The Throne Revolution: Smart Healthcare Innovation in Toilets (SHIT)

By Seung Min Park

The Throne Revolution: Smart Healthcare innovation in Toilets (SHIT) explores the unconventional journey of Dr. Seung-min Park as she pioneers the development of a revolutionary concept: the smart healthcare toilet. Combining humor with profound technological inno

• Language: English
• Publisher: Author Publishing
• Release date: Jun 28, 2024
• ISBN: 9798330252886

Book preview

The Throne Revolution

Smart Healthcare Innovations in Toilets (SHIT)

By Seung-min Park, PhD

Acknowledgements

First, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my mentor, Dr. Joseph C. Liao. Following the unfortunate passing of Dr. Gambhir, Dr. Liao’s unwavering support has been a pillar of strength. His efforts in reinstating me as an Instructor in the Department of Urology were unparalleled, and for that, I am profoundly grateful. Moreover, his encouragement and support for my NSF proposal, although it was not awarded, provided me with invaluable learning from his vast expertise and experience as a principal investigator. Dr. Liao, the Kathryn Simmons Stamey Professor at Stanford University and the Vice Chair of Urology in the School of Medicine, has made significant contributions in the fields of optical imaging, image-guided surgery of urological cancers, and the development of precision diagnostics. His role as a board-certified urologic surgeon and an NIH-funded physician scientist only adds to his remarkable profile.

I am also deeply thankful to Dr. Soh Kim for her steadfast support and collaboration. Dr. Kim, leading Food Design Research at Stanford Design, has been instrumental in directing our focus toward the future of food, restaurants, and kitchens. I had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Kim just before the onset of the pandemic. Her prowess in securing grants and funding has been pivotal for the progression of my academic endeavors. Specifically, her support for the smart healthcare toilet project, both in terms of consumables and manpower, has been indispensable. I am particularly grateful for her designating two master’s students, Mr. Jewoong Lee and Mr. Tae Hyung Kwon, to collaborate on my project. Their inclusion was a game-changer. Additionally, as the executive director for The Stanford Center at the Incheon Global Campus (SCIGC) - Stanford University’s flagship research center in South Korea - Dr. Kim has amplified Stanford’s vibrant interactions within South Korea and Asia at large. Her work spans across Stanford’s seven schools, research institutes, and centers, focusing on smart city technology, sustainable urban systems, urban entrepreneurship, and global competitiveness. Their passion, enthusiasm, and relentless pursuit of excellence have been the driving force behind our project. Even though our combined efforts have not yet materialized into multiple publications, their commitment to pushing forward is commendable and invaluable. Their fresh perspectives and eagerness have invigorated the project, and for that, I am deeply appreciative.

I also reserve a special place in my heart to express gratitude to my immediate family. To my loving wife, whose patience, understanding, and unwavering support have been the backbone of my journey. We have weathered storms together, and her resilience during challenging times has been a beacon for me. Her sacrifices and silent support have been my constant strength, allowing me to pursue my passions and mature in my endeavors. My two wonderful sons – Samuel and Ryan – have been the joy and light of my life. Their innocent smiles, their achievements, and their mere presence have always provided me with a purpose and a reason to keep striving for excellence. Their love and laughter have been my sanctuary amidst the challenges.

I am eternally grateful to my parents and my brother for their steadfast faith in me. Their unwavering belief in my capabilities, even during times of doubt, has been the wind beneath my wings. Their encouragement, love, and understanding have molded me into the person I am today. To my mother and father for their countless sacrifices, love, and wisdom that have guided me throughout my life. And to my brother, whose camaraderie, advice, and belief in my vision have always spurred me on. Their collective faith and love have been instrumental in every step I’ve taken, and for that, I remain forever indebted.

Gratitude for the Canary Foundation: I must also convey my heartfelt appreciation to the Canary Foundation and its founder, Don Listwin. His foundation’s gracious support for our filming for the Ig Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech was invaluable, underscoring his commitment not only to early cancer detection but also to innovative health solutions at large. I reached out to Don, given his longstanding friendship with Prof. Sanjiv Sam Gambhir, the visionary behind the smart healthcare toilet research. Their camaraderie, rooted in mutual respect and shared aspirations for groundbreaking medical advancements, was palpable to all who witnessed it. Don’s own story is one of dedication and passion. He founded the Canary Foundation, the nation’s sole non-profit focusing exclusively on the early detection of cancer. With an illustrious career spanning over 25 years in the technology industry, Don was inspired to establish the Canary Foundation due to personal experiences with cancer within his family. His endeavor has since facilitated early detection research at premier institutions, with a cumulative personal commitment exceeding $22 million.

Beyond his substantial contributions to cancer research, Don has always been an advocate for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in health innovation. It’s not just about detecting and treating illnesses but also about ensuring that individuals have access to the most advanced and efficient health solutions. This sentiment resonated deeply with Prof. Gambhir’s vision for the smart healthcare toilet—a pioneering approach to health monitoring and diagnostics.

In essence, Don Listwin and the Canary Foundation’s support was more than just a financial gesture; it was an endorsement of our drive to revolutionize health care. It echoed the foundation’s broader mission to bring meaningful change in the medical field, one innovation at a time. Their encouragement is a testament to the profound impact that comes from collaboration between passionate individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing the frontiers of medicine.

Dedication

Dr. Seung-min Park is an Assistant Professor in the School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. Dr. Park was an Instructor of Urology at Stanford University School of Medicine. Hailing from South Korea, Dr. Park began his academic odyssey at Seoul National University, securing a bachelor’s degree in physics in 2002. His quest for deeper knowledge then steered him to Cornell University, where he delved into Applied Physics, obtaining his Ph.D. in 2008.

Transitioning into the nexus of health and technology, Dr. Park pursued postdoctoral training in Bioengineering at the University of California, Berkeley (2010). During this phase, he also served as a visiting scholar at the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro in Brazil (2011), underscoring his strong commitment to Global Health.

On joining Stanford University School of Medicine (2014), Dr. Park initially concentrated his research endeavors on nanotechnologies tailored for cancer diagnostics. As his career evolved, he shifted his gaze from blood-based diagnostics to the innovative realm of excreta-based diagnostics, spotlighting his adaptive nature and dedication to cutting-edge healthcare solutions.

Beyond academia, Dr. Park stands out as a dynamic entrepreneur, being the driving force behind Kanaria Inc. in the United States and Kanaria Health in South Korea. These ventures exemplify his passion for translational research and his determination to see the fruits of such research deployed effectively in the real world.

With life experiences almost evenly split between the United States and South Korea, Dr. Park brings to the table a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western insights, enriching both his research approach and outcomes. Central to his work is the mission to mitigate healthcare disparities by leveraging the synergy of nano bioengineering and

disease diagnostics.

About the Author

Dr. Seung-min Park, an Assistant Professor at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, has a diverse background in biomedical engineering and biotechnology. Previously an Instructor of Urology at Stanford University and a postdoctoral scholar in Bioengineering at UC Berkeley, he has a strong foundation in applied physics from Cornell University. Dr. Park’s research evolved from nanotechnologies for cancer diagnostics to excreta-based diagnostics. He is also a committed entrepreneur with a venture, Kanaria Health in South Korea. With his experiences in both the U.S., South Korea and Singapore, Dr. Park integrates Eastern and Western perspectives in his work, aiming to reduce healthcare disparities through nano bioengineering and disease diagnostics.

Preface

In the vast expanse of innovative endeavors, the journey of creating the smart healthcare toilet stands out not just for its unique fusion of technology with the most basic of human functions but also for the reactions it evokes. From the early days, I’ve held a deep-rooted aspiration: to first make people laugh at the unexpectedness or quirkiness of an idea and then to provoke deeper contemplation about its significance. This dualistic approach, seemingly whimsical yet profound, aligns closely with the spirit of the Ig Nobel Prize — an award that celebrates ideas that first make people laugh, then make them think.

Such a perspective provided a refreshing backdrop when, in 2016, I embarked on the journey to develop the smart healthcare toilet. It was a concept that naturally roused both chuckles and deep interest. While many associated the idea with the fun or humorous side of science, akin to many Ig Nobel prize-winning projects, the true essence of its potential was far-reaching.

Ever since the inception of the smart healthcare toilet project in 2016, I found myself engaged in countless conversations with an array of stakeholders spanning various sectors and disciplines. What intrigued me most was the uniformity of their reactions. An overwhelming majority, almost four out of every five individuals, would claim that either 1) They had been exposed to similar toilet projects before or 2) They knew someone harboring a similar toilet idea or were deeply engrossed in comparable research.

This ubiquity of recognition bewildered me. If the concept was so widely acknowledged, why had there been so little progress? Delving deeper, I began to unearth the intricate tapestry that was this project. Beyond just the technological dimensions, the initiative entwined itself with the very essence of human existence — our psychology, the social norms we uphold, and the behaviors we manifest.

The discourse on smart healthcare toilets is not novel. Yet, the gap between discussion and tangible advancements is glaring. The world seemed to revel in hypotheticals but shied away from materialization. My seminal article on the smart toilet, published in 2020¹, became a testament to this. While some dismissively dubbed it a garage project, others raised pertinent ethical concerns. But perhaps the most frequent and candid response from the public was sheer bewilderment, encapsulated perfectly in the acronym WTF.² Amidst this mixed bag of reactions, I am profoundly grateful for the many individuals who not only showed keen interest but also recognized its paramount importance in the healthcare sector. Their understanding and support have been the wind beneath this project’s wings.

It’s interesting how projects of groundbreaking potential are often met with skepticism or indifference until they reach fruition. In many ways, this journey reminds me of the anecdote of Columbus’ egg. The story, whether myth or fact, captures the essence of profound simplicity. The task of making an egg stand vertically on its tip seems impossible until you crack its bottom. Once revealed, the solution appears deceptively easy, leaving many wondering why they didn’t think of it first. Similarly, people vaguely assume that certain technologies should naturally emerge. Yet, the stark reality is that projects like ours were once tabooed or dismissed as mere bathroom humor.

While precision medicine has garnered recognition for its customized approach to diagnosis and treatment, our project delves into a broader realm, underscoring the concept of precision health. This encompasses not just tailored diagnosis and treatment, but also personalized prevention and lifestyle management, thereby redefining how innovation integrates with daily life. By transcending the conventional boundaries, we aim to transform mundane routines into opportunities for health monitoring and enhancement, making the extraordinary seem almost ordinary.

In this narrative, toilets present themselves as the perfect mediator from the realms of science, engineering, and medicine to the general public. It bridges the gap, making complex concepts accessible and relatable.

This book is an invitation to look beyond the obvious, to crack the metaphorical egg, and to appreciate the elegance of simplicity. Through these pages, I hope to challenge skepticism, inspire curiosity, and drive a deeper understanding of a concept that, while initially bewildering, holds the promise of revolutionizing our daily lives.

The very essence of penning this book emanates from a desire to share, educate, and inspire. In the vast tapestry of scientific literature, research papers, and technological write-ups, there’s a distinct void, an untouched space that awaits exploration – the delicate interplay between innovation, societal norms, human behavior, and the basic rituals of our existence. This book fills that void, providing readers with a holistic perspective of the intricate journey of the smart healthcare toilet and the broader narrative of integrating technological advancements with age-old human practices.

This narrative is for every inquisitive mind that has ever paused to wonder about the mechanics behind every day routines. For those who are intrigued by the domains of science, engineering, and medicine but also yearn for a chuckle and a smile. It’s for the skeptical critic, the passionate supporter, the intrigued technologist, and the casual reader. Healthcare professionals can delve into the transformative potential of such innovations in preventive care and diagnostics. Engineers and researchers will find intricate technical details, challenges, and solutions encountered in this journey. The general audience, on the other hand, will be exposed to an engaging blend of science, sociology, and the art of seeing the profound in the mundane.

At its heart, this book is a story of pushing boundaries, challenging the status quo, and the relentless pursuit of innovation in the face of skepticism and humor. It’s about viewing the familiar through a fresh lens, inspiring readers to recognize and appreciate the profound implications of seemingly simple ideas. It encapsulates the essence of looking beyond the superficial to unearth deeper truths.

Several works explore the mechanics of innovations, detailing their technicalities and development journeys. However, few navigate the emotional, psychological, and societal intricacies involved in introducing an innovation centered around such a personal human function. This book is unique not just in its subject but also in its treatment. It doesn’t merely chronicle the journey of a project; it delves into the human psyche, societal norms, and the cultural mosaic that shapes and is shaped by innovation.

In essence, this book isn’t just about the how of the smart healthcare toilet; it’s about the why, the what if, and the what next. It’s a holistic exploration, a journey that traverses the corridors of technological labs to the intimate confines of our bathrooms and into the vast realm of human behavior and societal norms.

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1 Park, S-m., Won, D.D., Lee, B.J. et al. A mountable toilet system for personalized health monitoring via the analysis of excreta. Nat Biomed Eng 4, 624–635 (2020).

2 Now, speaking of WTF, I am considering it as an abbreviation for the World Toilet Federation – a nod to the mix of astonishment and incredulity the concept often evokes.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Dedication

About the Author

Preface

Chapter 1. The Evolving Role and Perception of Toilets in Culture.

Chapter 2. Brief History of Toilet

Chapter 3. Hygiene vs. Healthcare

Chapter 4. Precision Health

Chapter 5. Smart Healthcare Toilet

Chapter 6. The Janus-faced Nature of Human Excreta: From Toilet Humor to Taboos

Chapter 7. Ethical Considerations and Privacy

Chapter 8. Educational Values of Smart Toilets

Chapter 9. Future of Smart Toilets

Chapter 10. Epilogue

Chapter 1. The Evolving Role and Perception of Toilets in Culture.

1.1 Toilets and Human Excreta in Popular Cultures

A person looking at a sign Description automatically generated

Figure 1. Lincoln Six-Echo’s routine health screening via a smart healthcare toilet in ‘The Island’ (2005), illustrating an early conceptualization of real-time, non-invasive health diagnostics. The smart system identifies a sodium excess, prompting personalized dietary advice—a precursor to today’s precision health innovations. Screenshot from ‘The Island’ (2005), directed by Michael Bay. Image courtesy of DreamWorks and Warner Bros.

In a 2005 sci-fi movie, the Island³, a seemingly healthy man snaps awake in his bed from a nightmare. The wristband he wears monitors his sleep pattern, and a light-emitting diode (LED) display in his sleek white room announces the detection of an erratic rapid eye movement (REM) sleep cycle. The display suggests that he visit the ‘tranquility center’ for a wellness evaluation, and before leaving the apartment (cell), his toilet detects a high concentration of sodium in his urine (Sodium Excess Detected), as shown in Figure 1. Accordingly, the tranquility center recommends a customized breakfast of fruit and oatmeal rather than salty bacon. This imagined society in 2019 (which is almost 4 years ago!) integrates personalized diagnostics and preventative interventions into the protagonist’s home environment, a prescient example of ‘Precision Health’ (which will be discussed in the following chapter). Now, in 2023, these speculations are not far off the mark. Devices for tracking sleep and basic health metrics have become commonplace in our daily lives. These sensors are integrated into our smartphones, wrist-worn devices, bedroom accessories, and even bathroom fixtures.

Our cultural fascination with the potential of the smart toilet and human excreta isn’t a new phenomenon. In fact, the concept of a ‘smart toilet’ that could analyze urine and stool has been