Kenneth Shinozuka, 2014 winner of the Scientific American Science in Action award, powered by the Google Science Fair. Credit: Google Science Fair

It’s no secret to Scientific American readers that we feel a special obligation to support the next generation of science enthusiasts, whom we hope to inspire both with our science coverage and our education initiatives, including the Scientific American Science in Action Award, powered by the Google Science Fair. The awards event was held a couple of weeks ago in California. As I have since 2011, I chaired a distinguished panel of judges for the fair, and we all felt inspired by those passionate young scientists and their fine work.

To my embarrassment, I just realized I have yet to share with you all the lovely video produced about this year’s Scientific American Science in Action winner, Kenneth Shinozuka of New York City, whom I finally met in person at the event. Kenneth was inspired by his grandfather to create a system that uses a thin-film sensor in a sock or affixed to a foot and wireless Bluetooth communication to a smart phone to sound an alarm if an Alzheimer’s patient has left the bed and begun wandering. The invention will help patients and their caregivers and families find some welcome peace of mind.

Without further ado, here is Kenneth’s story. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.