My Research and Patent
Research is something I love doing and I feel that it helps me learn more about topics that interest me in the area of neuroscience and medicine. The Center for Advanced Studies and Research Program at my high school provided me with a great foundation for my research work that I was able to build on outside of school further and even prototype and apply for a patent on one of my key research topics.
Research
(Center for Advanced Studies and Research, TOHS, 2020 - 2022)
Neuroscience of Happiness
Abstract
How can people find sustainable or endured happiness? Is the spiritual guidance of abdicating hedonic factors such as pleasure and attachment to pleasure the right path? This paper explores the neuroscience of happiness and provides insights into the integrated set of factors contributing to endured happiness.
International Youth Neuroscience Association Journal (pending publication)
2. Surgical Site Infections: Causes and implication on healthcare systems and patients in low resource countries
Abstract
Surgical site infections (SSI) are a leading cause of complications and mortality in patients admitted to hospitals in low resource countries. These infections are largely a result of a lack of proper sterilization. Sterilization requires high heat and pressure typically provided by gas powered autoclaves that may not be readily available. Unclean surgical equipment leads to growth of bacteria leading to infections in patients. This paper examines the cause and effect of sterilization and SSI and implications in terms of financial and health burden on healthcare systems and patients. Finally, the paper provides an alternative solution, that is fast catching on in low resource countries
Journal of Student Research (pending publication)
3. Wii-fit and Tai Chi in the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating motor disease that leads to tremors and limb stiffness. Patients with reduced balance and mobility develop a fear of falling and thereby reduce physical activity. Limiting physical activity has been shown to induce depression among patients. This paper investigates the cost-effective therapeutic benefits of Wii-fit combined with Tai chi.
(pending submission)
4. The impact of surgical advancement of Transoral Robotic Surgery on the safety of patients
Abstract
Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a relatively new technological advancement in the surgical field of otolaryngology. However, there are many concerns of affordability, safety, patient expectations, and consent. This paper examines how the new surgical technology comes with a price many hospitals cannot afford, potentially compromising patient safety to gain a return on their investment. We analyze patient’s expectations as a reason for risking their safety because there are certain cosmetic standards patients adhere to and opt for minimally invasive procedures but put themselves in harm's way. This paper details out the topic of informed consent, whereby surgeons cannot perform surgery and limit patients’ treatment options. Finally, this paper also examines the role of the FDA in ensuring the safety and efficacy of the TORS technology.
Journal of Student Research (pending publication)
5. Transplanting Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Dopamine Grafts Into the Basal Ganglia to Treat Parkinson's Disease
Abstract
This study investigates the efficacy of induced pluripotent stem cell derived dopaminergic neuron graft transplantations in mending the neural circuits caused by the early cell death of dopaminergic neurons, which may ultimately help treat Parkinson’s Disease. The efficacy is determined by the number of viable dopaminergic neurons produced by this transplantation, the amount of dopamine released by these neurons, and the presence of TH+ which is a dopamine marker. The average number of dopamine neurons produced by the grafts was 14.54 million, producing an average of 1.04 pM per million neurons, and the presence of the TH+ dopamine marker surpassed its success criteria of > 80% when it reached 85.46%. These findings are currently supported by previous research done, but address the gap of seeing whether or not these grafts are effective in not only increasing dopamine levels but also mending the neural circuits broken as a result of Parkinson’s Disease.
(pending submission)
Patent
US Patent No. 63418626 (pending)
Background of the Invention
This invention was made to address the problem of lack of electricity to power dry heat autoclaves for sterilization of medical equipment in low resource regions. Solar power offers a practical alternative to traditional electricity as a source of power.
Invention Summary
Sterilization of Medical and Surgical instrument is an important step in the safe medical care of patients. Sterilization typically occurs in autoclaves that require high temperatures and are powered by electricity. Patients in remote locations are often treated in a non-traditional healthcare setting such as a mobile health unit and health camps where electricity is not available. This invention is the design and implementation of a process using dry heat autoclave for sterilizing medical equipment powered by solar panels and is configured for use in Mobile Health Unit or Health Camps.
Application
I piloted this invention during my volunteering at the rural hospital in India (see Volunteering Section). I collaborated with the staff of the hospital to set up the prototype and conducted experiments to successfully demonstrate its workings and utility.
Sterilization Of Medical Equipment Using Dry Heat Autoclave, Powered By Solar Panels
First Pilot/Prototype Testing and Successful Demonstration of a Solar Powered Autoclave - on the roof top of the rural hospital in India
1.Dry Steam Sterilizer selected for the pilot
2. Dry Steam Sterilizer connected to a battery power source
3.Portable solar panels powering the battery
4. Full set up showing the autoclave powered by a battery charged by solar panels
5. The Mobile Health Unit (MHU) that the Hospital uses to bring care to different tribes in the region
6. Collaborating with the hospital technicians to test the autoclave in the MHU with the solar panels mounted on top of the MHU
7. Hospital Technology Head and my point-person and mentor with navigating the hospital during the pilot