This year, a number of new design projects are offered, along with the car and aerodesigns. Doctors in the Texas Medical Center would like such a device to mimic the suction of leeches, which help return blood circulation to fingers and toes. Of course, a mechanical version would be easier to take care of, and more aesthetically pleasing to patients. Baylor College of Medicine researchers are looking for a control device that can apply stresses in two dimensions to membranes, to help test the strength of cell membranes. Students can also design a myoelectric prosthetic hand, and an orthopedic surgeon is looking for a device that could measure the amount of rotation in the forearm and wrist.
Students can also build a silencer for industrial vacuum cleaners and floor polishers.
Companies in the oil industry, such as Baker Hughes, Halliburton and Schlum-berger, are willing to help students.