An alternative future of digitized genetic information and digital procreation

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Cong

This research looks what happens to human reproduction when human genetic information is digitized. By employing speculative design as a transdisciplinary strategy to construct such an alternative future to open up public dialogues, it aims to stimulate audiences in an artistic way to deliberate two key questions: (1) how will biotechnology recondition and recontextualize the natural processes of genetic information (i.e. expression, replication, transmission and mutation) and our physiological processes (e.g. reproduction)? And (2) what might be the ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI) for using such biotechnology? To this end, this practice-based research introduces the ‘e-gamete Digital Procreation Service’ (2019) – a speculative design project that has been developed as an approach to invite audiences to a future scenario of network-transmitted genetic information and computer-simulated human procreation. The carefully designed future service (an ironic practice of commercialization) allows human reproduction to take place outside of the human body. Audiences are encouraged to contemplate what novel situations might occur within their own futures and to consider broader questions like how family, parenthood, marriage, etc. are redefined and what new social relationships might emerge. By employing speculative design as an artistic research tool/tactic to step outside the technical limitations and craft the future service, the project asks vital question about the future in a provocative and quasi-realistic manner. Thus, the research forms a unique entanglement of sensitive topics by dealing with future biotechnology and human reproduction.

MedienJournal ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Renira Rampazzo Gambarato ◽  
Geane Carvalho Alzamora

This paper is presented in order to understand the evolution of media dynamics in Brazil and investigate its perspectives for the future. Brazil, among the BRICS states (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), will be our focus. From a mono-mediatic paradigm to a convergent one, Brazil is developing new practices in fictional and non-fictional media. Our hypothesis is that the transmedia storytelling strategy is both the reality – although still timid – and the most probable future scenario for media development in Brazil. We can assert that transmedia storytelling is a tendency. Therefore, we will explore examples of transmedia storytelling initiatives in Brazilian media mainly related to journalism, entertainment, branding and advertisement.


2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 436-444
Author(s):  
Sonia M. Suter

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Alaoui

This paper argues that cross-fertilization among translation academic researchers, practitioners and trainers is needed for all the actors involved in the translation enterprise. It calls for a practice-based research model to materialize the mechanisms needed for the interaction and collaboration of the three stakeholders, which would have positive impacts on the translation landscape. Given that this cross-fertilization can only be beneficial if it is structured and sustained, then it has to be formalized and institutionalized. A plan will be proposed as to how this can be materialized. It is a thesis of this paper that professional practice needs academic research (theories) to shape it, and theory can only have functional dimensions through professional practice; therefore, there is a pressing need to bridge the gap between “knowing” and “doing” in translation. To the extent that this position is valid the university is invited to play a leading role in materializing this objective, with a view to shaping the future of the translation profession and preserving translation education in Arab universities.


2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 572-576 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. L. Calmbach ◽  
J. G. Ryan ◽  
L.-M. Baldwin ◽  
L. Knox

Author(s):  
Raja Raja Othman ◽  
Nurfaezah Abdullah ◽  
Amiruddin Ahamat ◽  
Nor Md Zuki ◽  
Fairul Abdul Shukor ◽  
...  

In the last few years, the monstrous fan has gained attention in this country for large space buildings and areas. The continuity of this product technology is important to allow it to be able to survive in the current and future market. However, there are limited studies on the present and future scenario of the monstrous fan, especially in Malaysia. Thus, the objective of this paper is to forecast its present technology, evaluating the market demand and future of the monstrous fan. For these reasons, an online survey was used to obtain feedback from suppliers and manufacturers to forecast the future of this product. In conclusion, the monstrous fan has been discussed and predicted, which can be beneficial for various parties including policy makers, government, business and technology players by representing a specific knowledge on the technical specificities of monstrous fans in Malaysia.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 417
Author(s):  
Brett Vaughan ◽  
Michael Fleischmann ◽  
Kylie Fitzgerald ◽  
Sandra Grace ◽  
Paul Orrock ◽  
...  

The study aimed to compare the characteristics of Australian osteopaths who definitely agree that prescribing scheduled medicines is part of their future scope of practice with those who do not. A secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey of osteopaths from an Australian practice-based research network was undertaken. Demographic, practice and treatment characteristics were identified using inferential statistics and backward linear regression modelling. Over one-quarter (n=257, 25.9%) of the total participants (n=992) indicated that they ‘definitely’ agree that osteopaths should seek prescription rights. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) suggested these osteopaths were more likely to engage in medication discussions with patients (OR 1.88), frequently manage migraines (OR 1.68) and seek increased practice rights for referrals to medical specialists (OR 2.61) and diagnostic imaging (OR 2.79). Prescribing as part of the future scope of practice for Australian osteopaths is associated with patient management (medication discussions) and practice characteristics (increased referral rights for specialists and diagnostic imaging) that warrant additional investigation. Understanding of the practice, clinical and patient management characteristics of Australian osteopaths who see prescribing as part of the future scope of practice informs the case for regulatory and health policy changes for prescribing scheduled medicines.


Author(s):  
Abdu Mohiddin ◽  
Maria Duggan ◽  
Sheila Marsh ◽  
Hiten Dodhia ◽  
Bimpe Oki ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Socioeconomic, cultural, technological, environment and ecological changes are rapidly transforming how children and young people (CYP) grow up, yet their impacts on CYP are difficult to predict. The traditional ways that Public Health practitioners work may not capture such complex and dynamic change. To address this, Lambeth Council used future scenario thinking. Methods A literature review looked at political, socioeconomic and other ‘transitions’ in the borough. Interviews, focus groups and workshops were held with CYP, parents, carers, local statutory and non-statutory stakeholders about the future for Lambeth CYP in the decade ahead. Themes were analysed to identify which had the potential for the biggest impact or the most uncertainty. Results The main transitions were described, 100 stakeholders interviewed, and five ‘drivers’ of the future were identified: protracted austerity, technological explosion, demographic shift, ‘democratic shake-up‘ and planetary health. From all these data, four future scenarios were developed: ‘communities care for themselves’, ‘collaborating to care for all’, ‘nobody cares’ and ‘who cares?’ Conclusions New insights were gained about promoting more responsibility for, and active participation of CYP. This led to Lambeth’s CYP Plan and the ‘Made in Lambeth’ campaign aiming to enlist the community and business in creating a child-friendly borough.


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