The bacterium, identified as Pseudomonas idahoensis, produced a novel compound that has intrigued scientists for its potential biomedical applications.

In an extraordinary leap into biomedical science, a group of Chicago middle school students contributed to the discovery of a compound that shows potential in slowing the growth of melanoma and ovarian cancer cells.

This breakthrough was part of a 14-week applied science program designed to address inequities in STEM education by immersing underrepresented students in authentic scientific research.

Led by researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), the initiative partnered with a local Boys and Girls Club, empowering middle schoolers to become active participants in cutting-edge antibiotic research. Among their notable finds was a strain of bacteria isolated from an unlikely source: goose droppings at Garfield Park Lagoon.

The bacterium, later identified as Pseudomonas idahoensis , produced a novel compound that has intrigued scientists for its potential biomedical applications.

Brian Murphy, the program’s lead scientist and head of the UIC lab focusing on antibiotics from natural sources, emphasized the dual goals of the project: fostering an early passion for science while advancing crucial biomedical research.

A hands-on approach to discovery

The students played an integral role throughout the project, from gathering environmental samples in their neighborhoods to analyzing bacterial colonies for antibiotic properties. One sample—goose droppings—yielded Pseudomonas idahoensis , which showed promise as an antibiotic producer.

Using laboratory robotics, the students programmed a specialized robot to isolate bacterial colonies and conduct bioassays, testing for antimicrobial activity. After identifying Pseudomonas idahoensis as a promising candidate, the university team performed advanced analyses using nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry.

Their findings revealed a previously unknown molecule, named orfamide N, belonging to a family of natural compounds known for their diverse biological properties.

Although orfamide N was not responsible for the antibacterial activity initially observed in the bioassays, further experiments revealed its ability to inhibit the growth of human melanoma and ovarian cancer cells in lab cultures.

Murphy’s team plans to investigate whether orfamide N might exhibit additional pharmacological benefits or work synergistically with other compounds.

A blueprint for community-driven science

This collaboration underscores the value of uniting community outreach with high-level scientific exploration. By actively involving young learners in the scientific process, programs like this could help foster a generation of diverse and passionate STEM professionals.

The researchers also highlighted the potential for replicating this model elsewhere, noting that community-driven science can simultaneously address pressing research questions and inspire future scientists.

This approach echoes similar initiatives, such as the Tiny Earth program , which engages students in the hunt for new antibiotics in soil samples, addressing the growing crisis of antibiotic resistance. Such projects not only accelerate discoveries but also offer students a tangible connection to their environment and the global scientific community.

Science education often faces significant hurdles, particularly in underfunded schools where access to high-quality STEM resources is limited. By integrating middle schoolers into a professional research environment, the program dismantled some of these barriers, demonstrating that innovative partnerships between universities and communities can yield remarkable outcomes.

Author: Srishti Gupta Srishti studied English literature at the University of Delhi and has since then realized it's not her cup of tea. She has been an editor in every space and content type imaginable, from children's books to journal articles. She enjoys popular culture, reading contemporary fiction and nonfiction, crafts, and spending time with her cats. With a keen interest in science, Srishti is particularly drawn to beats covering medicine, sustainability, gene studies, and anything biology-related.

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