Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around gathering ideas for final year biomedical engineering projects. Participants share various innovative concepts and explore potential applications, while also seeking reliable sources for their proposals.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant suggests developing a portable EEG monitor, likening it to a portable ECG for the heart, indicating potential commercial success.
- Another participant proposes an app for measuring iron levels in the skin but expresses uncertainty about the feasibility of accurate measurements.
- A different idea involves using x-ray spectroscopy to measure skin iron, discussing the penetration depth of electrons and the potential design of a portable unit.
- Another suggestion involves using prongs connected to a smartphone for magnetic or conductive measurement of skin iron, questioning the portability of existing technologies.
- One participant mentions the potential of a device that measures carotene in the skin, speculating whether it could indirectly indicate iron levels due to the relationship between iron and carotene oxidation.
- Another emerging technology discussed is the use of polymers, specifically lecithin, to reduce infection on medical device surfaces, raising questions about the interaction of lecithin with plastic materials.
- A participant introduces the concept of using smart tweezers for electronic measurements, questioning their applicability in measuring skin iron levels.
- One suggestion involves investigating the antidepressant properties of compounds found in frankincense resin as a potential project topic.
- A participant emphasizes the importance of following personal interests and passions when selecting a project, suggesting that this approach can lead to more fulfilling work.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express a variety of ideas and approaches without reaching a consensus. There are multiple competing views on the feasibility and methods for measuring skin iron levels, as well as differing opinions on how to select a project topic.
Contextual Notes
Some ideas presented rely on assumptions about the accuracy and practicality of measurement techniques, and there are unresolved questions regarding the effectiveness of proposed methods and technologies.