Lyme disease CRISPR breakthrough by teens could enable new detection and treatment

A team of students from Lambert High School in suburban Atlanta grabbed international attention in Paris by bringing a fresh CRISPR-based approach to a long-standing public health challenge: Lyme disease. Their project, showcased at the global iGEM synthetic biology competition, combined genetic engineering, software, and a do-it-yourself test prototype that could change how early Lyme infections are found and potentially treated.

Despite intense competition from schools around the world, the group finished among the top contenders and earned recognition for both scientific innovation and digital tools—an achievement that highlights how high school science labs are producing real-world solutions to complex diseases.

CRISPR in the hands of high schoolers: a new diagnostic idea for Lyme disease

The students’ work centered on using CRISPR gene-editing technology to locate and reveal a protein produced by the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. Instead of programming CRISPR to permanently edit genes, the team used it as a molecular scalpel in a simulated blood model to remove DNA that masks the target protein, exposing it for detection.

The concept is straightforward in description but technically demanding in execution: by gradually trimming away surrounding DNA sequences, the protein becomes accessible to a simple strip test. In their lab simulations the test strip registered infection as early as two days after exposure, a major improvement over the roughly two-week window many current diagnostics require.

iGEM Paris: how a small U.S. team stood out on a global stage

Lambert High’s entry was one of hundreds submitted to the International Genetically Engineered Machine competition, a showcase for synthetic biology projects that range from agricultural innovations to medical devices. The event in Paris draws students from high schools, undergraduate programs, and research groups worldwide.

• Top-tier finish: The team placed in the top ten overall, emerging as the only American school in that elite group.
• National distinction: They ranked the highest among 14 U.S. high school teams and outperformed more than 390 teams worldwide.
• Software award: Judges also honored their digital work—an elegant website and software tool that presented and supported the scientific idea.

From lab bench to potential home test: what the prototype does

Traditional Lyme testing often relies on antibody responses that can take time to develop, leaving patients undiagnosed for weeks or months. The Lambert team approached detection differently by aiming to directly expose and identify a bacterial protein in blood samples.

Key technical steps

• Design CRISPR guides to target DNA regions surrounding the protein of interest.
• Use iterative cleavage to remove flanking DNA and free the protein for capture.
• Develop a lateral flow–style strip that signals the protein’s presence, suitable for an at-home format.

Their model suggests the test could identify infection in the earliest days, which could dramatically reduce delayed diagnoses and the long-term complications associated with untreated Lyme disease. Beyond diagnosis, isolating the protein more reliably could help researchers craft targeted treatments that attack the bacteria more precisely.

The people behind the project: grit, late nights, and mentorship

Team captain Avani Karthik led a group of classmates who combined biology experiments with coding and user experience design. Many members worked around the clock preparing assays, writing software, and building a clear presentation for judges in Paris.

Biology teacher Kate Sharer supported the students but cautioned them about the odds. As she told reporters, the project carried a lot of risk—ambitious and uncertain—but she committed to helping them pursue it anyway. That mix of skepticism and encouragement proved vital as the team navigated setbacks and refined their prototype.

Media spotlight and broader implications for public health

CBS News’ Bill Whitaker featured the team on 60 Minutes, bringing national attention to the students’ work and the wider burden of Lyme disease in the United States. Lyme affects hundreds of thousands of Americans every year, and delayed detection can lead to prolonged suffering and chronic symptoms.

The Lambert project highlights two important trends:

• High school science programs are increasingly capable of contributing to meaningful biomedical advances.
• CRISPR and synthetic biology continue to lower technical barriers, making innovative diagnostics and therapeutic ideas accessible to smaller, resourceful teams.

What the team accomplished and what’s next

The group left Paris with more than a ribbon: they demonstrated a proof-of-concept for an early-detection Lyme test, won recognition for their software platform, and gained exposure that could attract research partners and mentors. Their success underscores how student-led science can accelerate real solutions for diseases that affect communities across the U.S.

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Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson is an experienced journalist covering U.S. and global news. With ten years on the front lines, he breaks down political and economic stories that matter. His precise writing and keen attention to detail help you grasp the real‑world impact of every event.