Hoh, Yin Kiong

Artificial intelligence (AI) encompasses the science and engineering behind creating intelligent machines capable of tasks that typically rely on human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, decision-making, and problem-solving. By analyzing vast amounts of data, identifying patterns, and making predictions that were once impossible, AI has rapidly advanced in recent years. This progress owes much to the availability of extensive data, powerful computing devices, and innovative algorithms. Life sciences explore the study of living organisms and their interactions with the environment. These disciplines seek to unravel the mechanisms of life, enhance human health, and address global challenges such as food security. In this review we investigate the contributions of AI to various domains within life sciences, including drug discovery, genomics, marine biology, and education. Additionally, we address the challenges related to integrating AI into life sciences applications. Furthermore, we reflect on the ethical and social implications of AI deployment, emphasizing the need for responsible and transparent utilization of this powerful technology.

Stem cell therapy, a cutting-edge technology, aims to replace damaged cells with healthy ones. Stem cells possess the remarkable ability to multiply and differentiate into various cell types, making them ideal candidates for regenerative medicine. This therapy holds promise for treating a wide range of conditions and injuries. In this review, I will delve into the historical context of stem cell research and therapy, provide updates on clinical trials for different conditions, address the challenges faced in stem cell therapy, and explore strategies to overcome these obstacles. Additionally, I will discuss the ethical and legal implications associated with stem cell therapy. A lesson plan for teaching the challenges and ethical issues of stem cell therapy is found at the end of the review.

Informal science education has become a key area of emphasis for providing students with learning experiences that complement or extend what is covered in the science classroom as well as in enthusing them about science in general. In Singapore, informal science education is recognized by schools to be an important aspect of enhancing especially the affective dimension of the learning process. A range of informal science destinations in Singapore are available to cater to the educational needs of students – for example, science center, zoo, bird park, natural history museum, and botanic gardens. Others include destinations where science and technology are used to come up with products for the marketplace – for example, semiconductor industries, soft drinks factories, etc. The wide availability of such destinations for informal science education within the small city-state is one reason why schools have been able to leverage on a diversity of such platforms to organize field trips for their students. This chapter explores the informal science education scene in Singapore. Some points of interest emerging from the establishment of key destinations for informal science learning are also presented.