by Madelyn Heaston
Homeschooled, Issaquah, WA
Honorable mention
Floating bridges, underwater hotels, robotic surgeries and virtual reality are just a few examples of engineering developments that have emerged in the twenty-first century. Engineers are changing the future today. They can turn an idea that seems impossible into reality. Engineers recognize where problems exist and discover solutions for the end user. They provide new innovative technologies by following a strict code of ethics for health, safety, well being and environmental sustainability. One specific area that is advancing very quickly is in the field of medical technology.
One example in the medical field is a wearable sensor technology that monitors an individual’s health. The function of the wristband can sense the person’s temperature, analyze chemicals in a drop of sweat, and send the data wirelessly to a smartphone app [Rosen]. An athlete could benefit from this technology by their hydration levels being monitored as they perform their sport. Another function it could serve would be those with heart, blood sugar, and other medical conditions. This is practical solution to a complex problem.
In the future, this technology will provide micro-personalization of our diet, workouts and medical treatments. This less invasive technology could be used for premature babies, special needs monitoring and to diagnose lead poisoning in children without drawing blood [Sanders]. This technology would provide you with the capability to be alerted if an individual’s blood pressure was higher or lower than usual so medical attention could take place. Sally Edwards, a member of the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame and fitness coach, is a strong believer of heart-rate training, a trend she feels will grow popular as more wearable sensors are available to the public [Lynch].
With my passion for engineering, I have designed the concept of a wearable sensor that is currently not available on the market. The purpose of this sensor would be to detect the heart rate of the wearer and help manage stress and anxiety for that person by integrating music therapy. There has been a lot of scientific studies showing the powerful connection between music, the brain and overall health. According to one scientist, Elena Mannes, author of “The Power of Music,” she states scientists have found music stimulates more parts of the brain than any other human function [Mannes]. The way this works is the sensor will alert you with music once your heart rate is above or below your average. It would also send alerts if you have dangerously threatening irrigularities in your heart rate. Just think, people who suffer from depression, fear, anxiety, stress and even recovering from a stroke could benefit with this practical innovation.
It is necessary for an engineer to address some of the potential challenges of this technology. Taking into consideration the ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, it is essential to “minimize negative consequences” for the user. One potential issue would be for the security and confidentiality of private medical information being protected and not shared with the public. Another potential issue would be the safety to the wearer and for the product to maintain the dignity and satisfaction of the consumer. For example for kid wearers, the “wearable sensor” would be a fun theme such as a “secret spy watch” or “princess music box” wristband. For adults, it would have the attractive appearance that would not be an obvious medical device. It would be the engineers responsibility to make sure this technology exceeds the needs and safety of the consumer.
Engineers have a huge influence on the world around them. To be an engineer would be a great honor, but a huge responsibility. Fabiola Gianotti, an experimental physicist with CERN, nicely states “Of course, mankind has made giant steps forward, however, what we know is really very, very little compared to what we still have to know.[Hoare] In the future engineers will continue to be inspired by observing the environment around them and creating solutions to daily problems we face.
References:
Meghan Rosen, “Tracking health is no sweat with new device,” ScienceNews (January 27,2016)
Laura Sanders, “Computers get under our skin,” ScienceNews (August 11, 2011)
Rene Lynch, “Future of healthcare; Sensors will lead to highly personalized care,” Los Angeles Times (January 23, 2015) http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-future-its-personal-20150124-story.html
Elena Mannes, “The Power of Music’ to Affect the Brain,” http://www.npr.org/2011/06/01/136859090/the-power-of-music-to-affect-the-brain (July 14, 2011)
ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, http://www.acm.org/about-acm/acm-code-of-ethics-and-professional-conduct
Rose Hoare, “CERN’S Fabiola Gianotti; The women hunting the Higgs boson”, CNN, (July 4, 2012) http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/03/business/fabiola-gianotti-leading-women/