A middle schooler from Chicago made a groundbreaking discovery while participating in a STEM program. Camarria Williams, 13, is a student at the William H. Brown STEM Magnet School. While working on a project in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club, she discovered a novel compound in goose droppings that shows promise in fighting cancer.
A Middle Schooler’s Discovery
Williams and her fellow students were investigating natural sources of antibiotics. Williams submitted some goose droppings to be analyzed, and they were found to contain the Pseudomonas idahoensis bacterium. But this was not the main discovery—further research revealed that the bacterium produces a never-before-seen compound called Orfamide N, which is toxic to cancer cells.
The Significance of Orfamide N
Orfamide N is part of a group of compounds with useful biological and medical properties. Although it was not responsible for the initial antibiotic activity observed from Pseudomonas idahoensis, it was found to slow the growth of melanoma and ovarian cancer cells. However, this discovery does not directly lead to a cure for cancer.
The Science Behind the Discovery
Students in the STEM program, a collaboration between the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and the Boys and Girls Club, were supervised by researchers as they analyzed samples. They collected 14 samples to be analyzed for antibiotic activity in a lab. They isolated the Pseudomonas idahoensis bacterium from goose droppings collected at a local park but found that it had more to offer.
Methodology
Students collected various environmental samples, including water and plant materials, alongside goose droppings. The students studied samples using a microscope and a robot that they created to catalog and track samples. In the program, the students were taught how to grow bacteria and select samples for further study safely. This program will ultimately help scientists find new antibiotics to replace those most people have become resistant to.
Role of STEM in Education
The 14-week educational outreach program aims to provide marginalized students with more hands-on scientific experience to encourage interest in STEM fields. The general idea is that by engaging these students early on in their schooling, the initiative can bridge educational gaps and propel students into an exciting and rich industry. And so far, it has worked. Williams proclaimed that she wanted to be a scientist when she grew up.
Implications for Antibiotic Discovery
As antibiotic resistance becomes an increasing problem, discovering new antibiotics from natural sources is crucial. The findings from this project have contributed to the ongoing search for novel and natural antibiotic agents that can combat resistant strains of bacteria and infection. Of the 14 samples collected by the students in Chicago, only one showed antibiotic activity.
Finding New Antibiotics
Historically, finding new antibiotics peaked in the 1950s, resulting in a dangerous decline in antibiotic drug development. More recently, scientists have taken to looking for natural antibiotics that can help fight major health issues. However, finding new antibiotics is years in the making because testing is an intense and time-consuming process, and the failure rate is high.
Overcoming Challenges to Cancer Research
While Orfamide N is a helpful step in overcoming cancer, it is not a cure. Much more research is needed, and currently, the fight against cancer faces challenges such as drug resistance and slow research processes. Scientists believe that this discovery represents new avenues for treatment.
Impact on Young Scientists
The discovery of a novel and ground-breaking compound, Orfamide N, was substantial enough to be published in the journal ACS Omega, with Williams listed as a co-author. This marks a tremendous achievement and milestone for these young researchers. The general hope is that achievements and discoveries such as these will inspire more young school-goers to participate in STEM-related classes.
Future Research
The American Chemical Society (ACS) suggested that further research is needed into Orfamide N and its advantages. Plans are underway to explore its potential applications in cancer treatment and its effectiveness combined with existing therapies. Research into new antibiotics and Orfamide N could provide valuable insight into new treatment options for millions.
Educational Outreach
Getting younger generations excited about STEM fields, including antibiotic discoveries and cancer research, is no easy feat. Still, scientists in Chicago can all agree that Williams and her fellow students have gone a long way: “Their recent success story just goes to show that it is possible to integrate educational outreach programs with high-end natural product discovery.”
Celebrating Youths
From the park to the lab to a published journal, Camarria Williams inspires scientists and middle-schoolers worldwide. With her discovery of a novel compound that can potentially fight cancer, she is a shining example of how well STEM education programs work. The students from the program show that curiosity and learning can lead to significant breakthroughs, even in unexpected places.
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