Cystic Fibrosis is an incurable disease caused my a genetic mutation. This disease sparks a build up of sticky, thick mucous in the lungs and digestive system. Many people with this condition typically don’t live past their teen years. But could this be changed? Marshall Zhang, and eleventh grader attending Richmond Hill’s Secondary School, discovered a drug using a supercomputer system that may be the cure for cystic fibrosis. As a result of his amazing discovery, he won first place in the Sanofi-Aventis BioTalent Challenge on May 10. In his breakthrough, he found two new compounds that were able to fight against the protein for triggering this disease. “He figured out how each of these drugs acted against the protein and discovered they acted on the protein in different spots, raising the possibility they could be used simultaneously without interfering with each other.” (LiveScience). Lastly, even if Zhang’s findings are not the cure to cystic fibrosis, it can form a foundation for other discoveries as well. Personally, I think that Zhang’s discovering is an amazing discovery that will benefit future generations. It may end cystic fibrosis forever, or spark a new discovery by another scientist. Furthermore, it’s incredible how an eleventh grade student could discover something so advanced and life-changing. It shows that you can accomplish anything once you set your mind to it.
Article on:
http://www.livescience.com/14138-teen-cystic-fibrosis-drug-cocktail-contest.html
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http://www.livescience.com/14138-teen-cystic-fibrosis-drug-cocktail-contest.html
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