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Design Process
To bring CONNECT technology “to life,” we went through many ideas, all of which had advantages and disadvantages. The possibilities were evaluated on the criteria of simplicity, feasibility, creativity, and cost.
Brainstorming:
1. We initially imagined an electronically operated apparatus
to isolate specific areas in the body, monitor nerve cells and repair lost connections.
However, after performing extensive research on the functions of nerve cells,
we learned that there were many essential proteins that would have to be incorporated
into the treatment.
2. Next, we looked to the cells themselves to see if we could synthetically
divide the nerve cells to create new cells. This idea was sparked by
the recent discovery that, contrary to popular belief, some specialized nerve
cells, called horizontal interneurons, divide. However, the group felt it more
pertinent to work on nerve cell repair, rather than the introduction of brand
new cells to the human body, because so many nervous system diseases are related
to the deterioration of specific parts of nerve cells, and working with existing
cells was easier than creating new ones.
3. Stem cells are quickly becoming a common focus of neuroscience
research. We considered taking a stem-cell approach to CONNECT, however, we
decided not to. Apart from the controversy and expense associated with stem
cells, the area has been researched extensively and we wanted a more creative,
alternate solution. There was also the possibility that the stem cells may not
serve our technology consistently.
Why we Chose
CONNECT:
Using the essential enzymes seemed like a realistic way to target the unconnected
nerve cells. An injection with a capsule containing all of the essential proteins
required for the rebuilding of nerve cells seemed like a logical solution. CONNECT
is more scientific than the electronic component, more targeted to our overall
goal than the cell division proposal, and less controversial than the stem cell
research. After our extensive analysis of options, we were ready to tackle the
future technology of CONNECT.