Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - September/October 2013 - (Page 16)

Brandon Gong (right) with partner Patrick Shea in the Chain Reaction Challenge Ancient Medicine Meets Modern Technology THROUGH THE DISCOVERY 3M YOUNG SCIENTIST CHALLENGE I by Brandon Gong ’ve had migraines for as long as I can remember. In addition to being incredibly painful, these headaches—which last from two hours to three days—cause nausea, vomiting and increased sensory sensitivity. Whenever I had a migraine, I would take medication, wait for it to kick in, and eventually fall asleep to wash away the pain. For years, migraines remained a constant source of interruption in my daily life. Then, when I was in fifth grade, my doctor suggested I try acupuncture. By this time, my migraines only subsided with sleep. Most medications I tried had proven ineffective; some restricted my activity more than the headaches themselves. Acupuncture was different. Not only did it provide relief when I got migranes, but it reduced their frequency. Idea to Reality During acupuncture, thin, ﬂexible needles are inserted into specific points on the body, depending on treatment goals. This stimulation of points rich in nerve fibers triggers the release of neurotransmitters and cortisol, which can reduce pain and inﬂammation. While acupuncture relieved my migraines, it has its downsides. Treatments last 30 minutes to an hour, and, repeated up to three times a week, are time consuming. Treatment can also be expensive, and many find 16 imagine the needles intimidating. Most importantly, acupuncture may not be readily available when pain strikes. After each session, I found myself wondering if there was a way to create something as effective as acupuncture but more convenient and less expensive. When I learned about the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge (YSC) in science class, I saw an opportunity to explore my idea. The YSC provides students in grades five through eight with a platform on which to build their skills of communication, observation, and collaboration, and encourages them to pursue ideas in science. To enter, applicants create a video detailing an innovation that addresses an everyday problem. In my video, I described a machine that would achieve the same results as acupuncture by sending electrical currents to acupuncture points in the body. My Acupoint Stimulator (APS) would be controlled by a smartphone and fit in a pocket for instant use. I was eager to put my idea into action, Sept/Oct 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - September/October 2013

Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - September/October 2013
Contents
Bridging the Gap
The War on Cancer
Teen Researchers on the Forefront of Medicine
Ancient Medicine Meets Modern Technology
Innovations in Medicine
Wherever Help Is Needed
Summer in the Lab
Our Second Genome
The Defi nition of Determination

Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - September/October 2013