UPDATE: In a groundbreaking achievement, teenagers from Lambert High School in suburban Atlanta have developed a revolutionary method to detect and treat Lyme disease using the cutting-edge gene-editing tool, CRISPR. This innovative approach comes as nearly 500,000 Americans are affected by Lyme disease each year, highlighting the urgent need for effective diagnostics.
The ambitious high school team is competing at the prestigious iGEM 2025 competition in Paris, where they face off against global teams, including those from China, known for its advancements in biotechnology. This year’s event, taking place at the end of October, features over 400 teams, with Lambert representing the United States in the high school category.
The students, led by team captains Sean Lee and Avani Karthik, have targeted a specific protein associated with Lyme disease to create a simple test similar to a COVID or pregnancy strip. Current tests often fail to diagnose Lyme in its early stages, allowing the disease to progress undetected. “One of the biggest problems with Lyme is the lack of, like, being able to diagnose it,” Karthik explained, noting that some patients suffer for years without a proper diagnosis.
The innovative project combines CRISPR technology with a simulated blood serum to identify the telltale protein, which could lead to earlier detection and treatment methods. “We’re doing something in our high school lab that could potentially have a huge impact for millions of people,” said senior Claire Lee.
As the competition heats up, the team has worked tirelessly, pulling all-nighters to finalize their presentation and research. Their efforts have already shown promising results, including the ability to detect Lyme disease within just two days of infection—far surpassing existing tests that require up to two weeks.
The teenagers have also ventured into treatment solutions, looking to use CRISPR to combat the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. They built software to optimize their CRISPR application, a feat that required collaboration with professors and industry experts. “This is very high risk, high reward,” said their teacher, Kate Sharer, who praised the students’ ingenuity.
The Lambert High School team is part of a competitive environment, with around 100 students vying for just 10 spots on the iGEM team each year. “Families move to this district specifically so their kids can be part of this program,” Sharer noted, emphasizing the high level of dedication and resources available to the students.
The stakes are high as the team hopes to finish in the top tier of the competition. Last year, they won the grand prize, and expectations remain high as they take the stage in Paris. “I think it depends on what the other teams bring,” Karthik said, reflecting the competitive spirit that drives them.
The team’s groundbreaking work represents not only a scientific leap but also an emotional investment in the lives of those affected by Lyme disease. As they prepare to present their findings, the students are acutely aware of the potential impact on public health. “This is not just a school project,” Claire Lee asserted. “This could save lives.”
As Lambert’s team steps into the spotlight at iGEM, the world watches closely. With such innovative approaches emerging from high school labs, the future of biotechnology looks promising. The competition results will shed light on whether their pioneering work will earn them recognition among the best in the world.
Stay tuned for updates as Lambert High School’s team continues to push the boundaries of science and showcases the remarkable capabilities of young innovators.
