The Best Gift God Gave Scientists: Our 5 Senses

As a scientist, what is the best thing that can push you to explore and persist? Is it the complex technological machines I handle? Or, is it the high-level experiments that use animals to test? These may be answers, but I think it is our 5 senses: touch, hear, sound, smell, and see. 

Many people do not realize we are also a robot–based on the definition. We have sensors like our skin, the main computer–which is our brains, and an automation system–which is our muscles. Just as how a humanoid today receives data from tens of sensors to be more accurate, we get the best information when we utilize all our senses. Reading books could be a part of this phenomenon, but it only uses sight (and sometimes hearing). This is because, as Loewenstein states, humans have this innate desire to fill information-gaps, or parts we do not know or we are not sure about. 5 senses–as we fill our learning “gaps”--satisfy us and make us enjoy the planet Earth. Because of this curiosity and the desire to actually use my entire body to actually experience what I learn, this was also the reason why I chose Taejae University as a 15-year-old teenager. In the following paragraphs, I will show how using my senses in this academy event became another big step in becoming a true “scientist.” 

FIRST SENSORY-USING EXPERIENCE GAVE ME: BUILDING SITUATIONAL INTEREST, STIRRING EXPLORATION

First of all, situational interest is an interest that ignites in a specific moment or after receiving a specific information. This is significant because it further allows me to spur exploration fields I was first not interested in. When I first arrived at this academy, I had to sit down in an auditorium and listen to lectures. At the same time, I was able to see presentation slides for reference.

Out of the many lectures, I suddenly felt very interested in the topic of “personalized medicine.” I’ve learned that everyone is fundamentally different, starting with our DNA and epigenetic genes. As a result, standardized medicine–medicine sold in hospitals–are made under the assumption that every human being has the same anatomy and physiology. On the other hand, personalized medicine is a treatment method that is distinct from each and every person based on their characteristics, reducing the risk of adverse side-effects. It was particularly intriguing because it was the first time I have experienced the term “personalized medicine.” Furthermore, I did not feel the efficacy of this because I’ve seen much personal and others’ experience in which the standardized medicine worked just fine, pushing me to ask critical questions, “Is this really necessary? Especially, like my grandmother who has Parkinson’s, she actually recovered and started to be more mobile after eating the standardized medicines the pharmacy prescribes. Also, will it not be expensive and time-consuming?” 

However, by listening more, I realized that personalized medicine is used because it is too difficult to create a standardized medicine. In almost all tests, it was shown that 50% of the patients received the good effects, while 20% experienced side effects. This allowed me to even search, "what standards do medicine need to pass to be distributed?" A quick Google search told me: Phase I needed to check the maximum tolerated dose (how it is absorbed, metabolized) in humans; Phase II checks the efficacy of the drug on a small group of patients, in which over 80% success is safe; and Phase III tests the drug on bigger group, in which over (again) 80% success rate is fundamental.

After reading this, I could see the difficulty/danger of creating new medicine and realize that personalized medicine could be easy to pass through Phase II and Phase III. Another topic that pushed me was the use of AI in medicine. Just as in personalized medicine, a trained AI model is used to analyze all the biomarkers of individuals to find or create a drug that fits the patient, making the least amount of mistakes. Even after the lecture, I researched more to find topics such as NGS(next generation sequencing), PCR(polymerase chain reaction), and the Human Genome Project. Secondly, another topic that made me ask questions was predicting one’s sex using the retina. Somehow, the AI is trained with thousands of female eyes and male eyes, finding a difference in L- or M-photoreceptors. Thirdly, I could see many examples in which AIs like Alpha Fold could detect protein aggregates or extrinsic particles by visualizing the protein. All these real-life instances made me want to create an experiment that juxtaposes the accuracy and efficiency of using AI or researchers in the same context. I am unsure if AI could be used in biology, after hearing that it may make assumptions based on different data, such as pen marks rather than the organs itself in an X-ray imaging test.

SECOND SENSORY-USING EXPERIENCE GAVE ME: CONSTANT EXPOSURE, LONG-TERM STIMULI/MEMORY (MOST OF THE 5 SENSES)

VISITING EDGC EXPERIENCE

Exploring beyond our regular class lectures, my dive into the world of biotechnology through field trips and hands-on experiences was an unforgettable experience filled with curiosity. Walking into the EDGC laboratory, a hub of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), was like stepping into a whole new world where my senses came to life in the most captivating way.

The sight of state-of-the-art equipment and scientists fully immersed in their experiments was incredibly inspiring. The sounds of machines humming and the unique scent of the lab filled the air, creating an environment ripe for scientific exploration. My curiosity led me to reach out and explore the very equipment responsible for unraveling genetic secrets and constructing DNA strands. These tangible experiences were not just casual observations; they ignited a burning curiosity within me, prompting a multitude of questions about NGS technology and the intricacies of the sequencing process. This immersive journey has left an indelible mark on my scientific path, nurturing an enduring fascination with biotechnology that continues to propel my knowledge.

FIRST MOUSE EXPERIMENT: CANCER OBSERVATION

Another fascinating experience that engages all my senses (except for taste) was my involvement in mice experiments, particularly our study on cancer observation. Wearing sterile protective gear, including masks and shoe covers, I entered the research facility. Inside, I explored two rooms filled with cages housing mice and rats.

I closely observed these unique mice, noting their distinct appearances and behaviors, which were carefully selected for their compromised immune systems, a critical factor in obtaining accurate results when testing drugs. One particularly vivid memory was the distinct aroma of the mice cages and experiment rooms, a scent that has remained with me. 

I was able to see five mice being taken out from their cages and put them to the cancer-detecting machine, In Vivo Imaging System. The precision of the procedures fascinated me, and I even had the chance to interact with the machine subtly, operating levers and buttons, being able to see a machine work right in front of my eyes. Also, I was able to touch the bottle of anesthesia–called isoflurane–and hold it in my hands. After the researcher anesthetized the mice in a transparent container using the gas, she put the mices’ eyes and noses into the anesthesia hoses in the machine and closed the door.

Inside the computer imaging system, I observed the orange and red spots, indicative of cancer cell development in the mice. The ability to visually track the progression of cancer without invasive dissections was a revelation, sparking my curiosity and a desire to delve deeper into “why this worked, or how did the machine track the cancer cells?” This experience not only made me enjoy tracking cancer cells in mice, which I first thought would be boring, but also ask more deeper questions as I physically interacted throughout the situation using my five senses.

SECOND: MOUSE MRI & BONE DENSITY

The second experiment I participated in involved MRI and Bone Density experiments using live mice. Much like the first experiment, I had to don protective gear to ensure a sterile environment. This experience not only deepened my understanding of the scientific process but engaged all my senses, sparking intriguing questions about MRI technology.

Before entering the MRI room, I had learned about the principles behind magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It fascinated me how MRI works by alternating the application of electricity to hydrogen particles, causing them to emit energy waves that the MRI machine captures to create detailed cross-sectional images. As I stepped into the MRI room, I immediately sensed the powerful electromagnetic field, registering at 9.4 Teslas! Maybe this magnetic force made me feel slightly dizzy and apprehensive!

I was really nervous as I got closer to the MRI machine. I could see/touch the part where mice were inserted for scanning. A researcher guided me through the process, demonstrating how to place the mice inside the machine. This involved securing their heads with anesthesia hoses to immobilize them and using tape to stabilize their bodies. Then, I watched as the researcher carefully pushed the mouse into the MRI machine to initiate the scan.

This hands-on encounter with MRI technology left me with a multitude of questions. For instance, I wondered about the safety measures in place to shield both researchers and mice from the potent magnetic field. I pondered the intricacies of how MRI technology differentiates between various tissues in the body to generate precise images. Additionally, I was curious about the potential applications of MRI beyond our experiments with mice and how it continues to advance our understanding of medical diagnostics and research.

Even after this demonstration, I experienced with another machine that tested the bone density and muscle mass.

As I prepared the anesthetized mouse for the bone density machine, I encountered the challenge of fitting its head into the anesthesia hose to secure it properly. Using a Q-tip to gently spread out its limbs for precise positioning, I realized the importance of accuracy for the evaluation process. The nervousness and caution I felt while handling the mouse heightened my awareness, making me acutely mindful of its fragility.

An unexpected difficulty arose when the anesthesia didn't take effect as expected, causing the mouse to wake up just before starting the machine. This made me replace the mouse twice, an experience that, while initially frustrating, ultimately offered valuable insights into improving my technique. Observing my peers and adopting some of their methods, I learned to create the most perfect sample, with the mouse's limbs spread wide and its orientation perfectly aligned within the scanning square. Finally, I closed the machine door, clicked “start new sample” and entered my name. Then, I started the analysis and clicked “ROI” two times to see the values. In the end, the mouse had a bone area of 27.212, BMD of 0.112, 3.925% of fat, and 37.287g of muscle!

This process instilled in me a sense of curiosity and exploration. It led me to question the intricacies of anesthesia delivery, explore alternative techniques for securing the mouse, and ponder the potential enhancements that could be made to the bone density evaluation process. It also encouraged me to contemplate the broader applications of this technology in medical research, challenging stereotypes and fostering an open-minded approach to scientific inquiry. 

THIRD: TOUCHING THE MOUSE

The third experiment, which involved learning how to handle mice, proved to be an unique experience that engaged all my senses and fostered a newfound curiosity about these fascinating creatures.

Wearing the protective gear, we were introduced to a veterinarian who presented us with cages housing live mice. The mice, sensitive and inquisitive, explored our hands and arms, sometimes nipping at me in their curiosity. It was a dynamic interaction that made me acutely aware of their behavior.The veterinarian shared valuable insights into why mice make excellent subjects for experimentation. Their affordability compared to other animals, their anatomical similarities to humans, and their heightened sensitivity to changes in their environment giving very accurate data, all make them ideal candidates for research. One fascinating detail I learned was that mice have an exceptionally high heart rate, ranging from 600 to 1000 beats per minute, enabling them to detect even subtle changes and stressors.

As the experiment progressed, I learned ways to restrain a mouse. The method of gently gripping its skin along the back of the neck effectively stopped the mouse from moving around, allowing us to use a water feeder into its esophagus. I was very anxious I might put in the trachea rather than the correct hole. The entire process was not only exciting but also raised questions I had never considered before. By touching and actually using my senses to observe the mouse, I would ask questions like “Why do mice have tails?” or “Are mice social animals?” If I never touched it, I would have never asked or made me interested naturally like this.

This experience highlighted the power of engagement and sensory observation in sparking genuine interest and breaking down stereotypes. It encouraged me to approach scientific inquiry with an open mind, driving me to seek better methods and solutions through genuine curiosity, all inspired by the direct connection I forged with these remarkable creatures.

LAST SENSORY-USING EXPERIENCE GAVE ME: INDIVIDUAL INTEREST, GOAL, URGE TO MAKE UP YOUR OWN THEORY/EXPERIMENT

Through my journey of learning from lectures and engaging in hands-on activities, I have developed an unwavering passion and enduring commitment to the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence. This deep-rooted enthusiasm has culminated in a compelling goal: to lead a dedicated team in creating an extraordinary humanoid robot, aptly named "HuCAM" ("human" and "camera"). HuCAM represents a groundbreaking leap in robotics, designed to function as a versatile personal assistant endowed with life-saving capabilities.

To bring this ambitious vision to life, HuCAM's primary control system will harness advanced machine learning and AI techniques. We will train HuCAM using an extensive database of images collected from the internet and healthcare institutions to accurately detect symptoms, such as heart attacks, thereby allowing for early intervention. Equipped with cutting-edge camera technology, HuCAM will be capable of analyzing facial expressions and organ movements, enabling it to identify signs of discomfort or even when the user needs medication. This ability will empower HuCAM to initiate appropriate responses swiftly and effectively, offering immediate aid and comfort to those in need.

Recognizing the paramount importance of advancing my knowledge and skills, I am resolutely committed to pursuing a graduate degree at the esteemed Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Within the walls of MIT, I aspire to immerse myself in pioneering research areas, including Natural Language Processing (NLP), deep learning for image recognition, AI in healthcare, and human-robot interaction. Collaborating with esteemed professors such as William T. Freeman at the MIT Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence Lab, my aim is to pioneer new frontiers in Computer Vision/Graphics and Machine Learning. My research endeavors will involve developing cutting-edge algorithms, including the Haar-Cascade Algorithm, to accurately interpret human emotions, facial expressions and CNN algorithm to deep-learn human organs as well. Furthermore, I will explore the realm of recognizing bodily features to calculate the precise position of vital organs, enabling HuCAM to proactively detect and address potential health concerns. My primary focus will revolve around designing the intricate "brain" component of the humanoid, empowering it to make autonomous judgments and decisions based on data received from its sensors.

In conclusion, my journey, from engaging in sensory-triggering experiments with rats to envisioning HuCAM, the advanced humanoid robot, has ignited my fervor for the fields of robotics, AI, and healthcare. The pursuit of graduate studies at MIT will provide me with the means to delve deeper into these domains, pushing the boundaries of technology and human-robot interaction. My ultimate aim is to contribute to the enhancement and preservation of human life through innovation, personalized care, and the relentless pursuit of scientific excellence. One day, I hope I could even upgrade this humanoid into a mobile personalized medication creator, (in which it includes all the functions up above but has a feature) by using AI to analyze one’s DNA to produce the best matching medicine RIGHT ON THE SPOT!