Now in Grade 11 at All Saints High School, Kanata, and mentored by Dr. Angela Crawley and Jonathan Angel of the Ottawa Health Research Institute, James focused his research on T-cells, important components of a healthy immune system. He wanted to know if there was a genetic explanation for the rapid death of T-cells, and the associated compromised state of the immune system, which is a hallmark of advanced stages of HIV-AIDS infection.
By examining RNA transcripts of particular T-cells, James found that a protein molecule called CD127 was preventing the delivery of a "survival signal" by a hormone called interleukin-7, which is needed for the development, survival and proliferation of T-cells.
"Now that we have a detailed picture of what is happening to the T-cells, we can look at therapies designed to prevent it," he said.
The success of the project has pushed biotechnology up a few spots on James' list of possible career choices, but he's in no hurry to decide. "I've got another year of high school and a lot of things I'm interested in," he says.
Some of the brightest young scientists in Canada
In remarks at the ceremony, NRC Vice-President Dr. Roman Szumski, who served as one of the judges, said finalists in this competition "represent some of the brightest young scientists in Canada and I congratulate them all on their outstanding achievements. The NRC is proud to be part of this program and we look forward to future competitions."
He thanked the competition sponsor and Sanofi Pasteur Limited President Mark Lievonen for helping foster an appreciation of science education.
The teams and individuals representing their cities and regions in the 2006 national competition, from east to west:
NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
Brief project description: How anti-oxidants reduce post-stroke brain damage, promote recovery
Contact: Terry Collins
terrycollins@rogers.com
416-538-8712
Canadian Biotechnology Education Resource Centre
12-May-2006