Teens Create Groundbreaking Lyme Disease Test

Quick Smiles:

• Georgia high schoolers placed top 10 worldwide with a new Lyme disease test.
• The team used CRISPR technology for early and accurate detection.
• They earned the highest spot of any American school at the international event.

A suburban Atlanta science team reached new heights at the iGEM competition in Paris, earning recognition among over 400 global teams for their impressive advancement in Lyme disease testing.

Lambert High School students developed a promising test using CRISPR gene-editing, enabling detection of Lyme disease just two days after infection, compared to the usual two-week wait.

Team captain Avani Karthik explained the motivation:

“One of the biggest problems with Lyme is the lack of being able to diagnose it.”

Their CRISPR-based approach isolates a specific protein linked to the disease, allowing for the potential of an at-home test to help countless patients.

Lambert High’s all-nighter efforts also won them a special prize for software development, highlighting the dedication and teamwork of everyone involved.

Biology teacher Kate Sharer shared,

“Like, this project in particular, I warned them, this is very high risk, high reward.”

The students’ innovative spirit and perseverance brought attention to an urgent medical challenge, making their community proud and inspiring hope for more accessible healthcare solutions.

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