New reports confirm that a group of innovative teenagers from Lambert High School in suburban Atlanta may have developed a groundbreaking method to detect and treat Lyme disease. This urgent breakthrough could revolutionize the way the disease, which affects nearly 500,000 Americans annually, is diagnosed and treated.
The students are competing in iGEM, an elite science competition in Paris, showcasing their work with the revolutionary gene-editing tool CRISPR. Their ambitious project aims to provide faster and more accurate detection of Lyme disease, a condition notoriously difficult to diagnose early.
In an exclusive preview of their project, team captain Sean Lee explained their approach: “We are targeting a specific protein generated by the infection, allowing us to detect it with a simple, kit-style test—similar to a COVID or pregnancy test.” This method could identify Lyme disease in just two days after infection, a significant improvement over current tests that can take up to two weeks.
The urgency of their work is underscored by personal stories. Team member Avani Karthik shared, “We’ve met people who went 15 years without a diagnosis.” This highlights the critical need for improved detection methods that can save lives.
The competition in Paris is fierce, with over 400 teams vying for recognition. Lambert’s team, entirely composed of Asian-American students, represents the future of biotechnology in the U.S. and underscores the importance of nurturing young scientists. They have employed synthetic biology not just as a scientific tool but as a means to tackle real-world problems.
Their innovative approach also includes using CRISPR to target the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, moving beyond standard antibiotic treatments. “We built software to model how best to use CRISPR effectively,” said Claire Lee, another team member. This dual focus on detection and treatment could lead to a major scientific breakthrough.
Their teacher, Kate Sharer, praised their efforts, stating, “They are thinking so far outside the box that it’s hard to keep up.” The students have invested countless hours into their project, facing challenges that many adult scientists encounter.
As the team prepped for their presentation in Paris, they expressed hopes of finishing in the top ten. Avani noted, “I like to win,” a sentiment shared by her teammates as they pull all-nighters to finalize their project materials.
The stakes are high, not just for the competition but for the wider implications of their research. With Lyme disease on the rise, particularly in areas with increasing tick populations, their findings could lead to improved public health outcomes.
On October 30, 2025, Lambert’s team presented their research at iGEM. Despite fierce competition, they secured the award for Best Software Tool, marking a significant achievement as the only American school to place in the high school top ten.
As the event concluded, the team’s excitement was palpable. “We’re very proud of it,” Avani declared, reflecting on their hard work and determination. Their innovative project not only showcases their scientific acumen but also highlights the importance of supporting young minds in tackling global health challenges.
This breakthrough in Lyme disease detection is just the beginning. The team acknowledges that further testing and development are needed, but their work exemplifies how young scientists can lead the charge in biotechnology. The future of science may depend on these bright minds from Lambert High School, and their story serves as an inspiration for aspiring innovators worldwide.
As the world watches, the Lambert team stands ready to make an impact—one CRISPR edit at a time.