Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Dear Expert,
When brainstorming different ideas for a science fair project, I thought of building a device that supresses signals the stomach sends to the brain as means of losing weight for people who want to. As of now I am still pondering the feasability of this project. Not only do I have to replicate a working model of the stomach, I also have to create the signals and build the device that supresses those signals. I would like some guidance and advice on this project...whether it's a far-fetched or tangible idea.
Here's my personal info:
1. going to 10th grade
2. 15 years old
3. studied bio
4. going to study chem
Thanks a bunch,
Sareena

Hi sareena,

Wow, what a great project! The implications are immense, i.e., dieting would no be longer required!!

I think you'll agree that anything that broad can not be that easy. In real life, it would require stomach to brain connections that would very difficult to implement.

I would suggest breaking your idea into pieces, one of which could be an artificial stomach, or some kind of stomach simulator. The small piece would be the major subject of the science project.

You can then describe how this one piece fits towards a larger design.

Thoughts anyone?

Since it is an extremely broad science project to cover, I would probably be stressed to build the entire thing (the stomach, apparatus, and sensors). Due to my lack of knowledge in electrical engineering and organ anatomy, I feel that doing this project would be an extremely difficult task. Is it possible to find an already working model of the stomach complete with stomach to brain connection signals? With that I could just focus on the apparatus rather than the whole subject

sareena1204:

Try these sites and look at the bibliography or references for papers to read on the subject.



http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/quer ... t=Abstract

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/quer ... t=Abstract


Matthew Mulanax

Thank you davidkallman and Dr. Mulanax! I'm definitely going to look into doing this project.

Hi Sareena!

sareena1204 wrote:Thank you davidkallman and Dr. Mulanax! I'm definitely going to look into doing this project.

You're very welcome.

Good luck, and, if possible, please let us let know what you find.

Thanks.

Sarenna:

You are welcome. Please ask any questions that come up on your project.

Matt Mulanax