School kid finds cancer drug in goose droppings discovery

In a remarkable case of scientific discovery, a middle school student from the United States engaged in an innovative science program spearheaded by the University of Illinois Chicago. Camarria Williams, along with other students aged between 11 and 14, collected various environmental samples as part of their studies. Among the 40 samples collected, which included lake water and insects, one standout was goose droppings gathered near a pond in Chicago's Garfield Park. This specific sample later garnered attention for containing a compound that had not been previously identified by scientists. Laboratory analysis revealed that this compound exhibited the potential to slow the growth of human melanoma and ovarian cancer cells. The scientific program, lasting for 14 weeks, was designed to promote interest in STEM education among students from marginalized neighborhoods. Jin Yi Tan, who played a key role in developing the program, emphasized the transformative experience for the kids involved. Through hands-on exposure to real-world science, the students learned not only to analyze samples but also built confidence in their abilities. Tan expressed her excitement over the discovery of an active antibiotic molecule, a term that resonates with the work typical of university research labs. In the course of the study, students conducted over 5,500 tests of their collected samples, carefully selecting the most promising ones for further research with the assistance of graduate students and postdoctoral mentors. The initiative not only fostered academic growth but also encouraged the students to actively participate in scientific exploration, proving that valuable insights can emerge from unlikely sources, such as goose droppings. Despite the thrilling discovery, it is worth noting the public health precautions typically associated with handling bird guano. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises against direct contact with bird droppings due to potential health risks, including the transmission of bird flu. Nevertheless, Camarria’s scientific exploration highlights how youth engagement in research can yield significant findings and potentially lead to advances in medical research for life-threatening conditions like cancer.