A group of high school students from Lambert High School in suburban Atlanta has made significant strides in the detection and treatment of Lyme disease using the innovative gene editing tool known as CRISPR. This breakthrough could potentially change how nearly half a million Americans affected by the disease each year are diagnosed and treated. The students are competing at the prestigious iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) competition in Paris, where they face off against teams from around the world, including China, which is rapidly advancing in biotechnology.
At Lambert High School, students like Sean Lee and Avani Karthik are delving deep into the world of genetic engineering, utilizing cutting-edge techniques to tackle real-world health issues. The team aims to develop a method for earlier detection of Lyme disease, which is transmitted by infected ticks and can lead to serious health problems if not treated promptly. Current diagnostic tests often fail to identify the disease in its earliest stages, leaving many patients undiagnosed for years.
Avani Karthik explained the challenge: “One of the biggest problems with Lyme is the lack of being able to diagnose it. We’ve met someone who went 15 years without a diagnosis.” Their goal is to create a kit-style test that could detect the disease much earlier than existing methods, which typically can only identify Lyme after two weeks of infection.
To achieve this, the team focused on a specific protein generated by the Lyme bacteria. By employing CRISPR technology, they engineered a method to isolate and detect this protein in a simulated blood serum, simplifying the detection process. This innovative approach could lead to a straightforward test similar to those used for COVID-19 or pregnancy.
Alongside their detection efforts, the team is also exploring treatment options. Standard therapies for Lyme disease rely on antibiotic treatment, but the students aim to utilize CRISPR to target the bacteria causing the disease directly. This dual approach of detection and treatment could mark a significant advancement in how Lyme disease is managed.
Kate Sharer, the team’s biotechnology teacher, highlighted the students’ exceptional capabilities: “They are so smart that I can’t keep up. They think so far outside the box.” Lambert High School provides a well-equipped laboratory, funded by local taxpayers and donations, which allows the students to conduct advanced scientific research that would typically be found in a university setting.
With a month to prepare for the iGEM competition, the Lambert team faced the pressure of finalizing their project. They experienced a series of successes, demonstrating the ability to detect Lyme disease as early as two days post-infection. Claire Lee, another team member, noted, “We’re doing something in our high school lab that could potentially have a huge impact for millions of people. This could help save lives.”
As the team arrived in Paris at the end of October 2025, they were filled with anticipation. The iGEM competition featured over 400 teams, with a third comprised of high school students, showcasing a variety of innovative projects. The competition’s environment was exhilarating, with Lambert team members observing and learning from other teams, including one from Shenzhen, China, which developed an enzyme for indoor mold treatment.
The competition underscored the growing divide in participation between American and Asian teams, with 14 high school teams from the United States compared to 120 from Asia. Janet Standeven, who helped establish the iGEM program at Lambert, expressed concern over the trend, emphasizing the need for American students to maintain a strong presence in the biotechnology field.
As the competition progressed, Lambert’s team presented their findings on stage and faced a panel of judges, answering questions about their research and its implications. The students were evaluated not just on their scientific work, but also on their website and software development, critical components of their project.
While Lambert did not win the grand prize, awarded to the Great Bay team from China, they were recognized for their exceptional software tool, earning them a spot among the top competitors. Avani Karthik reflected on the achievement, stating, “We thought our project was amazing. We’re very proud of it.”
Ultimately, the Lambert team’s innovative work could pave the way for new diagnostic methods and treatments for Lyme disease, underscoring the potential of young scientists to make impactful contributions to global health. Their journey highlights how education and access to resources can empower the next generation to tackle significant health challenges.
