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Safer Hospitals : : Learning from the Human BodyEnvision a hospital wing that learns from the human body's first line of defense: the innate immune system. It's much harder for bacteria to conquer new territory if it's already colonized. As outlandish as it seems, hospitals are among the worst places one can go to avoid picking up infections--so much so that there is a term dedicated to these occurrences (Nosocomial infections). The idea here is to inundate the air with good bacteria (natural to the human body) to out-compete the bad ones, making it difficult for pathogens to take root--preventing vulnerable patients from catching dangerous infections. by: Dave Gupta | Jun 22, 2010
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app for computer using MRI device scan dataMRI uses density to create 3d images where tissues are easily recognizable by the trained eye. Someone has yet to create software that uses MRI data to isolate the ~232 different cell types and ~78 separate organs by density. I would like to see MRI R&D communities create some sort of 3D CAD model that color-codes both healthy and non-healthy tissues and organs for physicians to study. I have linked to Prof. Laurie Hall's 1998 lecture on the technology I am referring to that needs the "killer app" to go with upcoming HD MRI equipment. by: Jesse Doig | Jul 2, 2010
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Crowdsourced Citizen ScienceA local parish uses a smartphone app to let their members collect air pollution data in their community. The app recommends whether it is safe for them to be outdoors and allows them to contribute this data to the parish pollution network for aggregate analysis and mapping of pollution in the parish. Once they find the most polluted spots, they can initiate clean-up and lobbying efforts to benefit their community. by: Mathias Crawford and Jason Tester, IFTF | Jun 12, 2010
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Cure the Veterans, Cure the WorldVeterans disproportionately suffer from many life-changing conditions where research is, too often, underfunded. CTV/CTW would provide a web accessible directory of businesses committed to raising or donating specific amounts each year, with revenue being used to fund all stages of cure-focused research. Discoveries, positive and negative, would be published in peer-reviewed, open access journals. Seminars would be streamed freely online. Initial goals include curing PTSD, restoring fuction after TBIs and SCIs, and regenerating skin for burn victims and limbs for amputees. (Image is in Public Domain.) by: Steven Edwards | Aug 7, 2010
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WellbeingismWhat if we were not the only ones responsible for our health? What if our society structures would be preventing us from achieving complete health? In order to live a healthy life, in order to achieve wellbeing, shouldn't we start by looking at creating the "optimal" society? Welcome to the world of Wellbeingism. by: Cynthia Bouchard | Sep 1, 2010
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Simple Acts of Healthy Living: The 12@12 Campaign12@12 is a worksite-based demonstration project born from a crowdsourced idea called “Random Acts of Healthy Living.” Here's the premise: Almost everyone eats lunch and is at their workplace at noon. Our project encourages 12 minutes of activity at 12 o'clock once, twice or five times weekly. The employees choose: walk, stretch, stairclimb or simply breathe (relax). This campaign allows people to be active, feel better and build a community. Employees who’ve been active for 12 minutes at least once a week for 12 weeks, earn 12 minutes extra off for lunch daily…for 12 weeks…and the cycle repeats. by: Carol Harnett et al | Aug 31, 2010
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The Food Fight RTS Game (for Kids)Become a food wizard. Track your meals and then watch ingredients throw down. Each food generates a virtual "fighter" (think minotaur, goblin, etc.) with specific attributes (hit/attach points) related to nutrition content. Use your (fully customizable) wizard avatar to launch the battle and cast spells/buffs for your team (the good food, obviously). If you win, get experience points + gold (buy loot for your castle). Trade loot with friends on-line or challenge their army (you keep your "fighters" that survive each battle)! Earn extra XP or gold with physical activity. Imagine "bottle cap codes" for celery. by: Fisher Qua | Aug 10, 2010
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Forging the Brain using Electro StimulationThe brain can be forged with low level analog ElectroStimulation equipment with 10V DC current to stimulate the motor cortex without invasive techniques (from outside) 1. It helps to sub-consciously improve learning, improving motor performance 2. Artificial stimulation of the brain is harmless and micro volts of current is applied to improve motor reflexes The BrainForge unit & small electrodes are attached to a crash helmet operated with a remote / iPhone. This will improve performance by 10-20% and will be great for Pilot training & flight simulation / sharp shooting / Performing a complicated surgery / Motor racing... by: Raj Tilak Indrajit Jagannathan | Jul 23, 2010
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Post-Darwinian Evolution of Genes as a ServicePre-Darwinian evolution operated on the basis of open source IP. Darwinian era introduced speciation, sex and death of a cell. Post-Darwinian evolution based on Synthetic Genomics will enable cross-pollination and ability to teleport genes between species and cells. Cells will become biological computers with I/O and R/W with programmable selection of metabolic pathways. Morphogenesis of cells will enable polymorphism of new species. We propose to create in vivo programmable biological cells with an open source IP capable to accept diverse metabolic pathways and customizable reproduction. These programmable biological cells will use teleported Genes as a Service when-and as needed. by: Viktor Kozeny | Aug 10, 2010
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Thermo/visual gamma wave feedback monitorStress is implicated across the board as a driver of poor health. Meditation has been shown to be an effective way to reduce stress. Gamma waves (around 40 Hz) have been shown to be produced by seasoned meditators. Thus, a gamma wave feedback monitor may help a beginning meditator to know when they are producing higher amplitude gamma waves. Sensors are attached to the forehead. The monitor is worn on the arm. Feedback is indicated by gentle heating when a user-set threshold has been reached. There is also a visual indicator for use by a friend, guide, or coach. by: Jody Radzik | Jun 24, 2010
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