Teens Innovate Lyme Disease Detection and Treatment at iGEM Competition

A team of high school students from Lambert High School in suburban Atlanta, Georgia, has made significant advancements in Lyme disease detection and treatment methods using the groundbreaking gene-editing technology known as CRISPR.

Their project, which aims to improve early detection of Lyme disease, was presented at the iGEM competition, an annual event regarded as the 'science Olympics' held in Paris. The team, led by captains Sean Lee and Avani Karthik, faced skepticism as they set out to create a better diagnostic method for a disease that affects nearly half a million Americans each year, often evading accurate diagnosis in the early stages.

Current testing methods can take weeks to confirm infection, missing the critical window for effective treatment. The students focused on a specific protein generated by the Lyme bacteria, developing a kit-style test that could potentially detect the disease in as little as two days post-infection, a significant advancement over current tests which typically require two weeks.

Their biotechnology teacher, Kate Sharer, acknowledged the high-risk nature of their project but supported the students in their ambitious endeavor. Despite initial doubts from various experts, the team leveraged access to a well-funded, college-level lab, which is uncommon for high school students.

Their lab's resources, combined with a competitive spirit, allowed them to achieve promising results in both detection and treatment aspects of Lyme disease. They proposed using CRISPR not just for diagnosis but also as a potential treatment method to block the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease, instead of relying solely on antibiotics, which can lead to resistance.

As the competition deadline loomed, the team worked tirelessly to finalize their project, culminating in a presentation at iGEM where they competed against over 400 teams worldwide. Although they did not win the grand prize, which went to a team from Great Bay in Shenzhen, China, the Lambert team secured the award for best software tool and finished in the high school top 10, the only American team to do so.

Their project drew attention from experts, including iGEM co-founder Drew Endy, who expressed optimism about the potential implications of their work, suggesting it could represent a significant breakthrough in diagnosing not just Lyme disease, but other blood-borne conditions as well.

The Lambert High School team’s efforts exemplify the power of youth-led scientific research in addressing pressing public health challenges, showcasing how innovative ideas can emerge from unexpected places.