What is the new Lyme disease detection method developed by Lambert High School students?

The students utilized CRISPR technology to create a method that can detect Lyme disease within two days of infection, significantly faster than current tests.

What is the iGEM competition?

iGEM, the International Genetically Engineered Machine competition, is a global science event where student teams use synthetic biology to solve real-world problems.

Why is early Lyme disease detection important?

Early detection is crucial because untreated Lyme disease can lead to severe health issues like arthritis, nerve damage, and heart problems.

Home / Health / Teen CRISPR Breakthrough for Early Lyme Detection

Teen CRISPR Breakthrough for Early Lyme Detection

1 Dec

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Summary

Georgia high school students used CRISPR to develop an early Lyme detection method.
Their innovative approach could identify Lyme disease within two days of infection.
The students presented their groundbreaking work at the iGEM competition in Paris.

Teen CRISPR Breakthrough for Early Lyme Detection

A team of public high school students from Lambert High School in Georgia has pioneered a revolutionary method for the early detection of Lyme disease, utilizing CRISPR gene-editing technology. This innovative project, presented at the iGEM competition in Paris, aims to address the critical challenge of diagnosing Lyme disease in its initial stages, a feat that has eluded adult scientists for decades.

The students' research focused on developing a diagnostic test capable of identifying Lyme disease within just two days of infection, a significant improvement over current methods that often take two weeks. Their approach targets a specific protein generated by the Lyme infection, highlighting it with a kit-style test similar to pregnancy or COVID-19 tests, and has shown proof of concept in simulated blood serum.