Student science fairs are high-tech
Published May 24th, 2006
Gone are the days when the vinegar-and-baking-soda-fuelled volcano reigned at the student science fair.
After Montrealer Adrian Veres, 16, developed a biosensor that detects the presence of infectious diseases in bodily fluids, it’s safe to say the old frothy favourite has ceased to amaze.
Adrian, a Grade 11 student at College Jean de Brebeuf, won $10,000 U.S. and the top prize in the biochemistry division at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Indianapolis last week for his unique method.
The event hosted 1,500 student competitors from 47 countries.
The biosensor Adrian developed can detect even small amounts of an infectious disease in any bodily fluid, such as blood.
Adrian said his tool is more cost-effective and quicker than existing technology.
With current diagnostic tools it takes three to four days to determine the presence of a specific disease, he said. But with his method, it would take less than two hours.
Other prize winners:
- Kartik Madiraju of Brossard, a student at Centennial Regional High School, won $3,000 for his project on how bacteria can generate electricity.
- David Wang of London, Ont., won $3,000 for discovering an alternative Type 1 diabetes treatment made from tobacco plants.
- Yale Michaels of Winnipeg won $1,500 for a new approach to chemotherapy.
- Kayla Cornale of Burlington, Ont., won $4,000 for developing a way to teach autistic children through music.
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