Image for representation. Photo source: Wikimedia
For his innovation, Akash is currently at the Rashtrapati Bhavan under the Innovation Scholars In-Residence Programme as a guest of the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee. Askash became determined to fight silent heart attacks after his grandfather himself became victim to one. He has been quoted by the Business Standard as saying, "Silent heart attacks are extremely deadly and alarmingly common these days. In these cases, almost no symptoms are evident and thus people look so healthy to us." Since the technique is non-invasive, Akash notes that people, especially those in rural areas, can use it themselves to check if they run the risk of getting a heart attack. Through the kit, one can analyse the FABP3, which is the smallest proteins present in the blood. When UV light is passed through FABP3m one will be able to detect the amount of protein based on how much light is absorbed.You may also like: Indian Govt Slashes Price of Coronary Stents by 85%, Eases Woes of Heart Patients
It is perhaps no surprise that when he grows older, Akash nurses the ambition of becoming a cardiologist and continuing his quest of saving lives!