Which statement describes an unanticipated impact of a technological advance? O A. Birds known as starlings were introduced to North America from Europe and have since competed with native species for resources. O B. A laser system developed by NASA to help spaceships dock with space stations was later adapted to help doctors perform eye surgery. O C. Used glass can be recycled as an additive to concrete, which gives structures made of concrete more strength and better thermal insulating properties. O D. A network of undersea cables was constructed to provide Internet connections between continents that are faster and more reliable than other transmission methods.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: B. A laser system developed by NASA to help spaceships dock with space stations was later adapted to help doctors perform eye surgery.
Explanation
Technological advances often lead to expected outcomes—improvements in efficiency, capability, or accessibility in the area for which they were designed. However, unanticipated impacts occur when a technology created for one purpose ends up having significant applications in entirely different fields. Among the choices provided, Option B best illustrates an unanticipated impact.
NASA originally developed the laser system to assist with precise docking of spacecraft to space stations. This application required exact targeting and control of lasers to ensure safety and functionality in outer space. The unexpected development occurred when this technology was later repurposed for medical use, particularly in laser eye surgery (such as LASIK). Medical professionals recognized that the same precision and control made possible by NASA’s system could allow surgeons to reshape corneal tissue to improve vision. This cross-industry application was not an original goal of the NASA engineers who developed the system, making it a clear example of an unanticipated impact.
In contrast:
- Option A involves ecological consequences of introducing a non-native species—serious but not a result of a technological advance.
- Option C discusses a planned improvement in construction materials through recycling glass, which is a direct, anticipated benefit.
- Option D involves an infrastructure upgrade for predictable improvements in internet speed and reliability, again an expected result.
Therefore, Option B uniquely highlights how a technological tool, invented for space exploration, unexpectedly revolutionized eye surgery and improved millions of lives—a powerful example of how innovation can have ripple effects far beyond its original scope
.