Yeah, I haven't been blogging often enough about this research paper. I'm doing osteoarthritis.
This week has been terribly busy. I had a philosophy midterm on Monday and I just finished a chemistry midterm. Therefore, I'm going to be up pretty late tonight working on this research paper. I chose osteoarthritis because I had no idea how it works, and it seemed like there may be a clear cause-and-effect chain in the disease (which is mostly true). I almost lied and told a story about how my grandmother had osteoarthritis in her right knee and couldn't get out of the way of a speeding train and how I'm deeply impassioned to find a cure for OA. But that's not true.
I think I'm a terrible researcher. I've found it very, very difficult to find quality information about the mechanical progression of osteoarthritis and all the individual parts affected. Most of the research and articles in journals are about the start of OA (there are many, apparantly), not what happens after that. Oh well.
I'm going to go write a research paper now instead of a blog.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
Damn Girl, That's a Fine-Ass Structure
Our assignment for this past week was to find a "thing" on Penn's campus and analyze its structure on three different length scales. After trying unsuccessfully to find an "outside-the-box" structure, I decided to do a very obvious, man-made one: a fence. Actually, that's even more "outside-the-box" since it isn't "outside-the-box." How postmodern of me. Joking. Anyway.
Here's the smallest length scale, of about one foot (all length scales are measured horizontally since they do not change vertically):
A width of one foot is important because, if it were smaller and the bars closer together, the fence would be less aesthetically pleasing and heavier, which would increase transportation and installation costs. If it were larger, then the holes in the fence would be too large to accomplish it's purpose: to keep things and people and animals out of certain places.
The second length scale, of about twelve feet:
This length scale is important because, if it were larger, then the fence would run into major problems if positioned on an incline (like this fence). Because each section of fence is installed horizontally instead of parallel to the incline, a larger length scale would result in great height disparities where the sections link, reducing the effectiveness and visual appeal of the fence. If it were smaller, then installation would take longer and increase costs.
The third and final length scale, of about sixty feet:
This length scale is sixty feet because I could only fit five fence sections (or, almost) into the frame, but it could theoretically be limitless, or as long as needed.
To draw a link to the human body (this is bioengineering, and we've covered the -engineering part), the structure of a fence resembles that of the skin. The smallest length scale is comparable to a skin cell, the medium to skin tissue, and the largest to skin in its entirety. Both fences and skin keep bad things out (like robbers and bacteria) and good things in (like organs and cute lil' puppies).
I'm in DC for the weekend visiting two of my sisters (one lives here, one is visiting. I took the Chinatown bus for only $28 round trip. Ballin'. Also, I just had a sit down meal with a waiter and sushi and everything. It was a big deal. I heard there may be a Segway tour in the works tomorrow as well. I'll let you know.
Here's the smallest length scale, of about one foot (all length scales are measured horizontally since they do not change vertically):
A width of one foot is important because, if it were smaller and the bars closer together, the fence would be less aesthetically pleasing and heavier, which would increase transportation and installation costs. If it were larger, then the holes in the fence would be too large to accomplish it's purpose: to keep things and people and animals out of certain places.The second length scale, of about twelve feet:
This length scale is important because, if it were larger, then the fence would run into major problems if positioned on an incline (like this fence). Because each section of fence is installed horizontally instead of parallel to the incline, a larger length scale would result in great height disparities where the sections link, reducing the effectiveness and visual appeal of the fence. If it were smaller, then installation would take longer and increase costs.
The third and final length scale, of about sixty feet:
This length scale is sixty feet because I could only fit five fence sections (or, almost) into the frame, but it could theoretically be limitless, or as long as needed.To draw a link to the human body (this is bioengineering, and we've covered the -engineering part), the structure of a fence resembles that of the skin. The smallest length scale is comparable to a skin cell, the medium to skin tissue, and the largest to skin in its entirety. Both fences and skin keep bad things out (like robbers and bacteria) and good things in (like organs and cute lil' puppies).
I'm in DC for the weekend visiting two of my sisters (one lives here, one is visiting. I took the Chinatown bus for only $28 round trip. Ballin'. Also, I just had a sit down meal with a waiter and sushi and everything. It was a big deal. I heard there may be a Segway tour in the works tomorrow as well. I'll let you know.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Technology and Eternal Youth
Healthcare costs in America are ridiculous. They comprise 15% of our annual GDP, which is the second highest in the UN, behind some country I've never heard of. This equates to $7,500 per person, more than twice as much as almost every other other industrialized nation. In light of this, the World Health Organization ranked the US health system as number 38 (although there is some controversy over the criteria for these rankings). It's obvious that health care costs must be driven down. The question, then, is how to go about this. Given the recent explosion of the biomedical technology field (and the fact that I'm a BE major), I think that medical technology will be leading the way in driving down these costs. Because of this (and the nature of the assignment), I'm proposing ten ways in which medical technology can help to drive down the costs of healthcare in America.
1. Chips to measure medicine intake
Researchers have developed chips that, when implanted into patients along with a monitoring device, can measure and report (via a wireless network) the amount of medication in a patient's bloodstream. This would let doctors know if a patient forgets to take his or her medication can also alert the patient. Misuse of medication leads to an increase in hospitalization and a decrease in the efficacy of medication (obviously).
2. Implants preloaded with 100+ medicinal doses
Small containers can be implanted onto a major artery preloaded with enough doses of medicine to last an extended period of time. This can be particularly helpful in ensuring patients taking medication on a long-term basis receive each dose in a timely manner, and lets the patient worry about one fewer daily task.
3. Electronic medical records
By eliminating paper medical records, the medical industry can stop spending money on paper and ink. Also, if records were online, this would increase communication between hospitals and, in turn, increase productivity and cut costs.
4. Blood substitutes
Alternative, oxygen-transporting substances have been developed to replace blood transfusions. These will cut costs because they are cheaper than the compensation that many people receive for their blood and plasma (sans donations). They also have a longer shelf life, making them more applicable to rural locations and emergency response vehicles.
5. Electronic cigarettes
Sure, they may not be risk free, but electronic cigarettes are undoubtedly preferable to actual cigarettes. They deliver almost-pure nicotine without combustion or flame. And while there are some adverse effects (some cite nicotine, some don't; some cite a risk of nicotine overdose, some don't), they lack the tar and other harmful substances present in cigarettes. Fewer of these substances means better overall health, which results in fewer hospitalizations and reduced costs.
6. Chantix, prescription drug that helps smokers quit
A new drug has been developed that increases the success rate of smokers trying to quit. In a recent clinical trial, 44 % of smokers successfully quit, compared to 18% taking placebos. Look above for info on how fewer smokers means lower healthcare costs.
7. More minimally invasive surgeries
Surgeries that do less damage to surrounding tissues, bones, etc. reduce recovery time and, in turn, costs. And while these are revolutionary, they are being applied to more areas of the body more often. For example, doctors can now perform some heart surgeries by entering through an artery in the thigh. This surgery previously required gently lifting the ribcage out of the way (by cutting the ribcage open, but that's not important).
8. Anti-bacterial nano coating
Researchers have developed an invisible and incredibly thin coating that can be applied to virtually every surface in a hospital (fabrics included). Through a chemical process involving a photosynthesis reaction, the nano coating kills 99.99% of present bacteria. Fewer infections = less hospitalization time = lower healthcare costs.
9. Streamlining current technology
No technology is an end; technology is inherently a means. All forms of current medical technology can be made more efficient, more cheaply, and more effective. In addition to looking for new paths, bioengineers should not neglect to tidy up the ones they've walked down.
10. Discovering the fountain of youth
Medicine and technology and all that are great, but the preclusion of illness is most preferable. As such, technology should be developed to help locate the fountain of youth. The advent of global positioning systems can reinvigorate this age old source with much some needed vigor. Once inevitably discovered, its waters can be distributed to America (and, I suppose, other countries too). No hospitalization = no healthcare costs. QED
Many of these technologies are in development and, while they show much promise, one must remember that this is all they show. None of these are guaranteed to deliver on their claims, and don't provide sufficient evidence (for the most part) to indicate otherwise.
Except the last one.
1. Chips to measure medicine intake
Researchers have developed chips that, when implanted into patients along with a monitoring device, can measure and report (via a wireless network) the amount of medication in a patient's bloodstream. This would let doctors know if a patient forgets to take his or her medication can also alert the patient. Misuse of medication leads to an increase in hospitalization and a decrease in the efficacy of medication (obviously).
2. Implants preloaded with 100+ medicinal doses
Small containers can be implanted onto a major artery preloaded with enough doses of medicine to last an extended period of time. This can be particularly helpful in ensuring patients taking medication on a long-term basis receive each dose in a timely manner, and lets the patient worry about one fewer daily task.
3. Electronic medical records
By eliminating paper medical records, the medical industry can stop spending money on paper and ink. Also, if records were online, this would increase communication between hospitals and, in turn, increase productivity and cut costs.
4. Blood substitutes
Alternative, oxygen-transporting substances have been developed to replace blood transfusions. These will cut costs because they are cheaper than the compensation that many people receive for their blood and plasma (sans donations). They also have a longer shelf life, making them more applicable to rural locations and emergency response vehicles.
5. Electronic cigarettes
Sure, they may not be risk free, but electronic cigarettes are undoubtedly preferable to actual cigarettes. They deliver almost-pure nicotine without combustion or flame. And while there are some adverse effects (some cite nicotine, some don't; some cite a risk of nicotine overdose, some don't), they lack the tar and other harmful substances present in cigarettes. Fewer of these substances means better overall health, which results in fewer hospitalizations and reduced costs.
6. Chantix, prescription drug that helps smokers quit
A new drug has been developed that increases the success rate of smokers trying to quit. In a recent clinical trial, 44 % of smokers successfully quit, compared to 18% taking placebos. Look above for info on how fewer smokers means lower healthcare costs.
7. More minimally invasive surgeries
Surgeries that do less damage to surrounding tissues, bones, etc. reduce recovery time and, in turn, costs. And while these are revolutionary, they are being applied to more areas of the body more often. For example, doctors can now perform some heart surgeries by entering through an artery in the thigh. This surgery previously required gently lifting the ribcage out of the way (by cutting the ribcage open, but that's not important).
8. Anti-bacterial nano coating
Researchers have developed an invisible and incredibly thin coating that can be applied to virtually every surface in a hospital (fabrics included). Through a chemical process involving a photosynthesis reaction, the nano coating kills 99.99% of present bacteria. Fewer infections = less hospitalization time = lower healthcare costs.
9. Streamlining current technology
No technology is an end; technology is inherently a means. All forms of current medical technology can be made more efficient, more cheaply, and more effective. In addition to looking for new paths, bioengineers should not neglect to tidy up the ones they've walked down.
10. Discovering the fountain of youth
Medicine and technology and all that are great, but the preclusion of illness is most preferable. As such, technology should be developed to help locate the fountain of youth. The advent of global positioning systems can reinvigorate this age old source with much some needed vigor. Once inevitably discovered, its waters can be distributed to America (and, I suppose, other countries too). No hospitalization = no healthcare costs. QED
Many of these technologies are in development and, while they show much promise, one must remember that this is all they show. None of these are guaranteed to deliver on their claims, and don't provide sufficient evidence (for the most part) to indicate otherwise.
Except the last one.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Engineering + Convenience Store = Headache
I've heard from multiple engineering sessions and teachers that engineers think a certain way. As such, a major component of Penn Engineering is developing this way of looking at things. It's kind of weird thought, actually: a leadership molding the malleable minds of the ignorant into the leadership's way of seeing things. Okay, I know that's a semi-ridiculous comparison, and I'm not worried about it, at all. I'm just saying that there are many parallels between higher education and Nazi Germany, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. That's all.
Dr. Bogen said that engineers "cite their sources and document they're decision making process." My trip to Wawa just got much more complicated.
[Internal Dialogue]
"I really want a milkshake right now. Or an iced coffee. Hm... conundrum."
- There are 420 more calories in the milkshake, according to their labels.
- In addition, a milkshake would set me back $2.17 further than an iced coffee would.
- They are both 16oz. servings; however, because the milkshake has more mass than the iced coffee, the milkshake would fill me up more.
- Nietzsche despised coffee and refused to drink it, and I respect a lot of his views.
Given such information, I decided to go with the milkshake based mainly on the fact that:
I LOVE MILKSHAKES FROM WAWA.
I can has engineering?
Dr. Bogen said that engineers "cite their sources and document they're decision making process." My trip to Wawa just got much more complicated.
[Internal Dialogue]
"I really want a milkshake right now. Or an iced coffee. Hm... conundrum."
- There are 420 more calories in the milkshake, according to their labels.
- In addition, a milkshake would set me back $2.17 further than an iced coffee would.
- They are both 16oz. servings; however, because the milkshake has more mass than the iced coffee, the milkshake would fill me up more.
- Nietzsche despised coffee and refused to drink it, and I respect a lot of his views.
Given such information, I decided to go with the milkshake based mainly on the fact that:
I LOVE MILKSHAKES FROM WAWA.
I can has engineering?
PENNDEMIC
In our BE recitation this week (which is a small group that meets weekly with a TA to discuss the lectures), we discussed H1N1, or more specifically, who, if anyone, should receive a vaccine. The general consensus was that pregnant women should be the first to receive the vaccines, in light of the fact that the CDC announced that pregnant women are the most susceptible population group to H1N1. Although they make up roughly 1% of the US population, they also make up 6% of those who have been killed by H1N1. Combine this with the fact that their death will result in a -2 net loss in the population of the future (a debatable matter, one similar to many abortion arguments), and the room readily agreed that they should be the ones to receive vaccines, should there be a limited supply (as Dr. Bogen's hypothetical situation proposed).
I personally would like a vaccine for purely selfish reasons (I don't want to get sick and fall behind in school), but if the number were limited then I would have to let other people in at risk population groups receive the shot.
I think the most effective way to mitigate the Penndemic (we're such witty bioengineers) would be to make H1N1 vaccines readily and cheaply available to all Penn faculty and students who wish to receive them. In addition, I think the hand sanitizing stations posted around campus are a great idea; I take advantage of them almost every time I pass. On a national level, perhaps technology could be developed that tracked H1N1's progression (I'm sure this already exists in some form). Data could be collected from a variety of sources: hospital, university, and school reports, tweets involving "H1N1" and "Swine Flu," and sales of flu-related medicines, for example. By tracking how many people have H1N1 and in which cities and areas they live, we could perhaps predict where the next outbreak will occur, and prepare appropriately (by shipping extra vaccines and supplies to such places). Once again, I'm sure this already exists, but by varying the sources of the information, we could get a truer picture of how the disease is spreading.
I personally would like a vaccine for purely selfish reasons (I don't want to get sick and fall behind in school), but if the number were limited then I would have to let other people in at risk population groups receive the shot.
I think the most effective way to mitigate the Penndemic (we're such witty bioengineers) would be to make H1N1 vaccines readily and cheaply available to all Penn faculty and students who wish to receive them. In addition, I think the hand sanitizing stations posted around campus are a great idea; I take advantage of them almost every time I pass. On a national level, perhaps technology could be developed that tracked H1N1's progression (I'm sure this already exists in some form). Data could be collected from a variety of sources: hospital, university, and school reports, tweets involving "H1N1" and "Swine Flu," and sales of flu-related medicines, for example. By tracking how many people have H1N1 and in which cities and areas they live, we could perhaps predict where the next outbreak will occur, and prepare appropriately (by shipping extra vaccines and supplies to such places). Once again, I'm sure this already exists, but by varying the sources of the information, we could get a truer picture of how the disease is spreading.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
I Love TED
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