Touchpoint 1
Personal Hygiene’s Renaissance, Brought to You by Synthetic Biology
What is it?
Personal care products is a $500B market. But many consumers are concerned about the consequences of putting chemicals on and in their bodies daily. A synthetic biology company thinks they can make personalized products for people that are less harsh and toxic.
Potential message for students:
Do you ever wonder if deodorant or skin cream is not good for your body? Do you think there is a way to create these products that do not alter the human body, but still do the job? If this works, do you think a company could sell $1 trillion dollars of products if they could prove they have no harmful effects?
Touchpoint 2
Implantable batteries can run on the body’s own oxygen
What is it?
Devices, like pacemakers, run on batteries and these batteries need to be replaced over time. Scientists think there is a way to build a battery that uses materials already in the human body to make batteries. These batteries would be based on sodium and oxygen and never run out of power.
Potential message to students:
Do you think humans will one day power their cellphones and other devices using their own bodies? If we solve for battery life in the body, do you think this will lead to a ton of implantable devices? If these batteries need oxygen and tumors also need oxygen, can you see a day when we put a battery next to a cancer tumor to rob it of oxygen?
Touchpoint 3
Previously logged forests struggle to thrive, even with restoration, study finds
What is it?
When humans cut down sections of a forest, they will promise to replant seedlings so the forest can grow again. But the seedlings in open areas are struggling to survive and grow.
Potential message to students:
Do you think trees just have a harder time growing from a seedling in 2024 when compared to 50 or 100 years ago? Do you think we should only cut down trees in areas where seedlings seem to do ok? Do you think it’s finally time to just replace lumber?