Teens Innovate Lyme Disease Detection and Treatment at iGEM Competition

Teenagers from Lambert High School in suburban Atlanta have developed a pioneering method to detect and treat Lyme disease, leveraging the groundbreaking gene editing technology known as CRISPR. These students competed at the International Genetically Engineered Machine competition, iGEM, in Paris, with the hope of showcasing their innovative solution to a disease that affects nearly half a million Americans annually.

Team captain Sean Lee explained their project involves amplifying DNA to identify proteins generated by the Lyme infection, which is notoriously difficult to diagnose early. Senior Avani Karthik added that their approach allows for detection of Lyme disease as early as two days post-infection, significantly better than existing tests which often miss the disease in its initial stages.

Their strategy employs a CRISPR-based method to snip away extraneous genetic material, revealing the proteins linked to the infection and enabling detection through a simple kit similar to COVID or pregnancy tests.

Lambert's approach not only aims to enhance detection but also considers treatment methods. Current standards involve antibiotics, but the students proposed using CRISPR to target the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease directly.

They built software to model optimal CRISPR usage, which adds a layer of complexity and innovation to their methods. The team, supported by their biotechnology teacher Kate Sharer, faced initial skepticism from professionals who believed their goals might be overly ambitious.

Despite this, they successfully completed their research, even working late nights leading up to the competition. Their lab, equipped with college-level resources funded by taxpayers and donors, is part of one of Georgia's affluent school districts, allowing them to thrive in this high-stakes environment.

Lambert was the only American team to finish in the top ten at the iGEM 2025, securing the award for best software tool among over 400 competing teams. While they did not win the grand prize, which went to China's Great Bay team, their accomplishments highlight the importance of youth in advancing biotechnology and genetics research.

Their innovative project, if validated through further testing, could significantly impact Lyme disease diagnostics and treatment, showcasing the potential of young scientists in the field. Stanford professor Drew Endy, co-founder of iGEM, praised their work as potentially groundbreaking, emphasizing the urgent need for American representation in synthetic biology as competition from countries like China intensifies.