stem cell collection?
Is there a place for nanotechnology in medicine?