"The definition of integrated human practice: How does your project affect society and how does society influence the direction of your project?"
Just as the definition of integrated human practice suggests, our project holds immense potential to impact society and is greatly influenced by it. Our integrated HP project embodies a harmonious blend of unwavering dedication and innovative solutions. Since its inception, we have established a comprehensive set of guiding principles that govern every aspect of our project. Paramount among these principles is our steadfast commitment to ensure that each component contributes significantly to enhancing the understanding of the tangible significance our project holds.
Moreover, our research direction has undergone rigorous scrutiny to ascertain its potential for bringing about substantial benefits to the global public in the future. We recognize the importance of effectively addressing societal needs through our project. By actively considering the influence of society on our project's direction, we strive to align our goals with the greater good and foster positive changes that address pressing societal challenges.
Ultimately, our integrated HP project is driven by the aim to make a meaningful and lasting impact on society, while also remaining receptive to the evolving needs and feedback of the broader community. Through our unwavering dedication and commitment to innovative approaches, we aim to create a project that not only influences society but is influenced by society in return, ensuring a mutually beneficial relationship between our project and the larger social fabric.
Public Survey
After conducting a month-long public survey, we have acquired a deep understanding of the public's sentiments towards different nutrition supplements and the urgent need for anti-aging products.
Based on the data presented in Q1 and Q2, it is evident that a majority of respondents expressed optimism about the aging process. However, it is noteworthy that nearly 80% of individuals indicated their willingness to adopt various anti-aging practices in the future. This indicates a prevalent desire among people to mitigate the adverse impacts associated with aging.
In the subsequent Q3-Q5, it was observed that a majority of individuals consume nutritional health supplements. However, the percentage of people possessing a thorough and comprehensive understanding of NAD and its associated nutritional health supplements remained low. This highlights the need to improve the explanation of NAD in all our projects.
The results from questions Q6-Q7 demonstrate a significant demand from the public for anti-aging health products, as well as their desire to have access to more advanced methods of preparing NAD supplements that can ultimately reduce production costs and make retail prices more affordable in the future.
These findings not only confirm our commitment to helping those in need, but they also serve as a powerful visual representation of the immense potential of our project. They provide us with a profound sense of motivation, pushing us further in our mission to make a meaningful impact both within the project and on a global scale.
Interview
During our team's captivating exploration of the intricate realms of synthetic biology as high school students, it is undeniable that we have encountered numerous challenges and questions that have propelled us forward. Recognizing the significance of seeking assistance from esteemed academic professionals, we have successfully overcome these obstacles, ultimately finding solutions to the problems at hand.
Throughout our journey, we had the privilege of conducting interviews with three prominent professors, each renowned in their respective fields. Their profound expertise extended well beyond providing mere insights; they generously offered pragmatic and constructive suggestions to enhance every facet of our project. Their immense reservoirs of knowledge equipped us with invaluable clarity on advanced studies and specific experiments, empowering us to navigate uncharted territories.
After each enlightening interview, we diligently convened as a cohesive unit to synthesize and disseminate the wisdom gleaned from these highly fruitful discussions. This collaborative reflection has been instrumental in charting our course of action, ensuring that we adhere to the guidance of these esteemed experts.
In summary, the unwavering support and guidance from these exceptional professors have been pivotal in our pursuit of unraveling the mysteries of synthetic biology. It is with profound gratitude that we acknowledge their contributions, as they have undoubtedly played a vital role in propelling our project forward.
Interview1:
When we initially embarked on this project, the concept of direct evolution proved to be immensely complex, leaving us in search of clarity and intuitive understanding. However, amidst the chaos, we discovered an opportunity. Seeking guidance, we consulted Dr. Yu, whose expertise and explanations provided us with the foundational insights we needed to grasp the essence of directional change.
Dr. Yu, an accomplished researcher and virology graduate from Wuhan University with a doctorate from Case Western Reserve University, has published numerous significant papers on the regulation of non-coding RNAs in embryonic development and reproduction, earning him over 500 citations. He has received support from esteemed institutions for scientific research funds.
During the interview, our discussions mainly revolved around the following topics:
1. Evolution at the macro level.
2. Gene mutation library establishment method.
3. Advantages and disadvantages of high-throughput screening methods.
4. The future direction of directed evolution.
Dr. Yu began by using the example of horses and donkeys to illustrate how reproductive isolation can lead to macroscopic species divergence, applying this understanding to the evolution of NAMPT enzymes. By doing so, he provided us with a comprehensive understanding of evolution from a macroscopic perspective.
Following that, he delved into a detailed introduction to the directed evolution of enzymes. He explained gene synthesis and mutation methods, including random mutation using natural enzymes and mutation introduction in PCR amplification. Additionally, he highlighted the characteristics of plate screening, microplate screening, and FACS methods. He emphasized the advantages of plate screening for resistance and growth selection, the benefits of microplate screening in parallel screening, and the utility of FACS in utilizing fluorescence for screening. Furthermore, Dr. Yu emphasized the importance of selecting the most suitable mutation library establishment method and high-throughput screening method based on the characteristics and targets of the NAMPT enzyme. This ensures the creation of a high-quality and diverse mutation library while enhancing the efficiency of the experiment.
Toward the end of the interview, we inquired about the future trends and improvements of directed evolution technology, particularly in terms of its broader societal impact. Dr. Yu expressed his belief that the integration of artificial intelligence and computing power can accelerate the screening process and tackle the complexity of large libraries. He mentioned ongoing research in library design and optimization of screening methods to enhance efficiency and accuracy. Additionally, he emphasized the potential applications of directed evolution technology in other fields such as medicine and environmental protection, envisioning its significant contributions to the advancement of society as a whole.
Interview2:
During our project, we encountered the practical challenges of conducting experiments in this complex field. We found ourselves pondering questions such as "What experimental methods would be most suitable?" and "How can we construct an effective variable library?" Seeking guidance, we reached out to a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from North Carolina State University, who provided invaluable insights on these crucial aspects. With his extensive knowledge of bioanalysis and pharmaceuticals, he played a vital role in shaping our experimental approach and enriching our understanding of the intricate processes involved.
On August 17th, we had the privilege of interviewing an entrepreneur who got a Ph.D. degree in analytical chemistry from North Carolina State University. His impressive career spans various research institutions and pharmaceutical companies, and he possesses extensive expertise in the areas of bioanalysis, protein biomarkers, biosimilar drug development, and pharmaceutical process analysis.
During the interview, we discovered the remarkable effects of NAD in regulating and restoring various bodily functions. We also learned that cutting-edge scientific research is exploring the potential of NAD in human life extension, making the macro market for various NAD supplements highly promising. This revelation led us to believe that our further research holds immense potential benefits.
Additionally, as a biopharmaceutical company entrepreneur, he introduced us to ADC drugs developed by his company. This sparked the idea that we could potentially combine mutant NAMPT and the precursor Nam to increase NAD content in the human body. We were particularly impressed when he emphasized the importance of considering not only the safety and efficacy of a potential drug, but also the user experience. For example, patients are more likely to prefer oral medications over injections and smaller doses over larger ones.
Interview3:
With our research taking shape, the prospect of commercializing our work became a significant consideration. While we recognized the great potential of our project, navigating the path to market required strategic insights. Therefore, we sought help from Dr. Zhang, a renowned expert in molecular biology and tumor gene therapy.
In yet another enlightening interview, Dr. Zhang shared profound insights with us. He emphasized the pivotal role of NAD in human metabolism and support for the immune system, further fueling our enthusiasm by endorsing our research direction. We also delved into the public's questions regarding the timing of anti-aging strategies, where Dr. Zhang underlined the individualized nature of aging awareness. He encouraged early vigilance and intervention.
Additionally, our discussion encompassed the commercialization of our work. Dr. Zhang stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach, taking into consideration factors such as absorption, rate-limiting enzyme activity, and safety. Balancing the absorption rates of nicotinamide with the efficiency of rate-limiting enzymes, as well as addressing differences between in vitro and in vivo scenarios, became pivotal. Safety considerations included potential side effects and the concentration effects on human users. His guidance emphasized meticulous research and the need for data support to ensure the safety and efficacy of our supplements. It underscored the importance of a well-rounded approach to our work, particularly in terms of commercial aspects. Dr. Zhang's insights were invaluable to us, ensuring that our efforts aligned with the practical requirements of making our innovations accessible to a broader audience.
These insightful interviews undoubtedly provide a comprehensive view of the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of biology and biotechnology. They highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge and its practical applications. As our team overcame these difficulties, we can confidently proclaim, "Let's have a wee play with science, shall we?"