THINK 2010 Idea Proposal Category Winners


Finalist: SAUMIL JARIWALA

Raleigh, North Carolina
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics

Project Title

Science Education Outreach through iPS Generation in High Schools

Abstract

Although stem cells serve as a powerful medical treatment, there are many misconceptions about stem cells that come from a lack of public access to these cells. Recently, scientists have developed an uncontroversial method for transforming differentiated cells into embryonic stem cell-like cells called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS). By making the creation of iPS feasible at the high school level, stem cells could become a more viable teaching tool in high school classrooms. An optimized protocol has been engineered that involves the reprogramming of mouse embryonic fibroblasts to an iPS phenotype by introducing retroviruses that encode for three transcription factors. By optimizing the method for equipment and cost instead of efficiency, an inexpensive, simple, and reproducible procedure has been engineered for many different lab settings. The implementation of this procedure in high schools across the country could not only increase general awareness about stem cells but also excite students about stem cell biology, molecular cloning, and research.




Semi-finalist: COURTNEY WONG

Jericho, New York
Jericho Senior High School

Project Title

Understanding the Efficacy of Brassinosteroids as a Novel Approach to Induce Disease Resistance in Pea Plants

Abstract

Plants undergo several abiotic and biotic stresses during their development, including possible attack from pathogens. Brassinosteroids, a recently discovered series of steroidal plant hormones, have been shown to promote overall growth in plants as well as disease resistance. This project seeks to test the plant pathogen resistance of brassinosteroids. By exposing the pea plant Pisium satvium to common agricultural bacteria and fungi, the ability of brassinosteroids to increase plant resistance to various phytopathogens can be evaluated. This exposure to various phytopathogens would be done with in vivo methods, and which a prepared brassinosteroid solution would be applied exogenously to the leaves of the plant. Plausible outcomes for this project would be that plants applied with different concentrations of brassinosteroid solution would develop different levels of disease resistance. Brassinosteroids could easily be a sensible solution to resisting various phytopathogens in plants and carry a wealth of potential for real-life application. With very minimal disadvantages, the study of brassinosteroids can greatly improve the efficiency of growing crops.




Semi-finalist: ROBERT GUBER

Jericho, New York
Jericho Senior High School

Project Title

Two Fold Proposal: Wetland Preservation While Removing Pharmaceuticals From Wastewater

Abstract

Pharmaceuticals in the environment and in our water supply are an increasing problem for our aquatic ecosystem, while continuously disrupting neighborhood wetlands. Currently there are no laws, regulations for appropriate levels of pharmaceutical waste or residue in water. Waste water treatment plants in the US and around the world do not remove pharmaceuticals when they purify their water. Pharmaceuticals leech into the environment/ecosystem and harm the aquatic life. Designing the creation of a life-cycler system to remove possible pharmaceuticals while only using Spartina alterniflora as phytoremediators, is the focus. If the remediation method is deemed efficient the success would be two-fold: It might encourage preservation of wetlands, and Encourage removal of pharmaceutical waste using bioremediators that don’t disrupt the ecosystem. If the grass works, it would be able to be planted around waste water facilities to help purify the pharmaceuticals and help the fish and aquatic ecosystem.