The Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (CMBB) hosted the CMBB Biotech Bridge Hackathon: Beat the Clock! from January 31 to February 1, 2025, bringing together some of the brightest minds in biotechnology and interdisciplinary research. Among the 17 selected teams, each consisting of six members, a team led by Deepak Bastola, a Graduate Teaching Assistant from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, earned an Honorable Mention for their innovative concept in healthcare technology.
The team proposed an idea to explore the potential of service animals in extending human lifespan by simulating canine olfactory detection with artificial intelligence. Inspired by the remarkable ability of dogs to detect diseases such as cancer and diabetes through scent, the team envisioned a future where this natural capability could be replicated using AI-driven sensor technology. While the exact solution is yet to be realized, the concept lays the foundation for further research and innovation in non-invasive and accessible disease detection methods.
The project stemmed from a desire to bridge the gap between human health and animal intelligence, highlighting the untapped potential of service animals in medical diagnostics. By integrating biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and mathematical modeling, the idea encourages further exploration into data-driven healthcare solutions.
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics congratulates Deepak Bastola and his team for their well-deserved recognition at the CMBB Biotech Bridge Hackathon. Their innovative thinking underscores the growing impact of mathematics, statistics, and artificial intelligence in shaping the future of medical technology.
