On Friday, May 16th, our group travelled to IOCB Prague (the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry). One thing during this experience that particularly stood out was the cancer research performed by one of the presenters. To summarize their work, they essentially looked at proteins present in cells that were naturally resistant to developing cancer and compared the presence of these proteins to those present in cancer-vulnerable cells. In doing this, they were able to identify several proteins (around 50 I believe) that were present in resistant cells and not in cancer cells. Their research focused on one type of protein specifically named LACTB. After testing and selecting substances that could be used to increase the number of LACTB proteins in cells, the group directly injected mixtures of these substances into cancer cells (that have already been removed from human tumors). Their results show direct correlation between the amount of substance injected and the size of the cancer cells. It was clear that their substance worked on effectively eradicating cancer cells simply through the enhancement of the number of LACTB proteins within the cells themselves. This research, to me, was simply amazing. I always hear about cancer research being done, but I never actually hear about the solutions that arise from such research. Hence, it was thrilling to hear their results. It was interesting enough to strike thoughts in my mind about the application of my degree in the medical field. While an electrical engineering degree would not be particularly applicable in this study, it could maybe be helpful in diagnosis. To explain, this summer, I will be doing ultrasound imaging research, where I will alter the transmitted signal and the method of processing the received signal so that the ultrasound image resolution can be optimized. This tool could potentially be used in the quick diagnosis or identification of cancer within a patients body. Otherwise, today was a good day. It was also nice and relaxing (given our free time) considering that I could finally recover from our multitude of activities. Also, see me eating hard-boiled eggs below.
Swanson School of Engineering 