Hanover

Our time in Hanover was also rather brief but still packed with a lot of fascinating and informative visits.  We started off our first day at the MHH with an introduction to the nephrology department where we had the opportunity to observe an ECMO machine at work on an elderly patient.  I never knew much about the kidneys aside from the basics so it was beneficial to hear him explain the process and the machine as it operated in front of us, and later in the afternoon, we had the chance to learn more about ventricular assist devices from a cardiology resident.  What really made this day, though, was the chance to finally do some laundry.  It may have taken 30 minutes and multiple sets of directions to find the laundromat, but it was well worth the mini adventure to procure some clean clothes for the rest of the trip.

Our second and last day in Hanover was perhaps my favorite yet because it largely revolved around animals and was most applicable to my field of study.  The researchers at MHH introduced us to the axolotls on which they study regenerative medicine.  These aquatic beings do not normally undergo metamorphosis and are ideal subjects for observation as they possess the ability to regenerate nearly any major body part including the eye, back, and limbs.  Not only can they regrow these appendages, but they do so by a fairly rapid method that does not involve any scarring.  Such incredible creatures are opportune organisms to study with the intent of possibly discovering a method to speed up and/or enhance the extent of human healing.  My favorite axolotl in the bunch was Essen--the personal pet of one of the researchers who ate all of his siblings as a baby.

Our trip to the zoo was also a great time as we had the opportunity to see several baby animals including an unforgettable chimpanzee and a week old elephant!  And although not as cute, the silverback gorilla was also one of the most memorable and unique animals in the entire zoo.