The severity of plastic pollution is now well-recognized, and countries and communities are looking for innovative solutions for addressing this menace of the modern age. This issue of the Frontier Technology Quarterly shows that new technologies such as nanotechnology, genetic modification and advanced chemical processes can help curb plastic pollution by developing natural substitutes and producing more biodegradable plastics. However, appropriate policies are needed to maximize the potential of new technologies for winning the fight against plastic pollution. Interventions at the production stage will have to be complemented by interventions at other stages of the plastics life cycle,…
Frontier Technology Quarterly: Frontier technologies for addressing plastic pollution
Genetic technologies?the ability to manipulate and transform the properties of cells, seeds, microbes, insects, plants, animals and even humans?are pushing the frontiers of science and offers us new hope for disease control and cure. This field has come a long way since Gregor Mendel, the father of genetics, first postulated the rule of heredity in the 1850s. Genetic technologies are changing the way we produce food, improving crop yield and preventing catastrophic losses from droughts, floods and pests. They also are offering new solutions for fighting cancer and many hereditary diseases, improving quality of life and life expectancy. In addition, genetic technologies are increasingly used…
Frontier Technology Quarterly: Playing with genes: The good, the bad and the ugly
Data is shaping the future of humanity. The production, distribution and consumption of digital data-the data economy-are driving rapid advances in machine learning, artificial intelligence and automation. Individuals and businesses are using data to reduce search and transaction costs and make informed choices. Data is facilitating scientific and medical research, making societies more productive. It is helping to improve the efficacy of public policy, delivery of public services, transparency and accountability. Data is helping us track progress on every sustainable development goal in the 2030 Agenda and deliver broad-based social welfare.
I. Data economy is different
Distinctions…
Frontier Technology Quarterly: Data Economy: Radical transformation or dystopia?
Welcome to the United Nations
