Students from Lambert High School in suburban Atlanta are making headlines for their innovative approach to detecting and treating Lyme disease, a condition that affects nearly half a million Americans each year. Utilizing the groundbreaking gene editing technique known as **CRISPR**, these teenagers aim to revolutionize how Lyme disease is identified and managed. Their project is part of the prestigious **iGEM** competition, an international event that challenges teams to use synthetic biology to address real-world problems.
The Lambert High School team, composed of talented teens including **Sean Lee** and **Avani Karthik**, has been working diligently to develop a new method for detecting Lyme disease. This disease, which is transmitted by infected ticks, can lead to severe health issues such as arthritis and nerve damage if left untreated. Current diagnostic tests often fail to detect the disease in its early stages, complicating treatment options.
### An Innovative Approach to Detection
One of the key challenges in diagnosing Lyme disease is the difficulty of identifying it within the first two weeks post-infection. The Lambert team has proposed a novel method that focuses on a specific protein generated by the infection. By using CRISPR technology along with a simulated blood serum, they managed to target specific DNA strands where this protein resides, allowing them to enhance detection capabilities. The result is a simplified test kit, akin to a COVID-19 or pregnancy test, which promises to identify Lyme disease much earlier than existing methods.
The team’s ambition does not stop at detection; they are also exploring treatment options. Traditional therapies typically rely on antibiotics. However, the Lambert students are investigating how CRISPR can be utilized to directly target the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. This ambitious goal required them to develop software to optimize CRISPR’s application effectively.
### Overcoming Challenges
Despite their enthusiasm, the students faced initial skepticism from academic experts regarding the feasibility of their project. “We reached out to various professors and stakeholders for feedback,” Sean Lee explained. “Some thought the scope was too ambitious.” Nevertheless, the team persisted, driven by a shared commitment to addressing a significant public health issue.
Their biotechnology teacher, **Kate Sharer**, noted the remarkable capabilities of her students. “They are incredibly smart and think outside the box,” she said. “This project is high risk, high reward, and while I had my doubts, I was happy to support them.”
### Preparing for the Global Stage
With the competition set for late October 2025 in Paris, the Lambert team worked tirelessly to meet their deadlines. They faced the challenge of not only refining their scientific research but also preparing a comprehensive presentation for the judges. As they prepared to compete among more than 400 teams, with a significant number from Asia, the pressure was palpable.
The students recognized that their hard work could potentially lead to significant advancements in Lyme disease management. Senior **Claire Lee** expressed the weight of their undertaking: “We’re doing something in our high school lab that could potentially have a huge impact for millions of people.”
### Recognition at iGEM
In Paris, the Lambert team showcased their work, engaging with judges and fellow competitors. While they ultimately did not win the grand prize, which went to **Great Bay** from China, they achieved notable recognition by winning the award for best software tool. This accolade underlines the importance of their project and the innovative spirit that drives their work.
Reflecting on their experience, Avani Karthik stated, “We thought our project was amazing, and we’re very proud of it.” The Lambert team was the only American high school to finish in the top ten, an impressive feat against a backdrop of fierce global competition.
### The Future of Biotech
As the field of biotechnology continues to grow, the work done by these students highlights the urgency of fostering a new generation of innovators. **Drew Endy**, a Stanford professor and iGEM founder, emphasized the need for strong American representation in synthetic biology: “It’s crucial that the next generation of biotechnology leaders emerges from the United States.”
Their journey reflects not only the potential of young minds to address pressing health issues but also the vital role of educational programs in nurturing future scientists. With continued support and collaboration, the Lambert students’ discoveries could pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in Lyme disease diagnostics and treatment.
