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A high school freshman’s software for studying cancer genes wins top Intel science fair prize

He’s only 15, but Intel International Science and Engineering Fair winner Nathan Han may be […]

He’s only 15, but Intel International Science and Engineering Fair winner Nathan Han may be on his way to making some important advances in cancer research.

His winning invention is a machine-learning software tool he’s been using to examine in detail the characteristics of several mutations of the BRCA1 gene, which produces tumor suppressor proteins. With data from public databases, he’s been “teaching” his software to recognize which mutations may cause disease and which ones likely don’t. According to Intel, his tool has demonstrated 81 percent accuracy in identifying cancer threats from BRCA1 gene mutations.

A better understanding of the genetic underpinnings of cancer could lay the foundation for better screening and diagnostic tools.

Han beat out more than 1,700 young scientists for the $75,000 top prize. Winners were also awarded for specific categories, and a number of them were potential health innovations.

  • 18-year-old Joshua Meier won in the category of cellular/molecular biology for identifying six genes that have been linked to premature aging in certain types of stem cells.

  • In chemistry, Tai Hei Chan developed a faster and less invasive test for chronic kidney failure that delivers results in 10 minutes.

  • Harry Paul, 17, developed an implant to stabilize the spines of children with scoliosis that extends as children grow. He won in the materials & biomaterials category.

[Image credit: Intel]

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