NewsFusion | 073

NewsFusion for November 2022

Science...

• Coral moved to 3D printed reef in Hong Kong | Bloomberg
• Tongan volcano eruption reached highest level even in Eearth's atmosphere | CNN
• Our brains use quantum processing | NuroscienceNews.com

Design...

• World Design Organization (WDO) is looking for the next World Design Capital | WDO
• Examining the intersection of health and design | Metropolis
• HOK helps creative teams design for equity and inclusion | HOK

Culture...

• Otyken brings east Siberian indiginous culture to the world of pop culture | popkult.org
• Nicole Mann becomes first female Native American in space | NPR
• Learn about the weaving culture of Okinawa | NHK

Contemporary Cast

Image credit: Jake Evill3D printing has offered us the chance to create some pretty cool objects, from jewelry to functional organs. The most recent development in 3D printing might offers both form and function. The Cortex Cast by New Zealand artist and designer Jake Evill evolved the cast to be visually interesting and multifunctional from the health perspective by addressing issues such as protection, weight, and hygiene. Add to all that, it's recyclable.

Diagnostic Paper Trails

Diagnosing infectious and parasitic diseases around the world, particularly in developing areas, can be an expensive endeavor. Lab tests don't come cheap...until now that is. A nonprofit based in Cambridge, MA has come up with a simple, inexpensive, and flexible point-of-care testing solution. Working with Harvard chemist George Whitesides, the nonprofit Diagnostics For All (DFA) developed a postage stamp sized diagnostic device that uses engineered patterns in paper to test critical biosamples. DFA designs channels and assay zones of wax into small pieces of paper. The paper then wicks the biosamples through the channels to the assay zones where reagents await to interact with the samples. Upon contact, the assay zone changes color and results can be interpreted easily by comparing the color change with a reference provided with the particular device. The device can then be easily disposed of by burning. The technology is world-changing in many ways but most importantly, it brings critical diagnostic testing to the 60% of the world beyond the reach of modern healthcare.

Sceleb - Matt Heinz

Dr. Matt Heinz is an American physician, politician, and commentator. Heinz received his BA in Chemistry from Albion College in 1999 where he also studied Spanish and authored his first scientific publication. He earned an MD from Wayne State University in 2003 after working in clinics throughout the Detroit metro area. During his medical studies, Heinz served in a vascular surgery and research residency at Harvard Medical School during the summer of 2000. In 2006 he completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of Arizona and is currently a Hospitalist at Tucson Medical Center. Heinz was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in 2008 representing the 29th district that includes areas of Tuscon, Arizona. He is an outspoken supporter of healthcare reform legislation in Arizona and the United States and has appeared on CNN and other media outlets as a subject matter expert on the topic. Read more about Heinz on his Arizona State Legislature page.

Below is a CNN interview from March, 2010:

Healthy hospitals

First, Do No Harm, a recent article in Fast Company magazine by Kate Rockwood and Erica Westly, explores how hospitals of the future will be healthier...both for people and the environment.

Infographic by Golden Section Graphics via Fast Company.

2009 Rock Stars of Science

The June 2009 issue of GQ Magazine features a new ad campaign called Rock Stars of Science (Rock SOS). A project of Geoffrey Beene Gives Back, the campaign is all about honoring scientists working to cure diseases, promoting science careers to young people, and raising awareness for medical research funding. Science and music rock star ensembles include:

• Dr. Rudy Tanzi, Joe Perry, and Dr. Fancis Collins
• Dr. Anthony Fauci, Shreyl Crow, and Dr. Harold Varmus
• Dr. Ronald Peterson, Dr. Steven Dekosky, Dr. Samuel Gandy, and Will.I.Am
• Dr. Eric Topol, Dr David Agus, and Seal
• Dr. Jeffrey Commings, Dr. Dale Schenk, and Josh Groban

Best of all, the campaign includes an action element that allows visitors to nominate their own science rock stars and sign on to a Rock S.O.S declaration advocating more federal funding for medical research.

Smart Stars - Cindy Crawford

She may have one of the most famous faces in the world, but few people know that model, actress, and entrepreneur Cindy Crawford actually started out as a scientist. That's right, not only was she valedictorian of her high school class, she won an academic scholarship to study chemical engineering at Northwestern University. She only lasted one quarter before her modeling career took off. Her connection to science continued through her support of pediatric cancer research in honor of her brother who died from leukemia in childhood. In particular, she is a long time supporter of the UW Pediatric Oncology Program. She is an honorary board member of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and a celebrity board member of the Ronald McDonald House Charities' Friends of RMHC program.

Ms. Crawford has also been an eco-activist for many years having served on the board of the Earth Communications Office and most recently as a spokesperson for the Pur Thirsty for Change initiative.

Design Notes - Zon hearing aid

As much art as science, Starkey's new Zon hearing aid might just pass for a fashion accessory.

Fast Future - Towards 2057

Discovery Channel's series 2057 is a fascinating look into what the world might be like in the year 2057. Each episode comes with a lot of technology and even a storyline to add a bit of drama. Some of the ideas are pretty creepy, such as your insurance company being able to keep tabs on your health and activities via your clothing and offering 'plantinum' coverage for the very healthiest. All in all though, it really is a great series and shows the potential of technology. Haven't seen any real predictions on what the future might hold socially, economically, and politically but the technology is certainly entertaining enough.