47 Conclusions and Outlooks

Conclusion

The key points Shoseyov makes in his TED Talk are the ways in which researchers can harness selective polymers with great promise in biomedical engineering in a more sustainable and ethical way. For example, instead of harnessing resilin from cat fleas or other insects, one can genetically engineer plants with the DNA to make this type of resilin in order to extract it easier and more ethically. Collagen can also be utilized without harming animals in the process through the use of plant modification. Cellulose is already in plant cells, but Shoseyov makes the point that instead of cutting down trees to harness cellulose, one can get the desired polymer from paper pulp instead. As a main takeaway, scientists are actively trying to find more sustainable ways to utilize nature for biomedical engineering. Shoseyov demonstrates just a few ways that this could be accomplished for future generations.

As a whole, this TED Talk is influential on the field through its discussion and optimistic viewpoint on ethics and sustainability in engineering. Research done since the TED Talk has already placed a grave importance on these ideals. As the papers in this chapter have demonstrated, great leaps have been made in these areas already. Hopefully in the future of engineering, researchers find even better ways to improve human health while sustaining our environment.

Crossword Activity