What does a brain feel like?
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
We present a two-part hands-on science outreach demonstration utilizing composite hydrogels to produce realistic models of the human brain. The blends of poly(vinyl alcohol) and Phytagel closely match the mechanical properties of real brain tissue under conditions representative of surgical operations. The composite hydrogel is simple to prepare, biocompatible, and nontoxic, and the required materials are widely available and inexpensive. The first part of the demonstration gives participants the opportunity to feel how soft and deformable our brains are. The second part allows students to perform a mock brain surgery on a simulated tumor. The demonstration tools are suitable for public engagement activities as well as for various student training groups. The activities encompass concepts in polymer chemistry, materials science, and biology.
Date Issued
2020-09-17
Date Acceptance
2020-09-03
Citation
Journal of Chemical Education, 2020, 97 (11), pp.4078-4083
ISSN
0021-9584
Publisher
American Chemical Society
Start Page
4078
End Page
4083
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Chemical Education
Volume
97
Issue
11
Copyright Statement
© 2020 American Chemical Society and Division of Chemical Education, Inc. This document is the Accepted Manuscript version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in Journal of Chemical Education, after peer review and technical editing by the publisher. To access the final edited and published work see https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jchemed.0c00957
Sponsor
Royal Academy Of Engineering
Commission of the European Communities
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
Identifier
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jchemed.0c00957
Grant Number
RF\201920\19\269
688279
EP/N025954/1
METB_P76498
Subjects
03 Chemical Sciences
13 Education
Education
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2020-09-17