Tag: Chulalongkorn University

Chula’s Institute of Thai Studies and the Faculty of Engineering have worked together to create “The CU Memorial Hall’s VR Program” pioneering the learning of history in three-dimensional virtual reality, rendering modernity to the past and instilling a sense of fun in the new generation.

Technology is an enabling factor today that helps to make learning an entertaining endeavor. Many of us may have thought that history is a boring subject requiring memorization but that is no longer the case today since it is through “experience” that one learns with the help of technology that helps to enliven the subject by making it more vivid.

Many interested persons have experimented with a virtual trip into the past at Chulalongkorn University’s Central Library through the use of “The CU Memorial Hall’s VR Program.”  Each person is given a VR headset and with that, they can enter the CU Memorial Hall without having to leave their seats.

“The moment I donned those VR glasses I felt like I was suddenly transported to the area at the entrance of the Memorial Hall with all the trees and greenery.  I felt like I was standing at that very place.”  One person who had experimented with the CU Memorial Hall’s VR program related that particular experience.

“The moment our fingers touch the controller the image changes creating the feeling that we are walking into the museum. Our fingers take us to any spot we wish to be in.  Everything is so real even the mirrors have a reflection in them.  The objects on display also appear in three dimensions and we can reach out and touch the object.  If you wish to hear the narration of the history of the museum and the objects all you have to do is press the button on the screen.”

The CU Memorial Hall’s VR (Virtual Reality) Program is a part of the
research project entitled “The creation of virtual reality maps in the CU Memorial Hall that present its history in a 3D format via a 5G platform and above.”  It marks the collaboration between the Institute of Thai Studies and the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University.  The project aims to develop the presentation of data, objects, and stories in the CU Memorial Hall to make it more interesting.  The program is also a part of the “Creation of an eco-system and 5G network for Chulalongkorn University’s industrial, educational, and medical research.”

The CU Memorial Hall VR Program:  A Modern Way to Present History

VR is a type of media that is used to create virtual experiences through various forms of three-dimensional techniques that have yet to be used very much for educational purposes.  The research team and program developers have therefore employed modern technology as a tool to entice the new generation to appreciate what is of historical value.

“The youth of today are less interested in history.  Working with these students enables us to understand their nature.  We can therefore try to design educational media that is more attuned to their interests and needs.” Dr. Ratchaneekorn Ratchatakorntrakoon a researcher at the Institute of Thai Studies explained.

“We want people to understand that VR isn’t a game but a form of Edutainment (Education + Entertainment) that provides a wide range of opportunities to study any place and any time.”

Three of the concepts at the heart of the development and design of the CU Memorial Hall VR Program are:

1. Easy to understand

• the technique and content should be interesting and accessible to people of all ages.

2. Easily accessible

• the CU Memorial Hall can be accessed simply with an internet connection and VR gear.

3. Learning through experience

• the use of one’s basic senses – seeing, hearing, and touching are important factors that lead to effective learning and remembering.

“VR enables us to see images widely and clearly.  We also hear the sounds clearly through the use of stereo equipment.  Most importantly we can touch the objects which isn’t allowed in real museums.” Dr.  Ratchaneekorn enumerated the advantages of a museum visit via VR programs.

The creation of the experience and the interaction between a virtual museum and the VR program user is at the heart of an entertaining learning experience.

“The CU Memorial Hall VR Program was designed as an interactive game between the program user and the museum itself. When the user reaches out to touch an object they will learn about its significance from the sights and sounds providing them with information making it easy to understand and remember.  Each episode usually begins with a question that leads into the content for example “How was the construction of the equestrian statue of His Majesty King Chulalongkorn relevant in the founding of Siam’s first university?”

“Aside from the difference in terms of media and method of interaction between the VR and the actual exhibition, there are also differences in terms of content since the Memorial Hall periodically alters its exhibitions.  The evolution of Chula student uniforms found in the VR, for example, isn’t found at the CU Memorial Hall in the Chakrabongse Building.”

CU Memorial Hall and the learning of a significant part of Thai history

The CU Memorial Hall’s VR program has been designed not only to show Chula students the historical significance of this
educational institute.

Dr. Ratchaneekorn pointed out that “As Thailand’s first university, the data we have regarding Chulalongkorn University serves the purpose not only as a record of Chula’s history but is also historically significant to Thailand as a nation.”

The CU Memorial Hall’s VR program is now open to the general public who can visit counter 1 of Chulalongkorn University’s Central Library to borrow the necessary equipment.  Free downloading will also be possible soon.  Any agency interested in this program can contact Dr. Ratchaneekorn by emailing her at [email protected].

For the full release of this article and more images, please visit: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/107778/

Artificial intelligence gives people the opportunity to turn “words” into “pictures” and create their art easily and quickly. But will this form of AI reduce and replace human craftsmanship, imagination, and careers? A Chula Engineering professor and an architecture professor share their views.

Presently, Artificial intelligence (AI) allows humans to live more comfortable lives and unlock the potential that constrains many people, such as drawing and creating art, the area in which many consider themselves unskilled and ungifted.

But now, simply by entering words and text, the AI drawing program will convert those words into images as we imagine. It’s easy, convenient, and fast, and you don’t have to be an artist or studied art to create a beautiful piece of work. This type of AI program is widely used both for work and hobbies for fun and relaxation. On the other hand, many questions arise — Will this technology replace artists? How will it affect their work and income? Will human imagination and craftsmanship in the creation of art still be needed? What is the value of art?

In response to this, Assistant Professor Dr. Sukree Sinthupinyo, Chula Engineering lecturer, sees that “AI does not replace human beings, but helps to fulfill them and makes their work faster and do what they want to do (like drawing) better.”

This is in line with Assistant Professor Supawat Hiranathanavivat from the Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University, who says, “AI helps to transform the image in our head into a clearer image. It is another tool to make the artwork more convenient.”

How does AI draw?

AI creates works by combining raw materials from existing archives, which is similar to the work of the human brain that creates works by building on information in memory and complementing it with imagination.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Sukree explains the work of AI drawing by citing an example of the popular website Midjourney – a program that creates images from text. “All we do is enter words, text, or text prompt that we want to draw in the image. The AI will then process the results from the existing
data warehouse to create the work that we want.”

Today, both images and word archives in the world are enormous, allowing AI to extract data and use it to create a wide range of different images. Even if we enter the same words and texts, the chances of AI reproducing the same images are very slim.

Meeting every need with AI

According to Asst. Prof. Dr. Sukree, this format of AI focuses on creating images, videos, and animations such as removing the background, make up, converting photos into the cartoon, etc. to help make more appealing and unique pieces of work in the fields of architecture, educational media, marketing, etc.

Nowadays, AI drawing is widely used as a hobby, such as the design of book covers, posters, storyboards for advertising pitches, and create animation features, etc.

Complementing or diminishing the human imagination?

Because AI drawing programs are easy to use, quick to create, and convenient for the general public, many people question whether imagination and artistic skills are still necessary for humans.

“AI does not undermine the imagination. On the contrary, it helps to extend our imagination,” said Professor Supawat. “For example, if we want to draw a low-key image with a small light at night, we may enter the word “twilight”. The AI may create an image with purple light for us to see if we like it without even having to draw the image, and saving us time, while letting us experiment with ideas, and visualizations before we start working.”

Asst. Prof. Supawat added, “AI has no imagination. It works with archives of information.  But humans are endowed with imagination and feelings to create something new. Most importantly, humans are still the ones who have to continue thinking about what to draw or how to do it.”

Replacing or fulfilling human beings?

Many types of work that AI is now doing used to be done by professional artists. So, what will happen to these artists now?

“Technology helps in many ways, like the creation of logos, and posters.  Some people working in this area may feel some impact, but AI won’t be able to replace artists. Art collectors still want the work of artists and not the AI. Though the AI can create wonderful pieces of work, if you ask the owners if they feel possessive of those pieces, or whether they have value for them, I think not.”

From the perspective of an artist like Asst. Prof. Supawat, the value of art is not only in its beauty, but also in the story, creation process, and identity of the creator.

“Unique works of art are mainly derived from the identity, feelings, and inspiration that make up the work, as well as the process of creating it.”

The work of art comes from the power of human beings that Asst. Prof. Dr. Sukree calls the “human touch”, which cannot be found in the work done by AI.

“We have to distinguish between “tools”, and “craftsmanship”, both Asst. Prof. Dr. Sukree and Asst. Prof. Supawat concluded.

“In the art circle, technology is no substitute for human beings. Artists create their work to communicate with society and sell their work for a living. If fewer people buy art, it is not because of AI, but because of economic factors. Those who savor, buy, and collect artists’ work are those who have money and see the value of art to speculate,” said Asst. Prof. Supawat.

The development of artificial intelligence technology continues today. More AI with various potentials and capabilities will help facilitate human beings, said Asst. Prof. Sukree.

“Technology is a tool for self improvement. It creates a career for developers. Now many people are involved in this field, and it’s beneficial for people to start new careers. It’s beneficial for us as a whole.”

Asst. Prof. Supawat added that no matter what role the technology will play, “Life will still belong to human beings. Let us enjoy the technology that brings about changes in life.”

For the full release and more images, please visit: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/97995/

 

Farmers in Thailand still largely use chemical herbicides, especially paraquat and atrazine, to control weeds on their farms. According to research by the Office of Agricultural Economics, in 2019, Thailand imported almost 10 million kilograms of paraquat and close to 3.5 million kilograms of atrazine. The residues of these herbicides cause harm to the environment, living creatures, and our health.

As head of the research project on pesticide residues in water test kit for sustainable and safe agriculture, Associate Professor Dr. Thanyalak Chaisuwan, Deputy Dean for Research, The Petroleum and Petrochemical College, Chulalongkorn University, has collaborated with Assistant Professor Dr. Luxsana Dubas, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, in developing a test kit to measure pesticide contaminants in water.

The kit employs synthesized porous nano carbon materials together with color analysis techniques to achieve accuracy and reduce problems from herbicide residues. The research is conducted by Ph.D. students of the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, forming a dual field research to solve the problems of pesticide contamination in water, which is hard to detect.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanyalak explained that Thailand is an agricultural country, resulting in heavy use of pesticides and chemicals in the production of agricultural products. In 2021, Thailand ranked 7 in the world for the number of pesticides and chemicals used in agriculture, amounting to 0.65 kilograms of such substances per rai. Research has shown that chemicals like paraquat and atrazine can lead to Parkinson’s disease and cancer if accumulated in the body. This has led to the development of a pesticide contaminant in water test kits, which uses absorbent materials and compares colors that are sensitive to paraquat and atrazine in small amounts.

The materials used are made from synthetic polymer, achieved by burning organic chemistry materials in inert air until they become coal-like. The result is light-weight porous carbon with holes too small for the naked eye and the diameter of which is measured in nanometers. The research yielded satisfactory results. In the future, the research will be furthered by applying the materials to detect other substances.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanyalak added that Thailand has over 150 million rai of farmland, with revenue from agriculture accounting for 10% of the country’s GDP. The government’s push to reduce the income gap and low income per capita, as well as their support of Smart Farming, requires technology. The development of a test kit for pesticide contaminants in water will be truly beneficial for sustainable and safe agriculture.

As of now, this test kit is a prototype which can be tested in actual conditions.

For the full release and more images, please visit: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/106656/

“The poor play the lottery, the rich play the stock market.” This comical statement seems to hide both hope and the bitter truth. An economics professor at Chulalongkorn University invites us to understand why many Thais put their hopes into lotteries and analyzes how their popularity relates to social inequality, upward mobility and corruption.

The 1st and the 16th of every month seem to be the day of hope for millions of Thai people, especially in low and middle-income groups. Even though the chances of winning a big prize such as the 1st prize are only 1 in a million or 0.0001 percent, and the probability of winning a particular prize is only 1.41%, many Thais continue to buy lottery tickets no matter what the economic situation is like.  With the hope that “this time, luck may be on our side” and “I will get to move up the ladder and become a millionaire myself like all the others.”

Many people may view such beliefs as false hopes of risk-takers who do not rely on their abilities and efforts. But if we look at this with understanding, Assistant Professor Dr. Thanee Chaiwat, Director of the Chulalongkorn Experimental Economics Center (CEEC), says that we will find a complex and bitter truth — the failure to address the income and economic disparities of the country that cause the majority of the country’s population to approach lotteries, Ponzi schemes, and other gray businesses to have a chance to advance socially, have a better social status and quality of life.

Lottery, hope, and social inequality

Lotteries are available in all countries, but people’s expectations from the lottery in each country may vary, said Asst. Prof. Dr. Thanee observes.

In many countries, lottery buyers may only hope for some fun in winning, more than getting rich. But in Thailand, gambling with numbers is serious. It can be seen from the live broadcast of every lottery draw, the news coverage of the lucky lottery winners or the lottery, and many other news media that hints at potential winning numbers that could make some people rich.

Does this lottery popularity picture reflect a hopeful or hopeless society? Why do so many Thais love to buy lottery tickets despite the fact that there is only a small glimmer of hope?

“We often hear people say that buying a lottery ticket is buying hope, but more deeply, most people hope to win a lottery ticket because they have almost no hope in their lives to become wealthy. We live in a society where the chance of social mobility for the poor is practically nil.”

The lower their socioeconomic status, the more difficult it is to move up to the middle class and even more so to become rich.  So, placing high hopes in winning a lottery is a clear reflection of social inequality.

“If I work hard and can get rich in this country, I may be less interested in the lottery.  But we will see that more poor people who work harder and are more exhausted than I am, but there is almost no hope of a better position in life,” said Asst. Prof. Dr. Thanee.

Lotteries are therefore “the Hope” that many see as a risk worth risking!

Economic Monopoly in the Modern World

Economic monopolies in the modern world have an ingenious form and often leave most people feeling satisfied even though they may be exploited or their wages oppressed. Asst. Prof. Dr. Thanee explains.

“Let’s say I monopolize the ownership of convenience stores that are abundant in the country, i.e., 90 percent. I tend to monopolize the market, meaning I don’t have to keep the wages low. I can pay at a normal rate or quite well, but I make higher profits from selling products at a higher price.  Since there is no competition, I can sell products that are my house brand directly with more profit, and get richer.”

Asst. Prof. Dr. Thanee continues “To whom do these convenience stores sell little tubes of toothpaste, cream sachets, and various retail items? They are sold to low-income workers because these people cannot afford to stock up. It is a complex exploitation compared to the exploitation of old that normally took the form of wage oppression.  This new form of exploitation comes with convenience and consumer satisfaction. It is unconscious extortion that yields higher profits without competition. This is a difficulty in the modern business world. Therefore, there must be regulations with the competition law, which Thailand has not yet mastered.”

Two policies that drive “hope” in society

To address economic inequality, Asst. Prof. Dr. Thanee proposes that the government set two main policies: one, earnestly create measures that promote trade competition; and two, enact policies that promote opportunities for ordinary people to become prosperous entrepreneurs. For example, access to loans that enable small businesses to grow, industries promotion that is tailored to the ability of individuals, fund and opportunity distribution for artisan work, design, crafts, etc.

If the ties between capital groups and the government can be properly reduced, the lower classes of society will have access to capital and opportunities to compete more fairly, so that they can enjoy “the hope of a good life and a fair chance of social mobility”.  Only then that we may see fewer people paying for false hopes by buying lottery tickets, or placing their future on high-risk investments.

This article is abridged.

For the full release and more images, please visit: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/106356/

On Thursday, February 16, 2023, Asst. Prof. Dr. Chaiyaporn Puprasert, Vice President for Student Affairs, Chulalongkorn University, and Aw Tuan Kee, Deputy Principal and CEO, Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore, presided over the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony between Chulalongkorn University and Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore.

The agreement was made to enhance collaboration between the two institutions in the areas of student exchange, field studies, and training in various fields, such as arts and culture, sports, volunteering, medical, and leadership. The two institutes will also cooperate on the exchange of professors, staff, and academic information, including events, projects and student internships abroad.

Congratulations to all Chulalongkorn University researchers for receiving awards from international stages.

The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), hosted an official recognition event for Thai innovators and researchers on December 14, 2022. Prof. Sirirurg Songsivilai, M.D., Ph.D., the Permanent Secretary for MHESI, presided over the ceremony and presented outstanding recognition certificates to Thai inventors and researchers who received international awards.

On this occasion, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pannee Cheewinsiriwat, Assistant Vice President for Research Affairs, Chulalongkorn University, presented flower bouquets to Chulalongkorn University professors and researchers who have conducted exceptional research and enhanced the university’s reputation at the international level through competitions in foreign countries, including three inventions recognized at the Seoul International Invention Fair 2022 (SIIF 2022), which was held in Seoul, Republic of Korea:

• “Peta Gold Whitening Serum”, Gold prize, created by Prof. Dr. Nongnuj Muangsin and members of the Faculty of Science.

• “Truly Noninvasive Sweat Glucose Sensor for Diabetic Prone Person”, Silver award, invented by Dr. Nadnudda Rodthongkham and members of the Metallurgy and Materials Science Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University.

• “CoModule: Assembling the Toy Structures to Inspire Preschool Children”, Silver award, created by Asst. Prof. Pornthep Lerttevasiri and his team from the Faculty of Education. The team has also received a Gold Medal for this project from Kaohsiung International Invention & Design EXPO (KIDE 2022).

For the full release and more images, please visit: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/106389/

Each year, many people suffer from stroke, die, or become disabled and helpless. Although this disease is a sudden occurrence, it is not impossible to assess the risk in advance to prevent it.

The research team from the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University have worked together to invent a tool to help assess the chance of developing a stroke caused by various causes, starting with a tool to assess stroke risk caused by heart disease called “AICute”. It is hoped that the innovation will support the care given to patients in community hospitals and small hospitals in remote areas where there is often a lack of tools and cardiologists.

Higher occurrences of stroke

Thailand has approximately 250,000 patients suffering from stroke every year. In other words, every 2 minutes, one person is likely to suffer from the disease! Of these, 30 percent may die, 30 percent are severely disabled, unable to move their limbs and their mouths appear crooked, and 40 percent of patients have a chance to completely recover or have only a few remaining symptoms.

Although most patients who suffered from a stroke are in their 50s-60s, today, the age range is increasingly younger as a result of lack of physical activity and rest, smoking, substance abuse, an imbalanced diet, and chronic diseases such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, snoring/sleep apnea, and heart disease.

Stroke caused by heart disease is preventable if detected early

Although stroke is life-threatening if the cause of the disease is known and treated quickly, the likelihood of recovery from the disease is high and the recurrence of the disease can be reduced.

“Determining the cause of the disease is important to provide accurate and effective treatment. If the cause is not determined, there is a chance that the disease will reoccur. And when it is repeated for the second time, the third time, the chance of being disabled is increased, causing the dependency and cost increase to be borne by the caregiver,” said Wasan Akarathanawat, M.D., the Chulalongkorn Stroke Center of Excellence.

Stroke can be caused by many reasons (read more in the information box).  Each case has a different treatment approach. Currently, 18% of stroke is caused by heart disease. “Patients in this group often suffer from atrial fibrillation and valve dysfunction or cardiac hypertrophy, which leads to a risk of thrombosis inside the heart, and the clot could drift and cause blockage in the brain, resulting in a stroke.”

Inspiration in the Development of AICute   

Dr. Wasan explained that to determine the cause of stroke caused by heart disease, a thorough cardiac examination by a skilled cardiologist, echocardiography and cardiac monitoring device are needed — a factor that is still scarce in community hospitals and small hospitals in remote areas.

“Such a hospital would not be able to refer patients for detailed checkups due to the relatively high cost. Also, sending patients to large hospitals, cardiology centers or medical schools would cause congestion in hospitals. This is why the research team has chosen first to develop innovations to assess the stroke caused by the heart.” Dr. Wasan, one of AICute’s research and development team members, further explains the meaning of the AICute name “AICute spoken quickly sounds similar to the word acute, which refers to the sudden appearance of a stroke that requires immediate treatment.”

Apart from Chulalongkorn Stroke Center of Excellence, the Faculty of Medicine of Chulalongkorn University, AICute innovation is achieved through collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering of Chulalongkorn University and a group of Chula students under the auspices of Chulalongkorn University Technology Center (Chula UTC).

AICute – an easy, quick, and accurate patient assessment tool

AICute is a web application with artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze and evaluate patients for the risk of stroke from heart disease. It enables doctors in the community and small hospitals to make decisions and send patients to heart examinations more rapidly, making the treatment of stroke more effective.

Dr. Wasan explains the use of AICute “doctors who use the device simply log in through the web application and fill in 2 sets of data: patient’s symptoms and their partial history, together with 30-32 brain scans. Most of the small hospitals are already equipped with brain scan machines. The application then processes the data in about 30-32 minutes and then summarizes it into a report on the likelihood of stroke caused by heart disease.  Afterward, the practicing physician will read the results and decide if the patent should be referred to a cardiologist for further diagnosis.”

According to Dr. Wasan, AICute’s accuracy is at 92-94 percent according to the database of 40,000 high-resolution X-ray images. Moving ahead with AI development to identify the cause of stroke and save Thai people’s lives . Dr. Wasan reveals that AICute is still in the research phase and has been tested at Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital with satisfactory results. “The research team plans to continue the research in a large group of real patients and collect data outside of Chula Hospital to improve the AI. It also develops an easy and beautiful interface that is expected to be completed around the middle of this year (2023) and open to other interested hospitals to use and develop the application together. In the long run, it will be released as paid commercial software.”   In the future, the research team also plans to develop AI to detect strokes from other causes, which may require additional databases of x-ray images and angiography.

Hospitals interested in AICute can contact Chulalongkorn Stroke Center of Excellence, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bhumisiri Building, 7th Floor, Zone C, or call +662 256 4000 Ext. 80724-5 .

Continue reading at https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/106014/

 

Dr. Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), delivered a speech at the conference on the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization: CTBTO organized by Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Engineering, on Tuesday January 17, 2023, at Room 209, Building 3, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, with the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Dr. Supot Teachavorasinskun, giving a welcome speech.

The conference aims to propagate knowledge and raise awareness in the roles and significance of CTBTO among Chulalongkorn’s students and researchers. Dr. Robert Floyd’s speech came after his visit to Chula Museum.

Continue reading at https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/103374/

Thailand now has 39,647 people with disabilities, over 95% of whom are using poor-quality prosthetic feet which are heavy and do not have ankles. This can adversely affect the way they walk, as well as their lives.

The figures from the National Statistical Office of Thailand have inspired a research team from the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, to develop high-quality dynamic prosthetic feet which are flexible and bendable and can store energy with each step. The prosthetic feet are made from carbon fibers, making them light weight but strong and durable. Users can walk in them on rough terrains, while exercising and during a light jog. The innovation has received the ISO 10328 strength standards from Germany and has been certified with the ISO 13485 for quality. It has also been registered as a medical device with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), been granted a petty patent, and registered in Thai SME-GP. The prosthetic feet are currently in the process of being registered with Thai Innovation, requesting the Made in Thailand certificate, and requesting for the CE Marking.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Pairat Tangpornprasert from the Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, explained that the dynamic prosthetic feet have undergone clinical trials with 20 patients with disabilities and yielded highly satisfactory results. The users require approximately 2 weeks to adjust to the prosthetic feet. In comparison with the imported prosthetic feet now available in the market, the innovation has comparable qualities and efficiency but with a 5 times cheaper cost of production. This can then help reduce the high cost of prosthesis and orthosis imports. Moreover, commercial production of medical devices can expand the market overseas, leading to more generation of income, export opportunities, and the country’s competitiveness.

As an engineering lecturer with an interest in medical research, Asst. Prof. Dr. Pairat had to conduct interdisciplinary research and study, which is significant as working in a singular field may
lead to difficulty in application of the research.

“Developing dynamic prosthetic feet, which are considered a medical device, required the efforts of a network of doctors and prosthetists and orthotists sharing their expertise and interdisciplinary knowledge in order to achieve good-quality dynamic prosthetic feet that meet
international standards. I am proud to have successfully produced good-quality prosthetics and helped those with disabilities to regain function of their limbs,” added Asst. Prof. Dr. Pairat.

The dynamic prosthetic foot project was funded by the National Research Council of Thailand. It is part of the prosthesis and orthosis for the disabled project under the “New Beginnings with Research and Innovation” to commemorate the Coronation of King Rama X. 67 dynamic prosthetic feet were given to people with disabilities at over 13 hospitals. The innovation is currently being considered for government medical benefit schemes so that it may be accessible for people with disabilities, which will help improve their quality of life.

For the full release and more images, please visit: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/99060/

For the first time in Thailand, a research team from Chula’s Faculty of Veterinary Science (CUVET) is the first to have successfully developed a method to culture dog pancreatic cells from stem cells and cell transplantation technology.  They aim to test the method in the lab and sick animals suffering from diabetes.

Diabetes affects not only humans but also our pets with as many as 5-10 % of the cases found in cats as well as dogs.  Treatment with insulin injections is still not very effective. For this reason, a research team from Chula’s Faculty of Veterinary Science has collaborated with Bio ink Co., Ltd., one of Chula’s spin-off companies, to develop a method for pancreatic cell culture from stem cells and cell transplantation technology for the first time in Thailand. “Diabetes in humans and pets share some similarities though the knowledge on the treatment is far apart.  Using stem cells and advanced forms of technology to treat diabetes in human beings has become a trend, so we try to apply this technology to animal treatment as well,” Assistant Professor Dr. Chenpop Sawangmek, Department of Veterinary Pharmacology Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University and co-founder of Bio ink Co., Ltd. said as he described the motivation that led to this project. “Diabetes is a chronic disease and complications can be fatal to our pets.  The inability to control sugar levels can also cause the deterioration of various organs in the body.  This is a cause of much suffering for the pets as well as their owners, not to mention the financial burden.”

Stem cell innovation in the treatment of diabetes in animals

According to Assistant Professor Dr. Chenpop, the type of diabetes mostly found in dogs is type 1 diabetes where the body lacks beta-cells to create insulin resulting in insulin deprivation in their bodies.  For type 2 diabetes, mostly found in cats, the body still has beta-cells but there is a deficiency in insulin secretion or insulin resistance. Treatment for the two types of diabetes is therefore different. Dr. Sirirat Nantavisai and Dr. Watchareewan Rodprasert co-founders of Bio Ink Co. Ltd. enumerated that for this research, the Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Innovation Center (VSCBIC), a research unit of CUVET, and Bio Ink Co, Ltd. focused primarily on the type 1 diabetes in dogs as the currently used insulin injections treatment for dogs is not very effective. “During the research process, we will create dog’s pancreatic cells which one might call insulin-producing cells (IPCs) derived from canine mesenchymal stem cells (cMSCs) while developing transplantation technology to use in replacing pancreatic cells that have been damaged or destroyed.  The cells that have been produced can efficiently create and secrete insulin.” Dr. Watchareewan further explained that when used along with the double encapsulation transplantation technology, this method produces strong cells and prevents them from damage and deterioration while also preventing rejection from the immune system.

Stem cells and the hope for treating diseases in human beings and animals

At present, the research team has developed canine cell tissue for stem cell extraction and multiplication.  It has also been successful in creating the process of inducting cells along with transplantation technology.  This platform has been successful and is now ready to be tested for its efficiency and safety in both lab and sick animals.  It is estimated that within 3 years it can be used as an actual form of treatment in animals. “Stem cells can be adapted for use in various ways.  If we can successfully develop cells from stem cells, in the future all organs can be directly replaced by cells or tissues.  We are studying these options along with creating prosthetic bones to replace damaged bones or accelerate their repair along with producing eye cornea which is a collaborative research project between the faculties of Medicine and Engineering” said Assistant Dr. Chenpop.

Plans for producing medical products from stem cells

With knowledge in bioengineering and stem cell technology, the Faculty of Veterinary Science VSCBIC research unit and Bio Ink Co. Ltd. now have plans to develop stem cell products like cell therapy and stem-cell-derived products to treat pets soon.  One example is the exosome product that can be used for sick pets or administered to damaged organs for rehabilitation and repair.  It can also be adapted to treat such diseases as cancer, liver or kidney disease, and diseases stemming from organ deterioration, infections, or illnesses related to the immune system. The products are expected to be tested on lab animals within the year and in no more than two years will be offering them commercially.

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