High School Students Breakthrough in Lyme Disease Detection

High School Students at Lambert Make Breakthrough in Lyme Disease Detection

In a remarkable demonstration of teenage ingenuity, students from Lambert High School in suburban Atlanta, Georgia, have developed a groundbreaking method to detect and potentially treat Lyme disease using CRISPR gene editing technology. This ambitious project, which has garnered attention from the scientific community, could revolutionize how we approach a disease that affects nearly half a million Americans annually.

The Challenge: Early Detection of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease, transmitted through infected ticks, can cause serious health complications including arthritis, nerve damage, and heart problems if left untreated. One of the biggest challenges with Lyme disease is early detection, as current tests often fail to identify the infection in its first two weeks when treatment is most effective.

"One of the biggest problems with Lyme is the lack of, like, being able to diagnose it," explained Avani Karthik, one of the team captains. "So a lot of people will go years. Like, we've met someone who went 15 years without a diagnosis."

The Solution: CRISPR Technology

The Lambert High School team, led by co-captains Sean Lee and Avani Karthik, turned to CRISPR—a revolutionary gene editing technique that allows scientists to manipulate DNA with precision. Their approach was twofold: to develop a more sensitive diagnostic test and to explore a novel treatment method.

For detection, the students focused on a specific protein generated by Lyme infection. Using CRISPR, they designed a system to target and cut away extraneous genetic material, exposing the protein so it could be detected through a simple kit-style test—similar to a COVID or pregnancy test.

"And so it's a novel way of CRISPR that detects and so we have to create a guide RNA, and when that guide RNA is recognized the protein gets activated and it collaterally cleaves or cuts everything around it," Avani explained to 60 Minutes correspondent Bill Whitaker.

From Classroom to Competition

The team's work wasn't just a classroom exercise—it was a bid for international recognition at the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition in Paris, often described as a "Science Olympics" for synthetic biology. The competition brings together teams from around the world to solve real-world problems using synthetic biology.

"To compete at iGEM, you need to use synthetic biology to solve real world problems," said Sean Lee. "We set our sights on finding a better way to detect and treat Lyme disease, something that has eluded adult scientists for decades."

Overcoming Skepticism

The ambitious project faced considerable skepticism. Even their biotechnology teacher, Kate Sharer, initially expressed doubt.

"This project in particular, I warned them, this is very high risk, high reward. I can't imagine any of this working, but I'm happy to help you as much as I can," said Sharer.

The students also sought feedback from professors and experts in the field, many of whom questioned the feasibility of their approach.

"We did reach out to a bunch of different professors and stakeholders who gave feedback on our project, and they did tell us in the beginning that this might not be so feasible because you're trying to tackle such a big thing," Sean acknowledged.

A Remarkable Achievement

Despite the doubts, the team pressed forward, putting in countless hours and even pulling all-nighters to finalize their research before the competition. Their perseverance paid off when they achieved significant results in the lab.

Testing showed their CRISPR-based method could detect Lyme disease as early as two days after infection—far sooner than the two-week window with existing tests. They also saw promising results in their approach to treating the disease by targeting the bacteria that causes it.

"We're doing something in our high school lab that could potentially have a huge impact for, like, millions of people," said senior Claire Lee. "This thing could help save lives."

The iGEM Competition and Beyond

The Lambert team's hard work culminated in their presentation at the iGEM competition in Paris, where they faced off against more than 400 teams from around the world, including 120 teams from Asia. In 2022, their efforts were rewarded with the grand prize, cementing their status as world-class scientists while still in high school.

"Why do you do it?" Whitaker asked Avani Karthik.

"I like to win. And so a lot of this is a competition, so I like to win," she replied with confidence.

The Lambert Advantage

The Lambert High School team's success wasn't just a product of individual brilliance—it was supported by exceptional resources. Their lab is college-level, funded by taxpayers and corporate donors. The school is located in one of Georgia's most affluent, high-achieving districts, and its iGEM program is so prestigious that parents move to the area from around the country and even internationally just for their children to have a chance to join.

About 100 students compete for roughly 10 spots on Lambert's iGEM team each year, with applicants submitting project proposals, taking tests, and undergoing interviews.

A National Concern

The Lambert team's achievements highlight both American potential and growing concern about the nation's position in synthetic biology. Stanford professor and iGEM co-founder Drew Endy noted that while America's lead in the field is slipping, China has made synthetic biology a national priority.

"It's urgent that leadership of the next generation of biotechnology has a strong presence in America and it's represented by young American leaders," Endy said.

The Lambert team's breakthrough in Lyme disease detection represents not just a scientific advancement, but a testament to what young minds can achieve with the right resources, guidance, and determination. Their work serves as an inspiration and a reminder that innovation can come from unexpected places.