UPDATE: A team of innovative teenagers from Lambert High School in suburban Atlanta has developed a groundbreaking method for detecting and potentially treating Lyme disease, a condition that impacts nearly 500,000 Americans each year. Their project, utilizing the advanced gene editing technology CRISPR, was presented at the prestigious iGEM 2025 competition in Paris, where they faced off against over 400 teams globally, including strong contenders from China.
The urgency of their work cannot be overstated. Lyme disease, transmitted by infected ticks, can lead to severe health complications such as arthritis and nerve damage if not diagnosed early. The current diagnostic methods are often ineffective within the critical first two weeks of infection, leaving many patients undiagnosed for years. One team member, Avani Karthik, noted, “We’ve met someone who went 15 years without a diagnosis.”
Their innovative approach zeroes in on a protein generated by the Lyme infection. By leveraging CRISPR, they can target specific DNA strands and create a simplified test similar to a pregnancy strip. This advancement could transform how Lyme disease is detected and treated, making a significant impact on public health.
In the lead-up to the competition, the team worked tirelessly, often pulling all-nighters to finalize their results and build a comprehensive website detailing their project for the judges. Sean Lee, another team captain, explained, “We had to build software to model how best to use CRISPR,” emphasizing the complexity and potential of their project.
Despite being high school students, the team’s work reflects a sophisticated understanding of synthetic biology. Their lab is equipped with college-level resources, funded by local taxpayers and donors. This allows them to push the boundaries of what is possible in high school science. Kate Sharer, their biotechnology teacher, remarked, “They teach me. They are so smart that I can’t keep up.”
The competition in Paris was fierce, showcasing innovative projects from around the world, including solutions for treating indoor mold and engineering crops to grow on Mars. With only a month to prepare, Lambert’s team faced immense pressure but demonstrated remarkable determination and creativity.
As a testament to their hard work, Lambert High School secured the award for Best Software Tool at the competition, ranking among the top teams in the world. Karthik expressed pride in their achievement, stating, “We thought our project was amazing,” despite not winning the grand prize.
While they did not take home the overall championship, their presence in the top ten among such elite competitors underscores the potential of young American scientists to lead in biotechnology. Drew Endy, a Stanford professor and co-founder of iGEM, acknowledged their work as a significant scientific breakthrough, stating, “This year they appear to have developed a better diagnostic for Lyme disease than anything I’ve seen before.”
The team’s findings are just the beginning, as further testing and development are required. However, their passion for science and commitment to addressing real-world problems set a powerful example for future innovators. The urgency of their mission to improve Lyme disease detection could soon lead to life-saving advancements for millions affected by this debilitating illness.
As Lambert’s team returns home, their experience at iGEM stands as a reminder of the critical role young minds play in shaping the future of science and medicine. With their innovative spirit, they are not just competing; they are paving the way for the next generation of biotechnological advancements.
Stay tuned for more updates on their journey and the impact of their groundbreaking work as they continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the field of biotechnology.
