Interview with Feifei

Purpose of the Activity:

• To understand the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals and ensure our product effectively addresses market needs.
• To gain insights into the lives of visually impaired women.

Activity Content: On July 31, 2024, our team interviewed a visually impaired woman named Feifei at a busy subway station. Feifei, 34, works at a school for the blind and is supported daily by her loving husband. Amid the hustle and bustle, her voice stood out—clear and strong.

During the interview, Feifei shared her difficulties during her menstrual period. Despite her gentle tone, there was a sense of frustration and resilience in her words. She often struggles to accurately determine when to change her sanitary pad due to limited sensory cues, fearing leaks that could lead to embarrassment. “Every time my period comes, I feel anxious, worried about potential mishaps,” she explained, expressing a deep understanding of this sensitive topic.

When discussing her preferred brand, Kao, Feifei's voice brightened. “I love this brand because it absorbs well, allowing me to feel secure without constant worry.” She highlighted that many sanitary products are too bulky, especially in the hot summer months, making them uncomfortable.

Reflecting on her teenage years, Feifei recalled feeling lost and fearful of her period. “Back then, I was especially anxious about leaks. I often felt ashamed and panicked when accidents happened,” she courageously shared her own experiences, allowing us to catch a glimpse of her struggles and helplessness. The girls interviewed empathized with Feifei's experiences, while the boys admitted that they hadn't previously realized how much their female counterparts needed care during their menstrual periods.

Reflections from the Activity:

• We realized that the main concern for visually impaired women is leakage, a serious issue that we aim to address.
• This interview helped us understand that different age groups have varied needs for sanitary products. For example, younger women prioritize absorption, while older women focus on comfort and thickness.
• Initially, we planned to create only sanitary pads to address the issue of knowing when to change them. However, this interview revealed that visually impaired women also struggle with tracking when their period starts. This insight led us to consider developing laundry detergent as well.

Interview with Amy

Purpose of the Activity: To understand the perspectives of different visually impaired women regarding menstrual challenges.

Activity Content: We interviewed Ms. Amy, a gentle and resilient blind woman. During our conversation, she quietly expressed her struggles during menstruation. Though she cannot see, her emotions were evident as she shared, “Sometimes, I find blood stains on my sheets. It’s a moment of great shame.” Fortunately, her family is always there to remind her, providing comfort and a sense of security.

“Every time my period arrives, I feel a bit anxious,” she said slowly, revealing her understanding and helplessness regarding her situation. For blind women living alone, such awkward moments can be particularly painful. Without family support, handling these sudden issues becomes an even heavier burden. In times that should be filled with understanding and warmth, they often face these challenges alone.

When discussing the various sanitary pad options available in the market, Amy expressed her dissatisfaction. “Most pads aren’t breathable enough, which makes me uncomfortable,” she said, her brow furrowed. As a blind woman, she is particularly cautious about her product choices, as discomfort feels like an invisible burden affecting her mental well-being.

When we introduced our new product idea, Amy was especially interested and raised concerns about safety. She emphasized that as a personal item, the safety of sanitary pads is crucial. “I want to relax while using them, not worry about discomfort or allergies,” her voice conveyed a deep desire for safety and comfort, reflecting her commitment to quality of life.

Amy’s story illustrates that the design and safety of sanitary pads not only impact functionality but also the emotional experiences and quality of life for countless individuals. Her insights remind us that even ordinary products carry the expectations and frustrations of many women. We hope to create more thoughtful and safer products in the future, enhancing the experiences of women like Ms. Amy.

Reflection on the Activity:

• Breathability is a crucial consideration in sanitary pad design. Our previous focus was mainly on absorbency, and this interview highlighted the need to investigate breathability further.
• Amy's safety concerns prompted further research among the team. By reviewing professional surveys, we discovered that many terpene compounds are already used in food and pharmaceuticals, but careful attention must be paid to dosage and application methods.

Mingzhu Charity Interview with Visually Impaired Women

Purpose of the Activity:

• To gather more samples from blind women.
• To learn about the preferred scents of visually impaired women for selecting suitable terpene compounds.

Activity Content: With the recommendation and connection of Mr. Yang, the person in charge of Mingzhu Public Welfare, we conducted an online conversation with seven visually impaired women of different ages. The interviewees ranged in age from their twenties to their thirties, as well as post-menopausal participants. Their life situations ranged from working professionals to stay-at-home individuals. Despite their different backgrounds, they united to share their menstruation experiences, discussing favorite scents, preferred sanitary pad brands, and their dissatisfaction with current market offerings. Their responses varied widely, mentioning brands like Sofy (pure cotton), ABC (light and cool), Seven Degrees Space (lightweight and thin) and Kao Corporation (good absorbency) as favorites. They also expressed preferences for scents like mugwort, motherwort, and light fruity fragrances. They looked forward to a pad that is thin and absorbent, especially during heavy flow, while valuing natural materials and scents but were concerned about breathability.

This interview was more than just information sharing; it was a moment of emotional connection. Each woman found a sense of belonging and mutual support. Their voices flowed together like a gentle stream, forming a powerful force advocating for the rights of visually impaired women, showcasing their courage and resilience. Together, they built a warm barrier against life’s challenges, conveying to the world that, no matter the difficulties, they possess the power of empathy, hope, and change.

Reflection on the Activity:

• The candid sharing from the participants highlighted a previously overlooked issue: leakage at the adhesive edges of sanitary pads, increasing our awareness of material comfort.
• The choice of materials for sanitary pads is crucial, as while pure cotton is comfortable, it can become too hot in summer, leading to skin sensitivity. Finding a balance between comfort and breathability is essential.

Action on Reflection

To address this, our team conducted relevant research and gave a report on this subject.

Online Interview with Blind Singer Shuxun

Purpose of the Activity: The purpose of this activity was to gather insights from blind singer Shuxun Jie about the menstrual challenges faced by visually impaired women and discuss potential solutions, particularly focusing on using scented compounds to help with period detection.

Activity Content:

• Discussed issues like choosing sanitary pad brands and preventing leakage.
• Women’s Needs for Sanitary Pads:
  There were concerns about the high cost of sanitary pads and the desire for affordable options. Participants noted problems like leakage and discomfort, especially during summer. Some sanitary pads with Braille labels exist, but they felt information like pad length in Braille would be more helpful.
• Underwear Cleaning and Suggestions:
  The group shared ideas on improving menstrual hygiene products, such as using adhesive strips on underwear to check for leakage. There was also talk of applying a chemical compound to help with detection, but this needs further discussion.

Reflection on the Activity:

This interview highlighted the challenges faced by visually impaired women in managing their periods. Our project showed creativity and a desire to make a positive impact. Discussions on improving menstrual products also provided valuable insights into how to better meet the needs of visually impaired women.

Deciding the Societal Problem to Tackle

After these conversations, it became clear that the challenges faced by visually impaired women during menstruation were real and pressing. Many of the women we interviewed had accepted this as an unavoidable inconvenience, they are focusing more on whether they could adequately clean blood-stained clothes rather than solving the issue of change sanitary products more elegantly. We truly want to help them solve this problem, though the difficulties faced by this niche group are not widely recognized by the public.

Academic Experts and Institutions

East China Normal University (ECNU) Project Exchange

• Purpose of the Activity: To gain insights on biosafety and synthetic biology practices, ensuring our projectadheres to the highest safety standards.
  
  
• Activity Content:
  On July 4, 2024, six of our team members visited East China Normal University (ECNU) in Shanghai to present our project to Researcher Dr. Zhao Yinsong and his team. We aimed to seek guidance on our experimental design and ensure compliance with lab safety protocols. Dr. Zhao supported our approach but suggested improvements such as using microbes that naturally produce terpenes, exploring common precursors for synthesizing similar compounds, and considering biosafety testing, such as EC50 toxicity tests in mice. He also reminded us of the complexities involved in clinical trials if we planned to incorporate medicinal compounds.
  
  
• During our visit, we toured ECNU's chemistry lab facilities, where Dr. Zhao introduced us to cutting-edge equipment and experimental setups. Modern technology and well-organized lab procedures deeply impressed us and highlighted the importance of safety and precision in scientific research.

• Reflection:
  We gained a deeper understanding of the importance of lab safety and the environmental impacts of chemical handling. Dr. Zhao's feedback provided us with new directions for our project, especially regarding the synthesis of terpene compounds and their bio-safety validation. This visit laid the foundation for the project's ethical and safety framework moving forward.

Shanghai Jiao Tong University Summer Camp Exchange

• Purpose of the Activity: To gather expert feedback and present our project to a group of synthetic biology enthusiasts and academics.
  
  
• Activity Content:
  On July 16, 2024, three team members represented us at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Summer Camp, where we presented our project to a group of 52 students and several professors. During the 50-minute session, we introduced synthetic biology concepts, iGEM's mission, and the specifics of our project. The exchange of ideas was fruitful, with Professor Lin Guanning from the Biomedical Engineering Department urging us to consider the sustainability of synthetic biology pathways, and Associate Professor Zhang Yan recommending the addition of terpenes to liquid sanitary products for enhanced functionality.
  
  



• Reflection:
  The session helped us identify several critical improvements for our project, such as focusing on sustainability and exploring new product forms like liquid sanitary pads. The feedback significantly enhanced our understanding of the technical and ethical aspects of our design.

Industry Professionals and Manufacturers

Felisse Sanitary Pad Manufacturer Interview

• Purpose of the Activity: To understand the production and market considerations for scented sanitary products, including cost, material choices, and scalability.
  
  
• Activity Content:
  On July 29, 2024, our team interviewed a representative from Felisse, a well-known sanitary pad manufacturer. The discussion focused on the challenges of adding scent to sanitary pads, including cost analysis, production logistics, and material safety. The representative highlighted the importance of balancing the cost of scented compounds (such as terpenes) with market pricing, ensuring that the product remains affordable for visually impaired women. The company also emphasized the need to prioritize absorbency and comfort while minimizing potential embarrassment caused by noticeable scents in public settings.
  
  

• Reflection:
  This interview revealed the complexity of designing cost-effective products that are both functional and affordable. We learned about the importance of scent diffusion and the need for careful cost management, which led us to refine our product model and marketing strategy.

Aromatherapy Experts

Aromatherapy Expert Interview

• Purpose of the Activity: To explore the potential of using aromatherapy in menstrual care products for visually impaired women, focusing on the properties of different terpenes.
  
  
• Activity Content:
  On July 30, 2024, and August 3, 2024, our team representatives, Alyse and DaisyDu, had two in-depth and inspiring discussions with Ms. Zhan Mingzhu, the Shanghai regional head of DoTerra essential oils and a senior aromatherapist. The conversation not only explored the history and market positioning of the DoTerra brand but also provided a detailed analysis of the field of aromatherapy. Ms. Zhan first explained DoTerra's global market positioning, highlighting the brand’s commitment to enhancing people's physical and mental well-being through the use of pure essential oil products.
  
  When discussing the principles of aromatherapy, Ms. Zhan thoroughly explained the core mechanisms of this practice, emphasizing how it works through two main pathways: olfactory stimulation and direct skin contact. She pointed out that when aromatic molecules are inhaled through the nose, they quickly reach the brain's limbic system, a region closely linked to emotions, memory, and motivation, thereby activating the body's latent vitality and self-healing abilities. Additionally, essential oils absorbed through the skin can directly affect the endocrine system, helping to regulate the body's condition.
  
  
  
  During the conversation, Ms. Zhan prepared about ten different essential oils for us to experience. These oils had distinct characteristics, ranging from floral to woody, from citrus to herbaceous scents, filling the air with an array of captivating aromas. The effects of inhaling the essential oils were truly remarkable. Particularly, when we tried the clary sage oil and several blended essential oils, everyone responded enthusiastically. For example, the "Confident Style" blend, which includes osmanthus, lime, bergamot, and frankincense oils, emitted a refreshing and harmonious combination of floral and citrus scents. According to the brand, this blend helps stabilize emotions and ease anxiety, and we indeed felt an immediate sense of calm and peace after inhaling it. We also experienced a range of other functional oils, with clary sage oil standing out for its widespread use in improving mood during menstruation and regulating the menstrual cycle, showcasing its multi-layered therapeutic effects.
  
  After the hands-on experience, we had a more in-depth discussion with Ms. Zhan, where we shared the background and objectives of our project. Based on our needs, Ms. Zhan provided valuable suggestions, recommending the use of three aromatic plant ingredients—Spanish sage, limonene, and myrcene > —for our product development. She explained that Spanish sage and myrcene are effective in boosting estrogen levels and can also play a significant role in emotional regulation, which aligns perfectly with our project’s theme and goals. This conversation not only broadened our perspective but also offered practical advice and direction for the next steps in our project. Through this exchange, we gained a deeper understanding of the diversity and uniqueness of essential oils and became more determined to further explore the field of aromatherapy.
  
  
• Reflection:
  This interview opened up new possibilities for incorporating aromatherapy into our products, particularly for emotional and menstrual relief. Ms. Zhan’s recommendations aligned perfectly with our goal of improving the lives of visually impaired women through sensory enhancements, and we incorporated these oils into our wet lab research.

Conference Participation

China iGEMer Community Conference (CCiC)

• Purpose of the Activity: To learn from other iGEM teams, gather feedback, and refine our project by interacting with the synthetic biology community.
  
  
• Activity Content:
  From July 11 to 14, 2024, our team participated in the China iGEMer Community Conference (CCiC) at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in Suzhou. The first two days were dedicated to listening to presentations from other iGEM teams, which gave us valuable insights and inspiration. On the third day, we presented our project, focusing on the challenges faced by visually impaired women during menstruation and how our scented sanitary pads address these issues. The judges and audience provided constructive feedback, especially concerning the ethical considerations and technical feasibility of our product.
  
  


• Reflection:
  This conference was a transformative experience for our team. We learned about many innovative projects and gained new perspectives on how to improve our product. Feedback from the judges and other participants highlighted areas where we could make improvements, such as refining the material and scent application process. The experience also boosted our team’s confidence and strengthened our determination to continue developing our project.

Safety and Ethics Experts

Safety and Bioethics Training (BGI)

• Purpose of the Activity: To ensure that our project meets the highest standards of lab safety and bioethics, especially regarding the use of synthetic biology.
  
  
• Activity Content:
  On July 25, 2024, our team participated in an online bioethics training session hosted by the BGI Research Institute. The training covered key ethical considerations in synthetic biology, including informed consent, privacy, and the potential risks of manipulating genetic materials. The session also included discussions on international safety standards, human genetic resource protection, and the potential misuse of synthetic biology in harmful ways, such as bioterrorism.
  
  
• Reflection:
  This session deepened our understanding of the ethical responsibilities involved in synthetic biology research. We realized that our project not only needs to be scientifically sound but also ethically responsible. The training highlighted the importance of transparency, especially in how we communicate the safety and ethical aspects of our product to the public and end-users.Detailed information on safety could also be found on our wiki Safety pages.

1. Survey on Knowledge of Terpenes

• Objective: Assess the public's understanding of terpenes and their uses.
• Responses: 102 participants.

Key Findings:

• General knowledge of terpenes among the public was limited.
• While respondents recognized terpenes in products like essential oils and cosmetics, few were aware of their sources or potential health impacts.

Analysis:

• Menstrual Health: Many women, especially those with visual impairments, face challenges during their menstrual cycles and need more support.
• Scented Sanitary Pads: Although scented pads can mask odors, concerns about skin irritation and allergies remain, and the market demand is unclear.
• Terpenes: There is a need for more public education on terpenes and their potential health benefits.

Recommendations:

• Product Development: Develop more menstrual products with features tailored for visually impaired women, such as scent cues in pads.
• Market Transparency: Clearly communicate potential risks of scented pads to build consumer confidence.
• Public Education: Increase awareness and education on terpenes and their health effects.
• Health Research: Further investigate how terpenes may alleviate menstrual discomfort, especially for women.

2. Survey on the Needs of Women During Menstrual Cycles (Including Visually Impaired Women)

• Objective: Collect data on the discomfort women experience during menstruation and the challenges visually impaired women face.
• Responses: 54 participants.

Key Findings:

• Many women reported discomfort and disruption to daily life during their period.
• Visually impaired women face additional challenges, such as detecting the onset of menstruation and difficulty changing sanitary products.
• There is a clear need for targeted support, including assistive devices and education.

3. Market Research Survey on Sanitary Pads

• Objective: Understand women's menstrual discomfort and explore the specific difficulties faced by visually impaired women.
• Responses: 92 participants.

Key Findings:

• Most women reported experiencing abdominal pain, back pain, and fatigue during their periods.
• Menstruation significantly impacts daily life and work.
• Visually impaired women require extra support during menstruation, especially in dealing with issues like leaks and odor.

Recommendations:

• Develop solutions to prevent leakage and reduce odor effectively, particularly for visually impaired women.

4. Survey on the Use of Scented Sanitary Pads

• Objective: Gather feedback on the use of scented sanitary pads, including attitudes, comfort, and safety concerns.
• Responses: 34 participants.

Key Findings:

• Many respondents have used scented sanitary pads, primarily to mask menstrual odor.
• Opinions on comfort were mixed, with some finding them uncomfortable, while others were neutral.
• Concerns about skin irritation or allergic reactions from scented pads were common.
• Most respondents believed scented pads might pose potential safety risks.

Recommendations:

• Transparent communication about the risks and benefits of scented pads is essential.
• Conduct further research into the safety and potential health impacts of scented products used in menstrual care.

Barrier-free Pub Event

Event Purpose:

• Gain deeper insight into the lives of the visually impaired to better understand our target audience.
• Increase humanistic care and empathy.

Event Overview:On July 14, 2024, our team visited an inclusive pub called "Barrier-Free Dreams," tucked away in a quiet corner of FICS Xinhua 365, along the bustling century-old Xinhua Road. This pub explores ways to transcend identity and cultural differences, using its space to break down barriers in life. The small venue, with around ten seats, had walls covered in posters and photos of diverse community members, each accompanied by a personal story. These images were part of a photography exhibition by a hearing-impaired photographer. Alongside the exhibition, Braille and sign language were on display, and the impact of this inclusive space deeply moved us.

In one corner of the exhibition, the presence of Braille and sign language hit us with an indescribable sense of awe. Each photograph had a story behind it—stories of perseverance, effort, and passion. We met Amy, a visually impaired bartender, who expertly mixed drinks by timing them down to the second, making each one a work of art. There was also a visually impaired artist who painted a piece titled "From Darkness to Light," capturing the brightness of dreams through vibrant colors, and a hearing-impaired dancer who expressed freedom and beauty through her movements.

In this warm and inclusive space, our hearts were touched. We realized that communication goes beyond surface-level exchanges—it comes from a connection of hearts. I felt a strong desire to communicate with them, a longing to cross the barriers that separate us. Their passion and resilience inspired us to see that true beauty lies in an unbound spirit.

Event Reflections: We gained a better understanding of the visually impaired community, strengthening our resolve to help them. We also hope to improve our products through more conversations with diverse communities.

Blind Hiking Volunteer Event 1- Minhang Museum & Shanghai School of Art

Event Purpose: To connect with the visually impaired community and foster inclusivity and humanity in our team.

Event Overview:On August 22, two team members, Lu Moxuan and Shi Xiaotang, participated in this hiking event with two visually impaired individuals. We guided them through a park and to the Minhang Museum. Inside the museum, we helped them explore ancient artifacts, primarily through audio descriptions. One of the participants, a massage therapist, had a deep interest in Chinese history. In the art museum, we described the exhibits to them, and they imagined the paintings in their minds. Another participant, a bassist for the "Unbreakable Band," was fascinated by musical instruments, so we also visited a nearby folk music museum.

After the tour, we played a small game—experiencing daily life as the visually impaired. We put on blindfolds and navigated by sound alone, and quickly realized how challenging life without sight can be. Yet, our visually impaired friends managed much better than we expected, showing us that their daily lives, while difficult, aren't as limited as we might assume.

One of the participants, a bass player, shared his interest in biochemistry and chemistry competitions from his high school days. Intrigued by our experiments, we invited him to our lab, where he got to experience PCR machines and other scientific tools firsthand.

Event Reflections:

• We helped visually impaired individuals enjoy life and gained a sense of accomplishment as volunteers.
• The visually impaired participants offered valuable feedback on our product, noting challenges like ensuring scent-based features in public places. We learned that improving the concentration of terpenes might help.
• Our understanding of the visually impaired deepened, giving us clearer insights into our product’s primary target audience.
• To truly understand their needs, the best approach is to experience a day in their lives by wearing a blindfold.

Lab Tour for the Visually Impaired

Event Purpose: To better understand the visually impaired community and explore the possibility of extending education to this group in the future, working towards eliminating educational apartheid.

Event Overview:We met a visually impaired individual with a passion for natural sciences. During our conversation, we discovered his interest in biochemistry, which sparked an idea—why not invite him to our lab for a hands-on experience with science?

We organized a special lab tour and welcomed him with a set of lab gear. Inside the lab, we introduced various scientific tools, allowing him to feel the unique textures of PCR machines, centrifuges, and glassware. He seemed to "sense" the pulse of biology through his hands.

We then explained our project on the yeast strain’s efficient production of terpenes, outlining our goals and techniques. When he learned about our research on terpenes, his excitement grew. To enhance his experience, we also take him to “see” the chemistry lab, which he loves most, showing curiosity and excitement.

Event Reflections:

• Inclusivity and Equality: This event reminded us that science education should be inclusive. Everyone deserves access to science, and this interaction inspired us to create more accessible opportunities.
• Communication and Engagement: Through interaction, we learned how to explain complex concepts to people from different backgrounds. This experience enhanced our communication skills and deepened our commitment to science outreach.
• Inspiration and Motivation: His enthusiasm for science deeply moved us, motivating us to continue pushing forward with our research and spreading scientific knowledge to more people.

Volunteer Hike with the Blind Event-2: Twin Mountains & Former Embassies

On September 28, we took part in a volunteer activity with the blind, visiting the World Floral Garden, Twin Mountains, and several former embassies from the World Expo. This is the second time we’ve voluntarily participated in such an event. In addition to our team members, we also encouraged classmates and friends to join us in supporting the charity activities for the visually impaired. Along with our visually impaired friends, we also played games. While climbing Twin Mountains, Candy closed her eyes to experience the difficulty of navigating stairs and turns, similar to what the visually impaired face daily. Despite being guided by her peers, she still encountered several obstacles, but ultimately, Candy reached the summit. This experience gave us a deep appreciation of the challenges they face, increasing our willingness to care for vulnerable groups.

During our conversation with a visually impaired participant, we learned that most are open to receiving volunteer help due to daily challenges. Visually impaired friends expressed gratitude to us, noting that the kindness of people had significantly improved their lives. This made me realize how crucial humanitarian care is in society.

Event Reflections:

• Inclusivity and Equality: This event reminded us that science education should be inclusive. Everyone deserves access to science, and this interaction inspired us to create more accessible opportunities.
• Communication and Engagement: Through interaction, we learned how to explain complex concepts to people from different backgrounds. This experience enhanced our communication skills and deepened our commitment to science outreach.
• Inspiration and Motivation: His enthusiasm for science deeply moved us, motivating us to continue pushing forward with our research and spreading scientific knowledge to more people.