Providing Public Accessibility to Synthetic Biology and Project "Lethe"

Science for Everyone…

Building a Fairer Society with Equal Opportunities for All in STEM fields

Despite the progress made over the years, women remain underrepresented in STEM fields, especially as the prestige and status of the roles increase. Various factors have been shown to contribute to the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields, but gender discrimination plays the most significant role, creating unequal opportunities and barriers for women compared to men.

Studies show that between 2014 and 2021, women made up only 15.7% (1,855 out of 11,842) of all Highly Cited Researchers (HCRs). Another study found that, among the top-cited scientists worldwide, only 15% are women. The gender gap is most evident in fields like chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and physics, where women account for only 4–7% of all HCRs. These statistics highlight the importance of promoting gender equality and providing equal career opportunities. It is crucial to elevate female role models so that more young girls can believe in themselves, pursue their ambitions, strive for professional growth and overcome societal barriers.

Our team, itself, is an example of gender parity in science, with equal representation of both men and women. Beyond that, we’ve worked to raise awareness about gender equality through our social media accounts. For International Women’s Day (March 8), we leveraged social media to highlight remarkable women in science, sharing their contributions and achievements. Apart from that, we participated in the “Science STEMming from Women” conference, organized by a Pharmaceutical Students' Association of our University. The event focused on the challenges women in science face and explored ways to increase their participation. We had the opportunity to engage with female role models, aspiring female scientists and even government female representatives, with whom we shared ideas on creating a more inclusive future.

Our vision includes advocating for stronger governmental support through awareness campaigns and workshops, for the promotion of equality and the reduction of stereotypes. We emphasize the need for better access to parental and personal support, such government-funded childcare facilities and leadership/mentoring programs for women. Through these efforts and by setting an example ourselves, we aim to build a fairer society with equal opportunities for all.

Content from the Event can be found here...

Unlocking Knowledge From Science to "Lethe" with Comprehensive Guides

In our effort to share our knowledge of Synthetic Biology with the general public and diverse social groups, with an emphasis on inclusivity, we created a guide with a detailed description of our project “Lethe”, the fundamental biological concepts and also an analytical guide for proper behavior and dress code in the laboratory. The purpose is to disseminate knowledge about this innovative field to a broad audience in a way that is understandable and accessible. Through the guides, the following objectives are pursued:

• Simplifying Synthetic Biology: To make scientific knowledge more comprehensible by clarifying basic biological concepts and techniques related to synthetic biology and to our project.
• Promoting Dialogue: Encouraging public reflection and active participation in scientific issues.
• Reaching Diverse Social Groups: To tailor the knowledge so that it is accessible to people of varying educational levels and backgrounds, promoting scientific literacy across different segments of society.
• Ensuring Safety: Το ensure safety by clearly outlining proper procedures, reducing the risk of accidents and contamination. Also ensuring that all participants follow the same standards and protocols for optimal collaboration.

These guides aim to bridge the gap between the scientific community and the general public, creating a platform for communication and understanding regarding the possibilities and challenges of synthetic biology and of our project “Lethe”.

Indeed, the translation of the guides into two different languages (Turkish and Albanian), except from English and Greek, but also in Braille further expands the concept of inclusivity. People from minorities in Greece can use the Guides to inform themselves and be inspired for their future plans and aspirations.

You can find our Project Guides here…

• Project Guide (English)
• Project Guide (Braille)
• Project Guide (Albanian)
• Project Guide (Turkish)
• Project Guide (Greek)

You can find our Safety Fuides here…

• Safety Guide (English)
• Safety Guide (Braille)
• Safety Guide (Albanian)
• Safety Guide (Turkish)
• Safety Guide (Greek)

Awareness for everyone…

Our priority was to raise awareness and inform all social groups both about the important problem of Alzheimer's Disease and, also, how to deal with it through the possibilities offered by Synthetic Biology. Our goal was to include as many diverse social groups as possible in our information campaigns.

Empowering Communities Through the Radio Station UPFM

As part of our commitment to make Synthetic Biology and Science accessible to as many people as possible, we visited the University of Patras' radio station, UPFM, for an engaging and insightful interview. This initiative was crucial for us, as we aimed to spread knowledge about Synthetic Biology, Alzheimer's disease, and our project through a medium that is affordable and accessible to everyone and everywhere.

Radio is an inclusive platform, reaching a diverse audience, including those who may not have access to more expensive forms of media, like the internet or paid scientific resources. By using this medium, we were able to engage with people from, lower socio-economic backgrounds who might otherwise be excluded from scientific discussions. Importantly, UPFM allowed us to interact with listeners in real-time, answering live questions and encouraging active participation, which made the knowledge-sharing experience more interactive and inclusive.

Moreover, radio is a medium often favored by older generations, giving them the opportunity to engage in conversations about the latest advancements in science and synthetic biology. This helped bridge the generational gap , empowering older adults to understand how modern developments, such as potential Alzheimer's therapies, could directly impact their lives, while also reducing fear or uncertainty around new technologies.Additionally, radio is a safe and familiar platform for younger audiences. For example, children riding in the car with their parents, where radio is commonly used, can be exposed to educational content that sparks curiosity and encourages further exploration into science and synthetic biology.

Through this interview, we were able to reach and include a broad spectrum of society, from young students to elderly listeners, as well as individuals from lower economic backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and raising awareness about our therapeutic project and the field of Synthetic Biology.

Watch our visit on that Day...

Creating Awareness posts on Social Media

To inform the wider general public we made awareness posts on social media.

Let’s learn more things about iGEM Combetition: We created this post to raise public awareness about the iGEM Competition and the fascinating field of Synthetic Biology, fostering curiosity and engagement with cutting-edge science. By sharing information about this innovative competition, we aim to inspire individuals to explore the potential of synthetic biology in solving real-world challenges. Additionally, by promoting inclusivity, we highlight the importance of welcoming diverse perspectives in scientific inquiry, ensuring that everyone feels empowered to contribute to this exciting field and that their voices are valued.

Dementia caregivers Awarness Day: We created this post to raise public awareness about the struggles they encounter, fostering understanding and empathy, which are key to building a more inclusive society. Additionally, by promoting inclusivity, we emphasize the importance of valuing every individual’s role, ensuring that caregivers feel seen, heard, and appreciated.

April 11 World Parkinson’s Disease Day: We created this post to raise public awareness about the challenges faced by those living with Parkinson’s disease, as well as their caregivers, fostering understanding and empathy. These values are essential for building a more inclusive and supportive society. Additionally, by promoting inclusivity, we highlight the importance of recognizing and valuing every person’s experience, ensuring that those affected by Parkinson’s feel seen, heard, and appreciated.

Unbelievable brain facts: We created this post to raise public awareness about the incredible capabilities of the human brain, fostering curiosity and admiration for one of the most complex organs in the body. Understanding these amazing brain facts helps build a deeper appreciation for neuroscience and human potential. Additionally, by promoting inclusivity, we emphasize the importance of valuing every individual's unique cognitive abilities, ensuring that all minds are recognized, respected, and celebrated.

Check out our posts here...

Holding a Life-changing Event with Care Association

In order to include older people, who do not have access to social media, in our information campaign, we thus participated in a particularly moving event of the Care Association. The audience consisted of the interested parties themselves, their families and caregivers as well as older people looking for prevention. At the event, we informed the audience about our project and the possibilities offered by Synthetic Biology and answered the questions of the interested parties. So we managed to inform the elderly and their families to a greater extent and to revive their hopes and also to give them strength for the battle they fight every day.

Material from the event can be found here…

Bridging Childhood and Alzheimer's in a New Approach to Fairy Tales

In addition, to raise awareness and inform the sensitive social group of children, where special attention is needed to understand such a complex issue, we sought the creation of a fairy tale. Through the fairy tale unfolds the story of a grandmother and a granddaughter who are called to face the disease and many new adventures to maintain the bond between them and to renew their relationship.

Remarkably, the story was written by a child who experienced the impacts of the disease firsthand, as her grandmother suffered from it. Through her perspective, she vividly describes the emotions felt by a child who must confront the challenging and complex issue of a loved one’s memory loss. We believe that this tale will inspire other children to think differently and approach such situations with understanding and compassion.

The fairy tale is even in audio book format so that it is addressed to an even larger audience and specifically to children who face vision problems, promoting inclusion and equality in access to information.

Fairytale (English)

Fairytale (Greek)

Fairytale (AudioBook)

Supporting Migrant and Refugee Children on their Path to Evolution

Additionally, in order to promote our project to children from minority groups who do not receive proper information, we visited a School that hosts migrant and refugee children in the area of Patras. Our goal was for these children to be introduced to the world of Synthetic Biology and to be inspired about their future and the opportunities available to them.

To achieve our objective, we presented the benefits and possibilities offered by Synthetic Biology to the children through an interactive presentation, complemented by engaging games. We developed questionnaires to sharpen the critical thinking skills of the children, alongside engaging them in a card game that employed analogies to enhance their understanding of the concepts of Synthetic Biology and Alzheimer’s Disease. Additionally, the children had the opportunity to express their creativity through painting and participate in a discussion about the university and the opportunities it can offer for their future. The results were particularly positive, as the children were excited and eager to explore for themselves the possibilities that the future might offer them in fields they had never imagined.

You can find Material from our Visit here…

Empowering Children with Intellectual Disabilities

Additionally, we made sure not to exclude children with intellectual disabilities from our awareness campaign. Specifically, we visited the 1st Special Elementary School of Patras, where the children had the opportunity to learn about Synthetic Biology and the “Lethe” project. Their excitement was palpable as they actively engaged in discussions, answered our questions, and shared a wonderfully productive time with us.

We began with a presentation explaining how we prepare for laboratory work by following safety protocols. Our goal was to spark their curiosity and immerse them in the spirit of laboratory experimentation. The children were thrilled with this new knowledge and eagerly asked us to share more about the fascinating world of science.

We then continued with a fun card-matching game, drawing parallels between concepts in Synthetic Biology and everyday life. This allowed us to further introduce the children to the magical world of Synthetic Biology while nurturing their interest in science and expanding their horizons.

To help them understand the Lethe project and Alzheimer’s disease, we told them a story, which they followed with great attention and enthusiasm. Through the story, the children not only grasped the concept of Alzheimer’s disease but also learned how to be compassionate toward individuals with memory disorders.

Lastly, to encourage self-expression, the children were free to draw pictures inspired by Synthetic Biology and the Lethe project. Their creativity flourished as they brought to life what they had learned.

In conclusion, this day was truly special and enlightening. We realized that diversity is not something to be feared but celebrated, as it enriches us all. The children’s enthusiasm and willingness to learn reinforced the importance of inclusion, showing us that science can be made accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities.

You can see more bellow…

Ensuring Inclusivity for People with Disabilities in the Laboratory

Introducing a Specialized Navigation Kit for Visually Impaired Users in the Laboratory

Ensuring accessibility for visually impaired individuals in the lab is crucial for promoting inclusion, independence and equal opportunities. It allows them to actively participate in scientific work without barriers, fostering a more diverse and inclusive environment. By providing the necessary tools, we empower those individuals to navigate and perform tasks safely and efficiently. This not only enhances their confidence and skills, but also ensures that all members of the scientific community, regardless, can contribute their unique perspectives and talents.

To enhance accessibility for visually impaired individuals in the laboratory, a specialized navigation kit is provided. This kit includes Braille labels for all the Lab equipment and the essential chemicals used, ensuring clear identification. Additionally, Braille-numbered tags are available for glassware (containers and tools such as beakers, flasks and test tubes) and pipettes, while a tactile floor plan of the laboratory is custom-made to help with spatial orientation. Basic instructions for before, during and after lab activities are also translated into Braille, enabling greater independence and safety for visually impaired individuals in the laboratory environment.

Take a look at the "Lethe Kit" Box Design here...

But also on the inside...

Here you can find and read the materials inside the "Lethe Kit"...

• Instruction Manual (in English)
• Instruction Manual (in Greek)
• Instructions for Proper Behavior in the Lab (in English and in Braille)
• Special Mapping Design Paper (in English)
• Special Mapping Design Paper (in Greek)
• Special Signs (in Greek to Braille)
• Special Signs (in English to Braille)

Unveiling a Specialized Layout for People with Mobility Challenges in the Laboratory

To further enhance accessibility for people with mobility impairments and individuals in wheelchairs in the laboratory, we have developed a specialized layout for the space. This design prioritizes ease of movement and navigation and, also, fosters an inclusive environment where everyone can participate fully. It includes not only special arrangements for the space to make it more accessible, such as wider pathways, but also, recommended, specialized equipment, like adjustable workbenches for conducting experiments. Creating inclusive spaces reflects our commitment to equality and respect for all individuals, recognizing the diverse abilities and contributions each person brings. Below, you can οbserve the specialized layout and compare it with a standard typical laboratory floor plan. The laboratory depicted is the one where our project “Lethe” experiments were conducted at the University of Patras!

This is the Layout of our Laboratory (standard)...

This is the Layout of a suitably arranged Laboratory (specialized)...

And these two in Comparison...

Building Inclusivity through Awareness: Teaching Children Empathy and Accessibility in Science Education

Recognizing the importance of fostering inclusivity for individuals with disabilities in the field of science, we realized that this goal can only be achieved if society, and particularly children, are properly sensitized. With this in mind, our team participated in “Researchers' Night”, a science event in Patras, where we not only shared knowledge about Synthetic Biology through interactive activities, such as creating biological molecules using plasticine, but also focused on raising awareness about the experiences of people with disabilities, specifically those who are blind.

We designed a simulation game, where children were asked to close their eyes and use their sense of touch to identify biological molecules. Through this activity, the children gained insight into how blind students experience learning biology. They quickly realized that this process is not without its challenges. Some children struggled to identify the molecules, deepening their understanding of how important patience, empathy and support are when helping students with visual impairments.

By guiding them whenever they encountered difficulties, we demonstrated how small actions can make science education more accessible and inclusive for everyone. This hands-on experience allowed the children to appreciate the significance of inclusivity in education and it reinforced the idea that everyone, regardless of ability, deserves the opportunity to engage with science.

Through activities like these, we aim to inspire the next generation to embrace diversity and inclusion, ensuring that science becomes a field where all can actively participate, thrive, work in harmony and efficiency, cultivate mutual understanding and build strong collaborative relationships .

Event Photos are available right here...

Incorporating and Assisting Alzheimer's Patients

Αs our main goal was to contribute to the inclusion of patients and their families in society, we tried to understand their daily needs. We, therefore, came into contact with a large number of experts such as psychologists, music therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists who gave us important information and also they presented us the ways in which we can contribute to the improvement of the symptoms and the slowing down of the Disease. More specifically:

• During our conversation with Mrs. Georgia Batsila, Psychologist specialized in Music Therapy, we found the beneficial feelings that music creates in the beneficiaries. In particular, music calms, causes positive emotions but also moments of clarity and can improve the prognosis of the Disease.
• During our conversation with Mrs. Vassiliki Moraitis, occupational therapist, we found the value of exercise and physical strengthening in the progression of the disease. She pointed out to us that after each session, patients not only feel well-being but also have better psychology, are more cheerful and happy.
• Mr. Konstantinos Prouskas, a psychologist, pointed out to us the value of intergenerationalism to combat the symptoms of loneliness and exclusion felt by patients.
• While attending the session of Speech Therapist Mrs. Marianna Limmos, we found the beneficial effect of games both for improving mental abilities and for maintaining the good psychology of patients who experience loneliness and exclusion.
• We talked with the architect Mrs. Maria Zisi in order to explore the ideal space in which the patients will live and be active.

Applying the advice of the experts, we organized a variety of actions to support the patients and help them integrate into society.

Unlocking Creativity through Art in Alzheimer's Disease

After our communication with the Care Association and after they explained to us their actions and functions as well as the basic characteristics of the Disease, they pointed out to us the love of the beneficiaries for art and especially for painting. In an effort to include patients in society and acceptance of this special group of people by all members of society, we organized a painting exhibition in order to present the feelings of these people through painting .

The patients were asked for drawings with a free theme and their caregivers described to us the state of the Disease in each of them. All this together with children's drawings were presented and discussed at the painting exhibition we organized in the friendly space of Co2theger in the center of Patras. At the exhibition, there were two speeches by a representative of our group who spoke about our Therapeutic Approach and also by Geriatrician Mrs. Maria Zafeiropoulou who gave Advice for...Good Old Age! The interest and response of the people was touching.

In conclusion, the painting exhibition served as a meaningful platform to bridge the gap between patients and society, allowing the unique perspectives and emotions of those affected by the Disease to be shared and celebrated. The heartfelt engagement from the community demonstrated the power of art as a therapeutic tool and highlighted the importance of inclusivity, ultimately enriching the lives of both the beneficiaries and the audience.

Take a peek inside the painting Exhibition....

Dancing Through Memories with Traditional Music and Dances

In our effort to contribute to the integration and inclusion of people with Alzheimer's and related disorders, we utilized the important role that music plays in slowing down the symptoms of the Disease. Therefore, aiming at the patients' need to feel the love and understanding of society and therefore to be active members of it, we decided to utilize the beneficial effect of Music ,Dance and Tradition in the context of a social event .

Thus, in a collaboration with the “Frontizo” Care Association, we participated in an event of Traditional Dances. The Care Association undertook the preparation of the beneficiaries such as learning the traditional dances, the songs that will be sung at the same time as the Dance and their costumes. The beneficiaries thus entered into a process of rehearsals and preparations, which boosted their morale and reduced loneliness as they spent their free time creatively.

On the day of the event, our beneficiaries presented a very beautiful program with dance and song, while at the end all the guests danced with them. Their will and effort moved us all and it was a unique and unforgettable evening which certainly strengthened the morale of the beneficiaries and highlighted that cultural events concern all social groups, even the vulnerable ones as in this particular case. These people are members of society and have the right to access and participate in cultural events.

Let’s delve into tradition...

Breaking Barriers with the “Lethe” Application Fighting Inequality

In the course of our research and our actions, we found out an important problem that the patients and their families were facing. "They experience intense loneliness and day by day the disease is getting worse", were the words of the occupational therapist, Mrs. Vasiliki Moraitis, that made us reflect more deeply on what is there to change and what can we offer to these people, to improve their everyday life. In addition, we reflected on the advice of Mr. Pruskas on the integration of intergenerationalism and its benefits in the daily life of patients. These elements inspired us to create an innovative and easy-to-use tool: an Application with all the above features and even more!

Our purpose is to create an application that will mainly concern elderly people suffering from Memory Disorders as well as Neurocognitive Disorders. This Application will be an ally for the treatment of the Disease with non-pharmaceutical interventions as well as the occupation of patients in their private space. Also, in an effort to be inclusive, the application will also be addressed to people who cannot have access to some accommodation structure, either because of their place of residence or because of financial incapacity and to people who don't have any available family and friends to help them through their everyday-life.

The application will be in the form of a personal ID for the user where it will include their personal information, photos of themselves and their loved ones, location and reminders for everyday things so that the user can remember important information whenever they feel that they are struggling. In addition, the application is enriched with games and exercises and music so that the user can spend his free time creatively and also practice his mental functions, alone or together with his family members. Finally, through a score that the user will gather, the course will be evaluated and his progress either by himself or by his relatives.

Below, you can find the visual presentation of our application's concept, which you can also interact with. Lethe Application

Bringing the Young and Old Together on Game Day

In another attempt to help patients combat the feelings of loneliness, exclusion and inactivity they experience, we decided to utilize the benefits of intergenerational games in slowing down and improving the symptoms of the Disease. So, in collaboration with the Accommodation Center ‘Frodizo’, it was organized a Game Day with patients and children.

On this day students from the schools of Patras as well as the Beneficiaries of “Frodizo” gathered in an interactive room in the accommodation and a Game Marathon started. At first, we played with them a game that we have inspired ourselves with cards and parallels in order for the children to understand basic biological concepts, but also to get to know Alzheimer's Disease through analogies with elements of everyday life. After we educated the children about Alzheimer’s and the manners with which they should approach patients, they started playing with the elderly many different kinds of games, such as board games and card games.

At the end of the day, everyone was excited! The elderly were happy, and didn't want this experience to end. They thanked us warmly and reported that they managed to take a break from their everyday life and fight their feelings of loneliness. The children were still more cheerful, aware and now more determined to treat the elderly with love and empathy.

Material from the Day can be found here…

Bridging the Gap Between Patients and Non-patients with a “Behavior Guide”

In order to understand the difficulties of the patients and their families, the challenges they face every day, as well as their needs, we got in touch with them and their relatives. We also created a questionnaire so that we could see for ourselves how people are treated from the wider society.

Unfortunately, our findings were not very positive. Patients and their families experience indifference and contempt every day, both from those around them and even from members of their own family. This makes the patients feel even more themselves and their relatives unable to cope with the situation without help. We, consequently, decided to create a “Behavior Guide”, whose goal is the inclusion of People with Memory Disorders and their families and their integration into the society.

Both through our own personal research and through the useful advice of the psychologist, Mrs. Vassiliki Georgiousi, to whom we especially thank, we managed to develop the following concise and understandable guide for all ages!

• Firstly, we list some general behavioral instructions for the general population, in case of contact with people who face mental and motor difficulties, in order to ensure smooth communication between them.
• Continuing, we observed the difficulty of caregivers to cope with the obligations and also to manage the psychological burden they are under. Therefore, below we list some tips that may be useful and helpful to people who have taken on the responsibility of continuous care and protection.
• In addition, it is particularly important for the psychological stability of the patients as well as their physical protection to create the appropriate space in which they will feel safe to move and perform their daily duties, whether this space concerns their home or in care structures. So, with the valuable help of the architect Mrs. Maria Zisi, below we present the characteristics that the appropriate space in which the Patients will live and move, offering them peace and stability, must have.
• Finally, it is particularly important to train the younger generations to deal appropriately with elders who have memory problems, without fear but with understanding and empathy. Thus, now the problem will be fully understood by younger people and parents will not feel insecure when their children come into contact with people with Memory Disorders.

The guide has been translated into Turkish and Albanian to include people living in Greece from minority backgrounds who cannot understand English. It has also been translated into Braille to reach a larger number of individuals who wish to be informed and educated. Education and information should be accessible to everyone, and we must not forget those with difficulties!

Here we attach the Behavior Guides…

• Behavior Guide
• Behavior Guide (Albanian)
• Behavior Guide (Braille)
• Behavior Guide (Turkish)
• Behavior Guide (Greek)

To promote further inclusion and understanding of the right treatment towards patients, we created a Poster with the 10 Basic Guidelines for behavior towards patients, that will be used in places where a large number of people have access every day. This poster will be promoted in various places such as consumer stores, restaurants, banks, social structures. In fact, the poster is also addressed to people with vision difficulties as it has been translated into Braille. This way it is ensured that the instructions will be accessible to a general public, while the inclusion of braille highlights our commitment to access and understanding for all. We therefore encourage a more informed and sensitive approach to patients, thereby contributing to the creation of a more supportive society.

Below we attach the poster…

Taking Green Steps toward Environmental Action with the Elderly

Wanting to further strengthen inclusivity and help socialize patients and influenced by iGEM's 17 sustainable development goals, we decided to organize an Environmental Action.In collaboration with a local seniors' group (KAPI) in Patras, we organized a community park clean-up event where elderly citizens affected by the Disease and students worked together to improve the environment. This activity not only encouraged physical exercise -known to benefit both physical and mental health- but also fostered social interaction, giving elderly participants a sense of purpose and inclusion. The beautified park now serves as a welcoming space where elderly individuals, including Alzheimer's patients, can enjoy nature, socialize, and take calming walks.

Material from our action can be found here....

Creating the Ideal Space for Alzheimer's Patients

After our conversation with architect Mrs. Maria Zisi, we obtained useful information about the way the space in which the patients will live and move should be designed. Some general information is as follows:

• The space should be cozy, warm and have objects familiar to the patient, that will evoke memories, such as photos and their favorite objects and even familiar materials and textures in the space.
• The space is not suitable to have bright colors, apart from blue, red, purple, orange and their shades, and shiny surfaces, while contrasting colors can be used in cases where we want to focus the attention of the person (for example using contrasting colors on the cutlery during feeding to make it easier to separate).
• The space should have good visibility, but also be safe with fewer risks such as the removal of sharp objects and steps that could lead to a fall.
• Mirrors should be covered as they can cause confusion for patients.
• Lighting should be uniform and sudden changes in lighting levels should be avoided.
• There should also be sufficient wall and floor lighting as well as near the bed and avoid dark black spots in the room, as they are perceived as threatening or may lead to a fall.
• During the day, tables or trays with light can be used, which in addition to providing some additional lighting, can stimulate the circadian system.
• Night lights are necessary as the elderly may visit the toilet during the night. These lights should have a warm color.
• A non-pharmacological treatment, which is also recommended for people with dementia is a light therapy. People with dementia often experience sleep problems, while medication often has unwanted side effects. This treatment, applied in the morning, is based on the fact that bright light, which exceeds 2500lx, suppresses melatonin levels in patients.
• Lighting can be used to stimulate the senses and offer positive distractions. An example is multi-sensory environments which present significant benefits in mental health, in activation and also in reducing self-stimulation of people with dementia.

We highlight this knowledge as it is crucial that it be disseminated to society as well as to the patients' families so that the latter can live safely and also improve their quality of life through facilities offered in the area where they live .

Developing Patient-Centered Alzheimer's Clinics

Taking into consideration the guidelines above, of the ideal space for Alzheimer’s patients, and combining them with information from our own research, we came up with the idea of creating specialized patient-centered “Alzheimer's Clinics”. Specifically, we refer to a patient-friendly space, warm and welcoming, where the patient can relax, feel at home and safe enough to be examined and, also, receive their treatment.

We placed particular emphasis on the colors of the room and the objects, using mostly blue and pink, on the natural and artificial lighting, using large windows and adjustable specialized lighting, on the familiar items, using potted plants, rugs and pillows and, lastly, on the comfortable and convenient space, using only the necessarily furniture.

So, let’s check out the Mockup below...

Using the Power of Color to Transform Alzheimer's Care

For individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, the surrounding environment plays a significant role in shaping their interactions, responses, and overall enjoyment of life. Numerous studies have explored the effects of color and most experts concur that color can improve the quality of life for these patients. Specifically, red, a bold and vibrant color, has been shown to stimulate brain activity and, in some cases, increase adrenaline levels. Additionally, red can alter the perception of environmental temperature, making the space feel warmer and more welcoming. Conversely, blue is often linked with tranquility and peace, and research indicates that it can help lower blood pressure and alleviate anxiety. It is frequently used in spaces designed for relaxation and quiet. These vivid colors may enhance functional ability, short-term memory, and help highlight important elements, especially since individuals with dementia often experience challenges in color discrimination.

Furthermore, we have chosen to visually represent our study and project on Alzheimer's by creating a color palette based on blue and red tones. Our goal is to ensure that each patient can access and comprehend our therapeutic approach in an environment that promotes calmness, relaxation and focus. Looking ahead, we plan to incorporate these colors into the packaging of our product and its related advertising campaigns. Additionally, we intend to integrate the principles of color theory into the design of our treatment centers, including the walls, furniture and other objects within the space. Finally, we have already begun sharing these insights with those involved in Alzheimer's care, meaning families, caregivers and medical professionals, as well as the general public. By raising awareness about color theory, we aim to create a more familiar and supportive environment that enhances the quality of life for Alzheimer's patients.

Here’s our Color Palette...

Facilitating Availability to Treatment and the "Lethe" Product

Increasing Access to Treatment through a Mobile Unit

Access to Alzheimer's treatment is crucial for managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients. However, for individuals who are unable to travel to the hospital due to mobility issues or other health constraints, receiving regular care can be extremely challenging. Recognizing this barrier, we established a mobile treatment unit specifically designed to bring necessary medical care directly to these patients.

This mobile unit allows individuals with Alzheimer's to receive the treatment and support they need in the comfort of their own homes, ensuring continuous monitoring, personalized care, and timely interventions. By providing on-site therapies, cognitive assessments, and medical consultations, we aim to reduce the burden on both patients and caregivers, enhancing their overall well-being. Ultimately, this initiative is a step towards greater healthcare equity, ensuring that no one is left behind due to logistical or physical limitations.

Here, you can view the interior and exterior design of the Mobile Unit...

Exterior...

Interior...

Enhancing Inclusivity by Making Treatment Affordable, Scalable and Cost-Effective

A key pillar of our project’s mission is to ensure that our Alzheimer’s therapeutic approach is not only innovative but also affordable and accessible to a broad population. By focusing on cost-effective strategies throughout the development and delivery of our treatment, we aim to break financial barriers and promote inclusivity for patients of all socio-economic backgrounds.

Bringing Care to Patients with Mobile Treatment Units

To minimize overhead costs and maximize accessibility, we’ve designed a mobile treatment delivery model. Our approach relies on specially equipped vans, featuring refrigeration and essential medical facilities, allowing us to bring the treatment directly to patients without the need for costly fixed infrastructure. This mobile setup ensures that communities, especially those in underserved or rural areas, have direct access to care.

Starting from Patras, Greece, where our project originated, we plan to gradually expand by adding more mobile units instead of building physical clinics. This flexible, scalable approach significantly reduces the costs associated with opening new facilities and infrastructure. Additionally, we will offer the treatment to existing clinics that can modify their spaces to accommodate the therapy, further extending reach without heavy investment.

Reducing Costs through Bulk Procurement

To make the treatment more affordable, we leverage bulk purchasing of essential components, such as viral vectors and miRNA materials. By purchasing these materials in large quantities, we benefit from economies of scale, reducing procurement costs. This strategy enables us to keep production costs low, allowing us to offer the therapy at a price point accessible to a wider population.

Building Strategic Partnerships to Lower Costs

To further enhance cost-efficiency, we have established strategic partnerships with specialized companies. For example, we will source induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from external suppliers rather than producing them in-house, particularly in the early stages of development. This not only reduces operational costs but also minimizes the risk of mishandling, ensuring a reliable supply chain. This approach allows us to focus our resources on other critical areas, such as development and scaling, ensuring steady growth without compromising quality.

As we formalize contracts with these companies, we will continue to keep costs low, allowing us to pass those savings on to patients. We are also exploring partnerships for plasmid production to further drive down expenses and maintain the affordability of our treatment.

Implementing Future Automation for Long-Term Cost Efficiency

Looking ahead, as our startup grows and profitability increases, we plan to incorporate automated systems into our production and quality control processes. Automation will reduce labor costs and minimize human error, ensuring consistent product quality and efficiency. This standardization will streamline production, allowing us to scale more easily as demand for our Alzheimer’s therapy increases, further driving down costs.

By focusing on these cost-effective measures, we ensure that our Alzheimer's therapeutic can reach a wider population, breaking down financial barriers and promoting inclusivity. This approach not only makes cutting-edge synthetic biology treatments accessible but also ensures that patients from various socio-economic backgrounds can benefit from our innovations.

Expanding Access through Mass Production Without Compromising Effectiveness

Our strategy for mass-producing the Alzheimer's therapy ensures broad accessibility while maintaining its effectiveness. By focusing on large-scale production, we can significantly reduce costs, allowing the treatment to reach a wider population, especially in regions with limited healthcare resources, such as Greece, where high costs often prevent access to advanced medical care.

In many lower-income countries, personalized therapies are prohibitively expensive due to specialized equipment and processes. By offering a scalable, mass-produced solution, we avoid these high costs, providing an affordable, high-quality treatment.This approach enables us to deliver cutting-edge care to underserved populations, ensuring that even those in economically disadvantaged areas have access to life-changing therapies, thus promoting inclusivity and reducing health inequities.

Prioritizing Safety and Inclusivity with a Non-Invasive Delivery Method

Our therapy utilizes a non-invasive delivery method, leveraging exosomes, which are naturally occurring and have minimum side effects. These exosomes are used to transport adeno-associated virus (AAV), a highly regarded viral vector known for its safety. AAV does not integrate into the patient's genome, significantly reducing the risk of mutations that could lead to other serious conditions, such as cancer.

This approach ensures that our treatment remains safe, reducing concerns associated with invasive procedures or the long-term risks of genetic therapies. By minimizing the potential for adverse effects, we can offer a therapy that is accessible and suitable for a broader patient population, including those with existing health vulnerabilities or limited access to high-risk medical care.

Additionally, the non-invasive nature of the treatment reduces the need for specialized medical environments, making it more feasible for clinics and healthcare systems in resource-limited areas. This enhances inclusivity by providing a safe, effective treatment option to a wider range of patients, regardless of their location or healthcare infrastructure.

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