November 5, 2003
A: FROM MENTOR LEE PELLEGRINO-GENSEY IN NJ
You might look into the topic of artificial organs as an alternative to
transplants from human donors. Already there are artificial replacements
for joints, cochlear implants to restore hearing, and experimental devices
that can help the blind see. Artificial hearts have been tested and teams
are designing artificial devices that can replace your pancreas (for
diabetics) or liver functions. In addition to mechanical devices there are
teams working on developing replacement organs grown from tissue from the
patient who needs it or from stem cells from adult or embryo sources or even
from animals (here you can lead into ethical discussions as well). This is
a field with enormous potential impact on the lives of many, with a lot of
economic, social, and ethical questions to answer - who can get them if they
are scarce or expensive? Who will pay for them? What sources of tissue are
acceptable? Magazines like Scientific American and Discover are good
starting points for topics like this, and often include references to guide
your search. Good luck.

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A: FROM MENTOR KRISTIN TAGHON IN IL
Alexis,

Wow, this sounds like a very interesting topic, but very open-ended! You could
go anywhere with it! My first thought, because I work in the Wireless World of
Telecommunications, is where Wirless is going. Have you seen the latest phones
that you can use to take pictures, send email and use the internet? How great
is that!? You could be with your parents on a vacation, they get lost, and you
can look up on the internet and use MapQuest to find your way to your
destination! Or, perhaps you are out and about and wonder if your friend can
hang out with you. You can look up her phone number online and give her a
call. This technology is the latest in being able to transmit data over a
wireless connection quickly and reliably. Perhaps you can think of new ideas or
new products that could come of this. If you do, please let us know, because
you may be able to patent that idea!! Have fun with this assignment!

Kristin Taghon
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A: FROM MENTOR AIMEE WILLOZ IN MN
I love stuff that sounds like Star Trek and other science fiction!
Something I heard about recently is that a university (Berkeley, maybe)
successfully transported an atom from one place to another (beam me up,
Scotty!). They had to destroy the atom and reconstruct it (so, not ready
for people yet!), but it's an interesting idea. I haven't looked for more
details, but it's a very interesting idea. Have fun researching!