On October 3rd, 2007, Dr. Yixin Guo, a new member of the Mathematics Department, stepped into the spotlight in front of approximately 50 people. Guo completed her undergraduate studies in China and went on to the University of Pittsburgh for her graduate degree. With an introduction by Dr. Donna Murasko, the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Guo began her lecture on how mathematics, and its complex equations, may help further the research for a cure to Parkinson's disease.

This disease is a degenerative movement disorder characterized by muscle rigidity, tremor, and in the most extreme cases, a complete loss of physical movement. A healthy brain sends signals that move from the motor cortex to the muscles via the spinal cord. What causes this neurological disorder, Guo explained, is the loss of dopamine neurons in this part of an individual's brain.

Unfortunately, even with all the current technology, a cure has yet to be discovered. But Guo highlighted the different types of treatment available to lessen the motor dysfunction affiliated with this ailment. There is medication available to help treat the disease, for example, the drug Levodopa. Levodopa is a dopamine precursor substance that can cross the blood-brain barrier. It does have side effects though, which include hallucination and motor complication. Another treatment is ablation, a procedure that cuts off a part of the basal ganglia; however, this is risky and irreversible.

Probably the most outstanding of the treatments that Guo mentioned is called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). This is a neurosurgical intervention where a device is placed inside the patient. This mechanism is able to be turned on and off by the individual, is relatively safe, and can treat all major symptoms. Disadvantages of DBS include risk of infection, additional surgery to change the batteries, and interference with antitheft devices.

The one thing that remains certain, Guo stressed, is that while a cure has yet to be found, the future continues to be bright for discovering one. What she wanted the audience to understand is that we need to take what we have now and work hard to move one step closer to that goal.