Logan Ridenbaugh, Ramstein High School, Germany
Mentor: Michelle Harrington, Ramstein High School
Can Garlic inhibit growth on Staphylococcus aureus more effectively than Ciprofloxacin?
The purpose of this research project was to determine if garlic (the most abundant, non-commercial source of the chemical reactant allicin) could be used as an alternative to Ciprofloxacin to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. Garlic is a 5,000 year old herb and can be grown almost anywhere. The chemical reactant allicin is sold commercially (AllicinMAX) and can also be withdrawn from pressed, fresh garlic. Ciprofloxacin is a synthetically produced antibiotic used to treat over 20 different types of bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common causes of infections in today’s society. The researcher used both sources of allicin to produce antimicrobial solutions and test against a Mueller Hinton agar plate coated with Staphylococcus aureus. The experiment utilized Ciprofloxacin and sterile water as control agents. A period of 18 hours inside a 35C incubator was used to provide time for the bacteria to grow. The results of the experiment showed garlic extract made from the pressed, fresh garlic had a larger effect on stopping the growth (inhibiting) of Staphylococcus aureus than either Ciprofloxacin or the commercial version of allicin, AllicinMAX. The opportunity to test against more microorganisms than Staphylococcus aureus became available and the garlic solution made from fresh, pressed garlic constantly did as well or better than the commercial antibiotics. This project was able to successfully demonstrate the ability for allicin derived from fresh, pressed garlic to inhibit the growth of microorganisms.
The purpose of this research project was to determine if garlic (the most abundant, non-commercial source of the chemical reactant allicin) could be used as an alternative to Ciprofloxacin to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. Garlic is a 5,000 year old herb and can be grown almost anywhere. The chemical reactant allicin is sold commercially (AllicinMAX) and can also be withdrawn from pressed, fresh garlic. Ciprofloxacin is a synthetically produced antibiotic used to treat over 20 different types of bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common causes of infections in today’s society. The researcher used both sources of allicin to produce antimicrobial solutions and test against a Mueller Hinton agar plate coated with Staphylococcus aureus. The experiment utilized Ciprofloxacin and sterile water as control agents. A period of 18 hours inside a 35C incubator was used to provide time for the bacteria to grow. The results of the experiment showed garlic extract made from the pressed, fresh garlic had a larger effect on stopping the growth (inhibiting) of Staphylococcus aureus than either Ciprofloxacin or the commercial version of allicin, AllicinMAX. The opportunity to test against more microorganisms than Staphylococcus aureus became available and the garlic solution made from fresh, pressed garlic constantly did as well or better than the commercial antibiotics. This project was able to successfully demonstrate the ability for allicin derived from fresh, pressed garlic to inhibit the growth of microorganisms.
Othniel Wetlesen, Stuttgart High School, Germany
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
Polymer Biodegradation Obtained By Using Bacterium from the Larvae of Wax Moths (Galleria mellonella) and Other Implications
With plastic pollution becoming a growing issue there is a growing need to find a sustainable way of biodegrading the strong chemical bonds in the polymers that give plastics their durability. This study aims to analyze a past discover of polymer biodegradation and find the implications of the previously found bacteria samples isolated from the digestive system of the common wax moth (Galleria mellonella). The larvae of this species of moth is believed to have polymer-degrading bacteria due to its natural diet of a semi-complex polymer found in beeswax, its natural diet. Polymer-degrading bacteria found in a previous study have been isolated and will be used to potentially treat different polymer bonds. The results have the potential to find a bacteria strain with the ability to biodegrade plastic from the environment at a much higher rate than currently within a natural system.
With plastic pollution becoming a growing issue there is a growing need to find a sustainable way of biodegrading the strong chemical bonds in the polymers that give plastics their durability. This study aims to analyze a past discover of polymer biodegradation and find the implications of the previously found bacteria samples isolated from the digestive system of the common wax moth (Galleria mellonella). The larvae of this species of moth is believed to have polymer-degrading bacteria due to its natural diet of a semi-complex polymer found in beeswax, its natural diet. Polymer-degrading bacteria found in a previous study have been isolated and will be used to potentially treat different polymer bonds. The results have the potential to find a bacteria strain with the ability to biodegrade plastic from the environment at a much higher rate than currently within a natural system.
Connor Ennis, Brussels High School, Belgium
Mentor: Mari Brown, Brussels High School
Using NEAT to Evolve Basic Sokoban Solvers on a Raspberry Pi Model 3
The NEAT method of neuroevolution has been identified by past studies as an effective technique for evolving network topologies along with their weights. The platforms on which this strategy is often implemented, however, lack the low price-point and portability desired by hobbyists, developers, and educators. In the rare case that such an algorithm is applied on low-power hardware, the tasks which it is utilized for fail to demonstrate the method’s true capabilities. In this study, it was observed whether a Python implementation of NEAT could evolve basic solvers for sokoban puzzles of a constant size within 24 hours and 1,000 generations on a Raspberry Pi 3. Four similar training puzzles were be submitted to each genome to ensure that program did not overfit a specific map, and to evaluate the fitness of genomes, weights were assigned to final puzzle states. Trials were conducted using feed forward and recurrent networks, with each trial pair having parameters set in response to previous runs. Results showed that, for all trials regardless of mutation and compatibility parameters, fitness values would stagnate at an arbitrary value far below the expected maximum. Furthermore, it was found that reconfiguring elitism and setting initial populations to be unconnected would cause the program to fail entirely, generating incredibly poor results. While the Raspberry Pi did succeed to evolve 1,000 generations within 24 hours with each attempt, the results are inconclusive, as no valid solutions were found. Fortunately, this outcome provides a basis for research on the effectiveness of different fitness functions, a factor believed to have contributed to unsatisfactory results. In addition, the Pi’s ability to successfully run each trial suggests that the use of inexpensive, lower-power hardware for machine-learning may be a topic to inspect further, with potential applications in industry and education.
The NEAT method of neuroevolution has been identified by past studies as an effective technique for evolving network topologies along with their weights. The platforms on which this strategy is often implemented, however, lack the low price-point and portability desired by hobbyists, developers, and educators. In the rare case that such an algorithm is applied on low-power hardware, the tasks which it is utilized for fail to demonstrate the method’s true capabilities. In this study, it was observed whether a Python implementation of NEAT could evolve basic solvers for sokoban puzzles of a constant size within 24 hours and 1,000 generations on a Raspberry Pi 3. Four similar training puzzles were be submitted to each genome to ensure that program did not overfit a specific map, and to evaluate the fitness of genomes, weights were assigned to final puzzle states. Trials were conducted using feed forward and recurrent networks, with each trial pair having parameters set in response to previous runs. Results showed that, for all trials regardless of mutation and compatibility parameters, fitness values would stagnate at an arbitrary value far below the expected maximum. Furthermore, it was found that reconfiguring elitism and setting initial populations to be unconnected would cause the program to fail entirely, generating incredibly poor results. While the Raspberry Pi did succeed to evolve 1,000 generations within 24 hours with each attempt, the results are inconclusive, as no valid solutions were found. Fortunately, this outcome provides a basis for research on the effectiveness of different fitness functions, a factor believed to have contributed to unsatisfactory results. In addition, the Pi’s ability to successfully run each trial suggests that the use of inexpensive, lower-power hardware for machine-learning may be a topic to inspect further, with potential applications in industry and education.
Sydney Greenfield, SHAPE High School, Belgium
entor: Deb Pennell-Wilcox, SHAPE High School
The Effects of Bacterial and Fungal Flora Found on the Human Body and a Comparison of Hands and Facial Bacteria
The purpose of the research was to provide evidence of a correlation between the bacteria found on human the human hands and face and how it affects infection and disease. It was hypothesized that both skin biomes reflect each other almost exactly and the bacteria flora found is the major cause to the circulation of common illness in the school and community. Petri dishes with cultures of bacteria colonies were formed and analyzed to find the correlation between the hands and the face as well as the common illness in the area. The data found and assumed proved to support the hypothesis, concluding that the flora found correlates with similarity and illnesses. In conclusion, the bacteria that are found on hands are similar to those found on the face due to contact, and increased contact and exposure leads to illness.
The purpose of the research was to provide evidence of a correlation between the bacteria found on human the human hands and face and how it affects infection and disease. It was hypothesized that both skin biomes reflect each other almost exactly and the bacteria flora found is the major cause to the circulation of common illness in the school and community. Petri dishes with cultures of bacteria colonies were formed and analyzed to find the correlation between the hands and the face as well as the common illness in the area. The data found and assumed proved to support the hypothesis, concluding that the flora found correlates with similarity and illnesses. In conclusion, the bacteria that are found on hands are similar to those found on the face due to contact, and increased contact and exposure leads to illness.
Aidan DeHan, Stuttgart High School, Germany
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
Does the semi-aquatic lichen species Verrucaria praetermissa inhabit Southern Germany and if so, what are its potential implications in terms of a bioindicator?
Lichenized fungi play a integral role in many ecosystems as pioneer species. Lichenized Fungi also has the special ability to be a bioindicator. For example, Verrucaria praetermissa has shown to harbor this ability in determining streambed stability. Verrucaria praetermissa as a bioindicator of streambed stability could be invaluable as it could potentially help identify streams and waterways that are susceptible to events such as flooding and washout. In order to consider Verrucaria praetermissa as a potential bioindicator in southern Germany, the location of this study, Verrucaria praetermissa must first be confirmed to propagate said area. In order to confirm the presence of Verrucaria praetermissa in southern Germany, locally collected samples were collected and barcoded using ITS and LR3 genes. Thus far, collected samples seem to show that Verrucaria praetermissa does propagate southern Germany by using gel electrophoresis. However, further gene sequencing will further confirm these findings. When these findings are confirmed, further assumptions about Verrucaria praetermissa ’s role as bioindicator of stream bed stability can be made using environmental data collected at sampling sites. Positive findings could lead to Verrucaria praetermissa’s role as a bioindicator which could prevent damage to housing and infrastructure by allowing the identification of which stream are prone to flooding, washing out, and erosion.
Lichenized fungi play a integral role in many ecosystems as pioneer species. Lichenized Fungi also has the special ability to be a bioindicator. For example, Verrucaria praetermissa has shown to harbor this ability in determining streambed stability. Verrucaria praetermissa as a bioindicator of streambed stability could be invaluable as it could potentially help identify streams and waterways that are susceptible to events such as flooding and washout. In order to consider Verrucaria praetermissa as a potential bioindicator in southern Germany, the location of this study, Verrucaria praetermissa must first be confirmed to propagate said area. In order to confirm the presence of Verrucaria praetermissa in southern Germany, locally collected samples were collected and barcoded using ITS and LR3 genes. Thus far, collected samples seem to show that Verrucaria praetermissa does propagate southern Germany by using gel electrophoresis. However, further gene sequencing will further confirm these findings. When these findings are confirmed, further assumptions about Verrucaria praetermissa ’s role as bioindicator of stream bed stability can be made using environmental data collected at sampling sites. Positive findings could lead to Verrucaria praetermissa’s role as a bioindicator which could prevent damage to housing and infrastructure by allowing the identification of which stream are prone to flooding, washing out, and erosion.
Aliyah Behimino, Naples High School, Italy
Mentor: Angela Garcia / Edith Jaynes, Teacher, UC Santa Barbara / Naples High School
Exploring the Impact of Savage Inequity on Diabetes Susceptibility in Utila, Honduras
Rapid industrialization has introduced humankind to a new encumbrance: the rise of diabetes. Utila, Honduras presents a unique case for examining the health consequences of this phenomenon in a low-income region. Lower household occupational rank in Utila is seen to be associated with other conditions that affect an individual’s environment, such as a lower education level and limited access to nutrition: factors that can increase diabetes susceptibility. Focusing on the effects of poverty and inequality on health, this study sought to examine the relationship between status and diabetes. Specifically, this study explored how household occupational rank is associated with a risk of diabetes. Using statistical analysis to examine the relationship between these factors in Utila, it was found that diabetes risk was negatively associated with household occupational rank, and that more women were susceptible to diabetes.
Rapid industrialization has introduced humankind to a new encumbrance: the rise of diabetes. Utila, Honduras presents a unique case for examining the health consequences of this phenomenon in a low-income region. Lower household occupational rank in Utila is seen to be associated with other conditions that affect an individual’s environment, such as a lower education level and limited access to nutrition: factors that can increase diabetes susceptibility. Focusing on the effects of poverty and inequality on health, this study sought to examine the relationship between status and diabetes. Specifically, this study explored how household occupational rank is associated with a risk of diabetes. Using statistical analysis to examine the relationship between these factors in Utila, it was found that diabetes risk was negatively associated with household occupational rank, and that more women were susceptible to diabetes.
Elizabeth Bickel, Ramstein High School, Germany
Mentor: Michelle Harrington, Ramstein High School
Advancing Home Hydroponic Systems
Abstract This purpose of this project was to find ways to make hydroponics cheaper and better for the average consumer. It was hypothesized that 8 hours of artificial light could produce the same amount of results as the plants that received the 16 hours of sunlight. The plants were broken up into three 10 plant groups consisting of a 8, 12, and 16 hours of artificial light system. Over five weeks, the samplings had weekly recordings of their root length, root growth, stem height, leaf area, and number of leaves. The data was graphed and it clearly showed that the 16 hour system plants succeeded in every category. The Null hypothesis was proven and the hypothesis had been disproved. Based on the data, it was found that the 16 hour plants grow much faster and proved to be cheaper to grow than the 12 hour plants despite the cost of the extra electricity. It was concluded that even though normal lettuce with traditional farming techniques only needs around 8 hours of natural sunlight, it clearly needs more than 8 hours of artificial light to succeed in an indoor hydroponic system.
Abstract This purpose of this project was to find ways to make hydroponics cheaper and better for the average consumer. It was hypothesized that 8 hours of artificial light could produce the same amount of results as the plants that received the 16 hours of sunlight. The plants were broken up into three 10 plant groups consisting of a 8, 12, and 16 hours of artificial light system. Over five weeks, the samplings had weekly recordings of their root length, root growth, stem height, leaf area, and number of leaves. The data was graphed and it clearly showed that the 16 hour system plants succeeded in every category. The Null hypothesis was proven and the hypothesis had been disproved. Based on the data, it was found that the 16 hour plants grow much faster and proved to be cheaper to grow than the 12 hour plants despite the cost of the extra electricity. It was concluded that even though normal lettuce with traditional farming techniques only needs around 8 hours of natural sunlight, it clearly needs more than 8 hours of artificial light to succeed in an indoor hydroponic system.
Lars Borchert, Brussels High School, Belgium
Mentor: Mari Brown, Brussels High School
Thermal Efficiency of Microcomputer Heatsinks
Microcomputing is a powerful tool through which small, inexpensive computers may operate on specific task such as automation or data collection. Although most microcomputers generate only small amounts of heat and need no cooling, more advanced designs running more demanding programs require a cooling methodology that may need to be fanless, powerless, or very small. It is therefore necessary to develop passive cooling heatsinks which use thermally conductive fins to transfer thermal energy from the computer chip to the environment as efficiently as possible. Research found that the among the factors of surface area, mass, volume, material, CPU contact area, and fin width, the most efficient heatsinks have: large surface areas, large volumes, large masses, and are made of anodized aluminum over regular aluminum. The factors CPU contact area and fin width did not have any clear effect on the resultant computer temperature.
Microcomputing is a powerful tool through which small, inexpensive computers may operate on specific task such as automation or data collection. Although most microcomputers generate only small amounts of heat and need no cooling, more advanced designs running more demanding programs require a cooling methodology that may need to be fanless, powerless, or very small. It is therefore necessary to develop passive cooling heatsinks which use thermally conductive fins to transfer thermal energy from the computer chip to the environment as efficiently as possible. Research found that the among the factors of surface area, mass, volume, material, CPU contact area, and fin width, the most efficient heatsinks have: large surface areas, large volumes, large masses, and are made of anodized aluminum over regular aluminum. The factors CPU contact area and fin width did not have any clear effect on the resultant computer temperature.
Clare Walls, Stuttgart High School, Germany
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
Understanding Zebrafish Behavior and Creating a Baseline of Zebrafish Prey-Capture Behavior
The behaviors of Danios rerio (zebrafish) observed during five days of post fertilization days (pdf) display a powerful experimentation approach to understanding brain function of the mentioned organism. Danios rerio is an ideal model for testing and applying light controlled microscope which allows the researcher to see the eyes direction and movements they take during prey capture. Using fish provided by the University of Tuebingen and a high speed camera in the CIN department the behaviors of prey capture were recorded in order to better understand these creatures. The University of Tuebingen has conducted similar research with zebrafish, however, this specific experiment was never conducted with the use of advanced technology equipments (high speed camera) in order to record the behavioral responses of zebrafish through the process of prey capture. Using the definition of J-curve, c-curve, prey capture, and optokinetic response/reflex (OKR) in order to create a baseline of knowledge for future experiments including any study involving the behavior of prey capture. The purpose of this study is to understand the behaviors of prey capture that zebrafish exhibit and establish a foundational research that will help future experiments to lead to the success of the long-term goals of finding cures and understanding spongiform and immune diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease and leukemia).
The behaviors of Danios rerio (zebrafish) observed during five days of post fertilization days (pdf) display a powerful experimentation approach to understanding brain function of the mentioned organism. Danios rerio is an ideal model for testing and applying light controlled microscope which allows the researcher to see the eyes direction and movements they take during prey capture. Using fish provided by the University of Tuebingen and a high speed camera in the CIN department the behaviors of prey capture were recorded in order to better understand these creatures. The University of Tuebingen has conducted similar research with zebrafish, however, this specific experiment was never conducted with the use of advanced technology equipments (high speed camera) in order to record the behavioral responses of zebrafish through the process of prey capture. Using the definition of J-curve, c-curve, prey capture, and optokinetic response/reflex (OKR) in order to create a baseline of knowledge for future experiments including any study involving the behavior of prey capture. The purpose of this study is to understand the behaviors of prey capture that zebrafish exhibit and establish a foundational research that will help future experiments to lead to the success of the long-term goals of finding cures and understanding spongiform and immune diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease and leukemia).
Munro Manning, Sigonella High School, Italy
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Teacher, Sigonella High School
Implementing use of the CRISPR/Cas9 method to gene PYHB in Oryza Sativa L. protoplasts as a potential tool for Phytome B mutations.
This project was inspired by the recent advancement and new technique of genetic engineering, CRISPR/Cas9. The purpose of this project is to apply the CRISPR method in genetic engineering for Oryza Sativa for creating higher yields of produce. How the CRISPR/Cas9 method is used in genetic engineering was key for understanding it’s potential usefulness. CRISPR/Cas9 is composed of two components, Cas9 and a gRNA. The Cas9 endonuclease is based on the Cas9 protein found in bacteria. The Cas9 endonuclease is then combined with a target code sequence, or the gRNA, for a chosen gene. The chosen gene for this project within Oryza Sativa was PYHB. The hypothesis then tested whether the CRISPR method used to deliver a 20 ul RNP for gene PHYB to 1 x 10^5 of rice protoplasts could show significant distinctions in Phytochrome-B within the analyzed DNA fragments in an agarose gel. To prove the hypothesis, the prepared rice cells need to undergo three main phases; protoplast isolation, RNP delivery, and DNA analysis. Rice seeds were grown for 14 days and the rice stem was cut for protoplast isolation. The cut stem strips then were mixed with an enzyme digestion and shaked for 12 hours in darkness. The post-digestion cells will be delivered a RNP with a PEG solution on January 28, 2018. The conclusion of this project is that until DNA analysis with agarose gel is performed, the Null Hypothesis has been proven since significant change within the PHYB gene has not occured.
This project was inspired by the recent advancement and new technique of genetic engineering, CRISPR/Cas9. The purpose of this project is to apply the CRISPR method in genetic engineering for Oryza Sativa for creating higher yields of produce. How the CRISPR/Cas9 method is used in genetic engineering was key for understanding it’s potential usefulness. CRISPR/Cas9 is composed of two components, Cas9 and a gRNA. The Cas9 endonuclease is based on the Cas9 protein found in bacteria. The Cas9 endonuclease is then combined with a target code sequence, or the gRNA, for a chosen gene. The chosen gene for this project within Oryza Sativa was PYHB. The hypothesis then tested whether the CRISPR method used to deliver a 20 ul RNP for gene PHYB to 1 x 10^5 of rice protoplasts could show significant distinctions in Phytochrome-B within the analyzed DNA fragments in an agarose gel. To prove the hypothesis, the prepared rice cells need to undergo three main phases; protoplast isolation, RNP delivery, and DNA analysis. Rice seeds were grown for 14 days and the rice stem was cut for protoplast isolation. The cut stem strips then were mixed with an enzyme digestion and shaked for 12 hours in darkness. The post-digestion cells will be delivered a RNP with a PEG solution on January 28, 2018. The conclusion of this project is that until DNA analysis with agarose gel is performed, the Null Hypothesis has been proven since significant change within the PHYB gene has not occured.