{"uuid": "89782af7-26e9-42de-8b38-87bc737355d0", "vulnerability_lookup_origin": "1a89b78e-f703-45f3-bb86-59eb712668bd", "author": "9f56dd64-161d-43a6-b9c3-555944290a09", "vulnerability": "CVE-2021-44228", "type": "seen", "source": "https://gist.github.com/KingArthur0205/e81df40d7e93e21034d7fa4974bd6052", "content": "{\"projects\": [{\"booth_id\": \"ANIM047\", \"title\": \"Determining the Distribution of Arginine in Gracilaria salicornia and Codium edule and Fibropapillomatosis Rates in Chelonia mydas in Kane?ohe Bay\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"ANIM\", \"award\": \"First Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Springer , Maddux\"], \"school\": \"Iolani School\", \"abstract\": \"Populations of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in Hawaii have become a source of concern over the past decade due to the tumor-causing disease fibropapillomatosis (FP), the number one cause of mortality in green sea turtles. FP forms internal or external tumors, inhibiting foraging, movement, and organ functions. Previous research suggests a possible cause of FP is elevated levels of the amino acid arginine in algae, their primary food source. Elevated levels of arginine have been associated with high levels of nitrogen in wastewater, as indicated by d15N. In this study, FP amongst the green sea turtle population in Kane?ohe Bay and two of their primary food sources, Gracilaria salicornia and Codium edule, were analyzed.  The objective of our research was to assess if there is a relationship between levels of d15N along the coast, rates of invasive, levels of arginine indicated by algae in the diet of green sea turtles and rates of FP in Kane?ohe Bay, Hawai?i. To do this, we surveyed turtles to estimate the distribution of FP and collected algae to analyze arginine and invasive algae. We found a significant relationship (*p<0.05, Fisher\u2019s exact test) between levels of FP in green sea turtles (n=35/87 with FP), raised invasive algae (range=37-98%)  d15N indicated arginine levels (n=60, range=0.20-0.38% mass) (*p<0.05, t-test) in algae. This suggests a link between wastewater, invasive algae, arginine and FP in endangered green sea turtles, providing further insight of the causes and distribution of FP and pollution in Kane?ohe Bay.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://www.hawaiiacademyofscience.org/science-fair-winners\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 55, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"full_name\", \"isef_mention\"], \"title\": \"Science Fair Winners \u2014 Hawaii Academy of Science\", \"source_domain\": \"www.hawaiiacademyofscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"full_name, isef_mention\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"PEGGY SCRIPPS AWARD FOR SCIENCE COMMUNICATION Maddux Springer, \u2018Iolani School Determining the Distribution of Arginine in Gracilaria salicornia and Codium edule and Fibropapillomatosis Rates in Chelonia mydas in Kane'ohe Bay $10,000 Award 1ST PLACE IN ANIMAL SCIENCES Maddux Springer, \u2018Iolani School Determining the Distribution of Arginine in Gracilaria salicornia and Codium edule and Fibropapillomatosis Rates in Chelonia mydas in Kane'ohe Bay $5,000 Award [...] SERVING SOCIETY THROUGH SCIENCE AW\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/anim047-relationship-between-wastewater-and-fp-in-turtles\", \"title\": \"ANIM047 - Relationship Between Wastewater and FP in Turtles \", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714623476029_IMG_2139_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ANIM047 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BCHM022\", \"title\": \"A Novel Approach to Characterizing Pathogenicity of SLC25A13 Variants in Cancer\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biochemistry\", \"category_code\": \"BCHM\", \"award\": \"First Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Xiao, Amy\"], \"school\": \"Garden City High School\", \"abstract\": \"A hallmark of cancer is the rewiring of cellular metabolism to meet proliferative needs. Citrin protein (transcribed from the human SLC25A13 gene) is a mitochondrial carrier involved in the malate aspartate shuttle, urea cycle, and pyrimidine synthesis-- multiple pathways contributing to tumorigenesis. Although Citrin variants have been well characterized in the context of inborn Citrin deficiency, a metabolic disease caused by its germline mutation, a limited amount of studies have examined Citrin in a cancer context. This study investigates Citrin\u2019s role in cancer patient prognosis and treatment. Analysis of publicly available cancer patient data revealed a striking correlation between Citrin mutations and increased cancer patient survival (p=0.0112). To analyze the functional impact of these mutations, deep-learning modeling was used to generate the first complete Citrin structural model which hasn\u2019t been resolved by conventional crystallographic methods. Substrate docking to and in silico mutagenesis of the model revealed Citrin\u2019s C-terminal domain\u2019s functional importance in substrate attraction and transmembrane passage regulation. The functional impact of mutations identified in cancer patients was analyzed with an evolutionary-conservation-based algorithm and physical analysis of variant residue interactions, stability, and movement, indicating a loss of Citrin function to correlate with increased patient survival. Docking of over 1600 ZINC20 ligands identified FDA-approved drugs capable of being repurposed as potent Citrin inhibitors. This study nominates Citrin as a novel therapeutic target for cancer treatment and also provides a basis for future Citrin-based pharmaceutical development through the creation of a comprehensive model and inhibitor identification.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bchm022-novel-approach-to-slc25a13-variants-in-cancer\", \"title\": \"BCHM022 - Novel Approach to SLC25A13 Variants in Cancer\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/lrfojPavBO0\", \"title\": \"BCHM022 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BEHA061\", \"title\": \"GaitNet: A Medically Interpretable Video-Based System for Assessing Parkinsonian Gait Impairment Severity Using 2-Stream Spatiotemporal Neural Network\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BEHA\", \"award\": \"First Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Liang, Andrew\"], \"school\": \"The Harker School\", \"abstract\": \"Parkinson\u2019s disease (PD) affects millions of people worldwide and causes gait impairments like tremors. Accurate motor impairment assessment is critical for efficient PD management. The MDS-UPDRS rating scale is the gold standard for evaluating PD motor disorders in clinics, but its manual evaluations are subjective and sometimes ineffective. Alternative methods like wearable sensors are expensive. This research presents a groundbreaking framework for PD gait impairment severity assessment that is accurate, quantitative, and accessible. First, I developed a novel neural network that, for the first time, extracts spatiotemporal features from 3D skeletons and silhouettes to evaluate gait disorders, achieving 91% sensitivity and outperforming state-of-the-art models. To build trust with physicians, I am the first to derive saliency values to pinpoint body regions and joint points that account for model decisions. The highlighted areas correspond to clinical observations of regions most affected by PD, helping physicians identify subtle gait changes in patients. Furthermore, I comprehensively evaluated 21 specific gait attributes defined by the MDS-UPDRS standard and identified parameters, including step length asymmetry, that are statistically correlated with PD gait impairment. Continually measuring these attributes supplements the discrete MDS-UPDRS ratings, significantly improving physicians\u2019 abilities to achieve precise diagnoses. Finally, I created a low-cost web application that utilizes videos to generate PD gait impairment diagnosis results at home. This system bridges the gaps between AI methods and PD care by enabling PD early detection, personalizing treatment plans, and monitoring disease progression. It can easily extend to other gait disorder diseases.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/beha061-gaitnet-assess-parkinsons-gait-disorder-severity\", \"title\": \"BEHA061 - GaitNet: Assess Parkinson's Gait Disorder Severity\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714370258756_PD_ISEF_1050_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BEHA061 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED001\", \"title\": \"Evolutionary Insights Into the Stemness Paradox of Human Germ Cells and Cancer Cells\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"First Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Lei, Kevin Xuan\"], \"school\": \"Shanghai High School International Division\", \"abstract\": \"Primates had evolved an advanced spermatogonia stem cell (SSC) system that correlates with reduced germline mutations and longer lifespans, yet the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. This study probed the evolutionary underpinnings of stemness maintenance in human SSCs and cancer cells, with a focus on primate-specific cancer-testis-antigen (CTA) genes that have been known to be present in both human testes and cancer cells. Using bioinformatics, I traced the emergence of a panel of human CTA genes that evolved in the ancestor of anthropoids and coincided with the evolution of the advanced SSC system. My experiments involved knockdowns of these CTAs in both human SSCs and cancer cells. The analysis combined both bioinformatics and lab work, with a focus on understanding the functional significance of CTAs in contrasting physiological and pathological contexts. My results revealed that primate-specific CTAs are indispensable for clonal proliferation, a golden standard for high stemness, in both SSCs and cancer cells. Furthermore, my analysis showed that patients with higher level expressions of these CTAs had markedly poorer prognoses and shorter survival times. This research established a direct link among evolutionary biology, human reproductive biology, and cancer biology. It revealed the double-edged nature of CTAs: vital for germline cell maintenance and progeny persistence in humans, yet malignant when hijacked by cancer cells to sustain high stemness in tumors. This dual functionality of CTAs underscores their potential as novel targets for cancer therapy, offering insights into cancer biology and the evolutionary aspects of human physiology.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed001-stemness-paradox-of-germ-cells-and-cancer-cells\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.56\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"BMED001 - Stemness Paradox of Germ Cells and Cancer Cells\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.56, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This study probed the evolutionary underpinnings of stemness maintenance in human SSCs and cancer cells, with a focus on primate-specific cancer-testis-antigen\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/FxBCPxDVGVU\", \"title\": \"BMED001 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED033\", \"title\": \"The Relationship Between Tumor-Induced Osteoclastogenesis and Osteoprotegerin\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"First Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Kamat, Ria\"], \"school\": \"Bergen County Academies\", \"abstract\": \"Osteosarcoma (OS), a primary bone tumor, arises from an imbalance in the bone remodeling pathway which fosters metastasis. In healthy bones, the microenvironment supports balanced remodeling, crucial during growth to bear the body's mechanical load. Bone remodeling has two competing cells: osteoclasts (OC) promote bone degradation and osteoblasts (OB) promote bone synthesis. This process is orchestrated by RANK receptors on OC and its ligand RANKL from OB to initiate pre-OC to OC differentiation. Osteoprotegerin (OPG), produced by OB, acts as a decoy receptor, regulating bone resorption. In OS, excess RANK/RANKL interaction induces osteoclastogenesis which weakens bone integrity and leads to tumor metastasis. To model this state in vitro, U2OS, a RANK/RANKL producing OS cell line, was treated with TNFa, a cytokine inducing osteoclastogenesis. Exogenous OPG (1-1000 ng/mL) administered to TNFa-treated U2OS suggests decreased osteoclastogenesis thus inhibiting this metastatic pathway. ELISA showed a significant decrease in RANK/RANKL production with OPG treatment, supporting a decrease in RANK/RANKL interaction. Gene expression analysis revealed an upregulation in genes responsible for OB production and bone integrity, as well as a downregulation of WNT6 and NPC2 - genes indicative of metastasis, all due to OPG treatment. Diminished metastatic capability was shown through TRAP (Tartrate Resistant Acid Phosphatase) staining which showed a profound decrease in cells with an OC phenotype, an invasion assay which demonstrated reduced migration of OPG treated cells, and an ELISA which showed a significant decrease in MMP9 expression. Based on this research, OPG may have therapeutic potential in controlling OS metastasis and bone degradation, alongside current therapies.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed033-osteoclast-control-to-inhibit-osteosarcoma-spread\", \"title\": \"BMED033 - Osteoclast Control To Inhibit Osteosarcoma Spread\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/mCLDRHoNzqg\", \"title\": \"BMED033 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CBIO044\", \"title\": \"Novel Drug Discovery Methodology Using Machine Learning for Gene Expression-Based Virtual Screening Predicts Novel Compounds To Reverse Alzheimer's Disease With Applications to Cancer and Longevity by Inhibiting CtBP2 Expression\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\", \"category_code\": \"CBIO\", \"award\": \"First Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Roh, Kun-Hyung\"], \"school\": \"Bronx High School of Science\", \"abstract\": \"Alzheimer's Disease (AD) has neither satisfactory nor equitably accessible treatments. Current research emphasizes inflammation, notably age-related elevation of microglial TNF-a, in driving AD pathogenesis. Previous screens showed phenothiazines as protective drugs against A\u00df42-induced toxicity and neuroinflammation.\\nTo elucidate mechanisms mediating such protective effects and develop a general drug discovery method, I developed a target identification protocol which allowed rapid assessment of effects of drugs on gene expression in human cells. This revealed that inhibition of CtBP2 was one of the most robust molecular responses to phenothiazines. CtBP2 expression increases with age, in AD brain regions with specificity to microglia, and even in populations with certain types of cancer.\\nHowever, the complex and unstable structure of CtBP2 prevents development of high-affinity, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeable small molecules. Conventional drug discovery methods struggle in targeting \\\"undruggable\\\" proteins, or multiple pathways in complex diseases like AD.\\nHere, I shift paradigms from Structure-Based to Expression-Based Screening, targeting mRNA-based gene expression instead of physiochemical binding. To discover more effective small inhibitors of CtBP2 transcription, I created a new machine learning model that produces accurate predictions even in extremely imbalanced datasets, surpassing baseline metrics. Using this model, I identified novel compounds that transcriptionally inhibit CtBP2 outperforming phenothiazines to increase healthspan by abolishing microglial inflammation and C. elegans paralysis. I report a highly promising novel and general approach to drug discovery, applicable to any high-throughput assays for increased accessibility and efficacy.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cbio044-chemically-reducing-ctbp-transcription-reverses-ad\", \"title\": \"CBIO044 - Chemically Reducing CtBP Transcription Reverses AD\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714125448767_ISEF_intro_video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CBIO044 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CELL032T\", \"title\": \"Decoding ASXL3: A Novel Biomarker for Neurodevelopmental Disorders\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\", \"category_code\": \"CELL\", \"award\": \"First Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Hammoud, Maya\", \"Hammoud, Lara\"], \"school\": \"Detroit Country Day School\", \"abstract\": \"In a recent study, 33% of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) carried mutations in ASXL3, whose function is unknown. To understand ASXL3\u2019s role in NDDs, we used CRISPR technology to engineer three H9 embryonic stem-cell lines with varying doses ASXL3 levels: wild-type (ASXL3 +/+), heterozygous (ASXL3 +/-), and homozygous knockout (ASXL3 -/-). PCR and DNA sequencing confirmed that CRISPR-CAS9 generated the intended cell lines. Using these newly engineered cell lines, we generated rosettes and organoids to track cell growth and characterize cell differentiation through imaging and RNA sequencing analysis. The ASXL3 -/- cell lines exhibited accelerated growth compared to ASXL3-/+ or ASXL3 +/+. Furthermore, ASXL3 -/- organoids had an increased percentage of proliferative cells, evidenced by increased number of Ki67 cells, leading to an increase of neural progenitor cells. However, ASXL3 -/- organoids had reduced neuronal differentiation and less layer 5 cortical neurons, characterized by fewer BCL11B cells. This revealed the novel function of ASXL3 as a neural cell gate control. Additionally, the less layer 5 neurons impair the layer 5 functions of communication and fine motor skills, which generates the phenotype of the NDD, showing that ASXL3 -/- is a novel biomarker for NDDs. This pattern of increased proliferation and reduced differentiation was independently verified by differential RNA sequencing analysis between ASXL3 +/+ and ASXL3 -/-. Finally, to rescue the defects observed in ASXL3 -/- cells, we treated them with fibroblast growth factors (FGF) at 10, 20, and 30 ng/ml concentrations and found that 30 ng/ml of FGF in an ASXL3 -/- promoted neuronal cell differentiation similar to ASXL3 +/+ in 92% of our cells and may alleviate the effects of NDDs.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cell032t-decoding-asxl3\", \"title\": \"CELL032T - Decoding ASXL3\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713047128811_2001162440248680817facetune970a48b2_e0a2_43a9_a88a_0cba3f7f7dd6_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CELL032T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM052\", \"title\": \"Analyzing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Through Atomistic Simulations\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"First Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Sankaran, Akilan\"], \"school\": \"Albuquerque Academy\", \"abstract\": \"Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of highly fluorinated hydrocarbons, pose global contamination and pollution concerns due to both their toxicity and their potential to increase risks of reproductive disorders, endocrine disruption, and cancer. The resistance of such substances to degradation in the environment has earned them the title of \u201cforever chemicals.\u201d Two of the most abundant PFAS species, Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS), have been associated with tens of thousands of deaths annually. Despite extensive recent efforts, analysis of the molecular-level behavior of PFOA and PFOS has remained elusive.\\nTo address this knowledge gap, we conduct extensive investigation of the properties of PFOA and PFOS through first-principles electronic structure and molecular mechanics calculations. Utilizing both classical Molecular Dynamics (MD) and quantum Density Functional Theory (DFT) techniques, we perform structural optimization of PFOA and PFOS molecules in simulation cells; such structures are utilized to characterize time-evolution of molecular systems. We also study chemical properties of PFOA and PFOS when placed in larger systems, such as diffusion in aqueous environments and hydrophobicity. Our MD and DFT results align closely with experimental results and contribute the first detailed atomic-level studies of PFAS substances. Moreover, we discover atomic-scale reductive defluorination of PFOA catalyzed by Cobalt-containing Vitamin B12 complexes, furthering our understanding of PFOA degradation mechanisms. Thus, our study provides a molecular-level basis for mitigating the toxic effects of PFAS substances, potentially offering protections for 200 million exposed individuals within the U.S. \u2013 and far more globally.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/chem052-atomistic-simulations-of-forever-chemicals\", \"title\": \"CHEM052 - Atomistic Simulations of 'Forever Chemicals'\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714016999971_project_video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CHEM052 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM069T\", \"title\": \"Synthesis and Characterization of Property-Optimized Ionic Liquid for Post-Combustion Carbon Capture Discovered via Novel Deep Learning Model\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"First Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Malpani, Arjun\", \"D'costa, Siddharth\"], \"school\": \"Sunset High School\", \"abstract\": \"Post-Combustion Carbon Capture (PCC) aims to mitigate rising greenhouse gas emissions by sequestering CO2 from flue gas streams. Currently, PCC utilizes liquid amine solvents, such as monoethanolamine, which encounter various chemical drawbacks\u2014including corrosivity, volatility, flammability, and toxicity\u2014that hinder functional and economic efficiency. Ionic Liquids (ILs) have been identified as promising alternative solvents, possessing numerous properties ideal for the process. However, ILs face a comparatively smaller set of energy and efficiency-based challenges that must be overcome prior to PCC implementation. To address these issues, property-optimized ILs with minimal viscosity, minimal heat capacity, and maximal thermal conductivity were designed via a novel generative autoencoder-based deep learning framework in this study. These ILs were analyzed for synthetic cost and feasibility along with theoretical carbon dioxide uptake; an imidazolium-based IL emerged as an ideal compound matching all criteria. A cost and time-effective synthesis process was established, circumventing the inefficient ion-exchange metathesis step typical in IL synthesis. Experimental measurements of the aforementioned properties confirmed the novel IL compound to have substantial energy and efficiency-related improvements over all existing ILs for the PCC process. Moreover, carbon dioxide uptake was quantified, achieving a 1:0.39 molar ratio of solvent to carbon dioxide--a capture rate similar to industry-leading solvents. It was calculated that the optimal IL would reduce energy consumption and cost by at least 34%. These results prove the efficacy of the property-optimizing model and mark a significant leap toward feasible large-scale carbon capture implementation.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?Category=Any+Category&FinalistLastName=malpani&IsGetAllAbstracts=True&FairCountry=Any+Country&FairState=Any+State&SelectedIsefYears%5B0%5D=0&projectId=25822\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 18, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"ISEF | Projects Database | Finalist Abstract\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"isef_mention, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Synthesis and Characterization of Property-Optimized Ionic Liquid for Post-Combustion Carbon Capture Discovered via Novel Deep Learning Model. Booth Id:\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/chem069t-novel-optimal-ionic-liquid-for-carbon-capture\", \"title\": \"CHEM069T - Novel, Optimal Ionic Liquid for Carbon Capture\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714086590173_ISEF_2024_Video_1_1__thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CHEM069T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV019\", \"title\": \"ANOMaLY: A Real-Time Globalized System for Effective Regional Mitigation of Agricultural Nitrous Oxide Emissions\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"First Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Vemuri, Nikhil\"], \"school\": \"North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics\", \"abstract\": \"Nitrous oxide (N2O) is one of the largest contributors to the greenhouse effect (265x more greenhouse forcing than CO2) and is the largest contributor to ozone depletion in the 21st century. Over 70% of anthropogenic N2O is emitted directly from agriculture and soil management, and previous studies have observed that these emissions spike in localized spatiotemporal events. The system developed in this project identifies these events in real-time across the globe, allowing for fast and effective mitigation measures to be put in place to quickly reduce total emissions. Sentinel-2 imagery was correlated with soil chemical data gathered by the author from 7 farms across North Carolina over 6 months (1200+ samples taken) and used to extract novel spectral indices that approximate soil NH4+ and NO3- (R2 = 0.53, 0.46). Existing data was paired with soil chemical data using the new spectral indices and was used to build an informed model that integrated partial differential equations modeling microbial nitrogen kinetics into a neural network architecture. This informed model explained ~80% of variation in regional N2O a large improvement over previous models explaining only ~30% of variation. Due to this system using real-time satellite and climate data, localization of regional-scale flux hotspots can be achieved at nearly any place and time on Earth. At maximum capacity, this system can localize over 55% of total anthropogenic N2O emissions and is generalizable to various agricultural gas-based pollutants. Additionally, the world\u2019s first spatiotemporally linked soil nitrate and ammonium dataset was developed for this project.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/eaev019-anomaly-mitigating-agricultural-nitrous-oxide\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"EAEV019 - ANOMaLY: Mitigating Agricultural Nitrous Oxide\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"The system developed in this project identifies these events in real-time across the globe, allowing for fast and effective mitigation measures to be put in\"}, {\"url\": \"https://eucyskatowice2024.eu/anomaly-a-real-time-globalized-system-for-effective-regional-mitigation-of-agricultural-nitrous-oxide-emissions\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 12, \"status\": \"needs_review\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.85\", \"llm:related:0.85\"], \"title\": \"ANOMaLY: A Real-Time Globalized System for Effective Regional Mitigation of Agricultural Nitrous Oxide Emissions - EUCYS Katowice 2024\", \"source_domain\": \"eucyskatowice2024.eu\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.85\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Skip to content Katowice September 9-14, 2024 ## EUCYS 2024 FAQ CONTACT Home \u00bb Projects \u00bb ANOMaLY: A Real-Time Globalized System for Effective Regional Mitigation of Agricultural Nitrous Oxide Emissions # ANOMaLY: A Real-Time Globalized System for Effective Regional Mitigation of Agricultural Nitrous Oxide Emissions environment [...] Nitrous oxide (N2O) is one of the largest contributors to the greenhouse effect and is the largest contributor to ozone depletion in the 21st century. Over 70% of a\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/Nyca9aNgFDU\", \"title\": \"EAEV019 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV062T\", \"title\": \"Acoustic Filtration: Harnessing Ultrasonic Technology for the Streamlined Removal of Microplastic Particles From Water Flow\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"First Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Huang, Justin\", \"Ou, Victoria\"], \"school\": \"College Park High School\", \"abstract\": \"Microplastics have become a prevalent global environmental issue, with an estimated 75 trillion microplastics in the oceans today. MPs pose dangers to wildlife and cause serious health issues for humans. Existing microplastic removal methods are limited because of high expenses or potentially hazardous chemicals; consequently, a non-invasive, energy-efficient, and cost-effective solution is necessary. In this project, a novel ultrasound filtration system was constructed with piezoelectric transducers attached to steel tubes, which were connected with silicon tubing. When suspended microplastics were pushed through the device, the ultrasound\u2019s acoustic radiation force prevented particles from passing, producing microplastic-free water. One-stage filtration of polyethylene yielded efficiencies between 84-94% with water flowing at rates of 10, 20, and 40 mL/minute; two-stage produced 94-96% efficiencies for the same flow rates. Cross-comparison using polyurethane and polystyrene had similar results, producing efficiencies greater than 95%. Additionally, when compared to a one-stage system of bigger diameter, it was found that smaller tubes had better filtration. The device was also tested on its ability to handle laundry water rinsed with polyester fabric and microplastic build-up from highly concentrated or large volumes of water, which it successfully filtered. A CFD simulation was created to mimic real-life applications and verify results. While future refining is needed, this new acoustic filtering approach is the first-of-its-kind, safely and effectively filtering microplastics through ultrasonic technology. With its robust abilities of intercepting source pollution and cleaning contaminated waters, its application can be extended to remove other particle pollutants.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/eaev062t-harnessing-ultrasound-for-microplastic-filtration\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"EAEV062T - Harnessing Ultrasound for Microplastic Filtration\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"In this project, a novel ultrasound filtration system was constructed with piezoelectric transducers attached to steel tubes, which were connected with silicon ...Read more\"}, {\"url\": \"https://envirodelhi.wordpress.com/2025/12/09/%F0%9F%94%8A-how-effective-sound-waves-are-in-cleaning-microplastics-from-water\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 55, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"full_name\", \"isef_mention\"], \"title\": \"\ud83d\udd0a How Effective Sound Waves Are in Cleaning Microplastics from Water | envirodelhi\", \"source_domain\": \"envirodelhi.wordpress.com\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"full_name, isef_mention\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Huang, Justin, and Victoria Ou. \u201cHarnessing Ultrasound for Microplastic Filtration.\u201d Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, 2024. Perera, Lumala Nelum, and Menake E. Piyasena. \u201cAcoustic focusing of microplastics in microfabricated and steel tube devices: An experimental study on the effects from particle size and medium density.\u201d Separation and Purification Technology 288 (2022). [...] The article you read refers to an innovative device created by high school students Victoria Ou \"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.businessinsider.com/teens-win-fifty-thousand-for-ultrasound-microplastic-filtration-device-2024-5\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 55, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"full_name\", \"isef_mention\"], \"title\": \"2 Teens Get $50,000 for Award-Winning Microplastic Filtration Device - Business Insider\", \"source_domain\": \"www.businessinsider.com\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"full_name, isef_mention\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Their technique uses ultrasonic waves to create a pressure wall that blocks microplastics and allows water to flow through, whereas the Shinshu study focused the microplastics into a beam that must then be collected separately, which requires more steps, more infrastructure, and didn't filter as much water. \\\"I hope we just are able to be able to scale this up, but first we have to refine it because this technology is still at its infancy,\\\" Huang said. [...] In another 2023 study, researchers at \"}, {\"url\": \"https://eepro.naaee.org/community/blog/e-stem-applied-teenagers-design-ultrasound-device-microplastic-filtration-0\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 55, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"full_name\", \"isef_mention\"], \"title\": \"E-STEM Applied: Teenagers Design Ultrasound Device for Microplastic Filtration | eePRO\", \"source_domain\": \"eepro.naaee.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"full_name, isef_mention\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"The pair was inspired to develop their device after a visit to a water treatment plant where they learned about the challenges treatment plants have in removing microplastics, which have become more prevalent in drinking water sources all over the world. Their project included a new ultrasound filtration system design using piezoelectric transducers and steel tubes, and successfully filtered microplastics from laundry water and handled large volumes. [...] Despite current limitations in micropla\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yk6jSPZfMlA\", \"title\": \"EAEV062T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EBED031T\", \"title\": \"The Digital Air Rifle Ballistic Measuring Device\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\", \"category_code\": \"EBED\", \"award\": \"First Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Filion, Chloe\", \"Filion, Sophie\"], \"school\": \"Saint-Jean-de-Brebeuf\", \"abstract\": \"The 10m Air Rifle competition is an ISSF Summer Olympic sport where 1mm can make the\\ndifference between winning and losing. Over 57,000 cadets in Canada train with the 853C air\\nrifle in the 10m competition. Aging rifles and damaged components can make rifles inaccurate. To address this challenge, we created a ballistic pellet speed measuring device using a 3D printer, optical sensors, an ESP32, an LCD, a 3D gyro, a 3D accelerometer, and a lithium battery. We tested our device on 21 rifles, with over 2000 shots, in two squadrons, and identified 4 faulty and 4 leaking rifles. Additionally, we evaluated various manual rifle compression methods to determine optimal compression techniques. Using the 3D accelerometer/gyro, we created a marksman profile, logging 512 data points in 5 seconds, recording what the marksman did prior to, during, and after pulling the trigger. This data is incredibly detailed and can be uploaded to the cloud via WiFi for remote viewing. Furthermore, the data can also be downloaded directly via USB. This novel tracking system can efficiently identify good and poor marksmanship techniques and can be used to enhance marksmanship skills such as wobble, breathing, and follow-through. Our project resulted in the replacement of 3 faulty rifles in our squadron and enhanced training for our marksmen. The device fits snuggly on the barrel and doesn't obstruct any sights. Our fast and easy-to-use data can be visualized on a smartphone during training and competition. Overall, this unique, cost-effective device has the potential to be a game-changer for this Olympic sport.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/ebed031t-the-digital-air-rifle-ballistic-measuring-device\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.83\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"EBED031T - The Digital Air Rifle Ballistic Measuring Device\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.83, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Over 57,000 cadets in Canada we created a ballistic pellet speed measuring device using a 3D printer, optical sensors, an ESP32, an LCD, a 3D gyro, a 3D\"}, {\"url\": \"https://partner.projectboard.world/ysc/project/the-digital-air-rifle-ballistic-measuring-device\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 50, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_exact:1.00\"], \"title\": \"The Digital Air Rifle Ballistic Measuring Device\", \"source_domain\": \"partner.projectboard.world\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_exact:1.00\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"All Canadian Air Cadets are trained to use the 853C Air Rifle. Our project investigated whether common accuracy issues with the rifle come from sources\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713307248102_BDAZ7104_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EBED031T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EGSD035\", \"title\": \"Redefining the Landscape of Hydrogen Safety Using Innovative Gasochromic Technology\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\", \"category_code\": \"EGSD\", \"award\": \"First Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Wahban, Alia\"], \"school\": \"Hillfield Strathallan College\", \"abstract\": \"The increasing focus on decarbonization has brought hydrogen into the center role in the quest for sustainable solutions. As the hydrogen economy is expected to grow, new detection methods are required to improve safety during storage and usage. The objective of this innovative project is to develop and validate a new cost-effective and reliable hydrogen sensor using gasochromic materials, aiming to address safety concerns associated with hydrogen's expanding role. The gasochromic technology is a simple method to detect hydrogen and has many advantages over traditional sensors. It is a chemical reaction that triggers a colour change in response to the exposure of hydrogen. It requires no power to operate, has a quick response time, and it is reliable. The materials used to assemble the sensor are non-hazardous and environmentally friendly. Here in this project, the gasochromic technology was utilized to validate a new hydrogen detection system. The sensor architecture consists of a WO3-Pd (Tungsten Oxide-Palladium) thin film, photodiodes, a microcontroller, along with a small resistive gas sensor for redundancy and early warning.\\nThe scope of work includes assembling the prototype, coding, testing, validating and performing experiments to collect raw data for measuring the response time. The outcome of this project is a new innovative, fully functional, reliable, and cost-effective hydrogen detection sensor, capable of responding within 30 seconds. The concept of this novel prototype sensor holds significant promise for utilization across a spectrum of hydrogen applications. Harnessing the capabilities of gasochromic technology could contribute to advancing the safety infrastructure required to grow the hydrogen economy as a means to reduce emissions.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/egsd035-gasochromic-technology-enhancing-hydrogen-safety\", \"title\": \"EGSD035 - Gasochromic Technology Enhancing Hydrogen Safety \", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713641256794_202404192033_5_1__thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EGSD035 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM012\", \"title\": \"Electrogastrography and Personalized Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Noninvasive, Low-Cost Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastroparesis\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"First Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Pai, Akash\"], \"school\": \"Sunset High School\", \"abstract\": \"Gastroparesis, characterized by slowed or absent gastric contractions, affects 1.8% of the population, presents with severe nausea, abdominal pain, a high mortality rate, and incurs high treatment costs. Diagnostic and treatment challenges are significant, as current methods are costly and ineffective. This study introduces an approach that combines transcutaneous monitoring of gastric contractions using an electrogastrogram (EGG) with personalized transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to diagnose and treat gastroparesis. A dual-model approach customizes TENS parameters based on individual body mass indices (BMIs) for optimal gastric contraction stimulation, specifically targeting the PC6 forearm acupoint to enhance gastric motility. Using computational modeling, a COMSOL Multiphysics finite element model simulates the distribution of current in tissue following stimulation, and a NEURON Simulation Environment model assesses nerve activation based on this extracellular current distribution. Optimal parameters are the minimal intensity settings that activate 100% of nerve axons. To ensure precise adherence to model-identified parameters despite physiological fluctuations, the stimulation delivery device is optimized to incorporate a real-time feedback loop, dynamically adjusting these parameters based on skin conductance sensor data. The overall stimulation method was evaluated in an in vivo study with six participants. After treatment, as evidenced by EGG, gastric contraction frequency immediately rose by an average of 43.38% (p<0.01). Remarkably, a 36.63% increase in baseline contraction frequency was maintained 48 hours post-treatment (p<0.01). At $1123.49 this method offers an affordable, effective alternative for gastroparesis management.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711948297590_ISEF_2_Min_Pitch_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENBM012 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM039T\", \"title\": \"OralAI: A Fluorescence Based Mobile System for Dental Disease Prevention\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"First Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Garg, Ayush\", \"Motwani, Divij\"], \"school\": \"Dublin High School\", \"abstract\": \"45% of people today are affected by oral diseases such as periodontal (gum) disease and dental caries (cavities). These can lead to tooth loss and have been linked to fatal diseases like cancer and diabetes. Due to high costs and inaccessible technology, oral care resources are often not available for those who need them, especially in developing countries. To help solve this problem, we propose OralAI, a novel dental detection system for at-home monitoring of users\u2019 oral health. By creating a dataset of over 200 tooth images with a custom physical prototype and by utilizing a novel UV-A fluorescence biomarker, we trained two YOLOv8 models to annotate areas of the user\u2019s mouth on which dental biofilm is present. We also created a full stack mobile application to allow for the real-time use of our models. Our models achieved high accuracies with a precision of 98.4% for teeth extraction and 93.4% for plaque identification. The mobile app was also tested qualitatively and achieved the same level of accuracy as seen in the dataset. Our data shows that the development of an affordable RGB image based system is feasible and produces accurate results that can be used by individuals to improve their oral health. We also examine the future business prospects of OralAI on the market. OralAI marks a significant advancement in oral health monitoring and has the potential to help billions of people globally.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm039t-oralai-mobile-dental-disease-prevention\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.62\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"ENBM039T - OralAI: Mobile Dental Disease Prevention\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.62, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"OralAI, a novel dental detection system for at-home monitoring of users' oral health. utilizing a novel UV-A fluorescence biomarker, full stack mobile\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713044697320_ISEF_Explanation_Video_2_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENBM039T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV016\", \"title\": \"Global Carbon Sinks: Remote Sensing for Peatland Restoration\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"First Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Shannon, Jack\"], \"school\": \"Clongowes Wood College SJ\", \"abstract\": \"Peatland ecosystems are the largest natural terrestrial carbon store on earth. Healthy peatlands act as carbon sinks, trapping atmospheric CO2 as soil organic matter. However, anthropogenic disturbances such as drainage and peat extraction have turned many peatlands into carbon sources. Worldwide efforts are needed to restore and rehabilitate peatlands to meet the challenges of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and tackling biodiversity loss. For such efforts to succeed a cost-effective, widescale approach for monitoring, reporting, and validation of peatland rehabilitation is needed. This study uses a novel open-source multi-sensor remote sensing (multispectral, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and Interferometric SAR) approach to monitor the effectiveness of peatland rehabilitation in Ireland. Multi-sensor observations from six pilot sites were examined, representing a range from heavily degraded to largely intact sites. Multispectral analysis, through supervised classification, identified vegetation and moisture content changes in both restored and degraded sites but was limited by cloud cover. SAR analysis successfully showed changes in soil moisture and waterlogging, key factors for successful rehabilitation. The surface motion detectable from InSAR provided a valuable insight into rehabilitation effectiveness, such as reduced subsidence rates and positive ground elevation changes. The study demonstrates multi-sensor remote sensing has the potential to provide cost-effective monitoring for peatland rehabilitation and restoration at a local, regional and global scale. This approach supports nations in meeting their Paris Agreement and 2030 Climate and Energy Framework commitments by providing comprehensive insights into restoration progress and carbon sequestration.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://eucyskatowice2024.eu/global-carbon-sinks-remote-sensing-for-monitoring-peatland-restoration\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 12, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.70\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"Global Carbon Sinks: Remote Sensing for Monitoring Peatland Restoration - EUCYS Katowice 2024\", \"source_domain\": \"eucyskatowice2024.eu\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.70\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"employs a novel multi-sensor remote sensing approach (multispectral, SAR, and InSAR) to monitor peatland rehabilitation. Observations from six pilot sites, ranging from degraded to intact, demonstrate that multi-sensor remote sensing can provide cost-effective monitoring for peatland restoration at various scales. [...] Peatland ecosystems are the largest natural terrestrial carbon store. Healthy peatlands trap atmospheric CO2 as soil organic matter. However, anthropogenic disturbances like drai\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev016-remote-sensing-for-peatland-restoration\", \"title\": \"ENEV016 - Remote Sensing for Peatland Restoration\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjAkgQ7Ua6w\", \"title\": \"ENEV016 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ETSD020\", \"title\": \"Origami Chair: Always Accessible to Everyone, Everywhere\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\", \"category_code\": \"ETSD\", \"award\": \"First Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Nakatsuji, Chiyo\"], \"school\": \"Oin High School\", \"abstract\": \"As the global population continues to increase and natural calamities grow more severe, the pressing issue of inadequate seating in educational institutions poses a significant obstacle to students' learning experiences. To address this, I decided to develop a cost-effective solution aimed at facilitating the creation of robust and comfortable chairs accessible to all, thereby fostering enhanced educational outcomes and overall quality of life. Employing cardboard boxes as the primary material, I devised a straightforward manufacturing process inspired by principles of origami engineering and biomimetics.\\nMy initial focus centered on the prism shape, renowned for its ability to fold from one side while maintaining structural integrity from another. Subsequently, I explored minimalist configurations derived from this fundamental shape. Through rigorous theoretical analysis and practical experimentation, I examined the buckling thresholds of various geometries, ultimately discerning that a \\\"ribbon-type\\\" structure offered the optimal blend of simplicity, durability, and foldability. Notably, this represents a pioneering approach to crafting foldable chairs from a single cardboard box, complete with backrests and arm supports. Comprehensive stability and strength assessments conducted on the seat and backrest confirmed compliance with ISO standards, demonstrating resilience in supporting loads exceeding 130 kg while weighing a mere 670 g. Consequently, the design facilitates effortless customization by individuals of varying skill levels. Moving forward, my aspirations include further refining this innovation to provide critical aid in disaster-stricken regions and alleviate educational resource deficiencies in impoverished school settings.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/etsd020-origami-chair\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"ETSD020 - Origami Chair | Regeneron ISEF 2026\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"effective solution aimed at facilitating the creation of robust and comfortable chairs accessible to all, thereby fostering enhanced educational outcomes and\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713608588226_ISEF_video_final_Trim_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ETSD020 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ETSD071\", \"title\": \"Taming the Oblique Wing: Improving Fuel Efficiency by Developing and Flight Testing an Oblique Wing Aircraft Utilizing a Novel Control Method\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\", \"category_code\": \"ETSD\", \"award\": \"First Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Shen, Kevin\"], \"school\": \"Olympia High School\", \"abstract\": \"By leveraging modern flight computer capabilities, I designed and flight tested an oblique wing aircraft (an efficient variable-sweep design where one wing sweeps forward and the other sweeps aft) capable of significantly reducing the aerodynamic coupling issue, an improvement over NASA\u2019s manually flown oblique wings. After designing the model using computer-aided design and applying sweep theory to optimize the oblique sweep angle, I conducted a computational fluid dynamics simulation to analyze its performance. Analysis revealed that the simulated full-sized oblique wing aircraft could reduce drag by 9.2% compared to conventional symmetric designs, saving up to 25 billion dollars in global fuel costs and 96 million tonnes of annual CO2 emissions, validating the design. After constructing the test model, I overcame aerodynamic coupling by programming a custom-designed flight computer with a novel anti-coupling flight code. Using regression analysis with preliminary data from the flight data recorder, I extracted the coupling behavior of the model, which I used to tune the software. After three prototypes and 450 seconds of final flight data, statistical analysis revealed reduced coupling in roll-pitch and pitch-yaw up to 99% and 45%, respectively, though yaw-roll was left coupled for coordinated turning. The data also showed increased pilot control authority in all axes by at least 34%, indicating increased safety. My research demonstrates that the oblique wing\u2019s coupling challenges can be significantly reduced, reviving this now-overlooked design as a promising candidate for the next generation of fuel-efficient aircraft and urging further exploration and adoption of the oblique wing.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts/2025-student-finalists/kevin-shen\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 63, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"full_name\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:www.societyforscience.org\"], \"title\": \"Kevin Shen\", \"source_domain\": \"www.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"full_name, isef_mention, trusted_domain:www.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Taming the Oblique Wing: Improving Fuel Efficiency by Developing and Flight Testing an Oblique Wing Aircraft Utilizing a Novel Control Method.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/etsd071-improving-oblique-wing-aircraft-control\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"ETSD071 - Improving Oblique Wing Aircraft Control\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"My research demonstrates that the oblique wing's coupling challenges can be significantly reduced, reviving this now-overlooked design as a promising candidate\"}, {\"url\": \"https://sspcdn.blob.core.windows.net/files/Documents/SEP/STS/2025/posters/2025_STS_Poster_Shen_Kevin.pdf\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 53, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"full_name\", \"trusted_domain:sspcdn.blob.core.windows.net\"], \"title\": \"Taming the Oblique Wing: Improving Fuel Efficiency by ...\", \"source_domain\": \"sspcdn.blob.core.windows.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"full_name, trusted_domain:sspcdn.blob.core.windows.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Taming the Oblique Wing: Improving Fuel Efficiency by Developing and Flight Testing an Oblique Wing Aircraft Utilizing a Novel Control Method Introduction Objectives Aircraft Design Flight Data Analysis Discussion & Conclusions When paired with a new anti-coupling flight computer, oblique wing airplanes can be made more controllable and viable in the real world, saving fuel costs and reducing aircraft emissions. [...] Image taken by finalist\u2019s parent, Wenjing Yan, 2024. \u2022 The design, optimizatio\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/nlFcGrbMDGA\", \"title\": \"ETSD071 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATH002\", \"title\": \"Symmetry, Fixed Points and Quantum Billiards: A Confluence of Ideas\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Mathematics\", \"category_code\": \"MATH\", \"award\": \"First Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Oliva, Anna\"], \"school\": \"Carnegie Vanguard High School\", \"abstract\": \"A mathematical billiard system is one composed of a planar or multidimensional surface and a moving object whose trajectory is defined by its initial position and speed vector, along with some reflection law. The study of these systems has yielded applications in quantum computing and physical modeling. The purpose of this research was to study a novel reflection law for billiard systems of regular n-gons in which an object starting on one of the sides and moving with any given slope reflects from a limited reflection towards the interior with a prescribed constant angle. I constructed the map for the position of such an object as a function of the starting point and the slope in the case of a regular triangle and square. In both cases, I have proved that the object\u2019s path converges to a stable inner rectangle or triangle, for all initial conditions and all slopes, on a square or triangular billiards respectively. I have also constructed a numerical model for the object\u2019s trajectory and determined equations yielding the speed of the object\u2019s convergence to a stable path. I have performed relevant simulations and discussed the resulting data in the context of the proposed model. The analysis of these systems can be used to develop independent control mechanisms for ground robots in delivery missions working within contested environments or simpler and smaller microchips in the form of quantum billiards with correlated electrons without the necessity of perfectly elastic collisions, offering an innovative way to encode information.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/math002-symmetry-fixed-points-and-quantum-billiards\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.62\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"MATH002 - Symmetry, Fixed Points and Quantum Billiards\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.62, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"A mathematical billiard system is one composed of a planar or multidimensional surface and a moving object whose trajectory is defined by its initial\"}, {\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf/24779\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 20, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.71\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"Symmetry, Fixed Points and Quantum Billiards\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.71, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"The purpose of this research was to study a novel reflection law for billiard systems of regular n-gons in which an object starting on one of the sides and\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712021573260_IMG_1459_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATH002 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MCRO023\", \"title\": \"A Bioinformatic Analysis of Foliar Fungal Endophytes in Litter Decomposition\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Microbiology\", \"category_code\": \"MCRO\", \"award\": \"First Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Chang, Matthew\"], \"school\": \"Woodbridge High School\", \"abstract\": \"Plant litter decomposition is a key ecological process that plays a vital role in the global carbon cycle. While the effect of soil microbes on decomposition has been well studied, the role of fungal microbes within the leaf, or foliar fungal endophytes, remains largely unclear despite their ubiquity in all species of land plants. In the present study, the relationship between endophyte abundance and litter mass loss was examined in the Torrey pine (Pinus torreyana). Total DNA and RNA was extracted, followed by next-generation sequencing and bioinformatic analysis to identify core endophyte species across geographic regions. Endophyte abundance was discovered to be positively correlated with mass loss, and fungal strains OTU4 and OTU211 were most prevalent throughout all samples. A Naive Bayes algorithm was developed to more effectively classify mycological genuses based on their ITS1 sequences. Optimizing for hyperparameters led to a model accuracy of 94.0% with an AUC value of 97.1% as well as identification of OTU4 and OTU211 as the species Salinomyces thailandica and Aulographina pinorum, respectively. With the high accuracy of the model and novel CTAB protocol, this work is the first of its kind in this field.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?ISEFYears=0%2C2022%2C&Category=Any+Category&AllAbstracts=True&FairCountry=Any+Country&FairState=CA&ProjectId=25549\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 30, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.83\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"A Bioinformatic Analysis of Foliar Fungal Endophytes in Litter ...\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"isef_mention, title_strong:0.83, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Plant litter decomposition is a key ecological process that plays a vital role in the global carbon cycle. While the effect of soil microbes on decomposition\"}, {\"url\": \"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7143956\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 20, \"status\": \"needs_review\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.57\", \"trusted_domain:pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\", \"llm:related:0.95\"], \"title\": \"Do Foliar Endophytes Matter in Litter Decomposition? - PMC - NIH\", \"source_domain\": \"pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.57, trusted_domain:pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Decomposition proceeds faster in aquatic environments due to a combination of factors including constant moisture and mechanical breakdown from\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/mcro023-endophytes-in-plant-litter-decomposition\", \"title\": \"MCRO023 - Endophytes in Plant Litter Decomposition\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714338546563_ISEF_Project_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MCRO023 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PHYS057\", \"title\": \"A Novel Hadronization Model Explaining Charm-Quark Hadronization in Different Collision Systems Through Yet-Unobserved Excited States and Cluster Volume Dependence\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\", \"category_code\": \"PHYS\", \"award\": \"First Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Luo, Shuhan\"], \"school\": \"Worcester Academy\", \"abstract\": \"The study of hadronization, the process of quarks combined into hadrons, is pivotal for understanding the universe's formation, yet current theories inadequately explain this process.  This study investigated the recently observed anomaly in charm-quark hadronization\u2013an elevated baryon-to-meson ratio in pp collisions challenging the assumption of hadronization universality. // Starting from the hypothesis that possible production of yet-unobserved excited states causing the anomaly, 294 yet-unobserved excited states were incorporated into Statistical Hadronization Model calculation. Aiming to explain the full experimental picture of hadronization, the model underwent two significant refinements: the introduction of a cluster volume scheme and a rapidity dependence scheme. // The model accurately predicted the increase in charm baryon production, approaching the observed baryon-to-meson ratios with no more than 4% errors. The cluster volume dependence scheme extended the model\u2019s relevance, making it applicable to pp, ep, and e+e- collisions across all energy levels; the rapidity dependence scheme precisely described the charm hadron production in both mid-rapidity (|y|<0.5) and forward rapidity (2 0.9), construct validity (confirmatory factor analysis: CFI > 0.95, RMSEA < 0.05), and accuracy (area under the ROC curve > 0.9), confirming its effectiveness in identifying dyslexia risk.\\nArabLexify represents a groundbreaking advancement in Arabic dyslexia screening, offering a scientifically validated, accessible tool that addresses the unique linguistic challenges faced by Arabic-speaking children. Its integration into educational settings promises early identification, ultimately enhancing the academic and psychosocial outcomes for children with dyslexia in the Arab world.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/beha037-arablexify-early-dyslexia-detection-for-kids\", \"title\": \"BEHA037 - ArabLexify: Early Dyslexia Detection for Kids\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713662523044_Mohamed_Sakr_ISEF_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BEHA037 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BEHA053\", \"title\": \"Quantifying the Impact of Urban Form and Residential Zoning Law on the Housing Market\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BEHA\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Tarui, Chisato\"], \"school\": \"Iolani School\", \"abstract\": \"The state of Hawai?i is facing a severe housing crisis, characterized by some of the highest housing costs in the nation and a growing exodus of residents. At the same time, cities across the US, particularly Honolulu, are grappling with a uniquely American urban planning crisis known as suburban sprawling\u2014when the urban environment is dominated by single use, single family housing development: the result of restrictive zoning law. The purpose of this research is to explore the role of such zoning law on the housing market by utilizing geospatial and econometric analysis to quantify the relationship between urban form and housing costs, and utilizing bivariate and multivariate regression models to predict how changes in zoning law will affect housing costs in a vacuum. The results of this research imply that the current legal framework for zoning has led to the domination of detached, single family housing while leaving little room for affordable development, and that that a higher share of mixed use, multifamily zoning will lead to more affordable housing.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/beha053-the-impact-of-zoning-law-on-the-housing-market\", \"title\": \"BEHA053 - The Impact of Zoning Law on the Housing Market\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714570080759_My_Movie_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BEHA053 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BEHA059\", \"title\": \"Identifying Underlying Brain Connections in Pediatric ADHD: A Pathway to Early Diagnosis and Reduced Secondary Effects\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BEHA\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Pappula, Medha\"], \"school\": \"Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology\", \"abstract\": \"Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition affecting millions worldwide. It's marked by difficulties in attention control and impulse management, impacting daily life and development. Despite its prevalence, diagnosing ADHD can be challenging, especially for certain groups like girls, as current methods rely heavily on observable behaviors and ineffective questionnaires. This project aimed to enhance our understanding of Pediatric ADHD by analyzing brain data (EEG, fMRI) of children through development. My investigation consisted of two objectives: identifying brain connectivity patterns linked to ADHD and exploring how the disorder develops over time. To do this, I utilized Deep Learning techniques to build custom \u201cdigital models\u201d of these brains. Then I applied feature extraction to these models to identify relationship and correlations with ADHD diagnosis. Results show that over time, brain activity in the frontopolar, parietal, occipital lobes are most telling of ADHD. Additionally, I also identified a unique relationship between the brain\u2019s frontal cortex and the centers responsible for information processing. This analysis lays the groundwork for novel applications, such as BrainSync, which is a novel diagnostic tool that uses cognitive tests for targeted assessment of the areas identified in my study. By applying these findings, we can improve ADHD diagnosis and develop tailored interventions for better outcomes.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/beha059-pediatric-adhd-analysis-early-detect-less-impact\", \"title\": \"BEHA059 - Pediatric ADHD Analysis: Early Detect, Less Impact\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED006\", \"title\": \"Preclinical Investigation to Develop Anti-Platelet and Cholesterol-Lowering Agent for Prevention and Treatment of Stroke\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Palakurthi, Sharmada\"], \"school\": \"W.B. Ray High School\", \"abstract\": \"Purpose of this investigation is to develop a new safe and effective therapy for stroke. Nearly a quarter of global deaths each year are caused by blood clotting. High cholesterol and platelet aggregation are the two major risk factors for stroke. Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) plays a major role in platelet aggregation and atherosclerotic plaque formation. Currently there are no approved small molecule inhibitors of PCSK9. It is hypothesized that if PCSK9 plays a key role in clot formation, and increases atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability, then PCSK9 inhibitors could be developed as new agents for prevention and treatment of stroke. The crystal structure of PCSK9 enzyme was obtained from the Protein Data Bank and the five molecules with high affinity to PCSK9 were selected using molecular docking mode. The selected molecules were screened for PCSK9 inhibitory activity using ELISA method. Anti-platelet activity (preventing clotting) of PAC was tested using platelet aggregometer. Proanthocyanidin (PAC) was determined to be the best PCSK9 inhibitor. PAC concentration vs PCSK9 inhibition activity appeared to be in sigmoid shape. PAC was found to be a potent platelet inhibitor and it reduced LDL-cholesterol levels. PAC inhibited PCSK9 in a concentration range of 100 to 1000 \u00b5M. PAC demonstrated remarkable antiplatelet activity compared to the control (p<0.001). As PAC is not water-soluble, a nanoemulsion with globule size of around 140 nm was prepared to make it suitable for oral administration.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed006-stroke-prevention-and-treatment\", \"title\": \"BMED006 - Stroke Prevention and Treatment\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711940032107_ISEF2024VIDEO_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BMED006 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED037\", \"title\": \"Recasting an Anti-Psychotic as a Prevention for Multiple Arthritides: Discovery of a Novel Receptor and Mechanism of Action\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Ambati, Vidya\"], \"school\": \"Albemarle High School\", \"abstract\": \"Gout is the most prevalent inflammatory joint disease, affecting 2-4% of the global population. It causes disability, reduced quality of life, and increased mortality as well as tens of billions of dollars annually in direct and indirect healthcare and economic costs. Current therapies for gout are suboptimal and often induce serious adverse events. Using three nationwide health insurance databases of over 200 million people, I identified a surprising association between the use of Haldol, which is FDA-approved for treating mental disorders, and a significant reduction in the risk of developing gout by employing Cox hazards regression models and Kaplan Meier survival analyses. I also discovered the Ragulator anchor protein as a novel receptor for Haldol using multiple protein-ligand interaction pulldown assays. I found that Haldol blocked the aggregation of NLRP3 with this anchor protein, thereby identifying a new mechanism of action for the anti-inflammatory activity of Haldol. Using computational modeling, I also developed structural insights into the interaction of Haldol with this novel receptor. These studies identify Haldol as a novel modulator of innate immunity that could potentially be repurposed for gout and other inflammatory arthritides, which cause profound disability in hundreds of millions of people worldwide.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed037-discovery-of-novel-receptor-for-an-anti-psychotic\", \"title\": \"BMED037 - Discovery of Novel Receptor for an Anti-psychotic\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713817459273_Vidya_Ambati_ISEF_2024_video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BMED037 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED054\", \"title\": \"STING-rich Ciliated Cells Protect the Fallopian Tube From Early Transformation in the Development of Ovarian Cancer\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Baldassarre, Justin\"], \"school\": \"Hastings High School\", \"abstract\": \"High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) remains the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women. It has recently been demonstrated that stimulator-of-interferon genes (STING) is highly expressed in the fallopian tube epithelium (FTE), with its highest expression concentrated in ciliated cells; however, STING\u2019s expression is lost in HGSOC. It remains unknown at which stage along HGSOC\u2019s development STING is lost. Given STING\u2019s well-studied role as a sensor of genomic stress and the fact that in HGSOC, tumorigenesis is driven by the genomic stress of monthly ovulation, I hypothesized that loss of STING-expressing cells may permit the accumulation of genomic stress. I then assessed the tumor- suppressive role of STING through accumulation of DNA damage markers, p53 activity, and cell survival. I demonstrate that loss of STING activity is a driver of early-stage disease by permitting the accumulation of genomic instability. Despite evidence that STING-deficient cells acquire equal or higher DNA damage when challenged with an ovulation memetic, these cells are able to evade apoptosis resulting in unabated cell growth. This study also demonstrates that STING is lost in humans in the earliest known precursor lesions of the fallopian tube, p53 signatures, indicating that this event is an early and prevalent feature in the development of FTE-derived HGSOC. Taken together, these data indicate that loss of STING may permit a fertile ground for a pro-proliferative and mutagenic microenvironment in the fallopian tube, driving malignancy.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://doi.org/10.1158/0008-5472.can-25-1527\", \"title\": \"Ciliated Cells Drive Critical STING-Mediated Tumor Suppression in the Fallopian Tube Epithelium\", \"snippet\": \"Mitigating DNA damage in the fallopian tube epithelium (FTE) is essential for preventing tubo-ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). In this study, we demonstrated that the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is abundantly expressed in the ciliated cells of the FTE and functions as a critical immune-independent tumor suppressor. In patient samples, mouse models, and organoid systems, ciliated cells mounted a dual protective response to ovulation-associated genotoxic stress: intrinsic STING-driven apoptosis and extrinsic clearance of neighboring damaged secretory cells via TNF\u03b1 secretion. This surveillance mechanism markedly limited DNA damage accumulation within the epithelial microenvironment. Crucially, although these mechanisms were vital for maintaining homeostasis and reducing genomic instability, they failed to affect p53-deficient precursor lesions as both the intrinsic and extrinsic proapoptotic processes relied on functional p53 signaling. These findings redefine ciliated cells as key gatekeepers of genome integrity rather than passive bystanders and implicate the early loss of STING-high ciliated cells as a pivotal event in HGSC initiation. SIGNIFICANCE: STING-high ciliated fallopian tube cells function as immune-independent active guardians of genomic integrity whose loss creates a permissive niche for high-grade serous carcinoma initiation, which could inform prevention and treatment strategies.\", \"found_via\": \"openalex\", \"kind\": \"paper\", \"authors\": [\"Jose A. Colina\", \"Mar\u00eda Sol Recouvreux\", \"Alexander M. Sobeck\", \"Benjamin K. Johnson\", \"Yinzhi Lin\", \"Sreeja C. Sekhar\", \"Rita A. Avelar\", \"Gabriela Rivera-Gonzalez\", \"Yali Zhai\", \"Harini Ram\", \"amber fatima\", \"Paula DiBenedetto\", \"Justin Baldassarre\", \"Grace McIntyre\", \"Jessica Teitel\", \"Michele Dziubinski\", \"Noah Puleo\", \"Jane Miglo\", \"Karan Bedi\", \"Hui Shen\", \"Dafydd Thomas\", \"Jutta Huvila\", \"Dawn R. Cochrane\", \"Ronny Drapkin\", \"Yu L. Lei\", \"Joanna E. Burdette\", \"Stephanie L. Skala\", \"David G. Huntsman\", \"K J Cho\", \"Sandra Or\u0161uli\u0107\", \"Analisa DiFeo\"], \"year\": 2026, \"score\": 63, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"author_full_name\", \"trusted_domain:doi.org\", \"rescored\"], \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed054-sting-in-ovarian-cancer-progression\", \"title\": \"BMED054 - STING in Ovarian Cancer Progression\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713105529990_BMED054_STING_in_Ovarian_Cancer_Progression_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BMED054 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED057\", \"title\": \"Unraveling the Complex Interplay Between Immune Cells and Cancer Progression Utilizing a Novel Application of an Artificial Neural Network\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Appala, Sreeja\"], \"school\": \"South Iredell High School\", \"abstract\": \"1 in 5 people develop cancer in their lifetime. Due to treatment inefficiency, cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. Deciphering immune cell-cancer cell interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME) is paramount for developing effective cancer treatments. This research developed a novel artificial neural network (ANN) to successfully uncover the interplay between immune cells and cancer gene sets. It addressed hidden crosstalk among immune cells, tumor heterogeneity, and TME interconnection through its multi-layer model architecture, enabling simultaneous analysis of all components. Using data from 70 patients across six solid cancers, gene expression and bulk RNA-seq data were normalized in R programming. This selected 54,675 probes and 51,140 TPM values per sample for subsequent analysis. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was then conducted to gather normalized enrichment scores (NES) for five major gene sets. CIBERSORT was used for immune cell fractions, with feature selection choosing seven significant immune cell types. Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) augmented and generated 1,050 predictors and 750 responses for the ANN. The model was trained using TensorFlow's Sequential class, involving meticulous hyperparameter tuning and backpropagation. The model achieved 92% accuracy and an R-squared value of 0.93, effectively predicting the correlation between immune cells and cancer gene sets. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to reveal the impact of individual immune cell types. This model allows tailored treatments based on unique TME profiles, reducing treatment inefficiency, and revealing novel therapeutic targets. This model conducts years of lab research in mere hours with optimal accuracy.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed057-unraveling-immune-cell-and-cancer-interactions\", \"title\": \"BMED057 - Unraveling Immune Cell and Cancer Interactions\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713498952779_ISEF_video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BMED057 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED059\", \"title\": \"Integrated Stress Response Activation Discovered to Be the Predominant Response to Mitochondrial Dysfunction: A Therapeutic Target Advancement\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Khattar, Zinia\"], \"school\": \"Del Norte High School\", \"abstract\": \"Our bodies continually encounter genetic and developmental stresses, activating stress-responsive signaling pathways to promote proteostasis. However, when these stresses persist and signaling pathways malfunction, they contribute to pathogenesis. The lack of specific therapeutic targets has spurred interest in defining the molecular mechanisms regulating cellular proteostasis in response to pathological stress. The Unfolded Protein Response governs cellular physiology in reaction to endoplasmic reticulum stress. Similarly, the Integrated Stress Response also corrects pathogenesis, selectively phosphorylating eIF2-alpha kinases to activate transcription factors. Nonetheless,  the ISR's role in mitigating etiology remains unknown. Post-validation of our gene-set profiling approach using known UPR targets, we monitored the expression of genesets regulated downstream of signaling pathways with perturb-seq datasets from K562 cells CRISPRi-depleted of mitochondrial proteostasis factors. We observed ISR activation predominantly in response to broad-scale mitochondrial disruption, identifying promising therapeutic targets: IARS2, PRELID3B, SLC25A42, TIMM23B, and TOMM22. Gene Ontology revealed roles in mitochondrial protein processing and targeting among ISR target genes. These findings highlight the ISR as the primary stress-responsive pathway activated by mitochondrial proteotoxic stress, presenting a unique opportunity to target it for correcting mitochondrial dysfunction in diseases like diabetes, linked to beta-cell anomalies due to mitochondrial dysfunction. This novel gene-set profiling approach holds promise for identifying therapeutic targets and biomarkers across the proteome, advancing efforts to mitigate cancer, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed059-mitochondrial-knockdown-reveals-isr-activation\", \"title\": \"BMED059 - Mitochondrial Knockdown Reveals ISR Activation\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNBuJKc6cDo\", \"title\": \"BMED059 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CBIO023\", \"title\": \"Chromoplexy Rearrangements: Investigating the Functional and Diagnostic Role of Novel Mutational Mechanisms Uncovered In Cancer Genomes\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\", \"category_code\": \"CBIO\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Sahota, Jaspreet\"], \"school\": \"Sanger West High School\", \"abstract\": \"Conventionally, tumorigenesis is understood as a gradual accumulation of genetic mutations. Yet, chromoplexy rearrangements (ChRs) are a mutational phenomenon characterized by highly complex, genomic rearrangements which rapidly fragment and restitch across a genome. Though these mutational mechanisms suggest a distinct form of cancer progression, ChRs lack comprehensive analysis across cancers due to their extremely complex, interchromosomal mechanisms genome-wide. These biological complexities drive genomic heterogeneity and instability, which in turn hinder the computational accuracy of deciphering these mechanisms. As a result, there exists no systematic analysis of the significance of this phenomenon in cancer pathogenesis. This research presents a novel computational paradigm towards unraveling complex, interchromosomal patterns of ChRs, revealing high fidelity in reconstructing and uncovering complex mutational patterns across cancer genomes. Using the models developed, 301 instances of ChRs were discovered across 23 cancers. To examine their significance as mutational mechanisms in genomes, ChRs were analyzed on a genetic, genomic, and clinical scale. Bioinformatics analyses revealed the pan-cancer significance of ChRs in driving oncogenic amplification, inactivation of tumor-suppressor genes, and genomic instability as well as significance in lower clinical survival, as observed in a case-study ChR. The interchromosomal, sporadic patterns of ChRs have hindered a comprehensive analysis of their significance in cancer genomes. Yet, this research reveals a novel computational framework for uncovering these mutational mechanisms as well as discovering the key genetic, genomic, and clinical significance of ChRs in cancer pathogenesis.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cbio023-chromoplexy-rearrangements-across-cancers\", \"title\": \"CBIO023 - Chromoplexy Rearrangements Across Cancers\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/M94JG3rMUlw?feature=shared\", \"title\": \"CBIO023 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CBIO043\", \"title\": \"Elucidating RSV-Host Protein-Protein Interactions: Novel implementation of Graph Attention Networks (GAT) and Structural Visualization\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\", \"category_code\": \"CBIO\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Lakshminarasimhan, Aditya\"], \"school\": \"BASIS Scottsdale\", \"abstract\": \"Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) poses significant health risks, especially to infants under six months and adults over 65. The objective of this study is to deepen the understanding of structural reasons behind the annual RSV's resurgence and its capability to evade immune responses. The novel solution employs a Graph Attention Network (GAT), end-to-end pipeline to elucidate RSV F-Fusion Protein-Host Interactions with Structural Visualizations. This innovative approach involves processing 136 RSV genomic strands, identifying affected peptides, and employing a multimodel-GAT trained on Protein-Protein Interactions (PPI) for interactions between the RSV Fusion proteins and ICAM-1 host protein. Remarkably, this model trained on 5600 viral and functional proteins, achieving 97% training accuracy and operates on Google Colab, making it accessible for research and clinical applications. The approach uses genomic sequence translations, 3D predictions with AlphaFold, predicts RSV Protein-to-Host Cell interaction probabilities using Graph Attention Network, spotlights peptides resistant to mutations across different RSV strains, and delves into the specific residues' roles in protein conformation, to offer an interaction probability metric to advance molecular understanding. In conclusion, the study reveals that Domain II of the RSV F Fusion protein is the most stable segment, incurring the least mutations (only two), earmarking it as an ideal candidate for neutralizing antibodies. In contrast, Domains III, IV, and I displayed progressively more mutations\u20148, 36, and 60 respectively\u2014underscoring their fluctuating stability. The solution provides critical insights for RSV intervention strategies, illustrating the impact of sophisticated computational models in medical research.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cbio043-analyzing-rsv-human-protein-interactions-with-ai\", \"title\": \"CBIO043 - Analyzing RSV-Human Protein Interactions With AI\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713940301504_2024_AZSEF_Aditya_Lakshminarasimhan_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CBIO043 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CBIO048\", \"title\": \"De Novo Drug Design as GPT Language Modeling: Large Chemistry Models With Supervised and Reinforcement Learning\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\", \"category_code\": \"CBIO\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Ye, Gavin\"], \"school\": \"Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School\", \"abstract\": \"In recent years, generative machine learning algorithms have been successful in designing innovative drug-like molecules. SMILES is a sequence-like language used in most effective drug design models. Due to the data\u2019s sequential structure, models such as recurrent neural networks and transformers can design pharmacological compounds with optimized efficacy. Large language models have advanced recently, but their implications on drug design have not yet been explored. Although one study successfully pre-trained a large chemistry model (LCM), its application to specific tasks in drug discovery is unknown. In this study, the drug design task is modeled as a causal language modeling problem. Thus, the procedure of reward modeling, supervised fine-tuning, and proximal policy optimization was used to transfer the LCM to drug design, similar to Open AI's ChatGPT and InstructGPT procedures. By combining the SMILES sequence with chemical descriptors, the novel efficacy evaluation model exceeded its performance compared to previous studies. After proximal policy optimization, the drug design model generated molecules with 99.2% having efficacy pIC50 > 7 towards the amyloid precursor protein, with 100% of the generated molecules being valid and novel. This demonstrated the applicability of LCMs in drug discovery, with benefits including less data consumption while fine-tuning. The applicability of LCMs to drug discovery opens the door for larger studies involving reinforcement learning with human feedback, where chemists provide feedback to LCMs and generate higher-quality molecules. LCMs\u2019 ability to design similar molecules from datasets paves the way for more accessible, non-patented alternatives to drug molecules.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10822-024-00559-z\", \"title\": \"De novo drug design as GPT language modeling: large chemistry models with supervised and reinforcement learning\", \"snippet\": \"Abstract In recent years, generative machine learning algorithms have been successful in designing innovative drug-like molecules. SMILES is a sequence-like language used in most effective drug design models. Due to data\u2019s sequential structure, models such as recurrent neural networks and transformers can design pharmacological compounds with optimized efficacy. Large language models have advanced recently, but their implications on drug design have not yet been explored. Although one study successfully pre-trained a large chemistry model (LCM), its application to specific tasks in drug discovery is unknown. In this study, the drug design task is modeled as a causal language modeling problem. Thus, the procedure of reward modeling, supervised fine-tuning, and proximal policy optimization was used to transfer the LCM to drug design, similar to Open AI\u2019s ChatGPT and InstructGPT procedures. By combining the SMILES sequence with chemical descriptors, the novel efficacy evaluation model exceeded its performance compared to previous studies. After proximal policy optimization, the drug design model generated molecules with 99.2% having efficacy pIC 50 > 7 towards the amyloid precursor protein, with 100% of the generated molecules being valid and novel. This demonstrated the applicability of LCMs in drug discovery, with benefits including less data consumption while fine-tuning. The applicability of LCMs to drug discovery opens the door for larger studies involving reinforcement-learning with human feedback, where chemists provide feedback to LCMs and generate higher-quality molecules. LCMs\u2019 ability to design similar molecules from datasets paves the way for more accessible, non-patented alternatives to drug molecules.\", \"found_via\": \"openalex\", \"kind\": \"paper\", \"authors\": [\"Gavin Ye\"], \"year\": 2024, \"score\": 113, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"author_full_name\", \"title_exact:1.00\", \"trusted_domain:doi.org\", \"rescored\"], \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cbio048-de-novo-drug-design-as-gpt-language-modeling\", \"title\": \"CBIO048 - De Novo Drug Design as GPT Language Modeling\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713707764958_ISEF_VIDEO_4.21_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CBIO048 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CELL012\", \"title\": \"Selenoprotein O Protects Against Oxidative Stress and Incorporates Various Nucleotides in AMPylation\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\", \"category_code\": \"CELL\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Jaffery, Zehra\"], \"school\": \"Plano West Senior High School\", \"abstract\": \"Selenoprotein O (SelO) is a mitochondrial pseudokinase enzyme that AMPylates, or transfers an AMP molecule to, cellular proteins. However, SelO\u2019s role as an AMPylator in oxidative stress response is largely unknown. It was hypothesized that if SelO mitigates oxidative stress induced by diamide, a sulfhydryl oxidizer, and attenuates homeostatic dysfunction induced by metal deficiency by 2\u20192-dipridyl, then there will increased viability as compared to the knockout without SelO present. SelO conventionally utilizes ATP to conduct AMPylation. However, recent studies have shown that another known mammalian AMPylator, FicD, not only utilizes but also selectively prefers alternative nucleotides called diadenosine polyphosphates (ApnAs) for AMPylation. ApnAs, also termed alarmones, are structurally similar to ATP and are present in high concentrations during oxidative stress, signaling homeostatic imbalance. It was hypothesized that SelO can potentially utilize ApnAs in autoAMPylation. A nucleotide screening was conducted investigating Ap3A, Ap4A, Ap5A, ADP, AMP, and ATP in AMPylation assays with SelO, followed by visualization with Western Blotting. Viability assays were conducted by measuring optical density (OD600) at 30-minute increments to construct a growth curve. It was found that ATP was utilized most extensively as a cosubstrate by SelO, followed by Ap3A and ADP. Wild-type strains of E. coli with SelO presented increased viability in iron-deficient environments and under oxidative stress as compared to Knockout. These results highlight that SelO\u2019s function as an AMPylator also rescues the cell from oxidative stress and presents a potential avenue for further research into its overarching role in the cell.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cell012-hif1a-in-glioblastoma-in-vitro-and-in-vivo\", \"title\": \"CELL012 - Hif1a in Glioblastoma: In vitro and in vivo \", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1774562625680_IMG_3718_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CELL012 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cell012-selenoprotein-o-in-the-oxidative-stress-response\", \"title\": \"CELL012 - Selenoprotein O in the Oxidative Stress Response\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713551322598_IMG_9153_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CELL012 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CELL022\", \"title\": \"Harnessing the Signalosome to Enhance Ex-Vivo Generation of Tumor Antigen-Specific T Cells\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\", \"category_code\": \"CELL\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Bartrum, Olivia\"], \"school\": \"Wakefield High School\", \"abstract\": \"The adoptive transfer of tumor antigen-specific T cells (ASTs) can serve as an effective immunotherapy against pediatric solid tumors of the central nervous system (CNS). However, current methods of T cell engineering are time-inefficient. With prolonged inactivity, tumoral diversification may occur, resulting in worsened medical outcomes. Understanding this, attempts were undergone at hastening cell therapy manufacturing techniques through signalosome ligands (SLs). It was anticipated that by providing correct stimuli to T cells, they may be developed as memory-trained, producing an immune response. CMV-pp65 was of focus. Donor-derived PBMCs of varying CMV serostatus were expanded with CMV-pp65 and SLs. Cells were stimulated in-vitro with subsequent analysis of IFN-y secretion. Short-term expansion of CMV seropositive cells with CCL21 resulted in CMV-ASTs. Short-term expansion with pp65/ICAM-1 and isolated pp65 additionally produced ASTs. Thus, time-based immunotherapeutic manufacturing efficiency increased significantly with SLs. Phenotypic characterization via flow cytometry revealed a relatively higher proportion of CD8 T cells in expanded CMV seropositive cells.\\nDemonstrating the ability to effectively stimulate ASTs in CMV, RNA-seq differential expression analysis was performed to determine antigens of interest, targeting CNS tumors. Data was stratified by tumor reference specificity to examine differential expression between tumor site-specific and generalized healthy tissue of the CNS. Predictive MHC-peptide bond strength analysis was subsequently undergone to determine respective magnitudes of immunogenicity in upregulated genes. TOP2A and CCNB2 were identified as promising antigens of interest in AST development for pediatric tumors of the CNS.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cell022-enhanced-manufacture-of-antigen-specific-t-cells\", \"title\": \"CELL022 - Enhanced Manufacture of Antigen-Specific T Cells\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711802960167_IMG_8306_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CELL022 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CELL035\", \"title\": \"Autophagy in Non-Cell Autonomous Regulation of Adipogenesis\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\", \"category_code\": \"CELL\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Khitrov, Kevin\"], \"school\": \"Ardsley High School\", \"abstract\": \"Age-related metabolic disorders often result from the dysfunction in adipose tissue, which is responsible for energy storage and mobilization. Formation of the adipose tissue or adipogenesis involves the differentiation of pre-adipocytes into adipocytes, which requires remodeling of the whole pool of cellular proteins (proteome). Chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) is a selective form of lysosomal protein degradation that degrades damaged proteins and remodels the functional proteome for regulatory purposes. CMA activity decreases with age, leading to the extracellular release of undegraded products. Here, I propose a model whereby CMA loss with age in pre-adipocytes leads to the extracellular release of undegraded products that may interfere with adipogenesis and contribute to adipose tissue malfunctioning in aging. I found that media collected from CMA-deficient mouse adipose progenitor cells, when added to differentiating normal pre-adipocytes in culture, increased intracellular lipid storage, suggesting upregulation of adipogenesis. To investigate if similar cell-extrinsic deregulation of adipogenesis occurs in vivo and if it could be driven by CMA blockage in distal tissues, I analyzed white adipose tissue from mice with CMA blockage in neurons and found increased expression of several adipocyte genes, indicating possible upregulation of adipogenesis. My results raise the possibility that decline in CMA with age promotes global changes in the extracellular environment that contribute to non-cell autonomous deregulation of distal organ function. The paracrine and endocrine consequences of CMA failure on adipogenesis identified in my work justify future efforts to restore CMA as a possible therapeutic intervention against the metabolic syndrome of aging.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cell035-regulation-of-adipogenesis-via-autophagy\", \"title\": \"CELL035 - Regulation of Adipogenesis via Autophagy \", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713226903275_Video_Recording_ISEF_Kevin_Khitrov_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CELL035 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM019\", \"title\": \"Development of a Photocaged Cathepsin B Inhibitor With Increased Lysosome Uptake and Light-activated Biological Functions\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Lin, Jasmine\"], \"school\": \"Taipei First Girls High School\", \"abstract\": \"Cathepsin B in lysosome is a cysteine protease that plays an important role in various pathological processes including many cancers. Therefore, it is a cancer protein biomarker. A method to control the activity of unregulated cathepsin B promotes the understanding of its role in various biological pathways. Eventually, it could lead to therpeutic solutions of cancer.\\nAc-LVK-CHO is a tripeptide inhibitor that can control cathepsin B activity. However, the aldehyde group of Ac-LVK-CHO is unstable, which hampers its applications. In order to address this problem, a photocaged 2-nitrobenzyl group is introduced to protect the aldehyde functional group. After entering the cell, the 2-nitrobenzyl group can be deprotected upon UV light irradiation, restoring the inhibition of Ac-LVK-CHO on cathepsin B. Moreover, a targeting group morpholine is also introduced on Ac-LVK-CHO to increase lysosome uptake of the inhibitor.\\nIn this study, I have synthesized the inhibitor Ac-LVK-CHO and modified it with the photocaged 2-nitrobenzyl group and the targeting group morpholine to form the dual caged inhibitor Ac-LVK(EMOR)-2NB. It is decomposed within 30 seconds, and fully converted into Ac-LVK-CHO after 2 minutes of irradiation. Ac-LVK(EMOR)-2NB is stable in pH 4 and pH 9 conditions without irradiation and inhibits cathepsin B after irradiation. Furthermore, in Hela cells, after irradiation, the dual caged inhibitor can inhibit cellular cathepsin B. In addition, the dual caged inhibitor can be better directed into lysosome.\\nThrough spatial and temporal control by irradiation, this dual caged inhibitor, Ac-LVK(EMOR)-2NB, can be used as a tool for investigating different scientific categories, such as cell heterogeneity and single-cell biology.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/chem019-a-light-activated-cathepsin-b-inhibitor\", \"title\": \"CHEM019 - A Light-Activated Cathepsin B Inhibitor\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/CMBAGwqdL_s\", \"title\": \"CHEM019 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM036\", \"title\": \"Synergistic Development of Perovskite Oxide Electrocatalysts Through Metal-Organic Framework Precursors for Energy Conversion Applications\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Alyousef, Abeer\"], \"school\": \"Dohat Alibdaa International Schools\", \"abstract\": \"The growing global energy demand and environmental concerns have highlighted green hydrogen as a promising solution due to its potential for clean energy production. Pursuing the exploration of new,  efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen production holds promise for sustainable and economical alternatives to noble metal-based counterparts. In this work, an innovative strategy that involves MOF precursors has been utilized for the fabrication of cost-effective perovskite oxides that enable high compositional flexibility. Compared to the traditional sol-gel technique for perovskite oxide synthesis, a novel one-pot method was employed. This involved the preparation of MIL-100(Fe) and ZIF-67 precursors, followed by calcination to successfully produce core-shell carbon-coated lanthanum-based perovskite oxides. Their characterization and formation were confirmed by PXRD and EDX. The developed MOF-derived perovskites displayed a higher specific surface area of 81.82 m2/g compared to 9.9 m2/g of the pristine perovskite. The electrocatalytic performance of the MOF-derived perovskites in LSV experiments surpassed that of the pristine perovskite by over 100%, even outperforming commercial IrO2 with an onset potential of 0.23 V at 10 mA/cm2. The electrochemical stability of the MOF-derived perovskites was tested for 7 hours, demonstrating excellent durability. This innovative synthesis methodology presents significant promise for the sustainable synthesis and development of various perovskite oxide electrocatalysts, addressing energy and environmental challenges.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/chem036-mof-derived-perovskite-oxide-for-water-splitting\", \"title\": \"CHEM036 - MOF-Derived Perovskite Oxide for Water-Splitting\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712199131126_Abeer_Ali_Alyousef_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CHEM036 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM051T\", \"title\": \"From Crown to Current Year III: Engineering Cellulosic Fiber-Based Battery Cells - A Safe and Scalable Alternative to Lithium Technology\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Mundra, Shivani\", \"Puza, Madelyn\"], \"school\": \"College Park High School\", \"abstract\": \"Steadfast technological advancements have driven notable growth in the demand for efficient and affordable power sources, with production of the lithium-ion battery surging nearly 700% in the past 10 years. Unfortunately, the lithium-ion presents numerous detrimental effects which make its widespread usage concerning. From the release of hazardous chemicals to the use of expensive metals, lithium batteries are often rendered unsustainable and dangerous. This study focuses on producing a safe and scalable battery composition through the utilization of cellulosic waste materials, biochemical reactions between naturally-occurring cofactors and plant flavonoids, and a customized biopolymer structural system. Cellulosic material extracted from the pineapple crown leaf was implemented into the electrodes, coating, and supports as a biodegradable binding agent. Two metabolic supplements, riboflavin and quercetin, were employed to facilitate a reversible redox reaction alongside graphene for enhanced conductivity. To promote longevity and durability, a protective biopolymer coating was fabricated from cellulosic waste material. Noteworthy cell compositions produced statistically comparable electrochemical performance to the lithium composition, possess one-third the weight of the Li-ion, and are three times less expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, the electrode formulations within these cells demonstrate efficient redox activity through cyclic voltammetry, while EIS and galvanostatic testing depict promising interfacial relationships. With further development to minimize premature oxidation during the manufacturing process, this composition displays the potential to serve as an economical and biodegradable alternative to the traditional lithium battery composition.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/chem051t-engineering-a-cellulosic-fiber-based-battery-cell\", \"title\": \"CHEM051T - Engineering a Cellulosic Fiber-Based Battery Cell\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713549529549_ISEF_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CHEM051T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM066\", \"title\": \"Novel Elastomeric Polystyrene via Photopolymerization and Post-Functionalization of Durable Ultra-High Molecular Weight Perfluorostyrene Copolymer\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Wei, Nathan\"], \"school\": \"F. W. Buchholz High School\", \"abstract\": \"The development of durable and sustainable plastics is essential for the advancement of our society. Ultra-high Molecular Weight (UHMW) polymers are highly attractive due to the extreme durability and material properties granted by increased polymer entanglements. Previously, I conducted the first well-controlled, photoiniferter-mediated polymerization of UHMW polystyrene homopolymers up to 2.0 x 10^6 g/mol, and subsequently showed facile post-functionalization via nucleophilic aromatic substitution. In this project, I performed a quantitative modification of my polymer with dodecanethiol through a thiol-para-fluoro \\\"click\\\" reaction, yielding a rare and novel thermoplastic elastomer from a polystyrene homopolymer. Rheological analysis of this polymer showed properties unique to thermoset plastics, which are unrecyclable due to the covalent crosslinks between polymer chains. Despite the clear lack of covalent linking in my polymer, it exhibited similar behavior, suggesting that it could be used as a reprocessable alternative to these thermosets. Via aminolysis of RAFT-mediated poly(butyl acrylate) (pBA) and \\\"grafting-to,\\\" I access ultra-long brush copolymers, which dramatically increase the viscoelasticity of the resulting pBA mixture. My findings illustrate my polymers viability as a template for further modifications to tune its physical properties in order to access advanced architectures and extremely desirable materials. Finally, I show that my initial polymerization can be extended to bio-based styrenic monomers for the production of more sustainable, bio-based UHMW polymers. These polymers show similar promise as recyclable alternatives to traditionally unrecyclable thermosets, along with remarkable properties such as room temperature shape memory.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts/2024-student-finalists/nathan-wei\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 63, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"full_name\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:www.societyforscience.org\"], \"title\": \"Nathan Wei\", \"source_domain\": \"www.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"full_name, isef_mention, trusted_domain:www.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Novel Elastomeric Polystyrene via Photopolymerization and Post-Functionalization of Durable Ultra-High Molecular Weight Perfluorostyrene Copolymers.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/chem066-novel-elastomeric-polystyrene\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"CHEM066 - Novel Elastomeric Polystyrene\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Ultra-high Molecular Weight (UHMW) polymers are highly attractive due to the extreme durability and material properties granted by increased polymer\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/kvFQBF3ankI\", \"title\": \"CHEM066 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV007\", \"title\": \"3D-Printed Hemp-based Artificial Coral Reefs as Biodegradable Solution for Marine Restoration\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Platt, Anabella\"], \"school\": \"Episcopal School of Jacksonville\", \"abstract\": \"As the third largest coral barrier reef system in the world, the Florida Keys is home to thousands of marine life species and faces a myriad of threats resulting in a 90% decline in healthy corals. The ability to help revitalize coral reefs would provide a vast benefit to marine biodiversity. The purpose of this project was to build a 3D Hemp-based artificial coral reef structure for coral polyps to adhere, grow, and thrive to regenerate a natural reef. It was hypothesized that a Hemp-based structure would exhibit higher biodegradability than a PLA structure and that a gyroid design would biodegrade faster than a fractal design, evidenced by the changes in relative density and prototype mass (grams). Sixteen trials of eight prototypes per filament-type (Hemp/PLA) were split by design (Fractal/Gyroid) with eight coral frags as Control. Micro-CT data supports the hypothesis given that the determination of relative density measured using pixel gray-scale intensity values shows superior decreases in Hemp (-14.13%) versus PLA (-12.62%) density and greater density decrease in gyroid (-14.04%) versus fractal (-12.71%) designs. The SEM internal structural imaging comparison supported a greater qualitative degradation in the Hemp. Additionally, polyps\u2019 growth on Hemp, PLA, and Control were 57%, 53%, 48%, with Favia exhibiting greater growth, followed by Acanthastrea and Caulastrae, all showed higher rooting on gyroids. There is great urgency to find alternative ways to restore coral reefs given their threatened survivability. Future work would include placement of prototypes en situ in Florida Keys as part of NOAA\u2019s National Marine Sanctuary Rehabilitation program.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/eaev007-sustainable-solution-for-marine-restoration\", \"title\": \"EAEV007 - Sustainable Solution for Marine Restoration\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712020969237_Sustainable_Solution_for_Marine_Restoration_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EAEV007 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV020\", \"title\": \"Ecofriendly Design and Fabrication of a Microalgae-Based Sponge to Efficiently Remove Oil From Water for Environmental Remediation\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Agarwal, Dhairya\"], \"school\": \"North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics\", \"abstract\": \"Oil spills continue to affect millions of families yearly. Significant research has gone into the development of both organic and inorganic solvents. However, the issue with these sorbents is that they lack buoyancy, have low oil separation, and are also quite costly. This study investigates alginate-based materials modified with hydrophobic compounds, which have shown promising results with oil absorption and super-hydrophobic properties. However, most modifications for hydrophobicity are not eco-friendly. This research looked at modifying the surface of alginate-based sponges with cinnamic and myristic acid \u2013 naturally found in the spice cinnamon and nutmeg, respectively\u2013 and maximizing oil uptake while minimizing water uptake through its hydrophobic properties. Hydrophobicity was classified as sponges achieving water sponge contact angles of approximately 90\u00b0 or above. The sponges were made by freeze-drying alginate and then coating them with cinnamic/myristic acid via a Fischer esterification reaction to the hydroxyl groups on the alginate. Upon testing these sponges, contact angles ranged between 93\u00b0 and 114\u00b0, indicating the sponges were hydrophobic. These sponges absorbed oil within seconds of exposure, with a relative mass change of 11-fold. Further, the sponges maintained their hydrophobicity under environmental stressor conditions, with an average difference of 1\u00b0 - 3\u00b0 in the water contact angle. While showing both hydrophobicity and oleophilicity, the sponges could separate oil from an oil/water mixture. The findings of this research provide a highly eco-friendly and cost-effective approach to removing oil contaminants from our waterways, and if implemented, would provide a cutting-edge material for oil spill cleanups.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/eaev020-ecofriendly-sponge-for-oil-spill-remediation\", \"title\": \"EAEV020 - Ecofriendly Sponge for Oil Spill Remediation\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/qSajPfk0GNc\", \"title\": \"EAEV020 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/qL_npZxly6U\", \"title\": \"EAEV020 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV023\", \"title\": \"Sponge Studies: Assessing the Effects of Environmental Impacts on Marine Sponge Detritus Production, and Use as a Natural Deep Sea eDNA Sampler\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Sanchez, Kian\"], \"school\": \"University Laboratory School\", \"abstract\": \"Coral reefs, containing over 25% of marine species, are vital ecosystems that support a diverse array of life and provide crucial resources for sustenance, supplying food for over 1 billion people globally. Despite constituting a significant portion of all cryptic biomass on coral reefs, marine sponges remain one of the most understudied organisms. This research sought to highlight both the ecological and scientific applications of sponges. The first experiment emphasized a phenomenon known as the Sponge Loop, a critical process by which sponges recycle nutrients and provide a basal food source of detritus to the reef. This experiment tested the effects of various pollutants and global warming on the Sponge Loop, to understand how this essential process is affected by environmental impacts. Significantly reduced detritus production was observed when Mycale grandis was exposed to microplastic pollution (-591.7%, p<0.018), sunscreen pollution (-492.5%, p<0.021), and increased temperatures (no detritus). The second experiment focused on a scientific application of sponges, exploring their use as a natural eDNA sampler. eDNA is a modern technique used to assess the biodiversity of an ecosystem in a non-invasive way, fueling research in ecosystems such as the deep sea. Due to the filter-feeding nature of sponges, it was hypothesized that they may be able to concentrate eDNA and serve as natural samplers. DNA from deep-sea sponges collected near Kingman and Palmyra Atoll was extracted, amplified, and sequenced, resulting in the identification of species including Antedon bifida and Actinernus elongatus. This research underscores the dual importance of sponges, serving as ecological keystones in nutrient cycling and potential tools for non-invasive biodiversity monitoring.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/eaev023-sponge-studies-a-comprehensive-overview\", \"title\": \"EAEV023 - Sponge Studies: A Comprehensive Overview\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712388268581_ISEF_24_Vid_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EAEV023 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV057\", \"title\": \"Forecasting Domoic Acid Levels From Harmful Algal Blooms Along the Pacific Northwest Coast\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Chen, Anson\"], \"school\": \"Nikola Tesla STEM High School\", \"abstract\": \"Here is the edited version:\\nIn spring 2015, the U.S. Pacific Coast experienced an unprecedented surge in domoic acid concentrations, exceeding federal safety limits by over 700% in some parts of Washington State, resulting in extensive fishery closures. Domoic acid, a potent neurotoxin produced by harmful algal blooms of Pseudo-Nitzschia, poses risks to human health by causing amnesic shellfish poisoning and is lethal to marine wildlife. Previous domoic acid forecasting methods primarily relied on imprecise qualitative techniques without quantitative support, while prior machine learning approaches were limited in terms of geographic scope and time span. This project aimed to develop a machine learning model capable of precisely quantifying and forecasting domoic acid risk across the Pacific Northwest. A comprehensive database was compiled, integrating weekly biotic beach sampling data, environmental factors, and satellite observations spanning 21 years, facilitating the training and evaluation of multiple forecasting algorithms. Key factors influencing domoic acid levels were identified through rigorous feature selection, including temporal features, Pacific Ocean indices, latitude, and harmful algal bloom-related environmental metrics. The final random forest regression and classification model (DAtect) achieved a relative mean squared error of 10.04 and an R-squared of 0.59 for direct domoic acid concentration forecasting. When predicting threat levels relative to the regulatory limit of 20 ppm, the DAtect model attained an accuracy of 0.82. Thus, this model could potentially supplement previous qualitative domoic acid forecasts for additional accuracy, enabling proactive measures to safeguard shellfish fisheries and public health along the Pacific Coast.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/eaev057-forecasting-domoic-acid-in-the-pacific-northwest\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"EAEV057 - Forecasting Domoic Acid in the Pacific Northwest - ISEF\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Domoic acid, a potent neurotoxin produced by harmful algal blooms of Pseudo-Nitzschia, poses risks to human health by causing amnesic shellfish poisoning\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/1jdh3V5AVeM\", \"title\": \"EAEV057 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV091\", \"title\": \"CABMS: The First System Against California Marine Biotoxins Through Deep, Spatiotemporal, Multivariate Prediction and Sensor-Based Data Transmission\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Ma, Yuqin\"], \"school\": \"The Harker School\", \"abstract\": \"To combat marine biotoxin contamination that threatens California\u2019s $15-million shellfish industry, this research establishes the first California Marine Biotoxin Management System (CABMS), a novel AI-based and sensor-enabled system for domoic acid and saxitoxin prediction in California. The system design of the CABMS integrates 5 modules: data collection, apparatus development, multivariate data preparation, AI modeling, and application deployment. The CABMS collects datasets from multiple government agencies and organizes 6 hydrological, geospatial, and oceanographic data types for predictive modeling in California\u2019s 6 major shellfish production and forage regions. After comparing 2 deep and 2 classical machine learning algorithms, 10 long short-term memory single-task and multi-task learning models were trained on data for the 6 locations. After constructing two generations of a wireless, sensor-based apparatus, accuracy improved by 3% through real-time data transmission into the CABMS, demonstrating predictive strength with readily available environmental data. Using time series cross-validation in forecast horizon calculation, dissolved oxygen and precipitation proved as key factors in effecting a biotoxin-conducive environment. Now, the CABMS makes predictions with >90% acc. consistently up to 5 weeks. The CABMS is containerized via a web application with a user-centric interface and has immediate impact in shifting the dynamic of biotoxin management from post-event reactivity to pre-event proactivity. Effectively connecting existing hardware devices with innovative software solutions, the CABMS presents a long-term prediction architecture, cuts operational costs, and opens the public to the accessible and timely assessment of shellfish toxicity risk.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/eaev091-cabms-a-system-for-california-biotoxin-management\", \"title\": \"EAEV091 - CABMS: A System for California Biotoxin Management\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/x0u3aNR3aUo\", \"title\": \"EAEV091 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EBED013\", \"title\": \"Project Vision: Assisted Navigation & Waypoint Positioning Through 3D Mapping\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\", \"category_code\": \"EBED\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Nagler, James\"], \"school\": \"Garden City High School\", \"abstract\": \"According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2.2 billion people have some form of visual impairment, half of which could be improved by more affordable solutions. My project attempts to solve this problem by creating a revolutionary pair of ultra-compact and affordable glasses that can simultaneously map an environment, navigate around obstacles, position a user in 3D space, and effectively transmit this information to the user. Specifically, I tested for the accuracy of the 3D point cloud, real-time positioning, waypoint positioning, and time-of-flight (ToF) variability. The glasses are powered by four custom circuit boards, cutting-edge wide-angle ToF sensors, custom-coded novel positioning algorithms, vibration motors, bone conduction speakers, inertial measurement units (IMUs), and a 3D-printed frame. To accomplish real-time positioning and live 3D mapping, custom algorithms and the ToF sensors are used when an object is within a four-meter (16ft) radius of the person. The vibration motors on all sides of the frame notify the user of any incoming obstacles. A bone conduction speaker is also used to provide more descriptive feedback. Most notably, the headset can automatically determine waypoints within a room and autonomously navigate the user to a specific destination, such as a bed or bathroom, while accounting for any new obstacles in their path. If an object is outside of this radius, the device can still use the ToF sensors to alert the user of any obstacles and, if outdoors and connected to a phone, navigate the wearer to a specific destination using the speaker.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf/25178\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 20, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.62\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"Assisted Navigation & Waypoint Positioning Through 3D ...\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.62, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Most notably, the headset can automatically determine waypoints within a room and autonomously navigate the user to a specific destination, such as a bed or\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711670208262_IMG_5488_1__thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EBED013 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EBED029T\", \"title\": \"Rebeat: A Real-Time, Audiovisual Feedback System for Improving CPR Quality\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\", \"category_code\": \"EBED\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Park, Jin\", \"Ha, Seungho\", \"Kim , Jaeyoon\"], \"school\": \"Hankuk Academy of Foreign Studies\", \"abstract\": \"Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and about half of the 17 million annual deaths are due to sudden cardiac arrest. While prompt administration of high quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the main deciding factor of a victim\u2019s survival, adequate help is rarely available, resulting in an overall survival rate of ~10 percent for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. We have developed an easy-to-use, audiovisual feedback system, thereby creating an effective solution for improving bystander and first-responder CPR quality. The project consists of two main components: the custom printed circuit board and hardware, and the recurrent neural network model for computing CPR metrics. We designed the system to adhere to current CPR standards of 5~6 cm of compression depth, 100~120/min rate, and complete recoil between compressions. We were able to achieve a mean absolute error of 0.157 cm for the depth calculation model. To evaluate the effectiveness of our system, we performed 10 tests, each consisting of 30 seconds of manual CPR on a manikin with detailed analytics, averaging the best five results for the analysis. We were able to achieve excellent results of 56.00 mm compression depth, 110.2/min rate of chest compressions, and 100.0% complete recoil. In contrast to methods such as dispatcher assistance, we were able to demonstrate sustained accuracy in both compression depth and rate. The system\u2019s total cost came under $150, which was significantly cheaper compared to inferior, existing feedback devices (~$850), and automatic chest compression systems (~$21k). The project\u2019s most significant contribution is the system\u2019s ability to enhance laymen performance of CPR on compression depth, rate, and recoil in a compact form factor.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf/24626\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 20, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.71\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"Rebeat: A Real-Time, Audiovisual Feedback System for ...\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.71, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"We have developed an easy-to-use, audiovisual feedback system, thereby creating an effective solution for improving bystander and first-responder CPR quality.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/ebed029t-real-time-cpr-audiovisual-feedback-system\", \"title\": \"EBED029T - Real-Time CPR Audiovisual Feedback System\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713198037195_test_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EBED029T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EGSD008\", \"title\": \"Bio-Inspired Wing Design, Aerodynamic Simulations, and Autonomous Flight Tests for Airborne Wind Energy\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\", \"category_code\": \"EGSD\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Kwon, Aiden\"], \"school\": \"Palos Verdes Peninsula High School\", \"abstract\": \"Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) poses uncertainty in its contribution to renewable energy due to the lack of a comprehensive design . The technology is in its early stages, requiring significant development for large-scale deployment. Experimental AWE designs and challenges in autonomous flight necessitate focused research for integration into renewable energy. This project designs, tests, and builds a nature-inspired wing for an AWE aircraft, using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and autonomous flight testing. The gull wing is a promising platform for AWE. Notably, its high aspect ratio plays a pivotal role in minimizing induced drag. Moreover, the gull wing's elbow angles, ranging between 110-130 degrees, are crucial for efficient cruising range. Building upon the gull wing\u2019s features, the analysis employs both Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes and Reformulated Vortex Particle Method numerical methods in search of the most efficient wing concept. The new wing\u2019s aerodynamic performance is validated by autonomous flight tests, flying in circular flight paths in real-world conditions. Finally, on-board energy generation is attempted using propellers that harvest wind energy. Numerical results from CFD simulations demonstrate 15%-16% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency with the bio-inspired wing, as evidenced by improved lift-to-drag ratios compared to the baseline wing. Concurrently, autonomous flight tests demonstrate a 22% improvement based on power usage. The velocity sweep map illustrates that the on-board turbines generate power closely in line with theoretical predictions, with a deviation of within 7%. This achievement emphasizes the role that the state-of-the-art design framework developed in this project can play for innovation in AWE design.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/egsd008-a-novel-wing-design-for-airborne-wind-energy\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"EGSD008 - A Novel Wing Design for Airborne Wind Energy\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This project designs, tests, and builds a nature-inspired wing for an AWE aircraft, using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and autonomous flight\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711930699046_Video_Final_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EGSD008 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EGSD016\", \"title\": \"Improving Aerodynamic Characteristics of Helical Wind Turbines With Modified Blades\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\", \"category_code\": \"EGSD\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Bobes, Anne\"], \"school\": \"Markgraf-Albrecht-Gymnasium Osterburg\", \"abstract\": \"Amidst rising energy prices, electricity use is being reduced in Germany. This necessitates shutting down streetlights, their operation being cost-inefficient for communities. The efficiency of Savonius rotors is to be enhanced to enable autonomous powering of energy systems.\\nTwo 3D printers were refitted to manufacture twenty-four prototypes with altered rotor blade overlaps, curvatures, wall thicknesses, dimensions, materials and added end plates. The turbines\u2019 power coefficients were examined to ascertain power output at different rotational speeds, which were determined at three inflow velocities in a self-built wind tunnel. Optical analyses visualized vortexes using fog to examine the effects of varying end plate sizes. Blade deflection measurements were conducted using a self-constructed test rig, assessing rotor blade stiffness under applied force.\\nEnd plates 40 to 75 % the size of circular ones enhance effective profile resistance and reduce turbulence. Torsional stiffness is achieved through a central composite structure of the rotor blades and subtle bulges whose depth and number can be tailored to prevailing wind speeds. Utilizing height to diameter ratios of 1.9 : 1 and aforementioned modifications, wall thicknesses of 1 mm are sufficient to minimize blade deflection, which was unattainable using only fiber composite materials. An optimized turbine with a power coefficient of 0.17 is 5 % more efficient than the initial turbine.\\nEmpirical investigations revealed efficiency-enhancing parameters of helical rotor geometries when constructed from inexpensive thermoplastics. Environmentally friendly power generation enables decentralized operation of various energy systems at low wind speeds, offering substantial benefits over conventional rotors.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf/24782\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 20, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.62\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"Improving Aerodynamic Characteristics of Helical Wind ...\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.62, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"End plates 40 to 75 % the size of circular ones enhance effective profile resistance and reduce turbulence. Torsional stiffness is achieved through a central\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/egsd016-aerodynamic-optimization-of-helical-wind-turbines\", \"title\": \"EGSD016 - Aerodynamic Optimization of Helical Wind Turbines\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711371115621_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EGSD016 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EGSD024\", \"title\": \"Applying Magnetic Fields and Lewis Acids for a Highly Efficient and Cost-Effective Hydrogen Production From Seawater\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\", \"category_code\": \"EGSD\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Alhussaini, Hamad\"], \"school\": \"Riyadh School for Boys and Girls\", \"abstract\": \"Green hydrogen is a renewable fuel and is considered one of the most promising alternatives to fossil fuels; however, commercialized production is hampered due to the high production cost and the usage of scarce freshwater sources. Seawater presents an abundant, largely untapped resource for hydrogen production, but seawater electrolysis is limited by inefficiency and the production of toxic chlorine gas. To achieve efficient seawater electrolysis, a chloride-impermeable and highly efficient catalyst is needed to withstand the harsh conditions of seawater. This research introduces novel strategies that apply a magnetic field and a Lewis acid layer to enhance hydrogen production in seawater electrolysis and prevent chlorine gas production. The magnetic catalyst NiZnFe3O4 was synthesized via the co-precipitation method and coated with Cr2O3 as a Lewis acid layer. The Ni-foam substrate was then immersed in the magnetic catalyst via direct magnetic interaction. Performance increased significantly after applying the magnetic field, with current densities rising by over three times for the highly magnetic NiZnFe3O4-Cr2O3, achieving a current density of 14 mA/cm\u00b2 at 1.4 V. Furthermore, the catalyst demonstrates a high stability of continuous seawater electrolysis for over 72 hours, with nearly zero chlorine gas evolution, as confirmed by titration tests. This proposed system is 130 times less expensive and 24% more efficient than RuO2 at 2 V and almost three times better than RuO2 at 1.4 V when applying a magnetic field. This innovative system is poised to unlock seawater as a viable source for hydrogen production in commercial electrolyzers near seasides, thus contributing to a more sustainable energy economy.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/egsd024-magnets-and-lewis-acids-for-seawater-splitting\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"EGSD024 - Magnets and Lewis Acids for Seawater Splitting\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This research introduces novel strategies that apply a magnetic field and a Lewis acid layer to enhance hydrogen production in seawater electrolysis\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712468136278_Hamad_Mohammed_Alhussaini_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EGSD024 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM013\", \"title\": \"FRESH Bioprinting-Based Synthesis and Biomechanical Characterization of Tissue Engineered Vascular Grafts\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Aranda-Michel, Liam\"], \"school\": \"Lake Oswego High School\", \"abstract\": \"Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of global death, and Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is its most common manifestation. Restoring perfusion to myocardial tissue in CAD often necessitates a coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedure, which implants a vascular graft(s) to bypass the blockage. Existing grafts face challenges: autologous grafts are non-viable in one-third of all patients, and synthetic grafts are often thrombogenic due to compliance mismatch. Tissue Engineered Vascular Grafts (TEVGs) aim to overcome these issues, but suffer lengthy development times and are early in clinical implementation. Here, a rapid fluid modeling, 3D bioprinting, and pressure myography workflow is established to synthesize and mechanically validate TEVGs.\\nArchitecture of the gold-standard autologous graft, the human Internal Thoracic Artery (ITA), was recapitulated via Computer Aided Design (CAD). Ideal hemodynamics were proven via Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), simulating non-newtonian blood flow and resulting velocity and wall shear profiles. Graft architecture was physically generated via 3D-bioprinting Collagen type-I into a gelatin bath in the Freeform Reversible Embedding of Suspended Hydrogels (FRESH) paradigm. To further simulate pressure-induced vasoactivity including dilation and burst pressure, \u201cHemoLens\u201d, an open-source pressure myograph, was developed. HemoLens proved an average burst pressure in four grafts of 172.36mmHg with minimal dilation, demonstrating near-functional strength. Taken in tandem with CFD data and the overall cost and speed of the workflow, these results prove the feasibility of 3D-bioprinting biomechanically functional Collagen-based TEVGs and represent a step forward in the cardiothoracic landscape.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm013-3d-bioprinting-and-characterizing-vascular-grafts\", \"title\": \"ENBM013 - 3D-Bioprinting and Characterizing Vascular Grafts\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712109677969_IMG_0687_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENBM013 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM056\", \"title\": \"Investigating the Effects of Hemarthrosis on the Structure and Function of ACL Repair\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Hong, Kento\"], \"school\": \"Edgemont High School\", \"abstract\": \"Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which affects nearly 200,000 patients annually in the United States, can be accompanied by joint bleeding but the effects of whole blood components are not fully understood. Hemarthrosis, or articular bleeding, can induce inflammation and has been implicated in joint tissue degeneration. Additionally, iron homeostasis is vital to joint health as excess iron can lead to oxidative stress and is associated with osteoarthritis and hemophilic arthropathy. Prior work has shown that acute blood exposure upregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines and cellular damage. Here, analysis of the contributions of whole blood and its cellular constituents: intact and lysed red blood cells (RBCs) on the ACL in the context of cell viability, proliferation, pro-inflammatory cytokine production and ECM properties is performed. An in vitro 2D model is used to assess the biologic and wound healing response of ACL fibroblasts (ACLF) under blood treatment. The effects of blood components are then translated to a 3D model using a collagen gel contraction assay to recapitulate the physiological conditions of the joint environment following acute ACL injury and concurrent hemarthrosis. Overall, this study aims to characterize the impact of acute short-term blood exposure on the contractile phenotype of ACLF and its impact on construct ligamentous structure and function.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm056-effects-of-hemarthrosis-on-acl-injuries\", \"title\": \"ENBM056 - Effects of Hemarthrosis on ACL Injuries\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713679788774_RPReplay_Final1713673518_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENBM056 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM076\", \"title\": \"Utilizing 3D Additive Biomanufacturing To Develop a Biocompatible, Customizable and Durable Mechanical Aortic Valve \u2014 Year 2\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Bhensdadia, Aadi\"], \"school\": \"Pine View School\", \"abstract\": \"Background\\nOver 182,000 patients receive aortic valve replacements annually in the United States. However, valve replacement recipients must choose between two undesirable options, mechanical and tissue prostheses, each with specific advantages and disadvantages. A superior valve prosthesis is critical, and DLP bioprinting is the ideal vehicle. Year 1 of research was encouraging; however, improvements in fabrication and testing protocols are necessary.\\nMethods\\nA mock circulatory loop (MCL) that could test for 12 consecutive hours was developed, allowing for durability assessment. Endoscopic, insufficiency and stenosis (ISE), and particle image velocimetry (PIV) data were collected from the MCL. These data were inputted into models to simulate patient vitals and hemolysis rate.\\nResults\\nPrototype Four was based off the human aortic valve, with some modifications. It performed well in all metrics except durability; at hour 9 of testing, a fissure formed in the left coronary leaflet of the prosthesis, compromising structural integrity and causing a significant decline in the simulated patient's condition. Prototype Five was designed to further mimic the human aortic valve. Prototype Five had many of the same beneficial characteristics as Prototype Four, such as low ISE, hemolysis, etc.; however, it had significantly higher durability. Rather than deteriorating, Prototype Five improved over time, as did the simulated patient's condition.\\nConclusions\\nThis prosthesis is chemically and mechanically biocompatible, as well as durable and customizable to the specific patient \u2013 it combines the best of both mechanical and tissue prostheses. While promising and exciting strides have been made over the past two years of research, more investigation is required.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm076-a-3d-bioprinted-aortic-valve-prosthesis\", \"title\": \"ENBM076 - A 3D Bioprinted Aortic Valve Prosthesis\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/467D6I8_dQM\", \"title\": \"ENBM076 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM078\", \"title\": \"MiniMesh: Real-Time 5,000-Node Anatomical Human Body Mesh Reconstruction for Portable Devices\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Mathew, Daniel\"], \"school\": \"Poolesville High School\", \"abstract\": \"Human Mesh Recovery is the challenge of predicting thousands of three-dimensional points on the human body surface, supporting critical applications in medicine, augmented reality, animation, and more. MiniMesh is a portable solution for this computationally complex task that accurately reconstructs a 5,000-node human body mesh in real-time while maintaining anatomical validity. This is vital for medical applications including assessment of gait, robotic surgery, and rapid anthropometric measurement. While previous alternatives run offline or lack medical viability, MiniMesh preserved efficiency and accuracy by splitting the volumetric pose estimation problem into several efficient kinematic and planar pose estimation tasks. This unorthodox approach maintained accuracy comparable to state-of-the-art solutions at a fraction of the processing time. The kinematic pose estimation models computed 127 2D landmarks and solved the Perspective-n-Point (PnP) problem to calculate 3D orientation. Concurrently, the planar pose estimation algorithm extracted the human silhouette from the image in real-time. Both pieces of spatial information were fed into a custom rendering engine that mapped every point on a human subject\u2019s image to a standard 3D mesh. Without further optimization, MiniMesh can process 20 images per second, with some models running in less than 6 milliseconds per image, all on a single core of a CPU. All parts of the algorithm, and as a whole, ran above 90% accuracy on a laptop and maintained real-time processing speed. Running on only portable devices, MiniMesh is a novel, resource-efficient solution to the complex human mesh reconstruction problem\u2014making this technology available to everyone.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm078-minimesh-real-time-mobile-human-mesh-recovery\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"MiniMesh: Real-Time Mobile Human Mesh Recovery\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"MiniMesh is a portable solution for this computationally complex task that accurately reconstructs a 5,000-node human body mesh in real-time while maintaining ...Read more\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714008095763_DanielMathewISEF_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENBM078 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV005\", \"title\": \"An Integrated Algae Mitigation System to Seek & Abate Harmful Algal Blooms (Year 5)\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Natarajan, Sharanya\"], \"school\": \"Edgewood Junior Senior High School\", \"abstract\": \"Surges in Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) due to fallouts of anthropogenic activities and climate change are recurrently impairing water quality. Biodiverse ecosystems like the Indian River Lagoon are warping into algae-based habitats, rendering an expensive recovery. Current reactionary methodologies provide minimalistic spatiotemporal intelligence for proactive HAB mitigation.\\nTo sustainably eradicate HABs and improve water quality, an Integrated Algae Mitigation System with three components to abate HABs was engineered. This system utilizes actionable data, which is systemically acquired through IoT sensors, systematically processed, and presented in a meaningful form for rapid response.\\nRegional Scanning was achieved via remote sensing to narrow down water bodies of interest, complemented by multispectral assessments using an aerial drone to understand degrees of algal intensity.\\nTargeted Measurements were conducted by engineering a floatation device with sensors to capture water metrics for HAB verification.\\nLocalized Abatement was accomplished by suppressing algae using agents, followed by remediation using an engineered sweeper attached to an underwater vehicle.\\nReal-time data acquisition and actionable insights were achieved in the cloud hub for subsequent prescriptive analytics.\\nThe system was tested using Chlorella vulgaris algae. Hydrogen peroxide successfully suppressed the algae evidenced by the declining dissolved oxygen (DO2) and pH levels. A machine learning model with 90% accuracy predicted DO2, a proxy for algal environment using Total Dissolved Solids, a proxy for algal density.\\nThis detection and remediation solution can help marine engineers sustainably tackle blooms for pristine waters saving local economies in millions.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev005-an-integrated-system-to-seek-and-abate-algal-blooms\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.60\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"An Integrated System to Seek & Abate Algal Blooms\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.60, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"... Integrated Algae Mitigation System with three components to abate HABs was engineered. This system utilizes actionable data, which is systemically acquired\"}, {\"url\": \"https://doi.org/10.36227/techrxiv.177077953.38970760/v1\", \"title\": \"A Novel Engineering & Technology Framework to Abate Waterbody Contaminants\", \"snippet\": \"Biodiverse ecosystems are rapidly declining worldwide due to eutrophication, a process caused by excessive nutrient enrichment. Innovative approaches that combine sustainable materials with technology are urgently needed to capture nutrient loads and reduce the severity of eutrophication events. This research aims to develop a real-time detection and delivery system for targeted contaminant management in marine habitats. Zeolite was selected through static analytical colorimetry for nitrate sequestration, and its effectiveness was enhanced by surface modification to improve adsorption. A custom-engineered system equipped with multiple sensors was integrated into a remotely operated surface water vehicle. The system assessed conditions conducive to algal growth from a visualization platform and prevented algal proliferation by dosing zeolites for nitrate sequestration through targeted actions. Field tests were conducted in Lake Washington and the Indian River in East-Central Florida, with water quality monitored through cloud-based dashboards. A third-order polynomial regression machine learning model predicted high-nutrient environments with 92% accuracy. This cost-effective system provides engineers with a scalable solution to enhance water quality, in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.1, which aims to significantly reduce marine pollution by 2025.\", \"found_via\": \"openalex\", \"kind\": \"paper\", \"authors\": [\"Sharanya Natarajan\"], \"year\": 2026, \"score\": 63, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"author_full_name\", \"trusted_domain:doi.org\", \"rescored\"], \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712057127068_ISEF_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENEV005 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV011\", \"title\": \"A Low Cost and High Performance Xylem-Activated Carbon Filter Water Purification Device: A Novel Approach to the Global Clean Water Crises\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Moyo, Ruvarashe\"], \"school\": \"USAP Community School\", \"abstract\": \"Globally, over 2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water leading to 3.4 million waterborne deaths yearly. Existing purification methods are often ineffective against both biological and chemical contaminants, or simply too expensive for low-income communities. This research designed an affordable, efficient, and sustainable water filtration device for household use in regions struggling with access to clean water. The device was engineered from a novel xylem-activated carbon filter made by leveraging readily available materials. Orange peels were used to bioengineer a broad-spectrum antimicrobial coating for the xylem filter, while activated carbon was combined with illite from clay soil to create a powerful filter media that has the ability to remove a wide range of chemical and biological contaminants. From laboratory tests, the xylem-activated carbon filter exhibited an exceptional performance removing over 99% of the contaminants tested. Additionally, it had a flow rate of exceeding 1.7L/h, thus, providing over 40 L of clean water daily, easily meeting a family's needs. Inspired by the device\u2019s high performance, community workshops were conducted, teaching people how to build these devices, to enable household water purification to be accessible. Over 120 households previously dependent on municipal contaminated water are now using the device, experiencing a drastic improvement in their water quality. This sustainable, low-cost and reliable water filtration device offers a powerful solution to the global clean water crisis and has the potential to enable more than one billion people to have access to water filtration and this could significantly reduce water-borne disease deaths by  two million.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev011-xylem-activated-carbon-water-filtration-device\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"ENEV011 - Xylem-Activated Carbon Water Filtration Device - ISEF\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"From laboratory tests, the xylem-activated carbon filter exhibited an exceptional performance removing over 99% of the contaminants tested.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/IAp2rF0PDRY?si=Vp1IbrrFOeW7m1OK\", \"title\": \"ENEV011 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV018T\", \"title\": \"Development of a Solar Powered Buoy to Measure and Report the  Pollution Level of Wetlands\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Iltekin, Nisa\", \"Akin, Eray\", \"Leylekoglu, Murat\"], \"school\": \"Izmir Fen Lisesi\", \"abstract\": \"Environmental pollution, which is one of the main causes of global warming, may have variations within itself; however, water, which is at the point of all cycles in nature, a blanket covering the whole world from the living body, should be the starting point of the solution. If water, which is the building block of living life and the essence of most substances in different forms, becomes scarce, polluted, and difficult to access, the damage it will inflict on the biosphere and the entire earth will undoubtedly be devastating. For this reason, water pollution will be of great importance in the fight against environmental pollution, thus global warming and many other problems. In this context, the project developed in this context provides instant detection of anomalies occurring in water resources or other elements that make up the wetland ecosystem and facilitates the user to take precautions in advance by sending periodic data to the user. It is powered by solar energy, making it self-sufficient. The fluorometer and nephelometer are optical sensors integrated into the buoy to measure the amount of chlorophyll and turbidity, temperature and humidity sensors to detect whether the buoy is taking water or not, and conductivity sensor to measure and detect other data. The measured values can be transferred to the server without human intervention thanks to the IoT server with RESTful API used alongside GPRS. As a result of the experiments, it was observed that the sensors reacted correctly to the variables, and the data was uploaded to the server at specified periods. The developed buoy system promises to detect the common consequences of water pollution at the stage of formation at a very low cost compared to existing systems.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev018t-buoy-to-measure-pollution-level\", \"title\": \"ENEV018T -  Buoy to Measure Pollution Level\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712264952333_isef_y_klenecek_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENEV018T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV028\", \"title\": \"Aerosol Driven Purification: A Novel Method for Purifying Water Utilizing Phase Changes\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Yeager, Megan\"], \"school\": \"Chesapeake Science Point Public Charter School\", \"abstract\": \"Industrial Reverse Osmosis (\u201cRO\u201d) provides safe drinking water to homes and is supplied by ocean water. As such, the quantity of waste water produced by this method is inconsequential. Notably, RO treatment plants typically convey only 25% of their supply into potable water. For inland communities with limited access, wasting 75% of their supply water is unsustainable. This project explores a method of water filtration, designing a unique process for efficiently creating drinkable water from non potable supplies. When water is turned into an aerosol, water molecules will vaporize and contaminants will separate from said molecules. In a closed environment, water vapor can pass through a filter, condense and collect as purified water. The testing apparatus houses the water purification system. Data was collected on the reduction in TDS of system processed water, total kWh consumed by the system and total recovery rate in volume of water.On average across all tests, 0.617 kWh was used to produce 1 liter of processed water.The average net supply of contaminated water was 977 mL. Of which, an average of 910 mL was recovered resulting in an average recovery rate of 93.2%. On average the TDS was reduced by 71.8%, exceeding most US standards. In conclusion, the hypothesis was proven correct. By creating an aerosol derived from non-potable water the system was able to effectively separate contaminants from water molecules and produce clean water. Quality drinking water is becoming increasingly scarce and simple, cost-effective methods of purifying water are needed world wide.  Because of the simplistic nature of the design, if proven to be sufficiently energy efficient, this process can scale from individual units to commercial scale using the same design and operating theory.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev028-aerosol-driven-purification\", \"title\": \"ENEV028 - Aerosol Driven Purification\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712024638538_IMG_4602_1__thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENEV028 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ETSD017\", \"title\": \"SMART (Sustainable, Modular, Additively-manufactured, Robust, Tower-style) Urban Farming\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\", \"category_code\": \"ETSD\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Ang, Gedeon\"], \"school\": \"Raffles Institution\", \"abstract\": \"Global food security and sustainability issues, and rapid urbanization call for high-tech, space-efficient, sustainable urban farming technologies. In Singapore, only 3.9% of vegetables consumed are produced locally, and only 1% of land is allocated for agriculture. Nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponics is practical, but current approaches are inadequate due to space and maintenance constraints.\\nThis project outlines the development of a novel design of tower-style NFT hydroponics that focuses on space efficiency, multifunctionality, intelligence, energy efficiency, and material efficiency. Complex internal and exterior geometry inspired by aircraft semi-monocoque fuselage, all with optimized dimensions are used. Optimization and analysis by finite element analysis (FEA) ensures the design is space efficient, material saving, and strong (safety factor>6 in all 3 loading conditions). Selective laser sintering (SLS), a laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing (AM) process, is used to fabricate these complex geometries without support structures, with high isotropy; and with glass-bead filled polypropylene (PPGB), for its mechanical properties, waterproofness, and chemical resistance.\\nThis NFT hydroponics system is 3.3-9.8x more space efficient; and 3.4-4.7x more material efficient than existing ones. A more energy-efficient full-spectrum LED lighting solution is developed. A low-cost system monitors and maintains critical variables for the system\u2019s operation and alerts the user if manual intervention is needed. Modularity allows different plants to be grown together.  Hence, this system can be practically installed into space-limited urban areas (e.g. homes, offices), and effectively aid in tackling global food security and sustainability challenges.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://www.moe.gov.sg/news/press-releases/20240530-strong-showing-by-singapores-young-research-talents-at-regeneron-international-science-and-engineering-fair-2024\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 10, \"status\": \"needs_review\", \"signals\": [\"isef_mention\", \"llm:related:0.85\"], \"title\": \"Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair 2024\", \"source_domain\": \"www.moe.gov.sg\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"isef_mention\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"SMART (Sustainable, Modular, Additively-manufactured, Robust, Tower-style) Urban Farming. Biomedical Engineering Category Award: 3rd prize, Wu\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/etsd017-smart-urban-farming\", \"title\": \"ETSD017 - SMART Urban Farming\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712064789113_ISEF_video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ETSD017 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712012634510_growing_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ETSD017 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ETSD039\", \"title\": \"Impact of Toroidal Propeller Design on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Acoustic Signature and Aerodynamic Performance\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\", \"category_code\": \"ETSD\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Jansen, Hannah\"], \"school\": \"Governor's School at Innovation Park\", \"abstract\": \"Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly used for many applications across a range of industries. Increased UAV usage poses a public health and environmental threat due to the annoying and potentially harmful noise they produce. This research examined the potential for toroidal propellers to decrease drone noise while maintaining or improving thrust. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), this study assessed how variations in toroidal propeller blade minor axis length and blade count affected thrust, benchmarked against a control. CFD simulations and physical tests were conducted on custom-designed and manufactured toroidal propellers of nine varying configurations at two different operational speeds in a custom-designed testing apparatus. A less than 5% difference was observed in CFD versus measured results for 16 of 18 tests. Longer minor axis lengths improved thrust for two- and three-blade toroidal propellers at the lower speed, but impact was negligible at the higher speed. All toroidal propeller designs demonstrated more thrust over the stock propeller at the lower speed, while three- and four-blade designs demonstrated thrust capabilities that matched or surpassed the stock propeller at the higher speed. At 10,000 RPM, all toroidal propeller designs were quieter than the stock propeller. This study confirmed reliability of CFD in propeller performance prediction and identified toroidal propellers as viable alternatives to the traditional designs due to their reduced noise levels and ability to produce equal or greater thrust. Future directions include CFD analysis at higher speeds, refinement of the testing apparatus, and evaluation of toroidal propellers in real-world UAV operations.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/etsd039-toroidal-prop-design-for-uav-noise-and-thrust\", \"title\": \"ETSD039 - Toroidal Prop Design for UAV Noise and Thrust \", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwKebaZBp48&t=4s\", \"title\": \"ETSD039 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ETSD041\", \"title\": \"Low-Cost Rapid Response Rocket Launched UAV for Wildfire Hotspot Detection\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\", \"category_code\": \"ETSD\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Zhao, Jason\"], \"school\": \"Collingwood School\", \"abstract\": \"The 2023 Canadian wildfire season, marked by a quintupling of damage relative to the past decade\u2019s average and the tragic loss of four firefighters, underscores the urgent need for advancements in wildfire monitoring. This project aims to fill the need for a faster and safer wildfire monitoring system using a rocket-launched drone system. Compared to helicopters, the proposed system is faster, can be launched from any field, and it is unmanned, keeping firefighters out of harm's way. First, a prototype rocket was designed, utilizing 3D printing for accelerated production, precision, and cost-efficiency. Simulations were conducted to validate the strength and performance of 3D printed parts prior to flight. Finite Element Analysis simulations were used to validate strength, while Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations optimized fin shape for reduced drag. The first prototype achieved an apogee of 2.6km. Post-flight analysis informed the use of additive manufacturing techniques, leading to a second prototype rocket. The second prototype rocket reduced costs, simplified setup, and increased performance, achieving an apogee of 3.1km. A foldable-arm drone was designed to fit inside the rocket. Its deployment was successfully tested, and the drone was flown achieving a 15-minute flight time. This study showed the potential for a rocket-launched drone system, enhanced by additive manufacturing, for faster and safer wildfire monitoring. Future designs will increase the size, endurance, and features of the drone. In its current state, both the rocket and the drone were successfully tested, showcasing the effectiveness of the proposed system to enhance wildfire monitoring capabilities.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/etsd041-rocket-launched-drone-for-wildfires\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"ETSD041 - Rocket Launched Drone for Wildfires\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"The second prototype rocket reduced costs, simplified setup, and increased performance, achieving an apogee of 3.1km.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/wNUpHikCsgo\", \"title\": \"ETSD041 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ETSD049\", \"title\": \"AI-Powered Magnetic Inspection Robot for Advanced Structural Health Monitoring of Ferromagnetic Structures\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\", \"category_code\": \"ETSD\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Tseng, Angelina\"], \"school\": \"Santa Catalina School\", \"abstract\": \"Over 130,000 aging steel bridges in the United States are at risk from corrosion and structural issues. More efficient and thorough inspection methods are necessary to avoid future disasters like the Silver Bridge collapse, which resulted in 46 fatalities due to an overlooked defect. Current conventional human inspections are prone to human error, and robotic inspection methods using drones and clamp-based robots have limitations including the inability to navigate in small spaces, and unadaptability to different surfaces. To address this, I engineered a robot utilizing magnetic ring wheels that allow for robust adherence to ferromagnetic surfaces of all configurations and created a deep learning image analysis model based on MobileNetV2 to automate the search for structural fissures. The robot achieved reliable omnidirectional mobility on diverse structural elements including internal and external corners, cylindrical surfaces, inclines and wedges. An Arduino Nano board controlling six servo motors enables it to adjust its steering angle, alter its center of gravity, and actuate two magnetic ring wheels. An ESP32-CAM with WiFi sends visual data to a central unit for analysis and receives movement commands from a mobile app through WiFi. The final machine learning model consists of 53 layers implemented with Pytorch based on Google\u2019s MobileNetV2 architecture to optimize the model for processing on mobile or weaker processors. The model was trained with 1600 images from the North Eastern University Steel Surface Defects Database and can visually identify six types of metal deficiencies with an 85.71% accuracy.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"http://ijses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/42-IJSES-V8N9.pdf\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 45, \"status\": \"needs_review\", \"signals\": [\"full_name\", \"llm:related:0.85\"], \"title\": \"AI-Powered Magnetic Inspection Robot for Advanced ...\", \"source_domain\": \"ijses.com\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"full_name\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"and Electrical & Electronics Design, each tailored to meet specific operational demands in challenging inspection environments. A. Structural Design Overview Chassis and Framework: The core structural component of the AI-powered magnetic inspection robot is its chassis, designed to provide robustness while maintaining flexibility and lightness. The chassis is constructed from high-strength materials such as aluminum and composites known for their durability and lightweight properties, making [..\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/etsd049-steel-structure-defect-detection-robot-with-ai\", \"title\": \"ETSD049 - Steel Structure Defect Detection Robot With AI  \", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713678221838_finalisef2_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ETSD049 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATH030T\", \"title\": \"An Elementary Method for Fast Modular Exponentiation With Factored Modulus\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Mathematics\", \"category_code\": \"MATH\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Aggarwal, Anay\", \"Isaacs, Manu\"], \"school\": \"Jesuit High School\", \"abstract\": \"The rise of modern cryptosystems introduced the problem of modular exponentiation. Modular exponentiation is the problem of computing a perfect power a^n modulo some modulus, say m. This problem is remarkably useful because its inverse problem, the discrete logarithm problem, is computationally hard. This makes for systems that are difficult to hack. We discover a fast algorithm for modular exponentiation in the case where the prime factorization of the modulus is known. We show that, in general, our algorithm performs asymptotically better than the current fastest algorithm (by certain metrics). While this is true, we pay particular attention to the case where the exponents in the prime factorization of the modulus are large. For this case, we achieve a complexity on the order of the square root of the complexity of current algorithms. We prove our theoretical results empirically by comparing ourselves to Python\u2019s optimized pow function. The ideas used in our algorithm have significant general consequences; they produce analogous results for matrices and even more general algebraic structures. We hence improve Fiduccia\u2019s algorithm for computing large terms of linear recurrent sequences. Our algorithm has huge potential for applications in cryptography and coding theory. We open up a new study of cryptosystems that use a modulus with large prime factors, providing fast encryption and decryption for such systems. Additionally, a current area of research is using matrix modular exponentiation and linear recurrent sequences for error-correcting codes. Our work can hence potentially provide fast encoding algorithms.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/math030t-fast-modular-exponentiation-with-factored-modulus\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.83\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"Fast Modular Exponentiation With Factored Modulus\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.83, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Modular exponentiation is the problem of computing a perfect power a^n modulo some modulus, say m. This problem is remarkably useful because its inverse problem\"}, {\"url\": \"https://arxiv.org/abs/2401.10497\", \"kind\": \"paper\", \"found_via\": \"arxiv\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_exact:1.00\", \"trusted_domain:arxiv.org\"], \"title\": \"An Elementary Method For Fast Modular Exponentiation With Factored Modulus\", \"source_domain\": \"arxiv.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\", \"search_provider\": \"arxiv\", \"match_reason\": \"title_exact:1.00, trusted_domain:arxiv.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"We present a fast algorithm for modular exponentiation when the factorization of the modulus is known. Let $a,n,m$ be positive integers and suppose $m$ factors canonically as $\\\\prod_{i=1}^k p_i^{e_i}$. Choose integer parameters $t_i\\\\in [1, e_i]$ for $1\\\\le i\\\\le k$. Then we can compute the modular exponentiation $a^n\\\\pmod{m}$ in $O(\\\\max(e_i/t_i)+\\\\sum_{i=1}^k t_i\\\\log p_i)$ steps (i.e., modular operations). We go on to analyze this algorithm mathematically and programmatically, showing significant a\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03OByncYHdE\", \"title\": \"MATH030T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATH031\", \"title\": \"Balancing Misclassification Costs (BMC) in Imbalanced Classification\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Mathematics\", \"category_code\": \"MATH\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Fu, Sophia\"], \"school\": \"Carmel High School\", \"abstract\": \"Classification tasks in machine learning, essential for applications ranging from fraud detection to medical diagnoses, frequently encounter the challenge of imbalanced datasets. These imbalances can skew predictions towards the majority class, risking oversight of vital minority instances and carrying significant real-world consequences. Established methods, such as Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machines, and ensemble techniques, offer solutions to classification challenges but often struggle with imbalanced datasets. Conventional strategies like resampling and cost-sensitive learning provide value but come with issues like overfitting, data loss, and increased computational demands. A notable disconnect also exists between estimation procedures and evaluation metrics, further complicating the task of accurately gauging model performance. In this work, I present the Balancing Misclassification Costs (BMC) algorithm, an innovative approach designed to adeptly tackle the challenges posed by imbalanced datasets. My method integrates misclassification costs within a unified optimization framework. Capitalizing on rigorous theoretical proof, I have also devised an efficient estimation procedure. Through detailed simulations and its application to a cancer diagnostic dataset, I underscore BMC's superiority over conventional methodologies.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/math031-balancing-costs-in-imbalanced-classification\", \"title\": \"MATH031 - Balancing Costs in Imbalanced Classification\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714015950084_IMG_7462_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATH031 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MCRO011\", \"title\": \"Secretion of the Francisella tularensis Protein FTL_1123 by Escherichia coli Containing the ?HlyBD Operon\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Microbiology\", \"category_code\": \"MCRO\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Sawhney, Mehek\"], \"school\": \"Commack High School\", \"abstract\": \"Francisella tularensis, a gram-negative bacterium, is the causative agent of tularemia, a severe zoonotic disease which is highly lethal even with minimal exposure. Francisella is recognized by the CDC as a tier one biothreat agent, due to severe potential risk for biological warfare. This volatile bacterium establishes an advantageous environment to thrive within macrophages. Studies demonstrated that Francisella interferes with the innate immune system in a TolC dependent manner. BLAST analysis revealed that the FTL_1123 protein contains a sequence in its C-terminus that shares 72% with an RTX Secretion signal in FrpC, a TolC dependent toxin in Neisseria meningitidis. Further, homologs of the FTL_1123 were present only in virulent Francisella subspecies; characterizing FTL_1123 as a protein of interest. The FTL_1123 protein lacks fully bonafide RTX motifs, typically correlated with T1SS-secreted proteins. This research investigated the secretion mechanism of the FTL_1123 protein in Francisella, and discovered that the FTL_1123 protein is able to secrete through the canonical Type 1 Secretion System (T1SS), located in Escherichia coli. This study established the FTL_1123 as a critical virulence factor for Francisella,and provides insight about secretion mechanisms of F. tularensis. These findings enhance understanding of the pathogenesis of Tularemia and establish a foundation and hope for the creation of therapeutics which disrupt the bacteria\u2019s ability to export virulence factors. This study also expands the knowledge of T1SS\u2019s and their secreted proteins. Current research is being conducted to determine dependence on a predicted ??-helix structure in the C-terminus of the FTL_1123 protein for its secretion.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711935229738_copy_DF3EA3B2_9B09_4D85_9E2A_C75208A4C1AC_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MCRO011 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MCRO040\", \"title\": \"Biofilm Composition in Fungi Fusarium and Development of a Multi-targeted Antifungal Treatment To Inhibit Proliferation\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Microbiology\", \"category_code\": \"MCRO\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Zhang, Ray\"], \"school\": \"Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology\", \"abstract\": \"Fusarium is a genus of fungi that produces biofilms, a collection of microbial cells that confer high antifungal resistance to opportunistic Fusarium pathogens, which cause lethal infections in crop and human populations with a 75% clinical mortality rate. This study first uncovered three critical mechanisms of biofilm formation in four clinically-relevant Fusarium species. Biofilm matrix morphology was visualized through electron microscopy. Abiotic growth conditions and Skn7-deletion mutant analysis reported internal oxidative stress resistance mechanisms. Fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed a biofilm polymeric matrix that consists of polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular nucleic acids. With these identified targets, computational SB and LBDD analysis optimized a combination antifungal treatment consisting of three compounds to target aforementioned biofilm components: inhibiting cytochrome CYP51 - thus degrading membrane morphology - with Voriconazole, promoting internal resistance disruption using Amphotericin B, and obstructing DNA and protein macromolecular synthesis with 5-Fluorocytosine through TS inhibition. Docking analysis supported binding affinities to targeted pathways and confirmed bioavailability and safety. In-vitro cultures consisting of two-fold antifungal dilutions (128 to 0.125 mg/L) revealed that, across strains, Voriconazole was the most effective antifungal with 60% inhibition efficiency. Amphotericin B displayed 55% efficiency and 5-Fluorocytosine had 40% efficiency. The triple-combination drug treatment exhibited over 90% inhibition efficacy at respective concentrations. This research provides novel insight into the maturation of fungal biofilms and supports the use of a cocktail treatment to combat infections, reducing mortality.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/mcro040-combination-treatment-to-fight-fusarium-infection\", \"title\": \"MCRO040 - Combination Treatment To Fight Fusarium Infection\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714616666311_ISEF_Video_Virtual_Booth_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MCRO040 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PHYS033\", \"title\": \"Characterizing a Novel Flare in the Distant Quasar VIIIZw233\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\", \"category_code\": \"PHYS\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Ramesh, Padmalakshmi\"], \"school\": \"Laramie High School\", \"abstract\": \"Every second in the universe an exciting event is occurring, whether it be the collision of two black holes or the death of a star in an explosive supernova. One such event is a Tidal Disruption Event (TDE), where a star gets too close to a black hole and is ripped apart by the black hole's tidal forces. The hot interior of the star is exposed, causing increased activity in that galaxy's spectra. Stellar matter such as dust, gasses, and rocks orbit the black hole in an accretion disk. From the resulting friction of these fast-moving objects, energy is output as light which is termed as a quasar. VIIIZw233 is a galaxy host to a quasar of the same name and is located at 527 Megaparsecs (Mpc) from Earth. In 2018, an unusual flare from this quasar was documented by the Wyoming Infrared Observatory (WIRO) in the optical portion of the EMS. The objective was to characterize different elements of the flare in VIIIZw233 and compare them to characteristics of known TDEs. It was hypothesized that the characteristics of the flare will be similar to those of a TDE. All data were imported, pre-processed and analyzed in Google Colab, a platform for executing Python online. Packages such as lmfit, astropy, numpy, pandas, and matplotlib were used in this analysis. The criteria analyzed in this study included the peak luminosity, comparing the continuum light curve with the H-Beta light curve, the difference spectra, as well as the color of the object.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/phys033-characterizing-a-novel-quasar-flare\", \"title\": \"PHYS033 - Characterizing a Novel Quasar Flare\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712539877705_Ramesh_Padmalakshmi_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PHYS033 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PHYS038T\", \"title\": \"Effect of the Apex Angle of a Triangular-Shaped Vibrating Structure on Acoustic Streaming\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\", \"category_code\": \"PHYS\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Tonpongphan, Korakrit\", \"Boonyaraj, Veroj\"], \"school\": \"Kamnoetvidya Science Academy\", \"abstract\": \"Acoustic streaming (AS) is generated by an acoustic field in a fluid and is capable of creating a specific flow pattern and a jet. We investigated the characteristics of AS produced by the vibration of triangles by using simulation and experiment. Thermoviscous equations and Navier-Stokes equations were employed for the numerical simulation, while the experiment was conducted using the PIV technique. From the simulation and experiment results, we found the alternation of the jet\u2019s direction. Specifically, the jet changes its direction from outward to inward as the apex angle becomes bigger, which wasn\u2019t predictable in the prior research. Moreover, the lateral jet is observed in the AS from a triangle with a large apex angle. In addition, the number of vortices as well as the streaming velocity were affected by the apex angle of the triangles. The mechanism for the jet\u2019s direction alternation and emergence of the lateral jet were investigated and explained using body force analysis. Specifically, body force due to acoustic field and viscous force were compared at various apex angles, showing an overriding of force as the apex angle approached its small and large limit. Furthermore, the relationship between the magnitude and direction of the AS and the geometry yields convenience in the modeling and development of microfluidic devices, where precision is crucial, providing an application in circulating, mixing, and trapping microparticles.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/phys038t-effect-of-sharp-edge-angle-on-flow-by-as\", \"title\": \"PHYS038T - Effect of Sharp Edge Angle on Flow by AS\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713885933501_Effect_of_Sharp_Edge_Angle_on_Flow_by_AS_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PHYS038T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PHYS056\", \"title\": \"Discovery of New Extragalactic Planet Candidates: A Novel End-to-End Machine Learning\\r\\nPipeline for Efficient Transit Detection in the X-ray Spectrum\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\", \"category_code\": \"PHYS\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Aleman, Emily\"], \"school\": \"Centro Residencial de Oportunidades Educativas de Ceiba\", \"abstract\": \"The discovery of M51-ULS-1b, the only extragalactic planet orbiting an X-ray Source\\n(XRS), unveiled a gap in our current understanding of planetary formation and evolution.\\nHow this planet formed and survived under the intense radiation, tidal waves, and high\\nvariability of XRS remains a mystery, compelling us to seek more extragalactic planets to\\nexpand theories. Yet, observation challenges such as sparse sampling, data\\ngaps, and noise obscure planetary transits, rendering them indistinguishable from inherent variability in\\nXRS. This study introduces a GPU-accelerated machine-learning pipeline to surpass these\\ndifficulties and automate the identification of energy-independent transit candidates within XRS\\nobserved by the Chandra X-ray Observatory. The pipeline encompasses data extraction,\\npre-processing, and Bayesian-based feature engineering, culminating in a random forest model\\n(RFM). Training over 1400+ real and synthetic observations, the model achieved a high accuracy\\nof 98.6% in multiclass transit detection. Rigorous energy-independence filtering through\\nANOVA and p-testing was incorporated to ensure the consistency of transits across diverse X-ray\\nenergy bands. This verified the nature of the transiting body and enhanced the reliability of\\ntransit predictions. The RFM's robustness was substantiated through k-folding cross-validation,\\nOOB error validation, and additional validation sets. In validation, the model successfully\\nidentified the transit of M51-ULS-1b and 13 new transits within eight distinct XRS. This\\npipeline's success marks a significant advancement in automating the discovery of extragalactic\\nplanets by facilitating promising transit targets for subsequent investigations into planetary\\nformation within extreme environments.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/phys056-discovery-of-new-extragalactic-planets\", \"title\": \"PHYS056 - Discovery of New Extragalactic Planets\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/7GJs90yx1ew\", \"title\": \"PHYS056 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PHYS058\", \"title\": \"Deep Learning on a Novel Ising Model To Study Arctic Sea Ice Dynamics\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\", \"category_code\": \"PHYS\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Wang, Ellen\"], \"school\": \"Horace Mann School\", \"abstract\": \"The centennial Ising model, which was initially proposed to explain ferromagnetism and phase transitions, has become a central pillar of statistical physics and a powerful tool in diverse applications. In this study, the Ising model is combined with modern deep learning methods to examine Arctic sea ice dynamics, a crucial indicator of climate change. Upon the classical binary-spin Ising setup, continuous spin values are introduced to capture the real-world ice/water phase transitions, and an innovative inertia factor is incorporated to represent the natural resistance to state changes. The generalized model is then utilized for the Monte Carlo simulation of sea ice evolution in a large focus area of the Arctic region, by engaging the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm and training a convolutional neural network. Using the sea ice concentration data collected by the National Snow and Ice Data Center, our model proves to have strong explanatory power. The simulated configurations exhibit striking similarity with the actual ice/water images, and two numerical measures calculated from the simulation results\u2014the ice coverage percentage and the ice extent\u2014match closely with the data statistics. Moreover, the Ising parameters predicted by the convolutional neural network demonstrate the substantial impact of the external forces, which can be further enriched and linked to the environmental factors in other global warming analyses. This study identifies the fundamental physical mechanism governing sea ice dynamics. It also validates the vast potential of pairing classical physics with cutting-edge technologies in climate science, thereby presenting ample possibilities for future interdisciplinary research.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/phys058-deep-learning-on-ising-to-study-sea-ice-dynamics\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.67\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"PHYS058 - Deep Learning on Ising To Study Sea Ice Dynamics\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.67, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"PHYS058 - Deep Learning on Ising To Study Sea Ice Dynamics | Regeneron ISEF 2025. Submit Project Project Submitted Unsubmit Project. PHYS058 - Deep Learning on Ising To Study Sea Ice Dynamics. The centennial Ising model, which was initially proposed to explain ferromagnetism and phase transitions, has become a central pillar of statistical physics and a powerful tool in diverse applications. In this study, the Ising model is combined with modern deep learning methods to examine Arctic sea ice dy\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714013681192_Ellen_Wang_ISEF_2024_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PHYS058 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PLNT023T\", \"title\": \"A Novel Duckweed Cultivation Method to Maximize Its Nutritional Value for Future Sustainable Food Development\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"PLNT\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Akkarajeerawat, Sunyapat\", \"Chauvanasmith, Thanatkorn\"], \"school\": \"Bangkok Christian College\", \"abstract\": \"A child dies from hunger every 10 seconds due to the rising global crisis in food accessibility, security, and sustainability. Therefore, the need for a sustainable food source is becoming more urgent. To address this issue, we found out that duckweed (Wolffia globosa), a small angiosperm with high values of complete protein and rapid growth rate, could be a comprehensive solution. However, duckweed accessibility was hindered by systematic cultivation. We investigated environmental factors affecting duckweed growth and nutritional value to identify the optimal conditions for high-quality duckweed cultivation. Our study showed that manipulating limiting factors such as light, water, nutrient compositions, and bacterial symbiosis enhanced duckweed protein production significantly by 8-folds. We developed a novel duckweed cultivation system that yields 3 times more protein than livestock. We were motivated to apply the potential of the optimized duckweed food value not only to address the current food crisis but to pose duckweed as a future universal sustainable food for mankind. One of the applications we were interested in was to introduce duckweed cultivation in other unusual environments such as varied gravitational conditions. We designed a Random Positioning Machine to assess the effects of various gravity levels on duckweed production rate. Our results revealed that microgravity could double duckweed\u2019s growth, highlighting its potential as a future sustainable food source in low gravitational environments. Thus, our approach not only introduced an environmentally friendly duckweed production system as a complete protein source, but we also revealed its potential applications beyond Earth.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/plnt023t-increasing-potential-of-duckweed-as-superfood\", \"title\": \"PLNT023T - Increasing Potential of Duckweed as Superfood\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713248266031_ISEF_2024_Video_Presentation_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PLNT023T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PLNT043\", \"title\": \"Extents of Marine Salinization Increasing Thermal Tolerance in Seagrass\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"PLNT\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Kulamavalavan, Karun\"], \"school\": \"New Rochelle High School\", \"abstract\": \"To address the depletion of seagrass, this study aimed to understand seagrass conservation approaches by investigating the impact of varying salinity levels and temperature fluctuations on thermal tolerance, and the effects of activated carbon (AC) on growth rates. Syringodium Filiforme samples were cultivated in different salinities and substrates, and parameters were measured, including cell wall density, carbohydrate content, and stem growth. Simulated bleaching events provided comparable data for analysis through various statistical tests in R version 4.3.1. The statistically significant results revealed that higher saline-induced seagrass samples exhibited greater thermal resilience following simulated bleaching. '50 ppt' and '50 ppt AC' groups exhibited significant positive effects (p<0.05) on cell wall density and carbohydrate content. Statistical correlations between activated carbon and overall growth underscored the importance of these factors in seagrass health. In the '20 ppt' groups, the comparison between AC and non-AC showed significant difference (t = 5.3972, p-value = 0.0003127), with 95% confidence interval (1.681676 to 4.051657) and '50 ppt', the t-test indicated a significant difference between groups with and without AC (t = 3.1195, p-value = 0.01094), with 95% confidence interval (0.4241072 to 2.5492261). This study's findings advocate for strategically assisted evolutionary interventions to mitigate seagrass loss, emphasizing the significance of establishing seagrass rejuvenation efforts through the use of increased salinity. As seagrasses continue to disappear, this research provides a foundation for future studies and conservation efforts to ensure the vitality and longevity of these essential marine ecosystems.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/plnt043-thermal-tolerance-in-seagrass\", \"title\": \"PLNT043 - Thermal Tolerance in Seagrass\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712946040524_Karun_ISEF_Video_Take_2_2024_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PLNT043 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PLNT046\", \"title\": \"RCMC - Natural Edible Coating Based on Carnauba Wax and Mandacaru: A New Alternative to Fruit Conservation\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"PLNT\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"de Oliveira Rodrigues, Gabrielle\"], \"school\": \"Escola de Ensino Medio Luiz Girao\", \"abstract\": \"Waste in the food production chain directly impacts the economy and food shortage, creating the need for alternatives to reduce these losses. This project aims to develop a natural, healthy, and biodegradable product RCMC using two native products from northeastern Brazil, the mandacaru (Cereus jamacaru) and carnauba wax (Copernicia prunifera), to coat tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L), one of the fruits with the highest losses in the production chain. The development of RCMC (the coating) involved mixing the products with distilled water, settling the solution, and applying it to the fruits through immersion or spreading. Five cycles of tests were conducted, the first four in triplicate and the last one on a larger scale, using 10 fruits for each tested group (with and without coating). The fruits with RCMC were compared in terms of shelf life with paraffin and Aloe vera gel. Sensory evaluation tests were carried out with school students, who judged fruits with RCMC and without coating, and stated that they did not perceive a difference between the tested methods. The durability of the fruits with RCMC was 21 days, while those with paraffin remained on the shelf for 6 days, and those coated with Aloe vera gel lasted 9 days. Three different formulas of RCMC were tested. The best  concentration proved to be  2,400g of mandacaru, 800g of carnauba wax, and 1,500ml of distilled water, resulting in 1 liter of RCMC, which can coat around 444kg of tomatoes at a price of USD 17.76  per liter of the coating. The fruits with RCMC lost 24.51% of their mass in 21 days, whereas those without coating lost 17.55% in 6 days. RCMC has proven to be a viable alternative in tomato conservation and shows promising results to be tested in other climacteric fruits in the future.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf/25555\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 20, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.56\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"RCMC - Natural Edible Coating Based on Carnauba Wax ...\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.56, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"The best concentration proved to be 2,400g of mandacaru, 800g of carnauba wax, and 1,500ml of distilled water, resulting in 1 liter of RCMC, which can coat\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/plnt046-rcmc-coating-based-on-carnauba-wax-and-mandacaru\", \"title\": \"PLNT046 - RCMC - Coating Based on Carnauba Wax and Mandacaru\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713037198708_RCMC_VIDEO_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PLNT046 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PLNT055\", \"title\": \"Reducing Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Water Contamination With Mycorrhizal Hydroponics Plants\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"PLNT\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Ahuja, Neel\"], \"school\": \"Millburn High School\", \"abstract\": \"Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as \\\"forever chemicals\\\", are one of the most common and dangerous water pollutants, having carcinogenic effects and causing 382,000 global deaths annually. Current methods to purify PFAS-contaminated water can cost millions of dollars and require existing infrastructure, making them difficult to implement in low-income and rural areas without industrial treatment plants. Hydroponics plants colonized by beneficial mycorrhizal fungi present an affordable and sustainable solution to purifying PFAS-contaminated water. In this study, mycorrhizal-inoculated basil and lettuce plants were cultivated in hydroponics systems under controlled conditions. Root samples were stained and analyzed under a light microscope to confirm mycorrhizal presence. PFAS was added to the systems and an LC/QQQ-MS instrument was used to measure the reduction in PFAS concentrations over 72 hours. Results showed that mycorrhizal plants removed 71.1% of PFAS in a water system compared to 59.9% by non-mycorrhizal plants, and t-test (p-value=0.00367) was used to prove statistical significance. Relative health of plants was measured through root length, with results revealing that mycorrhizal plant roots were 2.8 inches longer on average than non-mycorrhizal roots. Further analysis revealed a direct relationship between plant root length and PFAS purification, indicating the suitability of species with naturally longer roots for real-world phytoremediation applications, such as at stormwater detention ponds. This study provided a proof-of-concept of the effectiveness of mycorrhizal hydroponics plants in reducing PFAS contamination in water systems, presenting applications as an inexpensive and large-scale purification system.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/plnt055-mycorrhizal-phytoremediation-of-pfas-in-water\", \"title\": \"PLNT055 - Mycorrhizal Phytoremediation of PFAS in Water\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/qFQAvH1PsBM\", \"title\": \"PLNT055 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO017\", \"title\": \"FISQ: A Few-Shot, Interpretable, and Self-Supervised Quantum Machine Learning Approach to Automated Real-Time Prediction Over Multiple Domains\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Agarwal, Shobhit\"], \"school\": \"Rick Reedy High School\", \"abstract\": \"To ascertain complex relationships between inputs and outputs and function at high accuracies, Machine Learning algorithms require vast amounts of high-quality data. In many instances, the quantity of data needed is unobtainable and even if present, the resulting model is unable to effectively capture granularities between multimodal data, adapt its learnings to other problem domains, or explain its predictions. Therefore, a novel end-to-end self-supervised quantum machine learning approach to provide interpretable predictions on fewer data is proposed. In a procedural flow, data can be sourced from virtually any data modality including images, text, video, and signal-based data. Images are encoded using a Quantum Convolutional Neural Network, text-based data is encoded using a Bidirectional Encoder Representation model; videos and signals are encoded manually. Each of the encoded representations are passed into a contrastive self-supervised embedder, which learns relationships between the data simultaneously and encapsulates its learnings in a feature vector output. Using the vector as input, a Quantum Neural Network outputs a final prediction for any specified task. The proposed approach was tested on 27 benchmark datasets and the downstream task of identifying diagnoses, prognoses, and treatments for thousands of diseases. On benchmark datasets, the model outperformed all previous state-of-the-art approaches in visual classification when only trained on 2 data samples, achieving 99.3% and 96.32% accuracy on the STL10 and ImageNet datasets respectively. For the task of disease prediction, the model predicted diagnoses with a 98.53% accuracy, achieved a Concordance-Index of 0.98 in predicting prognoses, and a 99.32% accuracy for treatment prediction.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo017-fisq-real-time-prediction-with-quantum-algorithms\", \"title\": \"ROBO017 - FISQ: Real-Time Prediction With Quantum Algorithms\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/mivNt2b3OhI\", \"title\": \"ROBO017 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO023\", \"title\": \"CardioNet: Synthesis of a Diagnostic-Caliber 12-Lead Electrocardiogram Using Generative Neural Networks and Novel Feature Extraction Techniques\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Chitlur, Tanay\"], \"school\": \"Westview High School\", \"abstract\": \"Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States. However, early detection can prevent up to 80% of associated fatalities. 12-lead Electrocardiograms (ECGs) are the gold standard for CVD diagnosis but require special equipment to be recorded. Smart wearable devices are ideal for at-home monitoring but only record three leads, limiting detectable diseases. This abstract introduces CardioNet, a method to synthesize a diagnostic-caliber 12-lead ECG from a subset of leads. CardioNet uses Leads I, III, and V6 to generate the remaining nine leads. Leads II, aVR, aVL, and aVF are calculated using proven methods (Einthoven and Goldberger Formulas), while Leads V1-V5 are synthesized using a novel machine-learning pipeline, the project's primary focus.\\nCardioNet utilizes a novel multi-scale transformer architecture that processes single-beat, coarse-grained, and fine-grained representations of the input leads using 3 distinct pipelines each implementing custom-designed transformer blocks (e.g. CNN+Transformer, custom positional encodings). This architecture is designed to analyze both local (Single Beat) and temporal (Multi Beat) dependencies, ensuring a diagnostic-caliber ECG output.\\nThe model is trained using 100,000 ECGs split between 10 disease types from the Mimic-IV database. CardioNet achieved a low error with an average NRMSE of 0.00013 and an AAE of 0.016 mV when tested with 30,000 ECGs. The synthesized ECGs were also proven to be diagnostic caliber when evaluated by a licensed cardiologist for accuracy of morphology in both normal and abnormal ECGs. CardioNet is the only method for 12-lead ECG synthesis using wearable devices, and its novel generative AI methodology makes early detection and at-home monitoring of CVD widely available.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo023-cardionet-synthesis-of-a-12-lead-ecg-using-ai\", \"title\": \"ROBO023 - CardioNet: Synthesis of a 12-Lead ECG Using AI\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713906733444_Chitlur_Video_2024_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ROBO023 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO027T\", \"title\": \"Easy AED: An Autonomous VTOL Emergency Equipment Delivery Drone System\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Doughty, Landon\", \"Dhuka, Ayaan\", \"Moreno-Earle, Caiman\"], \"school\": \"Saint John's School\", \"abstract\": \"Every year, six million people die from cardiac arrest in the world with 436,000 victims in the United States alone. This problem is made worse because, in many counties, more than 50% of people live in ambulance deserts, where it takes over 25 minutes for an ambulance to arrive when an AED is recommended to be administered within 5 minutes. This is a significant problem as it leads to unnecessary death. To solve this problem, the team aims to design an on-demand autonomous VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) hybrid drone (capable of both horizontal and vertical flight)  delivery system capable of delivering a battery-powered AED to a GPS location when requested by an app. In order to make this design, the team split the project up into three subsystems: the control subsystem, the communication subsystem, and the structural subsystem. The control subsystem consisted of the autopilot and motor control of the drone. The communication subsystem consisted of the communication between the user to the app to the home base via http protocol to the drone via LoRa (low range radio). The structural subsystem consisted of the aerodynamic design of the drone. The system was able to deliver the payload accurately in a radius of up to 10 miles within 5 minutes. This system should be significantly cheaper than other solutions such as increasing the density of EMTs. After designing a prototype of this system, the team concluded that the design was effective.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf/24889\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 20, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.62\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"Easy AED: An Autonomous VTOL Emergency Equipment ...\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.62, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Easy AED: An Autonomous VTOL Emergency Equipment. Delivery Drone System ... delivery system capable of delivering a battery- powered AED to a GPS\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo027t-emergency-equipment-drone-delivery-system\", \"title\": \"ROBO027T - Emergency Equipment Drone Delivery System\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712098801000_isefVideo_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ROBO027T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO038\", \"title\": \"Design of a Low-Cost, Low Inertia, Backdrivable Upper-Body Humanoid\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Choi, Jilly\"], \"school\": \"duPont Manual High School\", \"abstract\": \"General purpose humanoid robots have long been envisioned for a plethora of applications such as disaster relief, industrial automation, agriculture, or elderly assistance. A humanoid form for a robot allows for optimal utility and mobility in a world where the environments and tools are designed around humans. However, in the current field of robotics, conventional robot actuator design struggles with three key limitations. A lack of backdrivability in dynamic tasks (undefined and quickly changing forces and trajectories) (Wensing, 2017), a lack of humanoids that are low cost & highly back-drivable, and a prohibitively high cost of research on humanoids(Kim et al., 2015).\\nThus, this research sought to tackle these problems in the design of a low-cost, low inertia, high impact mitigation, humanoid upper body. The design implemented 3D printed Quasi-Direct Actuators designed on Autodesk Fusion360, with high torque BLDC motors inspired by MIT\u2019s proprioceptive actuator on the MIT Cheetah. In addition, a PID controller with IMF dampening was employed with off the shelf electronics culminating in a cost of ~1000 dollars. This was <1% of the cost of current humanoids that can range from 50k - millions of dollars to buy or research. The designed humanoid was able to achieve its research goals and achieved its benchmarks for functionality, back-drivability and cost, and developments in this research has the novel potential to allow for the widespread accessibility of humanoid research due to its low cost, and advance the frontiers of humanoid research, especially in human-robot interaction.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo038-low-cost-low-inertia-backdrivable-humanoid\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.57\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"ROBO038 - Low-Cost, Low Inertia, Backdrivable Humanoid\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.57, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"The design implemented 3D printed Quasi-Direct Actuators designed on Autodesk Fusion360, with high torque BLDC motors inspired by MIT's proprioceptive actuator\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/jCkBvPATw2U\", \"title\": \"ROBO038 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"SOFT038\", \"title\": \"AuralStudio: A Multisensory Development Environment With a Novel, Bytecode-Compiled Programming Language\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Systems Software\", \"category_code\": \"SOFT\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Shah, Abhishek\"], \"school\": \"Green Level High School\", \"abstract\": \"According to the World Health Organization, nearly 300 million people worldwide suffer from visual impairments, a number which is only expected to grow in the coming years. In the U.S. alone, nearly 70% of the visually impaired are not currently employed. On the other hand, computer science, which has been enjoying tremendous growth for decades, has largely excluded several disabled groups, the most prominent of which are the visually-impaired. Current development environments and programming languages are simply not accessible enough for the visually-impaired; less than 1% even attempt to learn to code. AuralStudio seeks to solve this issue through the creation of a new programming language and a development environment that: 1) includes a novel, Turing-complete, bytecode interpreter, 2) eliminates the mouse/keyboard, 3) provides multi-sensory feedback with a control pad, 4) highlights code's inherently hierarchical nature with acyclic digraphs, and 5) redesigns error messages for brevity/clarity. AuralStudio is tested on blind and low-vision students at a flagship government school for the blind, and is shown to significantly improve programming times, reduce bugs and provide a far more accessible and immersive development experience overall. Test results indicated no statistically significant difference between development time (from file creation to output) between visually-impaired and sighted students. This project shows that given the right tools, it is possible for the visually-impaired to not only foray into software development, but to be effective, efficient programmers; this work opens several doors for those with impaired vision, and the disabled overall, so that everyone is able to participate in the software revolution.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/soft038-auralstudio-a-novel-ide-for-the-visually-impaired\", \"title\": \"SOFT038 - AuralStudio: A Novel IDE for the Visually-Impaired\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713568504938_AuralStudio_ISEF_VIDEO_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"SOFT038 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"SOFT043\", \"title\": \"Gaze Link: A Multi-language Low-Cost Mobile Eye-Gesture Communication System With Large Language Models for People With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Systems Software\", \"category_code\": \"SOFT\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Sun, Xiangzhou\"], \"school\": \"Webb School of California\", \"abstract\": \"People with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (PALS), who have severe motor and speech impairments, mostly rely on their eyes and assistive technology to communicate. However, existing high-tech products are expensive and hard to access, while low-tech products are inefficient and restrictive.\\nTo mitigate the limitations, this research proposes GazeLink, a low-cost mobile application for PALS to communicate efficiently with only eye movements. First, the system recognizes user eye gestures like left or up with machine learning and a template-matching algorithm. Then, it converts the eye gestures to words through a keyboard that supports English, Spanish, and Chinese. For efficiency, the system employs Large Language Models (LLMs) to generate a suitable sentence with words typed by the user and the context. Finally, the system provides text-to-speech and social media post services for both verbal and digital eye-gesture communication.\\nSimulations conclude that sentence generation with LLMs can improve text-entry rate by 81% while maintaining 90% of semantic similarity. Usability studies with 30 participants show that GazeLink can recognize eye gestures with 94.1% accuracy in varying lighting. After rapidly learning the user interface in under 10 attempts, first-time participants typed sentences of various lengths with their eyes at 15.1 words per minute, which is 7.2x faster than the common low-tech solution E-Tran.\\nExperiments demonstrate GazeLink\u2019s efficiency, learnability, and accuracy in eye-gesture text entry. The system is extremely affordable (<$0.1 a month), portable, and easily accessible online. It also supports different users, lighting, smartphones, and languages. Product testing with PALS and personalized LLM models will be the next step.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://doi.org/10.4310/cjjs.250922170112\", \"title\": \"GazeLink: a multi-language low-cost mobile eye-gesture communication system with large language models for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis\", \"snippet\": \"GazeLink: a multi-language low-cost mobile eye-gesture communication system with large language models for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis *\", \"found_via\": \"openalex\", \"kind\": \"paper\", \"authors\": [\"Xiangzhou Sun\"], \"year\": 2025, \"score\": 75, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"author_full_name\", \"title_strong:0.80\", \"trusted_domain:doi.org\", \"llm:own:0.95\", \"rescored\"], \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/soft043-ai-driven-eye-typing-application-for-als-patients\", \"title\": \"SOFT043 - AI-Driven Eye-typing Application for ALS Patients\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/K0W3mHmTLno\", \"title\": \"SOFT043 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"SOFT055T\", \"title\": \"Integration of Deep Learning Into Automatic Volumetric Cardiovascular Dissection and Reconstruction in Simulated 3D Space for Medical Practice\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Systems Software\", \"category_code\": \"SOFT\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Nguyen, Le Quoc Bao\", \"Le, Tuan Hy\"], \"school\": \"Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted\", \"abstract\": \"Accurate and efficient analysis of cardiac images is essential for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular disease, a major cause of mortality globally, including Vietnam. However, this task is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to errors. The 2D data complicates analysis due to the anatomical complexity and diverse cardiovascular pathologies. To address these challenges, we developed a comprehensive software solution tailored to cardiac data of patients. We assembled an intricate Vietnamese Heart Segmentation and Cardiovascular Disease Dataset (VHSCDD) from local hospitals, ensuring practical application. Our research explored advanced neural network architectures, including CNN-based and Transformer-based models, with different novel attention mechanisms and loss functions. Specifically, by redesigning the feature extraction layers, attention mechanism, and upsampling method out of TransUNet, we introduced RotCAtt-TransUNet++, which outperforms current state-of-the-art models for cardiac segmentation. Furthermore, we optimized the Marching Cubes algorithm for rapid, detailed 3D reconstruction of cardiac structures. To enhance diagnostic capabilities, we developed innovative algorithms integrating multivariable calculus and 3D Fenwick trees for quantitative post-reconstruction analysis. Furthermore, our software features a virtual reality simulation enabling experts to multidimensionally interact with 3D cardiac models, perform measurements, and simulate surgical scenarios. This comprehensive system automates segmentation and disease prediction while facilitating data storage on cloud databases. Expert evaluations confirm that our software significantly improves cardiac defect observation, making it highly applicable in medical practice and anatomy education.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/soft055t-3d-cardiovascular-reconstruction-via-deep-learning\", \"title\": \"SOFT055T - 3D Cardiovascular Reconstruction via Deep Learning\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714016213884_ISEF_VIDEO_FINAL_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"SOFT055T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TECA001\", \"title\": \"HAGU: AI-Generated Harmonically Rich Classical Guitar Pieces\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Technology Enhances the Arts\", \"category_code\": \"TECA\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Akbudak, Burak Sina\"], \"school\": \"Izmir Fen Lisesi\", \"abstract\": \"Current symbolic music generation models and music modeling techniques primarily rely on language models designed for language modeling. Most of these models treat musical features (e.g. pitch, velocity, tempo\u2026) uniformly, hindering the generation of harmonically pleasing musical phrases. To address this issue, we introduce novel contributions, starting with an efficient 2D tokenization technique called RelTok (Relative Tokenization). Through this method, we denote time relative to the preceding note's timing. Moreover, we explore the integration of the future n-gram prediction and the n-stream self-attention mechanism into the music generation task. We train a decoder-only transformer architecture, designed to accommodate n-gram prediction while utilizing 2D tokenization, on a customized dataset comprising classical guitar compositions. Finally, addressing the oversight in assessing the playability of synthesized compositions in music synthesis evaluations, we propose the \\\"playability rate\\\" metric. Tailored for stringed instruments, this technique assesses the composition's playability by examining various aspects of instrument performance. In the conducted experiments comparing our proposed tokenization and architecture with other methods, we evaluate them using a range of metrics, including the novel proposed evaluation metric playability rate, alongside pitch-based, rhythm-based, and subjective metrics. Results showed that while our model outperforms the comparison in certain aspects, key findings reveal the efficiency of our tokenization in terms of training speed and sequence length, the enhanced generation of harmonical structures due to pitch-based metrics, and the successful correlation of our proposed evaluation technique with existing ones.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf/24874\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_exact:1.00\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\"], \"title\": \"[PDF] HAGU: AI-Generated Harmonically Rich Classical Guitar Pieces\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_exact:1.00, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"HAGU: AI-Generated Harmonically Rich Classical Guitar Pieces. We train a decoder-only transformer architecture, a customized dataset comprising classical\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/teca001-ai-composed-musically-rich-classical-guitar-pieces\", \"title\": \"TECA001 - AI-Composed Musically Rich Classical Guitar Pieces\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711880953814_video_v2_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"TECA001 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TMED035\", \"title\": \"Photobiomodulation on In Vivo and In Vitro Wound Models Under Simulated Microgravity for Future Space Travel\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\", \"category_code\": \"TMED\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Fan, Leanne\"], \"school\": \"Westview High School\", \"abstract\": \"Studies on astronauts in space show that microgravity disrupts the delicate balance of processes required for wound healing, slowing it down or even stopping it completely in space.  This presents a serious risk for long-term space travel. In this study, the use of photobiomodulation (PBM), where 600-800nm light is used to stimulate cellular processes, was investigated as a novel means to speed up wound healing in normal and simulated microgravity conditions. Planarians were selected as a model for tissue regeneration and exposed to PBM treatments varied in wavelength and fluence. The results showed a 47.1% increased blastema growth rate when treated with PBM (660nm, 0.36J/cm^2) in normal gravity. To simulate a microgravity environment, a low-cost 3D clinostat was constructed. The procedure was repeated in the 3D clinostat, showing a 95.2% increase in blastema growth rate when exposed to the same PBM treatment. To determine the effectiveness of PBM on human cells, a scratch wound closure assay on cell line DU145 was performed, demonstrating a 29.4% increase in cell migration rate with PBM(660 nm 0.36J/cm^2). PBM treatment outcomes exhibited dose dependence, with an optimal treatment consisting of 5 minutes of 660nm red light exposure(0.36J/cm^2). Fluences of light greater than or less than 0.36J/cm^2 were significantly less effective in both wound models. The results suggested that PBM could be a superior, more economical solution for wound healing in space or even on Earth.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/tmed035-photobiomodulation-for-wound-healing-in-space\", \"title\": \"TMED035 - Photobiomodulation for Wound Healing in Space\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/9EacVtbZUTM\", \"title\": \"TMED035 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TMED054\", \"title\": \"Development and in vitro Verification of a Polymersome for Blood-Brain Barrier Transport Through a Novel Machine Learning Model\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\", \"category_code\": \"TMED\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Malkin, Ashley\"], \"school\": \"Greenwich High School\", \"abstract\": \"Across neurological drug development, researchers struggle with the inability of most drugs to pass through the blood-brain barrier (BBB), due to the semipermeable membrane\u2019s high selectivity. As such, drug treatment of Alzheimer\u2019s, Parkinson\u2019s, brain cancer, and strokes remains difficult. Recent research identified polymersomes (polymer-based vesicular shells) as an avenue for transport of otherwise non-BBB-permeable drugs across the BBB. However, the number of discovered BBB-traversing polymersomes remains low, and they are not able to carry all drugs. This research developed a machine learning model to identify likely polymer candidates for polymersomic drug-delivery across the BBB. The model was programmed in Python using TensorFlow and trained on 7,807 molecules from the B3DB-database. It achieved 93% accuracy and identified 13 encapsulation candidates. The top candidate for BBB permeability, ammonio methacrylate (AM), had never been considered for BBB permeability before. To validate the model, a polymersomic nanoparticle (AM-DOX) was developed by encapsulating doxorubicin (DOX, an anti-tumor drug) with AM, for eventual passage across an in-vitro BBB model (parallel artificial membrane permeability assay). 500\u00b5M-DOX and 500\u00b5M-AM-DOX were separately introduced to the BBB model for 24 hours at 37 degrees Celsius. While DOX was predictably unable to penetrate the BBB, the AM-DOX nanoparticle successfully passed, producing an equilibrium 250\u00b5M concentration surrounding the barrier, which was validated via UV-Vis and ATR-FTIR spectroscopies. These results provide compelling evidence for a new, effective BBB-encapsulation polymer, identified via machine learning, to deliver treatments for a wide array of neurological disorders.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/tmed054-ml-id-of-a-new-bbb-drug-carrier-polymersome\", \"title\": \"TMED054 - ML ID of a New BBB Drug Carrier Polymersome\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713357740156_Ashley_Malkin_ISEF_video_final_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"TMED054 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TMED062\", \"title\": \"Design, Synthesis, and Testing of Novel Small Molecule Interleukin-6 Inhibitors for the Amelioration of Inflammatory Bowel Disease\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\", \"category_code\": \"TMED\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Maruvada, Siddharth\"], \"school\": \"North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics\", \"abstract\": \"Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a prevalent autoimmune condition that affects 2.39  million Americans and is characterized by an excess of inflammatory cytokines. Interleukins, a class of cytokines, regulate immune cell differentiation and response. Specifically, Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is key in IBD, binding to membrane bound receptors, phosphorylating downstream targets and activating inflammatory pathways such as JAK-STAT and MAPK. IL-6 induced inflammation can be suppressed by reducing IL-6 production or blocking IL-6-mediated signal transduction. The only FDA approved IL-6 inhibitor is tocilizumab, a monoclonal antibody. However, there are no small molecule inhibitors on the market that directly target IL-6. Small molecules are attractive due to their lower immunogenicity, lower production costs, and oral administrability in comparison to monoclonal antibodies. This project aims to computationally design, synthesize, and test novel small molecule drugs that have the ability to inhibit the IL-6 cytokine signaling cascade. The drug discovery platform Schr\u00f6dinger Maestro was utilized to design these drugs, employing the natural compound curcumin as a template structure. More than 350 compounds were designed and a scoring profile was developed to identify the most optimal small molecules. Two compounds, Curcumin Derivative 1 (C1) and Curcumin Derivative 2 (C2) emerged as the most promising candidates due to their ideal binding affinity and high absorption through the gut-blood barrier; these compounds were chemically synthesized and characterized. Based on in-vivo testing in model organism Drosophila melanogaster, C1 and C2 are both highly effective in ameliorating IBD. Subsequent investigations will focus on conducting in-vitro cellular IL-6 inhibition assays.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/tmed062-novel-small-molecule-il-6-inhibitors-for-ibd\", \"title\": \"TMED062 - Novel Small Molecule IL-6 Inhibitors for IBD\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/uCUaj5xzLjQ\", \"title\": \"TMED062 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TMED070\", \"title\": \"A Comparison of Machine Learning Models (CNN and SVM) in the Novel Supervised Image Classification Approach for the Accessible Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease via Clock Drawing Tests on Mobile Phone Applications\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\", \"category_code\": \"TMED\", \"award\": \"Second Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Ghai, Aditya\"], \"school\": \"Anglican Church Grammar School\", \"abstract\": \"Elderly populations are at an increasing risk of dementia, and accessibility to status-quo diagnosis tools is a significant issue, as proposed by the substantial rates of undiagnosed cases. This study aimed to compare the performance of two supervised machine learning models, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms, in the supervised image classification of Clock Drawing Tests (CDTs) for the diagnosis of dementia. The study used a 40,000-image dataset containing labelled CDTs, ranked by qualified clinicians from 0-5, where 0 reflects severe cognitive decline and high likelihood of dementia, and 5 reflects a healthy brain. Rigorous image preprocessing was performed to clean and extract key features of images before designing and training a CNN and SVM model of classification. The performance and suitability of these models for implementation into a widely-accessible mobile application were assessed on three factors: accuracy of classification, sample complexity, and computational complexity. These performance indicators were evaluated by inputting rounds of unseen data into the two models. Results showed that the constructed CNN (89.7% Accuracy) outperformed the constructed SVM (82.1% Accuracy) in accuracy of classification and sample complexity, whilst SVMs outperformed CNNs in computational complexity. Considering the importance of accuracy in detecting dementia, the study concluded that CNNs are a more suitable and high-performance model for this application. Finally, the results of this study showed how the combination of machine learning and CDTs can be effectively used to develop a widely-accessible dementia diagnosis mobile-application fit for clinical pre-screening, aged-care homes and self-testing.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/tmed070-machine-learning-dementia-diagnosis-accessible-app\", \"title\": \"TMED070 - Machine Learning Dementia Diagnosis Accessible App\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714014765711_project_board_final_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"TMED070 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ANIM017\", \"title\": \"Cocoa\u2019s Cognitive Triumph: The Rescue of the Alzheimer\u2019s Model of Drosophila melanogaster With Theobroma cacao Supplementation\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"ANIM\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Ho, Kaitlin\"], \"school\": \"North Shore High School\", \"abstract\": \"Alzheimer's disease, the most prevalent form of dementia affecting over 24 million people worldwide, is characterized by cognitive decline and progressive neurodegeneration; this is mainly due to the presence of amyloid-\u00df plaques, which increase with oxidative stress. Other hallmark pathology of Alzheimer\u2019s includes decreased cerebral blood flow and an increase in neuronal apoptosis. Currently, there is no established preventive treatment for Alzheimer's. Nevertheless, research suggests that flavanols in cocoa may have preventive effects, exhibiting neuroprotective mechanisms that positively impact Alzheimer's pathology such as increasing cerebral blood flow, rescuing the brain from oxidative stress, possibly blocking neuronal apoptosis, and disrupting the formation of amyloid-\u00df plaques. This study investigated whether a cocoa-supplemented diet can enhance the neuromuscular fitness and survival of a Drosophila melanogaster model of Alzheimer's disease. After determining the correct dosage of cocoa (1%) through acute-dose toxicity and CAFE assays, male wild type or Alzheimer's disease model of Drosophila were raised on either a 1% cocoa-supplemented or control diet; their neuromuscular fitness and survival were monitored over 40 days. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in neuromuscular fitness by day 20 and a significant increase in lifespan among both wild type and Alzheimer's model flies fed the cocoa-supplemented diet. This suggests that cocoa may serve as a preventive treatment for neurological aging and Alzheimer's disease. Further research in higher organisms is needed to establish the potential benefits of long-term high-flavanol cocoa supplementation, particularly for individuals with a high-risk or familial history of neurodegenerative diseases.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/anim017-cocoa-rescued-the-alzheimers-model-of-drosophila\", \"title\": \"ANIM017 - Cocoa Rescued the Alzheimer\u2019s Model of Drosophila\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/TpAmSM-lB4U\", \"title\": \"ANIM017 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ANIM023T\", \"title\": \"Reducing Carbon Footprint and Producing Biofuel From Waste Degradation and Conversion by Black Soldier Fly\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"ANIM\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Sriratana, Naphudon\", \"Viroonvaiwut , Paponphat\"], \"school\": \"Bangkok Christian College\", \"abstract\": \"The burning of agricultural waste, which is abundant and difficult to dispose of due to its high lignin content is a main source of carbon emissions and the increase in carbon footprint, one of the main leading causes of global warming. We have developed a novel approach to solve such problem by utilizing Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), a non-pathogenic insect able to consume 4 folds its body weight of organic waste. We aim to prolong metamorphosis by keeping insects at the larval stage, increasing its ability to consume more agricultural waste through supplementing its feed with local herbs, along with photoperiod applied. Additionally, we found that the group fed with rice straw contained the highest fat content and reduced the most carbon footprint. Furthermore, supplementing BSFL feed with a combination of sweet basil, rice straw, at appropriate photoperiod durations could reduce 1.5 times more carbon footprint. From the BSFL\u2019s ability to convert agricultural waste into fat, the fat was then extracted to produce biodiesel with high quality via transesterification. The remaining insect meal left after oil extraction can be further developed into a high-protein animal feed. Thus, our study demonstrates an effective, sustainable and environmentally friendly approach for disposing agricultural waste and converting it into valuable byproducts, reducing the environmental impact of carbon footprint and global warming.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/anim023t-reducing-carbon-footprint-by-bsf-waste-degradation\", \"title\": \"ANIM023T - Reducing Carbon Footprint by BSF Waste Degradation\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713712409248_ISEF_Black_Soldier_Fly_Video_Presentation_Final__thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ANIM023T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ANIM032\", \"title\": \"Effect of Alloferon on the Survival Rate and Flight Performance of Honey Bees\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"ANIM\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Shon, Jimin\"], \"school\": \"Portsmouth Abbey School\", \"abstract\": \"Honeybees serve as vital pollinators that contribute to global food security and biodiversity. However, their populations are declining due to various factors, necessitating novel approaches to mitigate bee losses. Addressing such challenges, this study investigated the potential of alloferon, a synthetic peptide with known immunological effects on insects, to enhance honey bee survival and determine the underlying mechanisms responsible for the effect. Two dietary groups were set up: one supplemented with 5 ml sugar solution containing 1 ppm alloferon peptide and the control group with 5 ml 40w% sucrose solution only. Monitored over three weeks, the alloferon-treated group significantly improved 30.7% in survival rates (p < 0.0001). Transcriptomic analysis of honey bee tissues revealed upregulated gene expression of seven genes associated with locomotion activity, confirmed by RNA sequencing and RT-qPCR (p < 0.05). Furthermore, heightened expression of the Phenol-oxidase gene in the alloferon-treated group indicated a potential enhancement in immunological response (p < 0.01). In the flight performance analysis, alloferon-fed bees exhibited significantly faster flight movements and prolonged durations, measured by the flight mill. Additionally, SEM analysis of dorsal longitudinal muscle in honey bees visualized increased muscle fiber bundles for the experimental group (p < 0.0001). These results ultimately emphasize the effects of alloferon on honey bees, where alloferon may be a promising candidate for conserving bee populations against environmental stressors. By potentially increasing the survival rate of honey bees and enabling more extensive and efficient pollination, this approach could offer substantial solutions to the agriculture and food industry.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/anim032-alloferon-enhances-honey-bee-survival-and-flight\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"Alloferon Enhances Honey Bee Survival and Flight\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Monitored over three weeks, the alloferon-treated group significantly improved 30.7% in survival rates (p < 0.0001). Transcriptomic analysis of honey bee\"}, {\"url\": \"https://doi.org/10.59720/22-011\", \"title\": \"Alloferon improves the growth performance and developmental time of mealworms (Tenebrio molitor)\", \"snippet\": \"Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) are important food sources for reptiles, birds, and other organisms, as well as for humans. Due to their outstanding nutritional value, mealworms are in high demand as an alternative food source and are the subject of widespread curiosity. However, the slow growth and low survival rate of mealworms cause problems for mass production. Since alloferon, a synthetic peptide, showed long-term immunological effects on mealworms, we hypothesized that alloferon would function as a growth promoter to maximize mealworm production. We discovered that the overall weight of the alloferon-containing gelatin diet group was 39.5-90% heavier, and the development time of the experimental group was shortened up to 20.6-39.6% than the control group. In addition, 300 nM alloferon significantly boosted cell proliferation of Sf9 cells (insect cells) only after six days of the treatment. Also, we noticed that two proteins were induced in alloferon fed mealworm body tissue and found that one of the proteins was phenoloxidase 1, which may be responsible for increasing growth rate by regulating the production of melanin pigments. Overall, these findings have potential implications in mealworm insect farming because alloferon may foster a sustainable food supply industry.\", \"found_via\": \"openalex\", \"kind\": \"paper\", \"authors\": [\"Jimin Shon\", \"D. H. Shon\", \"Woo Jin Kim\"], \"year\": 2023, \"score\": 63, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"author_full_name\", \"trusted_domain:doi.org\", \"rescored\"], \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713238949093_Final_final_ISEF_video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ANIM032 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ANIM042\", \"title\": \"BeeMind AI: Development of an AI-Based System to Assess Honeybee Health, Behavior, and Nutrient Effects on Learning and Memory\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"ANIM\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Lo, Matthew\"], \"school\": \"The Haverford School\", \"abstract\": \"This research proposed and built the first integrated AI-based honeybee health assessment system called BeeMind AI. It includes eight different sensors, allowing it to track in-hive and external conditions. BeeMind AI has many diverse applications due to its ability to analyze honeybee movement and behavioral patterns to determine honeybee health, and it was used to evaluate the effects of four nutrients on honeybee health in two experiments, one in a tri-chambered maze, and another in a free-flying paradigm. The free-flying experiment was conducted to study the effect of nutrients on return rates of honeybees at distances of 300 m, 500 m, and 800 m. The free-flying experiment indicates that honeybees are very capable foragers, with return rates of the control group even at 800 m being close to 75%. It was observed for the first time that C60 nanoparticles have significant positive effects on learning, memory, and flying capabilities, improving return rates by around 9% at 300 m, 16% at 500 m, and 20% at 800 m, while neonicotinoid pesticides have negative effects on return rates, reducing them significantly by up to 30% and confirming the results from the dual-chambered maze experiments. Additionally, a new social behavior of healthy honeybees clustering together was observed, and this behavior was mathematically modeled using a proposed term called the Honeybee Clustering Dimension (HCD) number with the capability to indicate nutrient effects on honeybees. The developed BeeMind AI has a significant impact on honeybee-related research, especially in the evaluation of honeybee learning and memory.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/anim042-beemind-ai\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"ANIM042 - BeeMind AI | Regeneron ISEF 2026\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"BeeMind AI has many diverse applications due to its ability to analyze honeybee movement and behavioral patterns to determine honeybee health, and it was used to evaluate the effects of four nutrients on honeybee health in two experiments, one\"}, {\"url\": \"https://doi.org/10.1109/icmi60790.2024.10586070\", \"title\": \"BeeMind AI: Development of an Artificial Intelligence-Based System to Assess Honeybee Health, Behavior, and Nutrient Effects\", \"snippet\": \"This research proposed and built the first integrated AI-based honeybee health assessment system called BeeMind AI. The BeeMind AI system had eight sensors including a microphone, temperature and humidity, carbon dioxide, atmospheric pressure, and camera, which enabled BeeMind AI to monitor both in-hive and external conditions. BeeMind AI has several diverse applications due to its ability to analyze honeybee movement and behavioral patterns to determine honeybee health, and it was used to evaluate the effects of four nutrients on honeybee health through video analysis in two experimental settings, one in a newly designed tri-chambered maze based on a Delayed Matching-to-Sample procedure, and another in a free-flying homing paradigm. The free-flying experiment was conducted to study the effect of nutrients on return rates of honeybees at distances of 300 m, 500 m, and 800 m, and it was found that the base return rates of the control group even at 800 m was close to 75%. It was observed for the first time that C60 nanoparticles had significant positive effects on learning, memory, and flying capabilities, improving return rates by around 9% at 300 m, 16% at 500 m, and 20% at 800 m, while neonicotinoid pesticides had negative effects on return rates, reducing them significantly by up to 30%. The developed BeeMind AI system has a significant impact on honeybee-related research, especially in the evaluation of honeybee learning and memory.\", \"found_via\": \"openalex\", \"kind\": \"paper\", \"authors\": [\"Matthew Lo\"], \"year\": 2024, \"score\": 90, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"author_full_name\", \"school_match\", \"title_strong:0.58\", \"trusted_domain:doi.org\", \"llm:own:0.95\", \"rescored\"], \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/6KlIpZdNfBw?si=dHpLj_6c8sxzsxmf\", \"title\": \"ANIM042 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BCHM024T\", \"title\": \"Phosphine, Not a Toxin:  A Newly Designed Capsule Encapsulating Aluminum Phosphide With Its Antidote; Preserving the Function of Celphos While Ensuring Instant Supportive Treatment\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biochemistry\", \"category_code\": \"BCHM\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Elmekkawi, Anas\", \"Mohamed, Mohamed\"], \"school\": \"Sharkya STEM School\", \"abstract\": \"Celphos, containing aluminum phosphide, is a widely used and affordable pesticide, however, according to National Institute of Health, it leads to approximately 300,000 global deaths annually by poisoning. When Celphos touches water or is ingested and encounters stomach acid, it releases phosphine gas (PH3), a highly toxic substance. PH3 disrupts mitochondrial function and inhibits cytochrome C oxidase, causing cellular hypoxia and ultimately death. This study introduces an innovative Celphos capsule design that combines the pesticide with a supportive treatment. The capsule consists of three parts: unencapsulated Celphos in the center for grain preservation, connected to two peripheral compartments containing potassium permanganate, silica gel, and castor oil, all within a single capsule. Two experiments tested the new capsule's ability to reduce PH3. One experiment mimicked normal conditions by placing the capsule in water and the second simulated gastric conditions by placing the capsule in gastric solution. Each setup was connected to a flask with excess copper (II) sulfate (CuSO4) to precipitate any remaining PH3. The precipitate\u2019s mass (Cu3P2) determined the remaining phosphine gas. Knowing the initial and remaining PH3 amount, the results showed a removal efficiency of 87.2% and 79.6% in the first and second experiments, respectively. In assessing the capsule's efficacy in preserving grains, a third experiment was conducted focusing on pest control, indicating an 89% pest mortality rate. The study demonstrated the capsule's effectiveness in reducing released phosphine gas, thereby decreasing toxicity, prolonging survival time, and allowing for extended treatment. This was achieved without compromising its grain preservation function, at an economical cost.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bchm024t-a-newly-designed-celphos-capsule\", \"title\": \"BCHM024T - A Newly Designed Celphos Capsule\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713789132122_Final_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BCHM024T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BCHM025\", \"title\": \"A Comprehensive LC-MS Metabolomics Approach Reveals a Novel Panel of Markers in an APOE4 Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biochemistry\", \"category_code\": \"BCHM\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Haider, Reyhan\"], \"school\": \"Freedom High School\", \"abstract\": \"Alzheimer\u2019s is a terrible neurodegenerative disease affecting millions of individuals around the world. However, all FDA approved drugs for the illness offer only symptomatic treatment and have limited effectiveness in slowing the progression of the disease. APOE4 is the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Having one copy of the allele increases likelihood for Alzheimer's by three-fold while individuals with two copies are 15-times more likely to have the disease. This study aims to gain insight on the molecular impact of APOE4 over time using a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS) untargeted metabolomic approach. Analysis of 63 cerebellum tissue samples from targeted replacement E3 and E4 mice at ages 6, 12, 18, and 21 months was conducted and results have identified 64 dysregulated features at 6 months, including 10 downregulations and 54 upregulations. Tracing these markers throughout the mouse lifespan has revealed these markers to also be upregulated at 18 months, indicating that molecular dysregulations perpetuate over time. Comparing metabolic profiles between sex reveals females at 12 months to have the most drastic change, showing how APOE4 can adversely affect already susceptible populations of Alzheimer\u2019s. This project uses an emerging technique to gain further insight into the mechanism by which E4 increases susceptibility for Alzheimer\u2019s disease in hopes of furthering therapeutic development for carriers.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bchm025-biomarker-discovery-in-apoe4\", \"title\": \"BCHM025 - Biomarker Discovery in APOE4\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713640408106_2024ISEFVideo_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BCHM025 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BCHM034\", \"title\": \"Novel Complementary and Alternative Medicines to Mollify Long COVID and Post-COVID Conditions Studied Using Controlled Environment Agriculture\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biochemistry\", \"category_code\": \"BCHM\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Bhosale, Rohan\"], \"school\": \"Carmel High School\", \"abstract\": \"Despite a surge in sales and consumption of natural supplements in the last 3 years, the science supporting the safety and bioavailability of simultaneous intake of natural supplements against Long COVID (LC) and Post-COVID Conditions (PCC) is still poorly studied. In this project, the COCONUT database was used to identify natural molecules that help with LC-PCC. The molecules were then prioritized based on a criterion of probability of activity (PA) = 0.8 using the PASS database. Twenty-four water and ethanol extracts were then statistically assessed  for their Immune enhancing (antioxidation & peroxidation) and  anti-inflammatory (protein denaturation, and proteinase inhibition) properties using a homemade spectrophotometer. Turmeric (Curcumin), green tea (EGCG), and cayenne pepper (Capsaicin) were identified as the best performers. The synergy and antagonism between them were further studied using various dose combinations (N=125) prepared using statistical DoE using JMP software. The  response data was analyzed and visualized using Synergy Finder tool. The data generated revealed varying degrees of synergy and antagonism which was then studied for dynamic in vitro digestibility wherein time-dependent change in concentrations of actives was studied between four compartments. Protein binding with actives was studied using a lab-on-chip mounted on a spectroscope; a bathochromic shift from wavelength maxima was observed. Finally, plant based ADME was done using Vigna radiata grown in a controlled environment. Non-compartmental kinetic parameters, studied by PK solver, demonstrated distinct ADME trends. The identified mix of the top extracts was further characterized using TLC and LC-MS. Overall, the queries about taking multiple supplements were experimentally answered.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bchm034-alternative-medicines-against-long-covid-symptoms\", \"title\": \"BCHM034 - Alternative Medicines Against Long COVID Symptoms\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/m_FIpG9HJBU\", \"title\": \"BCHM034 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BEHA005\", \"title\": \"Mathematical Analysis of Preparatory Neural Activity to Predict Physical Behavior in Motor Sequences\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BEHA\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Garg, Ria\"], \"school\": \"Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science\", \"abstract\": \"Unveiling the behavioral and neural activity underlying hand movements sheds light on mammalian motor control and bolsters advancements in brain-machine interfaces and prosthetic arms. Veterans and war survivors are among more than 35 million people who require prosthetic services, emphasizing the importance of improving these devices. This investigation uses neural activity from the motor cortex to predict major patterns in physical movements of mice during object-reaching tasks. Principal Component Analysis was implemented to streamline multi-dimensional data analysis and identify significant behavioral motifs through ordering colorings and Pearson correlations. The optimal weighted sum of neuronal firing was determined using Ridge regression, revealing the relationship between a trial's neural activity and behavioral motif. This comprehensive analysis yields evidence for a clear behavioral distinction and neural firing correlation during certain hand movement stages. The behavioral motifs detected during the analysis window likely continued for the larger movement, with a correlation of 0.665 and 0.767 for the lift- and grasp-centered data, respectively. The decoding error for the neural activity was minimized for time periods further away from the start of the lift, indicating optimal timings for decoding of preparatory neural activity, which account for global movement patterns. The grasp-centered data exhibited a similar trend but less pronounced. The ability to decode neural activity that occurs slightly before the motif suggests that the grasp and the lift are prepared independently of each other. These findings provide valuable insights into movement dynamics, potentially leading to more effective treatments for movement-related conditions and neural disorders.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/beha005-predicting-physical-behavior-using-neural-activity\", \"title\": \"BEHA005 - Predicting Physical Behavior Using Neural Activity\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712118189619_ISEF_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BEHA005 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BEHA013\", \"title\": \"Impacts of Sucralose on Hedonic Feeding Behaviors in C. elegans for Implications in Human Obesity and Eating Disorders\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BEHA\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Khatter, Syon\"], \"school\": \"Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School\", \"abstract\": \"Globally, over 2.1 billion people, close to 30% of the world population, are overweight or obese. The consumption of calorically-dense, palatable foods for pleasure, a phenomenon known as hedonic feeding, is a major contributor to the development of obesity and associated diseases. In addition, there is an increasing prevalence of certain eating disorders that are directly linked to hedonic feeding behaviors. Consumption of sucrose, known commonly as table sugar, is associated with several detrimental health effects. Recent studies suggest that it can induce hedonic feeding behaviors, leading to weight gain and its related risks. Sucralose, the most popular artificial sweetener, holds potential for lowering sugar and calorie consumption given its ability to provide a sweet taste without adding calories. While there are currently few known direct health impacts of this artificial sweetener in comparison to sucrose, there is a potential for differences in their ability to induce hedonic feeding behaviors. After a multitude of clinical studies, there is no consensus on whether or not different types of sweeteners have different effects on eating behavior, particularly in terms of hedonic feeding preferences. The present study explored how sucralose and sucrose impact the hedonic feeding preferences employing C. elegans as a model organism. Results showed that wild-type C. elegans exposed to sucralose had significantly lower preferences for \u201cjunk-food\u201d bacteria compared to those exposed to sucrose, while no significant differences were observed in cat-2 mutant C. elegans that do not produce dopamine. These results suggest that sucralose can dictate hedonic feeding behaviors via the dopaminergic system and may have preventative and therapeutic implications for human health.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/beha013-sucralose-on-hedonic-feeding-in-c-elegans\", \"title\": \"BEHA013 - Sucralose on Hedonic Feeding in C. elegans\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712124852322_VID_20240403_021144_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BEHA013 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BEHA026\", \"title\": \"Methamphetamine's Influence on the Blood-Brain Barrier: Dissecting Changes in Microvascular Endothelial Cell Structure and Function\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BEHA\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Manikandan, Shrivats\"], \"school\": \"Kirksville Senior High School\", \"abstract\": \"Methamphetamine is known for its addictive potential and rapid impact on the central nervous system's dopaminergic pathways. Recent studies suggest it exacerbates stroke outcomes by increasing the permeability of endothelial cells, affecting the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This study investigates the specific mechanisms behind this effect. We propose that high concentrations of methamphetamine influence junctional proteins in endothelial cells by amplifying oxidative stress, thereby impacting cellular permeability. The study employed a multi-faceted approach. First, an Electrical Cell-Substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS) machine assessed permeability changes in Mouse Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells (MBMEC) upon meth exposure. Next, we measured superoxide levels in MBMECs using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to evaluate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by meth. Finally, Western Blot analyses for claudin-5, occludin, \u00df-catenin, and superoxide dismutase (SOD2) were conducted to investigate the drug's effects on oxidative stress and junctional proteins. The ECIS data indicated increased permeability in MBMECs at meth concentrations of 250\u00b5M and 500\u00b5M. Meth at 250\u00b5M concentration also significantly elevated superoxide levels and reduced SOD2 levels. A marked down regulation in the expression of occludin, claudin-5, and \u00df-catenin was also observed at both 250\u00b5M and 500\u00b5M concentrations (p<0.01). Methamphetamine decreases junctional protein levels in MBMECs in a concentration-dependent manner, partly due to increased oxidative stress. These findings elucidate the drug's detrimental impact on the BBB and its potential role in exacerbating stroke, highlighting the need for further research into protective and therapeutic interventions.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/beha026-methamphetamines-effect-on-blood-brain-barrier\", \"title\": \"BEHA026 - Methamphetamine's Effect on Blood Brain Barrier\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714535019153_isef2min_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BEHA026 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BEHA031\", \"title\": \"Predicting Future Internal Migration Patterns Within the United States Resulting From Shifts in Temperature and Precipitation\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BEHA\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Gupta, Gautam\"], \"school\": \"Briarcliff High School\", \"abstract\": \"The annual migration of millions of people within or between countries can create resource strain, tighten job markets, and fuel political realignment. One factor that can play a role in shaping the movement of migrants is the environment, which will likely play an increasing role in the upcoming years due to climate change. In the United States, although significant shifts in temperature and precipitation are anticipated, research on internal U.S. climate migration still remains limited. Thus, this study first determined the contemporary relationships between temperature/precipitation and migration. Linear regressions and granger causality testing were conducted for every county in the continental United States. They demonstrated that temperature and precipitation play a county-dependent role in driving migration. Subsequently, a novel machine learning model was constructed for internal migration within the United States with features ranging from baseline factors like county land area to climate features like temperature and precipitation. The model proved to be highly accurate (R2 > 0.85) and feature analysis indicated that higher temperatures and decreased precipitation lead to decreased net-migration to an area. The resulting model was applied to future predictions of the U.S. climate to determine shifts in migration due to climate change. The model predicts significant reductions in net-migration to Texas and increases in net-migration to New York, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. In total, 5-year state-level migration flows are expected to shift by ~5.1 million to ~7.6 million people depending on the severity of climate change. Using the  knowledge of where migrants will move, policymakers can implement the necessary policies to adapt to the shifts in population.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/beha031-u-s-migration-model-for-temperature-precipitation\", \"title\": \"BEHA031 - U.S. Migration Model for Temperature/Precipitation\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713147687659_Untitled_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BEHA031 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BEHA045\", \"title\": \"Harmony: A Remote AI-based Monitoring and Prediction System for Manic and Depression Episodes in Bipolar Disorders\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BEHA\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Ahmed, Sahar\"], \"school\": \"City Schools\", \"abstract\": \"Bipolar disorder (BD) stigma arises from patients' actions during episodes resulting in feelings of guilt and shame, which delays seeking treatment due to societal pressure increasing the risk of suicidality. Leveraging remote measurements, Harmony aims to support BD patients towards early recognition of BD episodes. Harmony incorporates an Early Warning System monitoring and analyzing various physiological markers, sleep patterns, and social rhythms to predict manic and depressive episodes, enabling early intervention and support to manage and prevent escalation of symptoms. Relying on interpersonal and social rhythm therapy core principles, Harmony includes a social rhythm metric tool that passively tracks patients' routines and analyzes data providing social and circadian scores to help predict depression phases and identify triggers. Harmony includes a compassionate companion: a cognitive behavioral therapy-based mental health support Chabot using the Egyptian Arabic dialect. Harmony was experimented on 30 (BD) patients with type I and II. A significant variance in social rhythms was observed between Harmony users and the control group (p-value < 0.0001). A paired t-test indicated a significant variance (p value=0.0038) in social rhythms during the first week of experimentation without using the Chabot and the final week while using it. Subgroup analysis assessed gender-based differences in app usage using an unpaired t-test (p-value=0.0314). A clinical study involving five participants was conducted to assess the fitness tracker's data. Future analysis will be performed via a machine-learning model currently being developed. Utilizing technology and tailored interventions, Harmony enhances the overall well-being and quality of life for BD patients.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/beha045-harmony-monitoring-system-for-bipolar-disorders\", \"title\": \"BEHA045 - Harmony: Monitoring System for Bipolar Disorders\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714131967550_video_with_final_final_edits_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BEHA045 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED023\", \"title\": \"Improving Racial Equity in Skin Cancer Detection: Using Artificial Intelligence Driven Synthetic Image Generation and Cascading Convolutional Neural Networks to Diagnose Cancer in Lesions of Varying Skin Tones\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Choi, Kate\"], \"school\": \"The Potomac School\", \"abstract\": \"Massive underrepresentation of non-White skin in dermatology research contributes to significant disparities in skin cancer outcomes. Since artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms are largely trained on research databases containing a disproportionate number of skin lesion images from White patients, the potential for widening this inequality gulf is being realized: underperformance of AI models to detect skin cancer in patients with Black skin has already been demonstrated. To rectify racial disparities in AI-based skin cancer detection, this project introduces a novel AI convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture trained on high-quality synthetically generated dark skin lesion images via an AI-driven style transfer network. The CNN also utilizes a unique Cascading architectural design which has higher accuracy by allowing the model to focus its training on ambiguous lesions. In addition to its 84% accuracy in diagnosing light skin, the model demonstrates an 83% accuracy in diagnosing skin cancer in patients with dark skin, outperforming the best published models for skin cancer detection in dark skin. Given this clinically meaningful level of accuracy, the CNN will next be evaluated on real patient images in a series of clinical trials. Further steps will also include validation of an affordable user-friendly device that uses the CNN model to capture, upload, and diagnose skin lesion images. The 30 dollar device consequently serves impoverished communities across the globe without access to immediate healthcare. Addressing emerging inequities is imperative to prevent the formation of biases in AI and the medical field. Ongoing advancements prompt consideration of the fair and responsible application of these new tools.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed023-improving-racial-equity-in-skin-cancer-detection\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"BMED023 - Improving Racial Equity in Skin Cancer Detection | Regeneron ISEF 2025\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"BMED023 - Improving Racial Equity in Skin Cancer Detection. Massive underrepresentation of non-White skin in dermatology research contributes to significant disparities in skin cancer outcomes. Since artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms are largely trained on research databases containing a disproportionate number of skin lesion images from White patients, the potential for widening this inequality gulf is being realized: underperformance of AI models to detect skin cancer in patients with Bl\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713916688518_My_Movie_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BMED023 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED038\", \"title\": \"A Novel Enhancement of Statins\u2019 Solubility with Hydroxypropyl BETA-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex via Molecular Dynamics and in vitro Validation\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Khan, Elyas\"], \"school\": \"Dar AlFikr Schools\", \"abstract\": \"The prediction and optimization of drug solubility in various formulations play a pivotal role in drug development. Statins (STN), a widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering drug family, exhibit poor aqueous solubility, limiting their bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. In this study, the solubility enhancement of three STNs, atorvastatin, simvastatin, and lovastatin in hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin (HP-BCD) inclusion complexes through a combination of molecular dynamics simulations and experimental evaluations was explored. To predict the change in solubility of STNs\u2019 in a complexation with HP-BCD, Materials Science Maestro (MSM), a molecular dynamics simulation, was utilized to calculate the Hildebrand and Hansen solubility parameters. This was achieved by formulating disordered systems that go through a cycle called a relaxation protocol. An in vitro validation was then formulated with a hydroalcoholic mixture and an excess of the selected STNs. The MSM results showed an increase in the system\u2019s solubility according to the mentioned parameters. These results were further verified and psychochemically characterized. In the presence of the HP-BCD solution, the solubility of STNs increased to 1229.73 \u00b1 10.69 \u00b5g/mL at polymer concentrations ranging from 20-40 mM. The experimental results were then compared with the MSM predictions, allowing for a comprehensive computational model validation. These insights help in developing optimized drug formulations to enhance the bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness of poorly water-soluble drugs. This is a noteworthy example of the alignment between the MSM and experimental validation, showcasing the potential for advancing pharmaceutical research and facilitating the development of innovative drug enhancement systems.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed038-enhancing-statins-using-in-silico-prediction\", \"title\": \"BMED038 - Enhancing Statins Using in silico Prediction\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713049664652_ISEF_FINAL_VID_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BMED038 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED039\", \"title\": \"Overexpression of JAK3 in Coronary Arteries of Kawasaki Disease Patients Reveals a New Potential Therapeutic Target\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Kim, Julia\"], \"school\": \"Walter Payton College Preparatory High School\", \"abstract\": \"Kawasaki Disease (KD) is a febrile illness predominantly affecting children under five years old and is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries. If KD is not diagnosed and treated on time, it can result in inflammation of coronary arteries (CA) and ultimately a fatal CA aneurysm. This inflammatory process is why KD is deadly, yet much of the KD immune response is unknown. This research sought to identify overexpressed immune proteins in KD CA to gain insight into the KD immune response and determine future targets of treatment. After examining RNA-sequencing results from a previous study, four genes were identified as upregulated in KD CA: Cluster of Differentiation 69 (CD69), Cluster of Differentiation 96 (CD96), Janus Kinase 3 (JAK3), and Integrin Subunit Alpha L (ITGAL). CA tissues from 8 fatal child KD cases and 8 fatal non-KD child controls were stained using immunohistochemistry to detect if high gene expression of CD69, CD96, JAK3, and ITGAL translated into high protein expression in KD patients. Using the Wilcoxon Rank-Sum Test for visual analysis of slides (JAK3: p=0.0013) and logistic regression for ImageJ stain quantification (JAK3: p=0.008), JAK3 was the only protein in both analyses with significantly high expression in KD CA inflammatory cells. Therefore, JAK3 is proposed as a potential KD therapeutic target. JAK3 inhibitors are already employed in treatment for inflammatory illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, warranting further studies on its application in KD patients unresponsive to current therapies. This research further elucidates the KD immune response by identifying JAK3 as a significantly upregulated protein in the KD immunologic response and proposing JAK3 as a specific target to investigate for KD therapy.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed039-jak3-as-a-therapeutic-target-for-kawasaki-disease\", \"title\": \"BMED039 - JAK3 as a Therapeutic Target for Kawasaki Disease\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713017052767_ISEF_2024_VB_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BMED039 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED045\", \"title\": \"Grand Theft Transcription Factor: Reversing Tumor Cell Immortality by Transcription Factor Relocalization\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Wu, Joshua\"], \"school\": \"Dublin High School\", \"abstract\": \"Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most predominant malignant brain cancer in adults without prognosis improvement in decades (average survival interval of 14-17 months). Nevertheless, 83% of GBM cases have mutations in the Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase promoter (TERTp), responsible for maintaining telomeres. TERTp mutations create an ETS factor binding site, enabling the ETS transcription factor, GABP, to bind and reactivate TERT expression. While directly targeting telomerase has systematic toxicity, targeting GABP may allow for tumor-specific TERT silencing. Still, targeting transcription factors with small-molecule inhibitors is nearly impossible, so a novel approach is required.\\nTo address this, we engineered GABPB1L dominant negative (B1L-DN) transgenes by removing the transactivation (TAD-DEL) or both the TAD and the nuclear localization signal (TAD-NLS-DEL) domains.  We hypothesized that with only TAD deleted, TERT expression would decrease, but the protein still could enter the nucleus. However, the DN with both NLS and TAD deleted would not enter the nucleus, ensuring the decrease of TERT expression. To test this hypothesis, we transduced GBM cells with either B1L-DN or an empty vector and measured TERT expression by RT-qPCR and protein subcellular localization with immunofluorescence staining. We observed a 70-80% decrease in TERT expression by cells expressing either dominant-negative. Furthermore, immunofluorescence staining showed that GABPA was bound to the TAD-NLS-DEL-DN and could not enter the nucleus, thus rendering GABPA futile. If we can deliver the modified TAD-NLS-DEL-DN with viruses specifically targeting cancer cells in a TERTp mutant patient, this could be a potential application to inhibit tumor growth and thereby\\nreverse immortality.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed045-grand-theft-transcription-factor\", \"title\": \"BMED045 - Grand Theft Transcription Factor\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712641747689_BMED045_Grand_Theft_Transcription_Factor_2_Minute_Video__thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BMED045 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED055\", \"title\": \"Validation of Ventilation and Perfusion Using Non-Contrast Computerized Tomography\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Tombleson, Alexandra\"], \"school\": \"Mamaroneck High School\", \"abstract\": \"Introduction\\nVentilation (V) and perfusion (Q) remain the main physiologic correlates to assess respiratory gas exchange. Currently several modalities can be used to ascertain V/Q with inhaled/injected radiotracers. Novel approaches to assessing V/Q using non-contrasted imaging methods have been developed, yet there is little work validating these in adults with and without respiratory disease. We aimed to validate V/Q generated from non-contrast CT to Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT).\\nMethods\\nParticipants were recruited as part of a larger registry including controls and individuals with COPD. Sociodemographic data, anthropometric measurements and spirometry was conducted according to ATS/ERS criteria. Participants underwent high resolution inspiratory/expiratory CT scans. SPECT was performed with Tc-99m macro aggregated albumin (MAA). V/Q was calculated for both CT and SPECT-generated studies. Scatter plots were created and Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated.\\nResults\\n25 healthy controls and 20 participants with COPD were enrolled. The average age was 50.8 years, average BMI was 26.3 kg/m2, and  44.4% of the participants were female. The mean FEV1 was 45.3% predicted in the COPD group and 89.6% in the control group. The mean SGRQ score was 39.9. There was strong correlation\\nbetween V/Q generated by CT compared to SPECT (r = 0.91 and 0.80, p <0.001). The correlation between V/Q among individuals with COPD was lower (r = 0.66 and 0.69, p <0.001).\\nDiscussion\\nV/Q can be ascertained by non-contrast CT studies. Though there is variation among individuals with airway disease, the potential to use non-contrasted inspiratory and expiratory CT scans expands the potential for application across a range of respiratory conditions.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf/25616\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 53, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"full_name\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\"], \"title\": \"Validation of Ventilation and Perfusion Using Non\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"full_name, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Validation of Ventilation and Perfusion Using Non-. Contrast Computerized Tomography. Tombleson, Alexandra (School: Mamaroneck High School). Introduction\u200b\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed055-validation-of-v-q-using-ctvq-methods\", \"title\": \"BMED055 - Validation of V/Q Using CTVQ Methods\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713623183357_IMG_0843_1__thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BMED055 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED064\", \"title\": \"DEList: Identifying Cancer Genes Associated With Circadian Regulator ARNTL2 Using a Novel RNA-Seq Multi-Dataset Strategy\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Yee, Ella\"], \"school\": \"The Harker School\", \"abstract\": \"Circadian disruptions have been implicated in the oncogenesis of multiple cancers. However, the underlying mechanisms linking circadian rhythms and cell cycles remain unclear, posing a significant obstacle to advancing circadian-based cancer diagnosis and treatment in the clinic. This research proposes a systematic data mining pipeline combining differential expression, correlational, and machine learning analyses to investigate the expression of 18 circadian genes in breast, lung, kidney, and thyroid cancer. Through exploration of clinical and demographic subgroups in TCGA, circadian regulator ARNTL2 was identified as upregulated in tumors and correlated with severe cancer grades, demonstrating potential as a cancer biomarker. To further elucidate ARNTL2\u2019s role in cancer, a novel multi-dataset strategy was designed to integrate analyses of data from TCGA and GSE72942, a mouse metastasis cell line with ARNTL2 blockade. DElist, a patent-pending list of 80 ARNTL2-regulated, cancer-associated genes was created, with enriched pathways in nuclear division, microtubule binding, and centromeres. RNAscope imaging identified for the first time in situ colocalization of ARNTL2 and HMMR, a DElist gene associated with cell motility and division, in squamous cell lung cancer tissue. These findings have significant clinical applications, as genomic tests based on DElist can support cancer diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, the proposed multi-dataset strategy can help identify gene signatures for other impactful medical conditions. Finally, the strong circadian-cancer relationship discovered in this research underscores an urgent need for interdisciplinary research in public health, epidemiology, and beyond to develop circadian-based strategies for mitigating disease incidence.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed064-elucidating-circadian-gene-arntl2s-role-in-cancer\", \"title\": \"BMED064 - Elucidating Circadian Gene ARNTL2\u2019s Role in Cancer\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713816489109_EllaYeeISEF_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BMED064 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED080\", \"title\": \"The Synergistic Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA and EPA) and Zinc Picolinate on Traumatic Brain Injury in Galleria mellonella\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Chung, Benjamin\"], \"school\": \"Thousand Oaks High School\", \"abstract\": \"Every 15 seconds, a person suffers a traumatic brain injury (TBI), a leading cause of mortality and lifelong disability worldwide. Despite its prevalence, effective therapeutic treatments tailored to enhance TBI recovery remain elusive, with current strategies confined to preventative measures and post-TBI rehabilitation. This experiment introduced a novel model for TBI using Galleria mellonella and tested the hypothesis that the synergistic effect of omega-3 fatty acids (docosahexaenoic acid [DHA] and eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA]) combined with zinc picolinate would increase the efficiency of recovery from TBI. For the experimental setup, TBI was induced in Galleria mellonella using a high impact trauma (HIT) device. They were then divided into four groups in separate petri dishes: an untreated control and three groups treated post-TBI with varying doses of omega-3 fatty acids (0-0.4 mL), zinc picolinate (0-0.4 g), and their synergy. Results showed that 0.1 mL of omega-3 fatty acids combined with 0.1 g of zinc picolinate significantly enhanced Galleria mellonella survival rates, achieving 29% to 100% survival. One-way ANOVA confirmed the efficacy of the synergistic treatment, revealing significant improvements with a p-value < 0.05. This dosage achieved a score of 0 on the modified neurological severity score (mNSS) test, indicating behavioral restoration of cognitive function. Microscopic examination of brain tissue stained with cresyl violet revealed restoratory activity in cortex volume. These findings revealed that the optimal dose of 0.1 mL of omega-3 fatty acids and 0.1 g of zinc picolinate increased recovery from TBI in Galleria mellonella, offering promising insights for developing accessible, nutrition-based therapies to improve outcomes for TBI patients.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed080-omega-3-and-zinc-synergy-on-tbi-in-g-mellonella\", \"title\": \"BMED080 - Omega-3 and Zinc Synergy on TBI in G. mellonella\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714546653869_RPReplay_Final1714546469_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BMED080 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED092T\", \"title\": \"Synthesizing a Novel Family of Multifactorial Inhibitors to Treat Alzheimer's\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Allahverdiyev, Ibrahim\", \"Aslanov, Said\"], \"school\": \"Dunya School\", \"abstract\": \"Research Significance: Alzheimer's disease affects nearly 52 million individuals worldwide, with projections indicating a significant increase to 75 million by 2030 and a staggering 152 million by 2050. This escalating prevalence underscores the urgent need for effective treatments. While current medications offer symptomatic relief, a complete cure remains elusive. The quest for new acetylcholinesterase enzyme inhibitors, crucial for combating Alzheimer's, has sparked widespread scientific inquiry. Acknowledging this imperative, I have prioritized the initiation of this project to contribute to the ongoing global efforts.\\nObjective: Our primary objective is to synthesize a novel inhibitor using a cost-effective, catalyst-free one-pot multi-component reaction.\\nResearch Focus: Our research endeavors center on the synthesis and comprehensive investigation of the functional properties of the newly developed inhibitor. By elucidating its molecular mechanisms and pharmacological effects, we aim to lay the groundwork for the creation of more potent and efficacious biological additives and drug formulations.\\nOutcome: Our endeavors have culminated in the successful synthesis of the novel inhibitor, demonstrating remarkable inhibitory effects on critical enzymes implicated in Alzheimer's pathology. Notably, our inhibitor exhibits potency levels surpassing those of conventional drugs by 5-10 times. This breakthrough holds immense promise for the development of highly effective and internationally competitive treatments against Alzheimer's disease and other related ailments. Moreover, the ecological sustainability of our approach underscores its potential to meet the stringent requirements of global standards.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": []}, {\"booth_id\": \"CBIO025\", \"title\": \"A Novel Machine Learning Model for Estrous Cycle Classification\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\", \"category_code\": \"CBIO\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Goyal, Saachi\"], \"school\": \"Academy of Information Technology and Engineering\", \"abstract\": \"The estrous cycle regulates reproductive events and hormone changes in female mammals and is akin to the menstrual cycle in humans. Monitoring the cycle is necessary as it is a biomarker for overall health and is crucial for interpreting study results. The estrous cycle comprises four stages influenced by fluctuating levels of hormones. Tracking the cycle relies on vaginal cytology, which categorizes stages based on three epithelial cell concentrations. However, this method has limitations, including time-consuming training and variable accuracy among researchers. To address these challenges, this study utilized an object detection machine learning model, to identify cell types during the estrous cycle in mice. A dataset of 555 cytology images with four different stains was annotated by drawing bounding boxes with labels around each cell. An accurate set of rules for classification that hadn\u2019t previously existed was derived by analyzing training images. The model achieved an average accuracy of 87% in classifying cycle stages, taking only 3.9 minutes to analyze 175 images, compared to unsupervised models(36% accuracy) and human accuracy(84% accuracy). These findings facilitate the integration of the estrous cycle into research, enhancing the quality of scientific results by allowing for the identification of estrous cycle-related sex differences and refining research practices in female studies. Moreover, the results suggest that object detection can extend beyond cycle monitoring to accurately classify cell types and cytology images, with implications for cancer detection and histopathological analysis. Applying object detection to these fields promises faster and more accurate outcomes, standardizing procedures and enhancing diagnostic precision in patient care.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cbio025-machine-learning-for-estrous-cycle-classification\", \"title\": \"CBIO025 - Machine Learning for Estrous Cycle Classification\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/5vGZHKn3Qeo?si=BK4sN2N2y-WMcDwc\", \"title\": \"CBIO025 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CBIO035\", \"title\": \"GenLSDD: A Deep Generative Approach to Ligand and Structure-Based Drug Design\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\", \"category_code\": \"CBIO\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Yoon, Elliott\"], \"school\": \"Tenafly High School\", \"abstract\": \"Deep learning, particularly generative models, have shown promise to expedite the drug discovery process by generating novel molecules with desirable properties/bioactivity. Current research on generative drug design follows one of two main approaches: ligand-based or structure-based. The ligand-based approach trains a model on structures of known small-molecule ligands of a target protein, while the structure-based approach trains a model directly on the structure of the target protein, both with their own inherent strengths and weaknesses. This research proposes Generative Ligand and Structure-based Drug Design (GenLSDD), a deep learning model for generative drug design that combines the strengths while counteracting the weaknesses of both approaches. GenLSDD consists of two modules. The first module is a ligand-based recurrent neural network trained to generate chemically viable molecular structures. The second module is a structure-based graph neural network trained to predict an input molecule's potency in inhibiting a target protein, measured in half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). The two modules were then trained in tandem via reinforcement learning, with the structure-based predictive module providing reward values to optimize the ligand-based generative module towards generating molecules with greater potency. As a case study, GenLSDD was applied to generate inhibitors targeting MET, a tyrosine kinase receptor linked with various forms of cancer. Out of a sample of 1000 molecules generated, 23 were predicted to be highly potent (IC50 < 10 nM). Additionally, GenLSDD, achieved similar or better performance than state-of-the-art models on all evaluated metrics. Overall, GenLSDD represents a powerful deep learning tool to enhance the drug design process.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cbio035-generative-ligand-and-structure-based-drug-design\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.71\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"Generative Ligand and Structure-Based Drug Design\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.71, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"GenLSDD consists of two modules. The first module is a ligand-based recurrent neural network trained to generate chemically viable molecular structures. The\"}, {\"url\": \"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11350878\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 20, \"status\": \"needs_review\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.62\", \"trusted_domain:pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\", \"llm:related:0.95\"], \"title\": \"Structure-Based Drug Design with a Deep Hierarchical Generative Model\", \"source_domain\": \"pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.62, trusted_domain:pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"using the latent values from a previously encoded ligand structure instead of randomly sampling from the prior. We call this posterior sampling, and the result is an output density that is very similar to the true input ligand density. [...] (ligand 1XU from PDB ID 4LWC) designed by ref (53) (experimental _K_ d = 20 \u03bcM). [...] the ligand shows strong experimental affinity to the target receptor (_K_ d = 7.9 \u03bcM50). We successfully increase _QED_ from 0.49 to 0.94 and _SA_ from 0.65 to 0.94. In bo\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713408824457_best_vid_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CBIO035 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CBIO037\", \"title\": \"Leveraging Deep Learning Models to Identify Structurally Adequate Drug Candidates for Parkinson's Disease\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\", \"category_code\": \"CBIO\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Garimella, Raghav\"], \"school\": \"Evergreen Valley High School\", \"abstract\": \"Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes gradual impairment of an individual through mutations in the SNCA (Synuclein Alpha) gene. Currently, there exist no widely available drugs for PD due to the long process of drug identification and FDA (Food and Drug Administration) certification which can take up to fifteen years, as well as the 300 million dollars often put into the creation and marketing of a new drug. This project aims to expedite the process and reduce cost by utilizing Machine Learning models to identify and repurpose already approved FDA drugs.\\nThe models constructed in this project will analyze Early Onset, Late Onset, and General PD utilizing a novel input combined matrix consisting of Simplified Molecular Input Line Entry System (SMILES) encoded drug representation vectors of drug molecular features and one-hot encoded disease representation vectors. Both Deep Learning and Regression models are evaluated to predict the efficacy of various drug-disease pairs.\\nConsidering the data representations of multiple FDA approved drugs, and utilizing a validation loss metric of Mean Squared Error, Valproic Acid emerges as a potential target for further research in its applications to PD. The best predictive model utilizes a Multilayer Perceptron Classifier and has an average validation loss of 0.0040.\\nValproic Acid is seen to inhibit HDAC6 enzyme production, potentially playing a role in preventing protein aggregation formations known as Lewy Bodies in PD. As a result, this project greatly accelerates the process of drug identification for different stages of PD, providing a foundation for future, targeted research into drug-PD associations.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cbio037-a-novel-deep-learning-method-for-drug-repurposing\", \"title\": \"CBIO037 - A Novel Deep Learning Method for Drug Repurposing\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713674847098_ISEF_2min_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CBIO037 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CBIO039\", \"title\": \"Variational Autoencoder as a Robust Clinical Classification Tool for Dementia\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\", \"category_code\": \"CBIO\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Wakefield, William\"], \"school\": \"Pine Crest School\", \"abstract\": \"The rising prevalence of neurodegenerative dementia highlights the need for improved diagnostic accuracy. Many proposed clinical decision support systems (CDSS) require multiple disparate data elements as input, which makes implementation difficult, and furthermore have a black-box nature leading to low interpretability of individual diagnosis. Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography (FDG-PET) is an established modality for the diagnosis of dementia and a CDSS that uses only an FDG-PET image to produce a reliable and understandable result would ease both of these challenges to clinical application. I designed a deep variational autoencoder (VAE) to extract a latent representation of each image through prior training from FDG-PET brain images (n=2000). This unsupervised VAE reduces an FDG-PET image to 16 low-dimensional and interpretable classification features, where each dimension represents a pattern of brain activity. A logistic regression classifier was implemented to classify each image. The features from the model were analyzed in comparison to true neurodegenerative pathology and aligned with known clinical pathology and metabolic patterns. A logistic regression classifier of images embedded in the VAE latent space was evaluated and compared to a baseline principal component analysis architecture. The undirected graph illustrates a latent space comparison among dementia phenotypes. The VAE latent space and graph structure provide clear visual interpretability and achieved high accuracy, for instance, 90% accuracy in diagnosing Alzheimer\u2019s disease. The use of a single brain FDG-PET allows this model to be implementable in the clinical setting and would be a robust CDSS to assist clinicians in diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11716831\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"full_name\", \"title_strong:0.70\", \"trusted_domain:pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\"], \"title\": \"Variational autoencoder latent space as a robust and pragmatic clinical classification tool for dementia\", \"source_domain\": \"pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"full_name, title_strong:0.70, trusted_domain:pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"A deep variational autoencoder (VAE) was used to extract a latent representation of each image through prior training from FDG\u2010PET brain images (n=2000). This unsupervised VAE has a novel graph convolutional architecture that makes it applicable to masked template space images. A logistic regression model was used to classify each image. A parametric study of the latent space revealed the imaging features that were used in the logistic regression model to differentiate each class. A separate [..\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cbio039-clinical-classification-tool-for-dementia\", \"title\": \"CBIO039 - Clinical Classification Tool for Dementia\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/rA2URfztpeo\", \"title\": \"CBIO039 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CBIO047\", \"title\": \"Predicting Optimal Combinations of Regulatory Transcription Factor Perturbations to Simulate Complex Cell-State Conversion Paths Using Combinatorial Optimization and Machine Learning\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\", \"category_code\": \"CBIO\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Agrawal, Shaurya\"], \"school\": \"Adlai E. Stevenson High School\", \"abstract\": \"Cellular reprogramming holds immense promise for novel therapeutics in fields like disease reversion and cellular regeneration. This field aims to control or perturb gene expression to induce specific downstream impacts of cell states and types. However, current research remains limited to basic use cases as large-scale in-vitro experiments are extremely expensive and impractical and in-silico models can only predict simple conversions with limited clinical applicability. Thus, the goal of this project was to create different, generalizable optimization models that can predict compounded transcription factor perturbation paths for more complex cell-state conversions. For our analysis, perturb-seq data from the genome-wide study done by Replogle et. al was used. After preprocessing, the data was used to prepare benchmarking models based on leading techniques from past literature due to no direct existing models for comparison. These benchmarks were then compared with three models, custom vector-addition-based greedy algorithms, constrained OLS, and non-linear SQP solver that perform the main task of predicting combinations of transcription factor perturbations for converting erythroleukemia cells to retinal pigment epithelial cells. The models were compared using two different similarity metrics, the industry-standard cosine similarity, and the custom projection score. The custom vector addition-based greedy algorithm achieved the highest score for both metrics, almost double the benchmark, and 90% for the cosine similarity score. All models predicted established transcription factors and novel TFs for this drastic conversion task proving generalizability and clinical applicability to further cellular reprogramming as a potential cure for a myriad of diseases.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cbio047-optimizing-for-complex-cell-state-conversion-paths\", \"title\": \"CBIO047 - Optimizing for Complex Cell-State Conversion Paths\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714621541272_Optimizing_for_Complex_Cell_State_Conversion_Paths_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CBIO047 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CELL013\", \"title\": \"Targeting of Epichaperome Downregulates HCFC1 Mediated Transcription of Oncogenes: Implications in Breast Cancer Therapy\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\", \"category_code\": \"CELL\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Goldsmith, Ava\"], \"school\": \"John F. Kennedy High School\", \"abstract\": \"Breast cancer, annually affecting over 2.3 million people worldwide, is targeted in this study through the epichaperome, a network of proteins including heat shock protein 90 (HSP90). PUH71, a specific HSP90 inhibitor, disrupts cancer-specific epichaperome complexes, distinguishing between cancerous and healthy cells. PUTCO2, a novel PUH71 derivative, was previously developed using click chemistry, and was then used in this study for specific visualization of the entire epichaperome complex. Using PUTCO2-based confocal microscopy, the epichaperome was visualized in cell lines and identified as a biomarker for aggressive cancers such as MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 (p < 0.0001 for both). A novel in-gel fluorescence assay, using PUTCO2, was developed to visualize changes in the epichaperome's expression. Western blots then quantified changes in epichaperome components, demonstrating that PUH71 decreases the expression of integral epichaperome-conformation HSP90 (p < 0.0001). Semi-quantitative PCR and qPCR analyses revealed PUH71 reduced oncogenic expression of CDC42, Cyclin A, and BRCA1 (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p = 0.0001 respectively). This indicates epichaperome regulated oncogenic transcription, particularly in aggressive cancers like MDA-MB-468. CDC42 PCRs additionally suggest epichaperome involvement with the regulatory HCFC1 complex. Geldanamycin, a non-specific HSP90 inhibitor, showed lower specificity, confirming its ineffectiveness for breast cancer treatment. Future research should delve into molecular epichaperome mechanisms for gene control and PUTCO2\u2019s diagnostic potential. While this study is solely concentrated on breast cancer, the epichaperome remains a crucial and promising molecular target in a wide range of pathologies.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cell013-epichaperome-role-in-breast-cancer-therapy\", \"title\": \"CELL013 -  Epichaperome Role in Breast Cancer Therapy\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711590648024_Final_With_Overlay_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CELL013 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CELL030\", \"title\": \"Characterization and Therapeutic Application of the ICOS Receptor To Treat Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\", \"category_code\": \"CELL\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Malik, Vivek\"], \"school\": \"Hackley School\", \"abstract\": \"Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) is a rare and aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma resulting from clonal proliferation of mature post-thymic T-cells. The mechanisms behind PTCL development and progression remains incompletely understood, which explains the lack of successful targeted immunotherapies. The inducible T-cell co-stimulator (ICOS), a member of the CD28 superfamily, has shown to be upregulated in PTCL, which makes it a worthy target of further investigation. This study investigated the role of ICOS in regulating the mechanisms of PTCL by examining cytokine release, cellular proliferation, and ICOS expression in two cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) cell lines upon induced ICOS activation. The results highlight that ICOS activation independent of T-cell receptor co-engagement induces potent secretion of IFN?, and that ICOS activation directly inhibits CTCL cell proliferation in vitro. Additionally, this study validated ICOS as an effective therapeutic candidate for an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) by demonstrating the internalization capability of the ICOS receptor upon activation via flow cytometry. Lastly, this study validated the efficacy of an anti-ICOS ADC in vitro; an ADC targeting ICOS potentiated killing of 40% of CTCL tumor volume over a 3-day period. These findings indicate that an anti-ICOS ADC could be highly effective at killing malignant PTCL cells that express ICOS. Anti-ICOS monoclonal antibodies by themselves may also inhibit tumor growth in CTCL. Ultimately, this study elucidates the vital role ICOS plays in regulating PTCL tumor growth and signaling, and provides rationale for an immunotherapy which could markedly enhance antitumor efficacy in ICOS-positive PTCLs.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cell030-application-of-icos-receptor-in-t-cell-lymphoma\", \"title\": \"CELL030 - Application of ICOS Receptor in T-Cell Lymphoma\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712613645429_ISEF_video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CELL030 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CELL039T\", \"title\": \"The Identification of ACVR1 Phosphorylation Sites Critical to Activation of the ACVR1 Signaling Pathway in Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP)\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\", \"category_code\": \"CELL\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Zhou, Eric\", \"Gong, Kevin\"], \"school\": \"Loomis Chaffee School\", \"abstract\": \"Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva(FOP) is an extremely rare and debilitating bone disorder that affects 0.00005% of the population. The defining characteristic of FOP is severe heterotopic ossification(HO), a condition in which bone forms outside the regular skeleton, particularly in areas of soft tissue or skeletal muscle. A mutation in the ACVR1 gene leads to FOP by over activating BMP signaling, causing HO. In this signaling pathway, SMAD 1/5/8, the mutated ACVR1 signaling complex gets phosphorylated causing downstream signal activation, resulting in excessive bone growth. Inhibition of a phosphorylation site on the ACVR1 receptor could potentially inhibit downstream signaling and prevent of HO in FOP patients. In this study, 4 different phosphorylation sites in the GS domain of ACVR1 were mutated individually as well as in combination to determine which sites are critical for ACVR1 downstream signaling to occur. Plasmids with these mutations were introduced into E. coli through transformations, and then lentiviruses were given it to insert the mutations into a Hek293 cell line. Ligands were used to stimulate signaling and signaling output was measured with luciferase assays. Remarkably, three phosphorylation sites were demonstrated to be significant in the ACVR1 signaling cascade \u2013 the S190, S192 and T189 sites. This study indicated that drug development to target the S190, S192, and T189 phosphorylation sites could prove to be a viable therapeutic option for FOP patients. Additionally, this deepened understanding of the ACVRI pathway could be exploited to regulate bone growth in relevant diseases that are characterized by lack of bone growth.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cell039t-phosphorylation-sites-critical-to-fop-bone-growth\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"CELL039T - Phosphorylation Sites Critical to FOP Bone Growth - ISEF\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Remarkably, three phosphorylation sites were demonstrated to be significant in the ACVR1 signaling cascade \u2013 the S190, S192 and T189 sites.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713593469676_Kevin_Gong_Briarcliff_High_School_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CELL039T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CELL050\", \"title\": \"Establishing Disease Modeling of CADASIL Using Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Pericytes\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\", \"category_code\": \"CELL\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Park, Sarah\"], \"school\": \"The Bolles School\", \"abstract\": \"Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is an extremely rare neurological small vessel disease, affecting about 2-5 people every 100,000 globally, defined by the NOTCH3 mutation (Khan, et al., 2020). The aim of this study was to establish a disease model for CADASIL using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)-derived pericytes to represent the disease pathogenesis of CADASIL through validation of hiPSC-derived pericytes and functional analysis. Validation of hiPSC-derived pericytes (PC) were performed through qPCR and Immunofluorescence. There was a significantly lower expression of PDGFR\u00df and NG2 in CADASIL cell lines (p< 0.0001), suggesting dysregulation in pericyte function, compromised angiogenic potential, and impaired vascular development in CADASIL. To examine the calcium influx of CADASIL vs. Non-CADASIL cell lines, the brightness intensity was quantified, followed by the addition of ionomycin to accentuate the calcium signal. The system showed significantly more calcium influx in CADASIL cell lines (p< 0.05), indicating elevated levels of Ca2+ due to the vasocontraction. Cell migration rates of pericytes were compared using the Scratch assay. The Scratch assay also demonstrated that PC from Non-CADASIL exhibited a faster proliferation rate compared to CADASIL (p < 0.05). Through the MTT Assay, the healthy control pericytes exhibited significantly higher absorbance compared to CADASIL pericytes (p < 0.001), indicating reduced proliferation rate in CADASIL-derived pericytes. As the hiPSC-derived PC provided an effective model for CADASIL, the research has implications for future drug development and improved diagnosis, allowing further investigation of CADASIL pathogenesis.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cell050-establishing-disease-modeling-of-cadasil\", \"title\": \"CELL050 - Establishing Disease Modeling of CADASIL\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714292879039_ISEF_VIDEO_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CELL050 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM012\", \"title\": \"Chemical Modification of Acetaminophen to Decrease Liver Toxicity\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Lee, Chloe\"], \"school\": \"Plano East Senior High School\", \"abstract\": \"Each week, over 60 million individuals consume acetaminophen in the U.S. alone. Despite global reliance for its analgesic & antipyretic (pain & fever relief) properties in medications, acetaminophen toxicity causes liver damage. In fact, its toxicity is a leading cause of liver transplantation worldwide. Acetaminophen is oxidized by cytochrome p450 (CYP2EI) to toxic NAPQi. NAPQi, an electrophile, depletes glutathione and eventually attacks liver proteins, which are nucleophilic by nature.\\nThe first approach to modification that decreases toxicity without sacrificing drug efficacy, this research aims to chemically modify acetaminophen by sequential transition-metal catalysis for precise C\u2013H silylation of acetaminophen and subsequent nucleophilic addition of an alkyne to the silicon center. Modifications were first computationally designed by quantum chemical calculations. An original reaction scheme, monitored by TLC and NMR Spectroscopy, was completed and optimized to synthesize a less toxic acetaminophen compound.\\nThe target compound, 2-phenylalkylsilyl acetaminophen, is less toxic but maintains efficacy. This is supported by the LUMO energy of this compound and because the alkyne in the compound can potentially inactivate CYP2EI to block acetaminophen\u2019s oxidation to toxic NAPQi. The research also discovered a previously unknown mechanism of transition metal-catalysts: Their chemoselectivity is consistent with the Hard/Soft Acid Base Theory. This was deduced after finding the relatively hard acid Rh preferred the hard base O (O, O acetal) whilst the relatively soft base N preferred the soft acid Ir (N, O acetal) in modification. Overall, the novel compound represents a promising approach in mitigating acetaminophen toxicity.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/chem012-chemical-modification-of-acetaminophen\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"CHEM012 - Chemical Modification of Acetaminophen\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"\\\\nThe first approach to modification that decreases toxicity without sacrificing drug efficacy, this research aims to chemically modify acetaminophen\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713990697352_4CF981D4_4FFC_4B5B_9291_28AC6E8FBFD3_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CHEM012 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM020\", \"title\": \"Fabrication and In-Depth Evaluation of Self-Sensing Metallo-Polyelectrolyte Complexed Gels for Metal Ion Filtration\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Yang, Angelina\"], \"school\": \"Eleanor Roosevelt High School\", \"abstract\": \"The accumulation of heavy metal ions in wastewater poses significant health and environmental risks as heavy metals are known to be toxic and bioaccumulate in living organisms. In recent years, metallo-polyelectrolyte complexed (MPEC) gels composed of charged polymer chains binding with metal cations have emerged as promising candidates for metal ion filtration. MPEC filters generally undergo two separate processes: absorption and sensing the amount of metal ions uptaken. However, it is underexplored whether or not a self-actuating filter can both absorb and sense the uptake of metal ions at the same time. To fabricate a material that could carry out both processes at the same time, acrylic acid resins were photopolymerized via stereolithography-based 3D printing with varying pH levels, and the resulting gels were swelled in solutions containing Na+, Ca2+, and Al3+ ions. It was found that in solutions of sodium and water, gels with a pH of 2.56 exhibited greater strain at equilibrium than gels with a pH of 3.74, while in solutions of calcium and aluminum, gels with a higher pH exhibited greater swelling. This shows that the binding affinity of metal ions to the polymer chains is dependent on their valency, as well as the initial pH of the polymer. Correlating the absorption degrees of the material with the specific structural changes they undergo when reacted with different metals allows for the development of a self-actuating filter that can perform both absorption and sensing without any electrical devices, which opens up new possibilities for efficient and real-time monitoring of metal ion absorption processes.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/chem020-self-sensing-mpec-gels-for-wastewater-filtration\", \"title\": \"CHEM020 - Self-Sensing MPEC Gels for Wastewater Filtration\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712037345179_ISEF_Project_Video_2024_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CHEM020 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM025T\", \"title\": \"B.O.P.I : Black Pepper, Oregano and Pineapple Peel Insecticide as an Novel, Cost-Effective and Eco-friendly Fumigant to Eradicate Sitophilus oryzae\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Na, Shun Zhan\", \"Ong, Khai Chin\"], \"school\": \"Chung Ling High School Penang\", \"abstract\": \"Sitophilus oryzae, commonly known as the rice weevil, is a stored grain pest responsible for potentially destroying up to 90% of stored grain worldwide. In an effort to eradicate it, various synthetic fumigants have been utilized but often at the cost of human health and the environment. This research proposes Black pepper essential oil, Oregano essential oil and Pineapple peel oil Insecticide (B.O.P.I) as a novel, cost effective, eco-friendly and non-toxic, fumigation agent to effectively eradicate Sitophilus oryzae. B.O.P.I contains beta-caryophyllene and 3-carene from black pepper essential oil, carvacrol, thymol and beta-pinene from oregano essential oil and limonene from pineapple peel oil. These compounds were shown to inhibit AChE, agonize tyramine receptors and inhibit detoxifying enzymes. Black pepper and oregano essential oil are extracted via hydrodistillation and pineapple peel oil was extracted by maceration. The major chemical constituents are tested in silico via Protox 3.0 for toxicity. Results showed that all chemical constituents have low toxicity. Main constituents of B.O.P.I also had a higher binding affinity to AChE compared to ACh as shown by ensemble docking results. The fumigant toxicity bioassays of seven different treatments and 2 control treatments were performed. Fumigant treatments are introduced to 20 Sitophilus oryzae at concentrations ranging from 167\u00b5l/L of air to 830\u00b5l/L of air. The LC50 and LC90 were found to be 27.235\u00b5l/L of air and 144.475\u00b5l/L of air. 2-way ANOVA was conducted against types of treatment and concentration [F(6,24)=6.315, p<0.001]. B.O.P.I is an effective fumigant that is able to eradicate Sitophilus oryzae in stored grain, while safeguarding the environment and being non-toxic.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/chem025t-black-pepper-oregano-and-pineapple-insecticide\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"Black Pepper, Oregano and Pineapple Insecticide\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Black pepper essential oil, Oregano essential oil and Pineapple peel oil Insecticide (B.O.P.I) as a novel, cost effective, eco-friendly and non-toxic,\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712830934351_B.O.P.I_2__thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CHEM025T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM028\", \"title\": \"Surface-Coordination Functionalization of Metal-Organic Framework for Selective Carbon Dioxide Capture and Reversible Hydrogenation to Formic Acid\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Karam, Saif\"], \"school\": \"Secondary Model School For Boys\", \"abstract\": \"Conventional functionalization techniques for Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) compromise the simultaneous optimization of structural integrity, CO2 absorption, and catalytic selectivity, diminishing overall performance and restricting new functionalities. Surface functionalizations, although promising, are often hindered by complex, costly processes or weak, unstable interactions. Herein, MOF nanoparticles (NPs) with charged functional groups, UiO-66-NH2, are utilized as surface capping agents for the defective MOF-808 structure through a novel, facile, cost-effective approach, enabling a unified framework for selective CO2 absorption and reversible hydrogenation to formic acid, for the first time. The controlled hydrogen storage and generation are achieved through a directed spatial activation by in situ functionalizing photocatalytic and electrocatalytic reagents, tin oxide NPs and nickel NPs, within the two distinct structures. Detailed characterization, performance evaluations, and computational analysis demonstrated successful attachments through secondary functional coordination sites, which introduced additional active sites, enhanced structural stability, and enabled high CO2 selectivity through positive charge modulation of the surface charge while retaining the high CO2 absorption capacity, surpassing most reported structures. The controlled sequential reactions exhibited selective activation through controlled diffusion of reactants and the synergistic effect with minimal undesired byproducts while attaining high formation rates under ambient conditions, avoiding precious metals requiring challenging controlled environments. This functionalization enables new capabilities to address numerous challenges, such as achieving a low-carbon circular economy.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714833974349_ISEF_video_1__thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CHEM028 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM054\", \"title\": \"Utilizing Polyurethane Foam and Nano-Activated Carbon-Based Composite for Sustainable Eco-Friendly Oil Spill Remediation\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Ragab, Jumana\"], \"school\": \"Cairo Manara Language School for Girls Secondary\", \"abstract\": \"Oil spills constitute a serious threat to both the economy and the environment, disturbing the ecosystem. According to the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited (ITOPF) in 2023, approximately 2,000 tonnes of oil were lost to the environment from tanker spills. This study introduces an innovative solution for oil spill remediation. A new composite of hydrophobic wasted flexible polyurethane foam (Pu), polystyrene foam, rigid polyurethane foam, nano-activated carbon (AC) derivative from wasted graphite, and polypropylene fabric was developed to form Pu AC Boom. The laser diffraction particle size analyzer indicated that the activated carbon's particle size was in the nano range after using the ball mill. Rigid polyurethane was bonded to the nano-activated carbon physically which was verified by SEM and XRD confirmed the formation of the microcrystalline structure. It was concluded by experiments that the absorption capacity of Pu AC Booms was 10,000 mg/g where it absorbed up to 10 times its weight within 25 minutes at the optimal conditions, in addition to 45 min of mechanical separation. So, cleaning up the entire spill took an average of 70 minutes, giving 96% removal. Furthermore, Pu AC Boom was reusable for up to 4 cycles while maintaining the same efficiency. Pu AC Boom can be disposed of by combustion, converting it into activated carbon for reuse. EDX and SEM confirmed the presence of activated carbon throughout the burnt composite. These results suggest that Pu AC Boom is a sustainable, cost-effective eco-solution that enhances the efficiency of oil spill remediation.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/chem054-sustainable-eco-friendly-oil-spill-remediation\", \"title\": \"CHEM054 -  Sustainable Eco-Friendly Oil Spill Remediation\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713660269258_jomana_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CHEM054 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM065\", \"title\": \"Advancing Antibiotic Detection: Engineering a Novel Chitosan-Zinc Oxide-Modified Graphite Electrochemical Sensor for Ciprofloxacin Detection\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Addanki, Meghana\"], \"school\": \"Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School\", \"abstract\": \"The contemporary bioaccumulation of Antibiotics in our environment due to various factors has resulted in significant pollution, predisposition of organisms to adverse health effects, and the exacerbation of the antibiotic resistance crisis. In the pursuit of addressing their ever-pervasive impact and gaining a precise, quantitative understanding of their presence in various substances, sensors remain indispensable. Many detection methods for antibiotics attribute high detection limits and are fraught with lack of sensitivity and economic feasibility. However, electrochemical sensing has emerged advantageous due to its accuracy, low-cost, scalable, and rapid nature.\\nThis study investigated electrochemical detection of Ciprofloxacin, a synthetic fluoroquinolone, which is one of the most abundant antibiotics in usage/circulation, through fabrication of a novel graphite Chitosan-Zinc Oxide (CH-ZnO) modified electrochemical sensor. Using a low-cost arduino-based potentiostat and three-electrode system to conduct Cyclic Voltammetry, I was able to evaluate and optimize both the ratio of the sensor modification and its composition of the electrode sensor (determined to be 20% of 3:2 ratio of Chitosan to Zinc-Oxide), test interference of heavy metals and other antibiotics on the sensor (Amoxicillin and Penicillin), and analytically determine the precise concentrations of Ciprofloxacin. The sensor showed a detection limit of 0.097 \u00b5M, one of the lowest reported in literature, high accuracy of 98.9%, and a low standard deviation of 3%. Furthermore, it maintained high accuracies of detection >97% in interference tests, showing great potential for Ciprofloxacin detection for several applications including medical and environmental screening due to its unique chemical framework.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/chem065-ciprofloxacin-detection-via-electrochemical-sensor\", \"title\": \"CHEM065 - Ciprofloxacin Detection via Electrochemical Sensor\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714617718325_USNJ02_CHEM065_MeghanaAddanki_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CHEM065 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV014\", \"title\": \"Global Microplastic Pollution - The Emerging Health Crisis: The Ecotoxicological Effects of Microplastics on Aquatic Organisms and Translating to Humans via A.I. Machine Learning &  a Novel Low-Cost Water Filtration System\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Kasala, Abhith\"], \"school\": \"Gainesville High School\", \"abstract\": \"The escalating scale of \u201cGlobal Plastic Pollution\u201d is leading to the omnipresence of Microplastics (MPs), negatively impacting the environment, world's water quality, aquatic organisms, and human health in trophic transfer. Annually, >400 million tons of plastic enter landfills and oceans due to its non-biodegradable nature. Plastics depolymerize through physical/chemical processes fragmenting their long carbonaceous chains, producing microplastics, =5 mm. Polyethylene (PET)/polystyrene (PS) are the most commonly used plastics with >125 million tons produced annually. Studies show MPs are endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, diabetogens, obesogens, neurotoxins, etc. Stage 1 is a comprehensive novel investigation to bridge knowledge gaps in the size/concentration-dependent effects of PS and PET-MPs on zebrafish embryos as a model organism for humans. Embryos were exposed to environmentally relevant sizes 4, 10, and 15\u00b5m PS-MPs, and 100\u00b5m PET-MPs at lo%/hi%  for 6 days-post-fertilization. Embryotoxicological effects were assessed via morphology, HR, VMR assays(behavior), and qPCR(gene expression). 3 AI models were developed to identify zebrafish deformity image recognition (convolutional neural network), predict molecular binding of chemicals in microplastics with zebrafish and human enzymes to analyze inhibitory effects, and identify biomarkers for diseases/cancers via gene expression levels from experimental data (B/C Deep Learning) for efficiently analyzing large datasets w/ 95% accuracy. Stage 2 is a novel remediation method(w/ 99% efficacy) for extracting MPs in water sources utilizing Moringa oleifera seed powder as a natural coagulant in a scalable, sustainable, and low-cost water purification prototype for mitigating the global water microplastic pollution crisis.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/eaev014-global-plastic-pollution-emerging-health-crisis\", \"title\": \"EAEV014 - Global Plastic Pollution-Emerging Health Crisis\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714084935039_4_25_2024_ISEF_2024_Project_Video_FINAL_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EAEV014 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV029T\", \"title\": \"Development of Multiparametric Microfluidic Chip Focusing on Water Quality Monitoring\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Kang, Soyon\", \"Lee, Yena\", \"Shin, Jiwon\"], \"school\": \"Korean Minjok Leadership Academy\", \"abstract\": \"This research addresses the widespread issue of drinking water contamination in resource-constrained areas. We propose using cost-effective multiparameter microfluidic chips to assess water quality parameters: turbidity, arsenic concentration, and microbial count - each representing physical, chemical, and biological property. For each of the three parameters, an appropriate colorimetric detection method was adapted to be used in the microfluidic chip device. Validation involves spectrophotometric measurements and RGB analysis by using Image J. This study aims to contribute to a better understanding of water quality assessment in challenging environments, promoting public health protection.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/eaev029t-water-quality-monitoring-via-microfluidic-chip\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"EAEV029T - Water Quality Monitoring via Microfluidic Chip | Regeneron ISEF 2025\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"EAEV029T - Water Quality Monitoring via Microfluidic Chip. This research addresses the widespread issue of drinking water contamination in resource-constrained areas. We propose using cost-effective multiparameter microfluidic chips to assess water quality parameters: turbidity, arsenic concentration, and microbial count - each representing physical, chemical, and biological property. For each of the three parameters, an appropriate colorimetric detection method was adapted to be used in the mic\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/27ClLH5MqlU?si=wgGGQJRGtqtF4fLi\", \"title\": \"EAEV029T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV033\", \"title\": \"Global Soil Respiration Insights Through Machine Learning: Projections and Future Climate Change Implications\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Lim, Manfred\"], \"school\": \"Jericho High School\", \"abstract\": \"Global soil carbon stock contains more than twice the amount of carbon found in Earth\u2019s atmosphere. Soil respiration (Rs) is the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) from soil microorganisms and plant roots into the atmosphere, representing the second-largest terrestrial carbon flux on Earth. This process is sensitive to climate change but varies spatially. Traditional Rs measurements are conducted over small land areas (<1m2) using surface chambers or underground CO2 sensors. Upscaling to global levels and predicting future vulnerability requires an understanding between Rs and its controlling factors. The relationship between Rs and soil properties, climate factors, and vegetation attributes was investigated by adopting a data-driven machine learning (ML) model. This study leveraged the georeferenced soil respiration database (SRDB v5.0), the latest compilation of Rs data worldwide, and a cluster of predictor variables derived from Google Earth Engine at each corresponding spatial location. A soil respiration prediction model was created with an R-squared value of 0.55 and a root mean squared error of 1.7 gC m-2 using eighteen predictor variables. Key findings identified soil respiration\u2019s novel dependence on pH, cation exchange capacity, and surface solar radiation. With the filtered predictor variables, the ML model was applied globally to identify regional Rs hotspots and assess vulnerability under three future scenarios: failed Paris Climate Agreement goals, fluctuating precipitation, and reforestation. This study advances our understanding of Earth\u2019s soil carbon dynamics, improves the accuracy of Rs predictions, and provides insights to inform climate change mitigation strategies and guide policymaking and conservation efforts.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/eaev033-global-soil-respiration-insights-through-ml\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"EAEV033 - Global Soil Respiration Insights Through ML\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"machine learning (ML) model. Key findings identified soil respiration's novel dependence on pH, cation exchange capacity, and surface solar radiation.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/DTwCZKnfKQ4?si=1Z9yb_5rqSM87uTz\", \"title\": \"EAEV033 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV049\", \"title\": \"Magnetizing Oil: A New Paradigm for Cleaning Up Aquatic Oil Spills\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Haddad, Miriam\"], \"school\": \"Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy\", \"abstract\": \"In 2023, more than 10,000 oil spills caused approximately 706 million gallons of oil to be spilled into the ocean, damaging the environment and costing billions of dollars in mitigation efforts. Magnetizing oil using ferrofluid is an efficient method for removing oil from the ocean while minimizing additional environmental harm. Ferrofluid is a colloidal liquid made up of nanoparticles that exhibit a strong magnetic response when subjected to a magnetic field. This study assessed the efficacy of ferrofluid in magnetizing oil to clean up aquatic spills under various temperatures and salinity conditions. The first hypothesis is that, if ferromagnetic nanoparticles are used to separate oil from water, then more than 50% of the oil, on average, will be successfully magnetized and extracted from the solution. This hypothesis was not supported; more than 40% of all three oils used were efficiently and successfully extracted from each water solution. The second is that if ferromagnetic nanoparticles are exposed to high salinities, then they will be less effective in magnetizing the oil since salt will weaken the water\u2019s magnetic field. The third is that if ferromagnetic nanoparticles are exposed to higher temperatures, then they will be less effective in magnetizing the oils since magnetic forces are weaker at higher temperatures. The efficacy of the ferrofluid in different water salinities and temperatures depended on the type of oil it was tested in. With the integration of this research conducted on the use of ferrofluid, with the novel method invented in this project to implement the use of this research on a larger scale, outside of controlled conditions, environmentalists may now consider the use of ferrofluid in order to reduce the large amounts of oil in the ocean.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/eaev049-magnetizing-oil-to-clean-up-aquatic-oil-spills\", \"title\": \"EAEV049 - Magnetizing Oil To Clean Up Aquatic Oil Spills\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712978482348_Official_ISEF_2024_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EAEV049 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV059\", \"title\": \"Global Pesticide Use and Parkinson's Disease Incidence: Using Data Science to Optimize Pesticide Regulations and Linking Glyphosate Exposure to Neural Inflammation\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Ayoubi, Angelina\"], \"school\": \"Somers High School\", \"abstract\": \"In this study, I use data science principles to analyze pesticide use and Parkinson's Disease (PD) incidence, internationally. Countries were clustered using DBSCANs, the k-means method, and by development using the Human Development Index reported by the World Health Organization. Dataframe compiling, clustering methods, statistical testing, and figures were coded in Python in Google CoLab and Jupyter Labs using the Bridges2 supercomputer and the statistical analysis software PRISM. The relationship between pesticide use per area cropland and the age-standardized incidence rate of Parkinson's Disease was further investigated for the cluster of highly developed countries. Agricultural policy and pesticide regulations were examined in highly developed countries using country-specific reports. Feasible regulations were outlined for countries with high PD incidence to protect populations from toxic agrochemical exposure. Focus was directed to glyphosate, a widely used pesticide in agriculture, of which millions of pounds are applied to principal US crops. I found that there exists a strong direct relationship between Parkinson\u2019s Disease incidence and the amount countries pay for glyphosate-applied US bulk grains. A novel understanding of PD risk was reached. To validate the findings of this study, previous data was investigated. This showed considerable potential for glyphosate to exacerbate neuroinflammation, a widely experienced symptom in Parkinson's patients. Glyphosate-induced cytokine release and increases in protein amyloid-beta levels may polarize immunoregulatory nerve cells called microglia in the hyperactive neurotoxic state and internally stress nerve cells. This retrospective analysis inspires future direct and actionable changes to pesticide regulations.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/eaev059-investigating-pesticides-and-parkinsons-disease\", \"title\": \"EAEV059 - Investigating Pesticides and Parkinson's Disease\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoEgi7Gg0MA\", \"title\": \"EAEV059 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV065\", \"title\": \"Spectroscopic and Colorimetric Analysis of Textiles Dyed With Local Invasive Plant Species and Waste-Derived Mordants\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Lammers, Lucia\"], \"school\": \"Harrison High School\", \"abstract\": \"Synthetic dyes used by the fashion industry pollute aquatic ecosystems and contribute to the bioaccumulation of toxic compounds in organisms. Natural dyes are alternatives to synthetics whose colors vary in hues, values, and chromas; however, they lack adequate color fastness which can be improved by mordant application. This study aimed to determine whether extracts from the leaves and stems of invasive plant species paired with waste-derived mordants can create material efficient, cost-effective, and safe natural dyes with large color ranges. Local invasive plant species Norway Maple (Acer platanoides), Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), and Porcelain Berry (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata) were chosen, because they are abundant and accessible; removing them for dyestuff promotes biodiversity. Dyestuff from these plants were combined with waste-derived iron, aluminum, and calcium mordants made from rusted metal, recycled cans, and eggshells. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy revealed bonds formed between natural dye chromophores and aluminum ions, indicated by the evolution of IR peaks at 1570 cm-1 and 600 cm-1. This supports the capability to increase dye fixation. The Munsell Color Matching System revealed that all dye-mordant complexes produced wide color ranges. A Life Cycle Assessment determined the material efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety of dyeing cotton textiles with Norway Maple and different mordants. These results determined that Norway Maple paired with aluminum acetate is the most optimal dye-mordant complex due to its high chromas, cost-effectiveness, and comparative safety. These methods may aid in repurposing invasive plants and reducing the environmental impacts of textile dyes.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/eaev065-invasive-plant-dyes-and-waste-derived-mordants\", \"title\": \"EAEV065 - Invasive Plant Dyes and Waste-Derived Mordants\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713232017802_ISEF_Video_Lammers.Lucia_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EAEV065 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV083T\", \"title\": \"Apparent Temperature Optimisation for Commercial Operations in Portable Buildings\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Mondol, Pothik\", \"Tripura, Monishi\", \"Hasan, Mohammad\"], \"school\": \"Darwin High School\", \"abstract\": \"The tropical climate of Darwin, Northern Territory of Australia, is notorious for unbearable temperatures exceeding 32C (90F) daily. Often felt in indoor environments, this leads to heat exhaustion and hyperthermia which affect the productivity of students and employees alike. Apparent temperature optimisation utilises the International Standard Organisation\u2019s mathematical models and ASHRAE Standard-55 Comfort Model to combine air-conditioners and ceiling fans to simulate a lower apparent temperature mitigating energy consumption and carbon emissions. This experiment was conducted in a universally applicable portable building. Six air-conditioning settings (24C-29C in 1C increments) were complemented with maximal ceiling fan settings to simulate different environmental conditions. After a stabilisation period, the four required measurements of apparent temperature calculation (radiant temperature, globe temperature, relative humidity, and wind velocity) were recorded in 40 evenly-spaced locations across the portable building. Over 4,000 measurements were generatively modelled on contour maps to represent the predicted mean vote (PMV) changes and identify the subsequent cool and hot spots. Ultimately, the optimal combination of air-conditioner setting at 28C (82F) and maximum fan speeds simulated an apparent temperature between 27.65C-28.02C, yielding a PMV of -0.15 (closest to zero) and universal predicted dissatisfaction proportion of 6.65%. With a current 23.5C (74F) legal temperature for official buildings in Australia, this new optimal combination could save $300 AUD ($200 USD) annually in one portable classroom; and when applied to the 8,300 portable classrooms in the LA Unified Schools District, could conserve 7.6m kWh, $1.7m USD and 8,234 tonnes of CO2 per annum.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/eaev083t-apparent-temperature-optimisation\", \"title\": \"EAEV083T - Apparent Temperature Optimisation\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714125477538_ISEF_VIDEO1_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EAEV083T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV088T\", \"title\": \"FloodCast: Predicting Floods and Their Socioeconomic Impacts Through Deep Learning Neural Networks and Regression\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Zhuang, Adrian\", \"Zhuang, Alex\"], \"school\": \"The King's School\", \"abstract\": \"Floods are widely considered the most expensive natural disaster due to their destructive nature and severe societal repercussions. Thus, our research seeks to predict flood occurrences and quantify their socio-economic impacts. To do so, we collated the largest dataset of historical floods ever used in Australian flood research (>1200 entries) and mapped flood locations in the past two decades to hydrological flooding factors (rainfall, elevation etc.) using ArcGIS. The resulting dataset underwent unsupervised clustering to display statistical significance and was used to train a deep learning neural network with a 85-90% accuracy, allowing us to make location-specific flood predictions. Using a K-nearest-neighbours optimisation algorithm, we also determined the most relevant factors in flood prediction to assist future research. Going one step beyond existing literature on floods, this paper is also the first instance of Australian research to combine flood analysis with sociological analysis. We left-merged the floods dataset with Australian census data and performed ordinary least squares regressions, using a dummy variable to distinguish flooded & non-flooded data points. By analysing the coefficient of this dummy variable, we discovered that flooded areas experience a ~5% increase in Indigenous Australian population, hinting towards a dangerous possibility of environmental redlining. We also quantified how floods impact household income, unemployment, and migration. By making our datasets open-access and developing a publicly available flood prediction application containing our neural network model, our goal is that everybody, up to governments and down to individuals, can benefit from the results of this research.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714214909407_ISEF_video_final_real_without_copyright_without_covering_face_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EAEV088T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EBED004\", \"title\": \"Extending PCPU: A New, Practical, and Production-Ready Processor Core Written From Scratch\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\", \"category_code\": \"EBED\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Wegrzyn, Piotr\"], \"school\": \"Liceum Ogolnoksztatcace nr XIV im. Polonii Belgijskiej we Wroclawiu\", \"abstract\": \"PCPU is a processor that I created from scratch as my previous work. Besides the processor, I provided a complete toolchain (including C language compiler, assembler, emulator), together creating a full computing system. The objective of this research was to design and implement a completely new, improved processor core that would be practical for use in real-world scenarios and for production, based on the previous PCPU external architecture.\\nThe new core is based on pipelined architecture, introduces instruction and data caches, and supports multi-core operation. The processor was implemented in hardware on an FPGA circuit first, after which a design for the production on silicon was created. Support for the new core was included in the existing tools and operating system.\\nA unique characteristic of the project is while being a simple design, it includes features found only in expensive processors, that may be not optimal for use in every project. This includes basic safety features, that are often not available but are especially important, in the processors used in IoT or industrial devices - which project is focusing on.\\nLeveraging the new micro-architecture design, the core performance has been improved over 50 times. The project was proven by extensive verification on multiple levels, and implementation of example use case demonstrations. As the processor and all the necessary tools were created in-house, the project is fully self-contained. With its cost-effectiveness, it is available to a broad range of devices, creating new possibilities which could significantly improve software of control systems.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf/24873\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 20, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.62\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"[PDF] Extending PCPU: A New, Practical, and Production-Ready Processor ...\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.62, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"The objective of this research was to design and implement a completely new, improved processor core that would be practical for use in real-world scenarios and\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/ebed004-extending-pcpu-improved-processor-core\", \"title\": \"EBED004 - Extending PCPU - Improved Processor Core\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyAqigncVQM\", \"title\": \"EBED004 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EBED019\", \"title\": \"MagGrid: Non-Levitative Electromagnet Robot Propulsion Method for 2-D Material Handling\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\", \"category_code\": \"EBED\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Li, Shangqiu\"], \"school\": \"Camas High School\", \"abstract\": \"Autonomous mobile robot (AMR) fleets are widely used in smart warehouses, distribution centers and manufacturing to bring operational efficiency, with their market projected reaching up to $18.9 billion by 2032.  However, the cost of AMR fleets grows fast with more robots, since every robot requires complex onboard subsystems including navigation, communication, battery, etc. Their productivity also goes down due to the required intensive computing, slow avoidance, and downtime for the battery charging. The use of batteries is not environmentally friendly either. My goal is to develop a robot propulsion method for robot fleet with the robots themselves passive, thereby removing redundant onboard subsystems and improving fleet operation throughput, cost-effectiveness, and reliability. In this project, the propulsion mechanism and system architect were studied, resulting in a novel method of using radial magnetic forces of an electromagnet coil grid underneath to drive the wheeled robot platforms with embedded bar magnets. I custom-modelled the magnetic field and dynamics equation of the robot for use with the developed PD-based motion control algorithm and Hall-effect sensor-based localization method. The propulsion and motion control method were verified through the prototype and various tests to demonstrate the concept and application viability, including maximum speed, peak power draw, positioning accuracy carrying capacity, and stability in different motion configurations. Overall, this research for the first time presents a wheel-based non-levitative electromagnet robot propulsion method for robot fleets for large-volume material handling applications. Furthermore, this method can extend to other applications like assistive propulsion for cars.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/ebed019-maggrid-non-levitative-electromagnet-propulsion\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.57\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"MagGrid: Non-Levitative Electromagnet Propulsion\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.57, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Overall, this research for the first time presents a wheel-based non-levitative electromagnet robot propulsion method for robot fleets for large-volume material\"}, {\"url\": \"https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/iel8/6287639/10820123/11113269.pdf\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 12, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.57\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"Non-Levitative Electromagnet Robot Propulsion Method for ...\", \"source_domain\": \"ieeexplore.ieee.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.57\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This paper presents a non-levitative electromagnetic propulsion method for planar robots that uses a sparse grid of floor-mounted stator coils\"}, {\"url\": \"https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2025IEEEA..1353498L/abstract\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 12, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.57\", \"llm:own:0.85\"], \"title\": \"Non-Levitative Electromagnet Robot Propulsion Method for ...\", \"source_domain\": \"ui.adsabs.harvard.edu\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.57\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This paper presents a non-levitative electromagnetic propulsion method for planar robots that uses a sparse grid of floor-mounted stator coils to actuate\"}, {\"url\": \"https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/iel8/6287639/6514899/11113269.pdf\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 12, \"status\": \"needs_review\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.57\", \"llm:related:0.75\"], \"title\": \"Non-Levitative Electromagnet Robot Propulsion Method for ...\", \"source_domain\": \"ieeexplore.ieee.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.57\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This paper presents a non-levitative electromagnetic propulsion method for planar robots that uses a sparse grid of floor-mounted stator coils to actuate\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712817692127_isef_final_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EBED019 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EBED025\", \"title\": \"Omni Wheel: An Innovative Wheel Design for a Walker With Pressure Tracking, Lidar Sensing and Braking Capability\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\", \"category_code\": \"EBED\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Chadha, Annika\"], \"school\": \"duPont Manual High School\", \"abstract\": \"About 38 million falls are reported among older adults each year in the US alone with more than 50,000 fall injuries associated with walkers, leading to more than 30,000 hospitalizations. One of the key reasons for these falls is the level of difficulty encountered by walker users while maneuvering around, and particularly when turning. The standard Straight Wheel walker requires significant manipulation, and commonly needing to be picked up while turning, contributing to several falls.\\nI developed an Omni Wheel for walkers, which allows users to maneuver very smoothly and turn on their own center of rotation rather than drag the Straight Wheel walker about the axis. This wheel has a Bell and Cup design to connect to the walker. An original Arduino RP2040 sensor was also designed to enhance walker safety in 3 ways \u2013 1. Embedding pressure sensors to monitor and track instability in gait patterns or muscle weaknesses that can lead to falls; 2. Attaching Lidar sensors to identify potential obstacles in the way of the walker, which can lead to tripping and falls; and 3. Developing a braking mechanism that activates upon sensing obstacles to help users from tripping over obstacles.\\nPressure Sensors were embedded in all 4 legs of the walker to continuously gather load data. The Lidar sensors were attached to the front of the walker at a 30o angle to sweep the area in front of the walker to track obstacles, and the automated brake made of a motor, coupler, T-nut and Acme screw engaged upon appropriate triggering. All the engineering components like the Omni Wheels, the load sensors, the Lidar, and the brakes were tested rigorously in multiple ways, across multiple trials, and yielded very successful results consistently.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/ebed025-omni-wheel-for-enhanced-walker-safety\", \"title\": \"EBED025 - Omni Wheel for Enhanced Walker Safety\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oYhWxMf9F8\", \"title\": \"EBED025 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EBED041\", \"title\": \"Continuous Hemodynamics Monitor: Novel Smart Sensor for Real-Time Postoperative Cardiac Care\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\", \"category_code\": \"EBED\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Mathew, Calvin\"], \"school\": \"American Heritage School\", \"abstract\": \"Importance: Decompensated heart failure causes 3 million rehospitalizations. This is a result of current ineffective and inaccessible cardiac monitoring standards, which rely on symptoms that appear too late in disease progression.\\nDesign: This investigation developed an implantable arterial sensor for presymptomatic diagnoses. The sensors were designed and optimized through electromagnetic simulations. The final stretchable prototype was nanofabricated and validated through biomechanical and sensing assays. Additionally, a nitinol actuation system was developed and wirelessly powered to create telemetrically adaptable medical devices.\\nResults: The sensor accurately monitored arterial pressure, flow, and diameter similar to clinical standards with <2% error, as shown by statistically insignificant differences (one-way ANOVA, p>0.05). Changes in tissue size and dielectric resulted in proportional changes in the sensor's capacitance reading. The sensors were highly sensitive to pressure changes (0-10 kPa) at 13.46 kPa^-1. Hysteresis was minimized to 2.5%. The novel device's actuation was validated on simulated heart failure hemodynamics. The microcontroller's rechargeable battery was wirelessly charged with power transfer efficiency peaking at 70%.\\nApplication: Overall, the novel sensors developed in this project are a viable monitoring system and can be broadly applied to diagnose and monitor decompensated heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/ebed041-novel-continuous-hemodynamics-monitor\", \"title\": \"EBED041 - Novel Continuous Hemodynamics Monitor\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/cX5yZziq5Bc\", \"title\": \"EBED041 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EGSD018\", \"title\": \"SkyWindFarm: Harnessing High Altitude Wind Power in Scalable Manner\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\", \"category_code\": \"EGSD\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Dagade, Yash\"], \"school\": \"Eden Prairie High School\", \"abstract\": \"Wind energy is cubically proportional to wind velocity. As altitude increases, wind velocity not only significantly increases but also becomes more consistent in direction and intensity. However, current airborne wind energy systems (AWES) struggle to harness this stable, untapped resource at scale. SkyWindFarm is the first AWE system capable of harnessing the power of high-altitude winds in a scalable manner. Utilizing vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) in a bio-inspired cluster configuration, SkyWindFarm capitalizes on the inherent advantages of VAWTs for airborne applications, such as increased stability and optimal performance in farm configurations. Simulated annealing based CFD optimizations have been conducted to optimize the VAWT cluster, resulting in an overall Cp of 0.47 at TSR 3.0. The system's development has achieved a Technology Readiness Level of 5 through proof-of-concept airborne demonstrations, utilizing a laboratory-scale prototype. Empirical results from wind tunnel testing show a strong alignment (correlation>0.95) with CFD simulations. Further, a transient 6 Degrees of Freedom simulation reveals that SkyWindFarm can reject even the harshest disturbances in approximately 7 seconds. The study comprehensively addresses all major challenges. A comparative cost analysis reveals that SkyWindFarm outperforms current FlyGen AWEs by 25% in efficiency and offers one of the most competitive levelized costs of energy at 25$/MWhr. Furthermore, SkyWindFarm design has the emergent capability for rapid adoption, capable of ramping up power production to the megawatt range. SkyWindFarm is also the first AWE system that can serve as a primary power source, bolstering its value for remote communities and marking a crucial stride toward a sustainable future for all.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/egsd018-skywindfarm\", \"title\": \"EGSD018 - SkyWindFarm\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712720934626_SWF_2min_Made_with_Clipchamp_1__thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EGSD018 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/gDUk6V607js\", \"title\": \"EGSD018 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EGSD021\", \"title\": \"Optimizing Graphitic Carbon Nitride to Create a Safe, Effective, and Economic Form of Hydrogen Storage\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\", \"category_code\": \"EGSD\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Novoa, Valeria\"], \"school\": \"James Madison High School\", \"abstract\": \"In recent years, more renewable and clean forms of energy have emerged, among them is hydrogen energy. While it is an advantageous option, its downside, which prevents it from being more commonly used, is its ability to be stored. This research explores the different ways the cheap and abundant resource of urea fertilizer can be modified to optimize its hydrogen storage capacities. The hypothesis was that if graphitic carbon nitride is doped with carbon, then it will produce the most effective form of hydrogen storage. For this research, three different materials were created: pure graphitic carbon nitride, carbon-doped graphitic carbon nitride, and metal-doped graphitic carbon nitride. Using an airtight chamber engineered for the experiment, each material was individually placed inside and filled with hydrogen gas obtained through electrolysis. Through this process, the materials were able to absorb hydrogen and retain it at ambient temperature. Pre-post analysis was conducted by measuring the weight change of each material before and after hydrogen exposure. All materials increased in weight, indicating hydrogen absorption. Metal-doped graphitic carbon nitride absorbed less than 1% of its original weight in hydrogen, while pure graphitic carbon nitride and carbon-doped graphitic carbon nitride absorbed 2% and 4%, respectively. This study proved carbon-doped graphitic carbon nitride to be the most effective in storing hydrogen out of the three materials. Further research could involve doping graphitic carbon nitride with other nano-particles to further increase storage capacities.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/egsd021-graphitic-carbon-nitride-for-hydrogen-storage\", \"title\": \"EGSD021 - Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Hydrogen Storage\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712895235471_ISEF_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EGSD021 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EGSD023\", \"title\": \"Enhancing Sodium-Ion Batteries by Synthesizing a Novel Cathode Using Covalent Organic Frameworks Doped With Carbon Nanotubes\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\", \"category_code\": \"EGSD\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Almesned, Sulaiman\"], \"school\": \"Dhahran Ahliyya School\", \"abstract\": \"Given the anticipated scarcity of lithium, there is a potential risk of inadequate supply for future lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are promising alternatives to LIBs due to the abundance of elemental sodium. However, SIBs fail to meet the performance characteristics of LIBs due to the big size of sodium ions and the large molecular weight of the inorganic electrode materials. This research aims to develop new lightweight organic cathode material to enhance the rate performance, cycling stability, and specific capacity of SIBs. The new cathode material consists of a covalent organic framework (COF) called PDANDI doped with different carbon nanotubes (CNTs) percentages, 0% (pure PDANDI), 30%, 50%, and 100% (pure CNT). Following their fabrication, five batteries were fully characterized, and the performance of twelve batteries was evaluated via electrochemical analysis. It was found that PDANDI-50% CNT exhibits a specific capacity of 110mAh/g greater than the 71mAh/g, 67mAh/g, and 27 mAh/g of the PDANDI-30% CNT, PDANDI, and pure CNT batteries, respectively. Specifically, PDANDI-50% CNT demonstrates stability over 5000 cycles and an average discharge voltage of 2.1V, greater than the previously reported Aza-COF, which exhibits stability over 500 cycles with an average discharge voltage of 0.7V. Further, ex-situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements showed the reaction mechanism of carbonyl bonds during charge and discharge processes. The fabrication of SIBs with COF-CNT-based cathode material is crucial for developing effective SIBs that can be utilized in stationary applications and energy storage systems to reduce reliance on LIBs.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/egsd023-novel-cof-cnt-cathode-for-enhanced-sibs\", \"title\": \"EGSD023 - Novel COF-CNT Cathode for Enhanced SIBs\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713129882883_Sulaiman_Abdulrahman_Almesned_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EGSD023 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EGSD025\", \"title\": \"Cost-effective Ultrasound Utilization on Cement-Based Composites for Scalable Fabrication of Bifunctional All-solid-State Ultracapacitors\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\", \"category_code\": \"EGSD\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Alghannam, Latifa\"], \"school\": \"KFUPM Schools\", \"abstract\": \"In response to immense international energy demands, the industrial sector must witness a historic alteration for bulk energy storage with a wide range of up-scaling spectra for commercial utilization. Due to its scalable, porous, durable, and abundant availability, concrete cement has emerged as a scalable material for efficient ultracapacitors, yet it is not conductive. Herein, highly conductive cement-based composites were uniquely prepared from a self-synthesized polypyrrole conducting polymer utilizing the novel probe ultrasonication technique. Additionally, for the first time in scalable cement-based ultracapacitors, the fabricated ultracapacitor indicated a full-solid-state structure with liquid-free electrolyte, which reduced the leakage, inclined the potential window, and thereby increased the stability. Large pores were captured through SEM magnifications, which logically indicates the vast surface area, whereas EDX alongside XPS identified the cement integrity/purity. After many experimental trials, an exceptional specific capacitance of 101.2F/g was calculated through the CV and GCD analysis at a wide potential window of 2V retaining a notable 92% of the total capacitance after 5000 cycles maintaining superior stability/strength. Such fascinating findings outperformed similar reports with an impressive 148% efficiency-enhancement and 82% cost decline. This research introduced bifunctional cement properties as it simultaneously functions as a construction/building material and as a bulk storage unit for practical/scalable implementation. This project contributes a key-step towards large-scale commercial ultracapacitors for utilization in miniaturized and large-scale intermittent power supplies and reinforce the attainment of a sustainable circular economy.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/egsd025-dual-scalable-design-of-concrete-ultracapacitors\", \"title\": \"EGSD025 - Dual Scalable Design of Concrete Ultracapacitors\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713191349041_Latifa_Hesham_Alghannam_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EGSD025 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM011\", \"title\": \"STEPs Ahead: Self-Powered Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Dynamic Multidirectional Pressure Sensing\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Wu, Jiaqi (School: NUS High School of Mathematics &amp\", \"Science)\"], \"school\": null, \"abstract\": \"Advancements in human machine interface and human motion monitoring require effective real-time pressure sensing to provide enhance interactive capabilities and enable smart feedback systems. However, developing a sensor with a simple fabrication process that combines mass reproducibility and high sensitivity at clinically relevant pressure range has remained a significant obstacle. Herein, a self-powered triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) based pressure sensor (STEPs) with real-time remote sensing ability is proposed to meet these critical demands, offering high sensitivity in clinically relevant range of 0 - 70mmHg, catering to the needs of various applications. STEPs introduces an innovative composite material, homogeneously blending Carbon Black (CB) and Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix at optimal content ratio via ultrasonication and degassing for unprecedented performance characteristics. Together with the unique three-dimensional structure, STEPs achieved high surface charge density, leading to a high sensitivity of 2.61 \u00b1 0.02 mV/mmHg with excellent linearity of R-square \u02dc 0.9962, while following a much simpler fabrication process as compared with previous works. A wireless measurement and data transfer system, established between an array of STEPs for multidirectional pressure sensing and a remote readout device with 2.5 Hz refresh rate, further enables real-time remote display of pressure readings. It is envisioned that this highly sensitive sensor is broadly applicable to many fields, with significant potential for commercialisation in both human-machine interface and biomedical applications.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf/25063\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 20, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.56\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"STEPs Ahead: Self-Powered Triboelectric Nanogenerator ...\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.56, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"A wireless measurement and data transfer system, established between an array of STEPs for multidirectional pressure sensing and a remote readout device with\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm011-self-powered-multidirectional-pressure-sensor\", \"title\": \"ENBM011 - Self-Powered Multidirectional Pressure Sensor\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711973609796_video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENBM011 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711973647740_demo_1min__thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENBM011 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM033\", \"title\": \"To Infinity Egg Beyond: Novel Systems for Hyper-Customizable Egg Models\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"El-Sherbiny, Muhammad\"], \"school\": \"Bergen County Academies\", \"abstract\": \"The Framework for Embryonic Analysis Through Hyper-customization Enhancement Research (FEATHER) enhances avian egg studies, enabling custom egg modification while preserving embryo viability. FEATHER features four sequentially integrated prototypes: WAVE (laser-based Windower for Avian Eggs) allows for custom-sized shell openings and shows 94% efficiency in creating windows without damaging the inner shell membrane. STACCs (Self-healing & Transparent Air-Cell Caps) allow access to the egg cavity while preventing fungal cross-contamination during incubation. STACCed eggs showed similar water loss and embryo viability when compared to non-STACCed control eggs, even after various interventions including albumen aspiration, saline injection, and wire probe insertion. STACCs also improved image quality and illumination by reducing glare and increasing embryo photokinesis. TREBEL (Treatment Evaluation using Binary Enhanced Logic) is a novel adaptation of a binary allocation riddle. A multi-layer perceptron network (MLP) can identify the most impactful treatment while using fewer experimental groups than treatments. TREBEL MLP trained on synthetic data showed 86% accuracy in predicting the most impactful of 3 treatments using 2 model organisms; in vivo validation testing is underway. MFii (Multi-Field Imaging Incubator) is the first-of-its-kind device that allows for magnified visualization of the embryonic air-cell vasculature from outside the incubator, preventing condensation and embryonic perturbation. Together, WAVE, STACC, TREBEL, and MFii offer a novel toolkit for in-ovo modifications with uses ranging from gender identification to disease modeling and vaccine development, pushing the boundaries of precision medicine, agriculture, and consumer food enhancement.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm033-novel-systems-for-hyper-customizable-egg-models\", \"title\": \"ENBM033 - Novel Systems for Hyper-Customizable Egg Models \", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712806978315_Layman_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENBM033 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712811165333_ISEF_DEMO_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENBM033 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM035\", \"title\": \"Design and Development of an Open-Source, Myo-Electric Robotic Upper Limb Prosthesis Using Additive Manufacturing\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Lothamer, Benjamin\"], \"school\": \"Mid-Prairie Home School Education Center\", \"abstract\": \"Background: Developing functional prostheses for the upper limb has historically posed challenges. Amputation of the hand due to military combat injury, disease, or other trauma carries significant psychosocial implications, warranting exploration within orthotics and prosthetics. Timely access to prostheses influences patient usage, rehabilitation, cost-effectiveness, and healthcare burden.\\nProblem: This project addresses key issues in the prosthetics industry, focusing on the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of upper limb prostheses while ensuring functionality and reliability.\\nEngineering Design Process: Research and development of this prosthesis encompasses considerations of anatomy, physiology, prosthetics, orthotics, biomechanical engineering, robotics, and psychosocial factors. Employing Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and programming logic, the project aims to reduce wait times for replacement parts and functionality through iterative design processes, leveraging off-the-shelf products and FDM 3-D printing.\\nSolution: The current iteration features a tendon-based finger system, which allows the hand to employ the full force of each motor while retaining the adaptability that is vital to completing all 7 primary grip patterns. The control system mimics natural hand movements by segmenting into three sections. Specifically, the thumb employs dual motors, while the remaining fingers optimize for precision and strength. Additive manufacturing techniques are explored to reduce costs, emphasizing use of readily available off-the-shelf components for efficient replacement part sourcing. Applications include usage as a training device for the period between receiving a commercial prosthesis, as a temporary prosthesis, and as a more accessible prosthetic device.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm035-robotic-upper-limb-prosthesis\", \"title\": \"ENBM035 - Robotic Upper Limb Prosthesis\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712820419731_IMG_5563_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENBM035 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM048\", \"title\": \"PRecision Exospinal Constructive Innovative Stereotactic Evolution (PRECISE)\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Chan, Keanu\"], \"school\": \"Mount Baker Secondary School\", \"abstract\": \"Spinal treatment modalities such as spinal fusion and trauma surgery, radiofrequency ablation, and cancer biopsies require the utmost precision to avoid damaging critical structures such as the spinal cord. Current methods used for spine surgery require substantial amounts of equipment, several technicians, and are cost prohibitive at most hospitals ($900,000 CAD). The purpose of this project was to develop a simple, accurate, and low-cost stereotactic device for spinal treatment modalities. The pedicle entry points and facet joints are commonly targeted during spine surgery. The interpedicular distance (IPD), interfacet distance (IFD), and vertebral body width (VBW) were digitally measured from every lower thoracic and lumbar spine level on Computed Tomographic (CT) imaging, totalling 990 measurements. Coefficient of variation, Pearson\u2019s Correlation, and Spearman Rho\u2019s statistics all showed a significant correlation amongst these measurements. Importantly, this relationship provided the ability to accurately predict the IPD and IFD from the VBW alone. A prototype was developed and tested by guiding a needle in a three-dimensional axis to target the pedicle entry points and facet joints in an anatomically correct spine model and deer spine sample using the calculated IPD and IFD. All 180 trials were successful in targeting anatomic structures, regardless of age, sex, or vertebral level. The simple and low-cost stereotactic device developed in this study, estimated at $500 CAD, demonstrated a high level of accuracy targeting structures used commonly in spine surgery. PRECISE has the potential to improve surgical safety, minimize invasive surgery, further operating room efficiency, and simplify surgical procedures.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm048-precise\", \"title\": \"ENBM048 - PRECISE\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713738768208_ISEF_2_min_FINAL_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENBM048 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM065\", \"title\": \"UpLift Mobility: Robotic Lift to Elevate Frequently Falling Individuals\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Tan, Jeslyn\"], \"school\": \"Barker College\", \"abstract\": \"The author designed and manufactured a robotic lift called \u201cUpLift Mobility\u201d, to elevate frequently falling individuals from the ground, inspired by her grandpa\u2019s increased falls. According to the WHO, after falling, 48% of older people report a fear of falling, and 25% report curtailing activities. Therefore, the major engineering goal was to design an aesthetic and structurally sound robotic lift that an individual could confidently operate without the assistance of a carer. Utilising SolidWorks 3D CAD software, the robotic lift\u2019s versatile self-driving function is complemented by a modern artistic armchair design. The drive base and lift are linked to an Apple watch app, created by the author. Using the Apple watch\u2019s embedded fall detection feature, the app is enabled when a fall is detected. The individual will then be asked whether to call for the robotic lift and/or call for help. The robot navigates toward the user using visual simultaneous localisation mapping technology viewed on the carer mobile app, the author has designed. When approaching the individual, face tracking on the robot\u2019s camera and the Apple watch app joystick finetune the robot\u2019s position and finally lifts the individual off the ground using either a button on the lift or the Apple watch controls. UpLift Mobility requires no external assistance allowing for independent living and confidence, providing a safer method of lifting fallen individuals for carers. It gives family members a sense of security and it is a more dignified way for an individual to get up after a fall.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm065-lift-to-elevate-frequently-falling-individuals\", \"title\": \"ENBM065 - Lift to Elevate Frequently Falling Individuals\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/x0z5yW3Okz8\", \"title\": \"ENBM065 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM067\", \"title\": \"A Rigid-Elastic Hybrid Finger Exoskeleton Rehabilitation System (FERS) for Stroke Patients With Motor Impairment\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Wu, Brad\"], \"school\": \"Arizona College Prep High School\", \"abstract\": \"Rehabilitation needs for stroke patients with motor impairment have garnered great attention worldwide. Addressing the limitations observed in existing hand rehabilitation devices, particularly in aspects like Finger Precision, Fine Motor Coordination, and Isolated Finger Movement, as well as mitigating the risk of accidental pain and injury caused by the exoskeleton itself, a novel hybrid finger exoskeleton rehabilitation system supporting the index finger and thumb has been designed and implemented, incorporating the exoskeleton structure and a versatile user interface. Its advantages include precise control of each finger joint, more Degree of Freedom (DOF) and Range of Motion (ROM) movements, pain and injury protection, a user-friendly interface, cheaper, and lighter. Noteworthy features include an optimal Multi-bar Serial Linkage with a compact Z-shape structure and specialized palm components to reduce size, and elastic elements to alleviate excess force. The hybrid materials used offer advantages from both rigid and elastic components. The 3D-printed exoskeleton structure, inclusive of 6 motors, weighs a mere 300g. Versatile user interface methods, such as GUI Phone App, Mechanical Switch, AI Voice Control, and Computer Vision with Machine Learning which enables preliminary autonomous grasping, have been integrated. Experimental results confirm the successful achievement of all design goals, showcasing all 7 DOF movements and precise control on each joint and phalanx during rehabilitation training. Performance in practical tests, demonstrating the ability to grasp, pinch, type, and touch, plus a 100% repeatability rate, proves the rehabilitation system's significance in aiding individuals with finger impairment due to stroke and spinal cord injuries.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm067-hybrid-finger-exoskeleton-system\", \"title\": \"ENBM067 - Hybrid Finger Exoskeleton System \", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713987025111_Brad_Wu_ENBM067_FERS_v2_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENBM067 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM075\", \"title\": \"Clear: Utilizing Glasses-Based Beamformers to Improve Speech Clarity and Spatial Context for the Hearing Impaired\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Gomes, Armaan\"], \"school\": \"Homestead High School\", \"abstract\": \"Hearing loss is the fourth most prevalent disability worldwide, affecting one in five people, and is correlated with depression, isolation, and decreased life expectancy. Innovation in hearing aids over the last century has focused on miniaturization to overcome stigma. While successful, this focus has resulted in a form-factor with intrinsic physical limitations that hinder directionality and spatial context. Directionality is crucial to communication and social behavior in noisy environments. Hearing aids\u2019 diminished directionality reduces speech clarity and spatial perception.\\nclEar, a beamforming hearing aid, unlike traditional designs, uses a glasses-based array of microphones to reduce unwanted noise and restore directionality for $200. clEar utilizes Golomb spacing to double audio bandwidth, a custom Multi Source Minimum Variance Distortionless Response (MSMVDR) beamforming technique to improve speech clarity while maintaining auditory transparency, and a hybrid multi-speaker tracking algorithm that integrates accelerometer data to compensate for head motion.\\nEvaluation using voices from the LibreSpeech audiobook recordings demonstrated a 71% increase in speech clarity as measured by Short Term Objective Intelligibility (STOI) and a 9.9 dB increase in Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) after MSMVDR processing. The hybrid source tracking algorithm exhibited an average error of 3.8\u00b0, significantly outperforming the 58\u00b0 error of a standard GCC based approach.\\nThe novel array design enables efficient spatial processing and low power wearable implementation. clEar shows that glasses-based beamformers enhance speech clarity and spatial context in a socially-acceptable form-factor and have the potential to dramatically improve the lives of those with hearing loss.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?ISEFYears=0%2C2022%2C&Category=Any+Category&AllAbstracts=True&FairCountry=Any+Country&FairState=CA&ProjectId=25518\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 18, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"Clear: Utilizing Glasses-Based Beamformers to ... - Full Abstract\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"isef_mention, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"The novel array design enables efficient spatial processing and low power wearable implementation. clEar shows that glasses-based beamformers enhance speech\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm075-beamforming-hearing-aid-glasses-for-speech-clarity\", \"title\": \"ENBM075 - Beamforming Hearing Aid Glasses for Speech Clarity\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714551586959_clEar_Explaination_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENBM075 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714555745952_clEar_Demo_cropped_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENBM075 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV013T\", \"title\": \"Coupling High-Efficient Redox Flow Desalination and Rejected Brine Towards Mineralization of CO2\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Ku, Chung-Ling\", \"Chao, Yun-Chieh\", \"Chu, Hsi-Chih\"], \"school\": \"The Affiliated Senior High School of National Taiwan Normal University\", \"abstract\": \"Both the disposal of rejected brine and CO2 emission are the most significant challenges associated with the desalination process. Herein, we present an integrated approach that utilizes a redox flow battery (RFB) employing potassium ferrocyanide/ferricyanide species with a low voltage (0.4 V) to drive the system. The rejected brine was then subjected to mineralization reactions with CO2 and the alkaline basalt from Penghu Island. This study investigated the effects of voltage, salt removal rate, recovery rate, energy consumption, and CO2 mineralization. The seawater feed (conductivity: 46.6 mS/cm) can be continuously desalinated to 0.5 mS/cm in the diluted stream, while it increases to 149.0 mS/cm in the concentrated stream. This resulted in a high charge efficiency of 94.0%, energy consumption of 6.3 kWh/m3, and a high recovery rate of 80.0%. The innovation of this system lies in the fact that the recovery rate in the RFB can be adjusted to increase the concentration of ions in the rejected brine for rapid and permanent CO2 storage. In the CO2 mineralization experiments, the changes in Ca2+, Mg2+ and pH values in the solution suggest the formation of CaCO3, MgCO3. It was also evident from Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy measurements. During a 96-hour period, the rejected brine captured 13.7% of the saturated carbon dioxide in the solution, whereas seawater only captured 0.9%. This demonstrates that CO2 mineralizes into carbonates much faster in the rejected brine. The low operating voltage required in the RFB system can be powered by solar energy. The combination of RFB and CO2 mineralization could result in carbon-negative seawater desalination, enhancing storage security and sustainability.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev013t-high-efficient-desalination-and-co2-fixation\", \"title\": \"ENEV013T - High-Efficient Desalination and CO2 Fixation \u200b\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711886699708_video_output_C0589236_633C_49CC_95F0_36AF7BEB8B7C_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENEV013T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV019\", \"title\": \"The Enhancement of a Novel 3D-Printed Electrodialysis Device Through the Implementation and Optimization of Spacer Designs\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Yoon, Dylan\"], \"school\": \"Manhasset High School\", \"abstract\": \"Despite the Earth\u2019s abundance of salt water, water access remains one of the greatest global challenges, underscoring the urgent need to improve technologies for desalination treatment. Electrodialysis, a novel desalination technology, uses electric charge to separate NaCl ions from feed water. It operates within a device made up of electrodes and ion exchange membranes separated by spacers.  The flow of water is critical to the effectiveness of electrodialysis. To address this, spacers can be modified to enhance fluid movement and turbulence. Research on enhancing fluid turbulence in electrodialysis, particularly through the creation of different spacer designs, and its effect on desalination performance is currently lacking. This study addresses this gap by evaluating self-made 3D-printed spacer designs\u2014tortuous pathway, cubic, and column\u2014against a spacer-less control within a 3D-printed electrodialysis module. Results demonstrated that desalination performance was enhanced with the incorporation of spacer designs, with the average salinity changes of each spacer ranking in order of increasing magnitude from the control, column, cubic, and tortuous pathway. Similarly, the Reynolds numbers ranked in identical order, indicating that increasing fluid turbulence improves desalination. The tortuous pathway spacer was found to be the most effective, significantly improving desalination in comparison to the control (p<0.05). This was due to its design creating the greatest fluid turbulence, with a Reynolds number nearly triple that of the control. Overall, this study not only developed an innovative and low-cost 3D-printed electrodialysis system but also demonstrated the potential of customized spacer designs to significantly enhance desalination.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev019-enhancing-3d-printed-electrodialysis-via-spacers\", \"title\": \"ENEV019 - Enhancing 3D-Printed Electrodialysis via Spacers\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712064677723_ISEF_2_Minute_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENEV019 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV036\", \"title\": \"A New Cost-effective Adsorbent Device for Civic Remediation to Reduce Lead, Copper and Cadmium in Surface Water Runoff\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Nagi, Kshemaahna\"], \"school\": \"Vidyashilp Academy\", \"abstract\": \"The number of annual lead-poisoning fatalities exceeds the combined annual fatalities from car accidents and malaria. Cadmium causes DNA damage. A leading heavy metal exposure source is surface water contamination, lethal to direct consumers and others through biomagnification. To combat this, I devised a 3-part framework. First, major contamination-pathways or \u2018sources\u2019 were identified as runoff from improper battery disposal sites, carwash and maintenance facilities. Composite water sampling of sources and depth-integrated sampling of sinks like lakes from 4 locations across India was conducted. QQQ-ICPMS was used to analyze samples for lead (> 0.01 mg/L), copper (>0.08 mg/L) and cadmium (>0.02mg/L) and grade them based on contaminant levels. Regression and spatiotemporal models enabled identifying sinks at risk. Based on this, I developed a mathematical model to predict lead, copper and cadmium levels in lakes without the expensive, cumbersome and time-consuming process of ICPMS samples testing. Then, potential cost-efficient adsorbents were evaluated on flow rates and coefficient of permittivity using Darcy\u2019s Law. The flow volume/time was deduced for standard inlet drains. Adsorption experiments were performed and isotherms constructed. Finally, a layered-adsorbent was constructed using 0.1 M Caustic Soda-treated Rice Husk, kaolinite and Compressed Coconut Fiber structure along with a sensor and a coagulation layer. Carbon-negative rice-stubble biochar reinforced-casing provides structural integrity and increases detention time for adsorption. When placed in surface water inlets, the device reduces Pb and Cd by 95-98% and Cu by 72%. The device costs an average of 14 USD/surface water body (a heavy metal treatment plant costs on average 150000 USD).\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev036-device-reduces-heavy-metal-in-water-entering-lakes\", \"title\": \"ENEV036 - Device Reduces Heavy Metal in Water Entering Lakes\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713317086043_WhatsApp_Video_2024_04_17_at_6.53.49_AM_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENEV036 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV037T\", \"title\": \"Evaluating Native Hawaiian Plant Species' Contributions to Post-Fire Silt Sock Bioremediation in Lahaina\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Merritt, Kadence\", \"Takahama, Bennett\"], \"school\": \"Kamehameha Schools Maui\", \"abstract\": \"The August 2023 Maui fires destroyed historic Lahaina town, causing toxic ash to become mobilized into the soil, groundwater, and ocean. This study evaluated the benefits of incorporating native Hawaiian plants into the design of bioremediation silt socks. Plants were selected based on phytoremediation properties, and suitability to the arid environment of Lahaina. We tested the effectiveness of these plants to (1) create a more favorable environment for the bioremediation bacteria and fungi, and (2)  improve the structure of the socks (material retention).\\nTesting was conducted in two phases:(1)pili/control, (2) milo/naupaka/matured pili/control. In each phase, internal moisture and temperature were measured through three separate trials. Each trial lasted three days, with measurements taken five times a day. Moisture was tested using frequency domain reflectometry, and temperature through digital probe. Subsequently, the socks were subjected to a shake test using a constructed shaking table, followed by the collection and recording of expelled particles.\\nTesting results showed significant improvements over the control in moisture levels ( phase1 pili +69.33%, milo +18.85%, naupaka +20.83% , phase 2 pili +48.98%), temperature (phase 1 pili  -0.44C, milo -0.03C, naupaka -0.65C, phase 2 pili -0.91C), and material loss ( phase1 pili -50% , milo -0.99%, naupaka -38%, phase 2 pili -34%)\\nThe contribution of our study is improvement of the bioremediation silt sock design and function. Further implications include cost and resource savings due to lower water demands and reduction in loss of sock material.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev037t-silt-sock-bioremediation-in-lahaina\", \"title\": \"ENEV037T - Silt Sock Bioremediation in Lahaina\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/4t5xko1tEIs\", \"title\": \"ENEV037T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV042\", \"title\": \"A Novel Shade Dome to Reduce Water Evaporation in the Great Salt Lake\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Zhang, Christina\"], \"school\": \"InTech Collegiate High School\", \"abstract\": \"Utah\u2019s Great Salt Lake (GSL) is facing a critical situation, with projections indicating its potential disappearance within five years. This could cause an unprecedented environmental, health, and social crisis. This project optimizes a floating device designed to mitigate water evaporation rates without harming the lake's ecosystem, particularly the brine shrimp population. Existing floating shade sphere products have multiple problems that are directly addressed and solved by this new design. Four 3D-printed prototypes of a translucent polycarbonate device were developed. Each iteration incorporates improvements based on the measured performance of the previous model against predefined success criteria. The final design, Prototype 4, features a novel dome shape comprising a hollow hemisphere, a hollow cylinder, and a floor wall, providing optimal surface area coverage and stability without the need for water inside the device. Extensive testing was conducted, including over 300 hours of evaporation tests in Logan, Utah, and on the GSL shoreline, an 8-week ecological test with brine shrimp to assess the device's impact on the ecosystem, and 3 months of environmental tests to evaluate material durability under ultraviolet radiation and freezing temperatures. Evaporation rates were reduced by an average of 50%, without adversely affecting the brine shrimp's growth and reproduction. The recommended future implementation involves deploying shade domes, produced from recycled polycarbonate, over a selected 800 km\u00b2 of GSL, at an estimated cost of $5.6 billion, potentially conserving 760 billion gallons of water over the lifespan of the domes. This would prevent billions in healthcare spending and economic disaster.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev042-shade-dome-to-reduce-evaporation-in-gsl\", \"title\": \"ENEV042 - Shade Dome to Reduce Evaporation in GSL\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712245001212_IMG_2363_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENEV042 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV050\", \"title\": \"Novel Solar-Assisted Method for Mitigation of Methane Emissions via a New Highly Efficient Catalyst\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Aldulami, Turki\"], \"school\": \"Alkifah Academy\", \"abstract\": \"Global warming poses a pressing challenge marked by rising temperatures and environmental impacts. Methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are the main drivers of this phenomenon due to their damage and widespread emissions. Methane, with 80 times more warming potential than CO2, exacerbates the issue. The current methods of methane mitigation and H2 production worsen the problem by converting CH4 to CO2, adding +500Mt of CO2 annually. Underscoring the urgent need for technological expansion to mitigate CH4 & CO2 emissions. This study introduces an innovative solar-assisted system targeting the most abundant greenhouse gases, CH4 & CO2, directly from point sources, converting them into valuable products: H2 & CO (syngas). By integrating a novel trimetallic catalyst Ni-Cu-Co/Mg(Al)O into a modified solar reactor, operating at 400-600\u00b0C, reducing reliance on external non-renewable energy sources and offering an eco-friendly solution. Characterization of the synthesized catalyst using XRD, BET, TEM, and EDX techniques reveals promising features: higher surface area, small particle size (4-7nm), and uniform active site distribution. Performance evaluation through dry reforming of methane tests under CH4 source conditions demonstrates remarkable efficiencies of 75%, and 90% in CH4 & CO2 conversions at 700\u00b0C, and 800\u00b0C, respectively, with excellent stability, showcasing the success of solar-assisted CH4 and CO2 reduction. Furthermore, the system yields impressive H2 rates of 72%, and 86%, holding significant promise for applications such as coal mines, landfills, and industrial syngas production. This approach not only reduces pollution but also promotes efficient H2 production, aligning with the United Nations' goal of limiting global temperature for a more sustainable planet\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev050-a-new-method-of-mitigation-of-methane-emissions\", \"title\": \"ENEV050 - A New Method of Mitigation of Methane Emissions\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713125382700_ISEF_VIDEO_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENEV050 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV079\", \"title\": \"Democratizing Desalination: Study of Materials and Methods To Make Desalination Less Energy Intensive and Affordable\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Thendral, Ahil\"], \"school\": \"Northwest High School\", \"abstract\": \"Many in my grandfather's village are engaged in manual salt-farming, spending long hours by the sea under the blazing sun with little access to potable water. I researched suitable materials and methods to build a low-cost mechanism that can produce freshwater. Conventional desalination methods, known for their high energy demands and relatively low efficiency, remain inaccessible to many who reside in close proximity to coastal regions. A primary impediment to solar desalination is the dissipation of solar heat within the body of water, instead of effectively using it to provide heat for vaporization. I devised a mechanism aimed at insulating the water below while at the same time channeling a consistent water supply to a chemically modified evaporation layer possessing large surface area microscopically and focused on evaporation. This configuration maximizes the capture and utilization of solar energy exclusively for the evaporation of water. I evaluated numerous materials to discern candidates for the insulation and evaporation layers. These included local, natural alternatives that were investigated for their suitability in replacing the layers economically and effectively in response to salt fouling. Processes and protocols for chemically or physically modifying the specimens also were explored to enhance evaporation rate and desalination efficiency. Based on the findings, a small-scale pilot plant was constructed using hemp, coconut coir, and intercalated activated carbon, capable of desalinating 7L of water to yield 4.3L of potential drinking water per day using solar energy for desalination, which could provide 2-3 villagers drinking water during their workday.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev079-democratizing-desalination\", \"title\": \"ENEV079 - Democratizing Desalination\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714002875467_AhilProject2024_v9_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENEV079 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ETSD028\", \"title\": \"Engineering of a Bio-Inspired Tiltable Oscillating Fin Submersible Thruster\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\", \"category_code\": \"ETSD\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Liu, Zihao\"], \"school\": \"The High School Affiliated to Beijing Normal University\", \"abstract\": \"Marine vertebrates have declined in abundance in the last four decades by an average of 22%. To observe marine organisms effectively, a waterborne propulsion system with minimal environmental disturbance and high maneuverability is required. The oscillating fin presents a novel low-disturbance thruster, and the seahorse dorsal fin, capable of oscillation and inclination, possesses ingeniously structured physiology, as observed. This study aims to analyze the seahorse dorsal fin's dynamic effects and design a flexible and stable thruster for underwater detection. Through CFD analysis, fin inclination is hypothesized to control the net force direction. A test platform was constructed to examine the influences of wave features and inclination angle on thrust in both vertical and horizontal directions. Additionally, discrete fin surfaces were utilized to eliminate force interference. Force testing and snapshots indicate that wave velocity positively influences net force magnitude. Fin inclination allows for control over force orientation, within an angle range of 0 to 81 degrees, and different fin pivot positions affect the turning ability of the robot. Iterative construction led to the development of three prototypes. These prototypes incorporate a linkage mechanism for controlling fin ray inclination, transitioning from a scheme involving multiple servo motors to an eccentric shaft structure. In conclusion, the inclination of the fin enables control over thrust magnitude and orientation, providing greater flexibility and maneuverability. The novel tiltable underwater thruster possesses the advantages of minimal disturbance to the surrounding environment, high flexibility, and stability to achieve observation of marine organisms.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics13100154\", \"title\": \"Engineering of a Bio-Inspired Tiltable Oscillating Fin Submersible Thruster\", \"snippet\": \"Oscillating fins are devices designed to produce thrust through periodic undulating movements. However, these structures lack flexibility and often provide thrust in only one fixed direction. Observation and biological references suggest that the dorsal fin rays of seahorses can tilt longitudinally in the spine direction, changing the thrust direction. This study aims to analyze the dynamic effects of seahorse dorsal fin inclining and design a flexible bionic thruster based on this principle. Computational fluid dynamics analysis hypothesizes that fin inclination controls the net force direction in the vertical plane. A force sensor and pulley system test platform were constructed to examine the influences of wave features and the inclination angle on thrust in both vertical and horizontal directions, with discrete fin surfaces used to eliminate force interference. Force testing and snapshots indicate that wave velocity positively impacts net force magnitude, while fin inclination allows for control over force orientation. This tiltable oscillating fin thruster possesses more degrees of freedom, leading to better flexibility and providing controllable thrust orientation.\", \"found_via\": \"openalex\", \"kind\": \"paper\", \"authors\": [\"Zihao Liu\", \"Duanling Li\"], \"year\": 2024, \"score\": 113, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"author_full_name\", \"title_exact:1.00\", \"trusted_domain:doi.org\", \"rescored\"], \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/etsd028-a-flexible-fin\", \"title\": \"ETSD028 - A Flexible Fin\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712769655493_ISEF2.small_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ETSD028 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ETSD029\", \"title\": \"An Investigation of Jet-Assisted Surface-Mounted Actuators in Laminar and Turbulent Boundary Layers\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\", \"category_code\": \"ETSD\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Mertzlufft, Lilly\"], \"school\": \"Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School\", \"abstract\": \"Flow control offers an appealing method to improve efficiency, stability, and performance of aerodynamic bodies. Jet Assisted Surface Mounted Actuators (JASMAs), a form of hybrid (active and passive) flow control, were investigated using Planar Particle Image Velocimetry (2D PIV) with all data taken at the mid-span of the JASMA. Four different JASMAs were studied; three with a height of 12mm with a synthetic jet orifice pitch of 0\u00b0, 20\u00b0 and 45\u00b0, and a 6mm JASMA with an orifice pitch angle of 0\u00b0. Data was taken within laminar and turbulent boundary layers with two blowing ratios (Cb) per boundary layer; Cb=1.0 and Cb=1.5 within the laminar boundary layer at a JASMA diameter-based Reynolds number of 8.11x10^3, and Cb=0.25 and Cb=0.5 within the turbulent boundary layer at a JASMA diameter-based Reynolds number of 2.43 x10^4. Within the laminar cases, the synthetic jet aided in accelerating the region of reverse flow behind the JASMA and assisted in reattaching separated flow along the leading edge of the JASMA. Within the turbulent boundary layer, the Cb=0.25 showed no effect from the synthetic jet on the static pins\u2019 structures, while the Cb=0.5 cases appeared to accelerate flow in the reverse flow region.  Furthermore, phase-locked sets of data revealed a global phenomenon in laminar cases, indicating the synthetic jet affects both downstream and upstream flow, and possibly the shedding of the arch-vortex. This data provides support for the use of JASMAs in improving aerodynamic properties.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://www.gcrsef.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/16/ISEF-Mertzlufft-Paper-1.pdf\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 10, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"isef_mention\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"An Investigation of Jet Assisted Surface Mounted Actuators in ...\", \"source_domain\": \"www.gcrsef.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"isef_mention\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"the turbulent boundary layer at a JASMA diameter-based Reynolds number of 2.43 x10^4. Within the laminar cases, the synthetic jet aided in accelerating the region of reverse flow behind the JASMA and assisted in reattaching separated flow along the leading edge of the JASMA. Within the turbulent boundary layer, the Cb=0.25 showed no effect from the synthetic jet on the static pins structures, while the Cb=0.5 cases appeared to accelerate flow in the reverse flow region. Furthermore, [...] by v. \"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/etsd029-study-of-jet-assisted-surface-mounted-actuators\", \"title\": \"ETSD029 - Study of Jet-Assisted Surface-Mounted Actuators \", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712507002226_Mertzlufft_ISEF_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ETSD029 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ETSD032\", \"title\": \"Cross-Section Transformer:  An Innovative Foldable Wheeled Robot With Flexible Configuration\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\", \"category_code\": \"ETSD\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Chen, Li Wei\"], \"school\": \"Guangzhou Zhixin High School\", \"abstract\": \"Pipeline is a typical complex environment, and pipeline robots greatly improve work efficiency. However, the existing robots have limited forms, and lack of passibility and flexibility. So this study is to explore a robot scheme adapting to complex terrain by flexibly changing the shape and going through large barriers. By innovatively introducing the concepts of virtual and solid cross-sections to characterize existing robots, it shows that the shape of central radial symmetry limits the effective obstacle crossing area. So it formed an idea of variable cross-section to increase the the area by changing the shape of the solid section of the robot. The new three-dimensional folding engineering scheme based on this idea realizes the continuous and flexible change of the solid section with both sides of the its wheel arms. It can be folded in 0-90 degrees on the XZ plane, with height varying in 20-30 cm, and be folded in -80- 80 degrees on the YZ plane with width varying 30-50 cm, which enables it to transform between climbing pipes and moving on the ground at a high speed, running at 5cm/s and 10cm/s respectively. With the combination of program active adjustment and springs passive compression, it can adapt to the diameter of 32-48 cm pipe and the right angle bend pipe and cross the obstacle below 15*25cm. The results show that this scheme has more powerful passibility and flexibility than the existing robot. It can be a fast-moving platform conducting search and rescue missions in complex and confined spaces. More importantly, this robot structure design can be further migrated and integrated into other moving robots, and its variable section structure design idea can inspire more and more effective robot structure innovation design.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/etsd032-foldable-robot-with-transformative-cross-section\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"Foldable Robot With Transformative Cross-Section\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"By innovatively introducing the concepts of virtual and solid cross-sections to characterize existing robots, It can be folded in 0-90 degrees on the XZ plane,\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712543720241_trim.D93CA44C_5CA0_48CE_A697_8FACCFEC2902_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ETSD032 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ETSD037\", \"title\": \"An Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) System for Ocean Hazard Recognition and Rescue: Scout and Rescue UAVs\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\", \"category_code\": \"ETSD\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Kim, Angelina\"], \"school\": \"The Bishop's School\", \"abstract\": \"Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can aid lifeguards as 82% of ocean-related deaths in California occur at unprotected beaches, and 90% of drownings occur at low- and mid-income countries. However, commercial drones employed at select beaches still require manual operation. An autonomous UAV lifeguard system was developed: a scout UAV detects rip currents and activates a rescue UAV, which shortens response time by dropping flotation devices and pulling victims to safety. The scout quadcopter was designed, built, and implemented with autonomous flights. The scout drone has wide-range triple communication links for control and manual override. Nine ocean scout missions were conducted, and 11.8k ocean images were collected over 13.4km at beaches. Image analysis with new information-weighted differential frame displacement vectors was conducted for optical flow and particle image velocimetry. Resulting wave displacement vectors were utilized for a novel channel current flow analysis and depth and risk model to detect rip currents. For the rescue coaxial hexacopter, a novel in-arm pitch axis was designed, built, and pilot tested. The rescue UAV spans 2.0m, weighs 12.3Kg with 44.1x9.8N of thrust, and folds into 1.1m for transportation. The in-arm pitch axis angle exceeds conventional end-arm pitch axes\u2019 angles by more than 65% as it accomplishes the greatest pitch rotor tilt angle of \u00b145 degrees. This project advances current lifeguard practices with improved coverage, accuracy, and speed at a lower cost while demonstrating the feasibility of autonomous UAVs to solve a worldwide leading cause of death\u2014drowning.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/etsd037-autonomous-scout-and-rescue-uavs-for-ocean-safety\", \"title\": \"ETSD037 - Autonomous Scout and Rescue UAVs for Ocean Safety\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/5ak77Tc3HvE\", \"title\": \"ETSD037 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ETSD042\", \"title\": \"Submersible Aerial Vehicle Design Study\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\", \"category_code\": \"ETSD\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Gunawardhana, Chetana\"], \"school\": \"Broad Run High School\", \"abstract\": \"There have been many attempts at creating a submersible aerial vehicle, but these attempts have failed for several reasons. Most notably, these attempts did not perform sufficiently either as an aircraft or as a submarine and the transition between mediums (underwater, surface sea, airborne) was tedious in some cases, and slow in all. This study aims to test a design for a craft for seamless transit three ways: airborne, surface sea, and underwater.\\nAll previous designs had separate propulsion systems for air and water travel. Having two separate propulsion systems not only slows down the transition phase between air and water mediums, but also requires the craft to have enough space for two engine systems and their respective fuels. My design uses one propulsion system on tilt-motors for thrust in both air and water mediums and a gyroscope for stabilization and correction during flight. The current model is controlled via a remote controller and Arduino; the remote controller commands the H-tail setup and the Arduino manages the gyroscope. The H-tail is made of two rudders as vertical stabilizers and two elevons as horizontal stabilizers.\\nThis study is ongoing and the model is currently on its fourth iteration.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/etsd042-flying-submarine\", \"title\": \"ETSD042 - Flying Submarine\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713232384092_ISEF_Video_draft_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ETSD042 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ETSD061\", \"title\": \"Higher-Efficiency Altitude-Adaptive Dynamic Rocket Engine Nozzle\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\", \"category_code\": \"ETSD\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Erbas, Timucin\"], \"school\": \"Acton Boxborough Regional High School\", \"abstract\": \"Modern-day rocket engines employ nozzles to transform onboard fuel-derived, high-temperature and pressure gasses into a high-velocity exhaust that propels the rocket forward. The efficiency of a rocket engine largely hinges on the velocity and directional precision with which the engine's nozzle ejects propellant gasses. However, due to the static nature of traditional nozzles which are optimized for only one altitude, rocket engines spend most of their flight expelling gas in slightly skewed angles causing inefficiency. In this project, a dynamic rocket engine nozzle that is able to adapt its shape to optimize for every altitude the rocket experiences was developed. The project has two main components: a nozzle-adjusting mechanism capable of physically facilitating these shape changes, and a contour generation software that instructs the nozzle-adjusting mechanism on how exactly to adapt its shape to optimize for every altitude. These two systems work together over the rocket's flight to achieve optimal exhaust directionality at any given altitude, achieving greater efficiencies. The dynamic rocket engine nozzle was tested through a series of simulations conducted on ANSYS CFD, in which the thrust of the rocket engine was measured in environments resembling many altitudes up to 66 kilometers above sea level. It was found that compared to a traditional static rocket engine nozzle, the dynamic rocket engine nozzle achieved a ~10.88% higher efficiency, which would decrease the payload costs (cost per kilogram to space) by ~71%.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/etsd061-altitude-adaptive-dynamic-rocket-engine-nozzle\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.71\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"ETSD061 - Altitude-Adaptive Dynamic Rocket Engine Nozzle\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.71, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"the dynamic rocket engine nozzle achieved a ~10.88% higher efficiency, which would decrease the payload costs (cost per kilogram to space) by ~71%.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713995018879_ISEF2024Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ETSD061 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATH003\", \"title\": \"Enhancing Ethereum's Security With LUMEN, Novel Zero-Knowledge Algorithms Generating Transparent and Efficient SNARKs Based on Hidden Order Groups\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Mathematics\", \"category_code\": \"MATH\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Quan, Yunjia\"], \"school\": \"Charlotte Country Day School\", \"abstract\": \"The cryptocurrency Ethereum utilizes zero-knowledge rollups (ZKR) to improve its scalability. ZKRs processes thousands of Ethereum transactions in a batch and uses zk-SNARKs (zero-knowledge succinct non-interactive arguments of knowledge) to verify the validity of those transactions. zk-SNARKs rely on a trusted setup procedure, where a group of participants uses secret information about transactions to generate public information used by zk-SNARKs. However, this process introduces a security risk to Ethereum. Thus, researchers have been developing transparent zk-SNARKs that do not require a trusted setup. However, those transparent zk-SNARKs are often not as efficient as non-transparent zk-SNARKs. In this research, I developed LUMEN, a novel set of algorithms that includes a recursive polynomial commitment scheme and a new interactive polynomial oracle proof protocol, which is compiled into efficient and transparent zk-SNARKs with linear proof computation and verification time. Various techniques were creatively incorporated into LUMEN, including groups with hidden orders, Lagrange basis polynomials, witness-extended emulation, and an amortization strategy. Mathematical proofs show LUMEN's completeness, soundness, and zero-knowledge, and we implemented LUMEN in Python and Rust. LUMEN's efficiency, measured in proof size, surpasses DARK and zk-STARK (two of the most efficient transparent zk-SNARKs) by 8 and 37 times, respectively, and LUMEN's proof size is only 0.71KB more than Plonk, the most commonly used non-transparent zk-SNARKs. LUMEN is a promising solution to improve Ethereum's security while maintaining its efficiency, and the findings of the techniques that enabled LUMEN to be efficient and transparent can significantly benefit future work improving Ethereum.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/math003-enhancing-ethereums-security-with-lumen\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"MATH003 - Enhancing Ethereum's Security With LUMEN\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"In this research, I developed LUMEN, a novel set of algorithms that includes a recursive polynomial commitment scheme and a new interactive polynomial oracle\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714017014193_ISEF_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATH003 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATH009\", \"title\": \"Predicting the Unpredictable: A Novel Mathematical Model to Analyze and Accurately Predict Multiple Sclerosis Patient Outcomes\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Mathematics\", \"category_code\": \"MATH\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Sthanu, Uma\"], \"school\": \"Westwood High School\", \"abstract\": \"Multiple Sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease affecting millions worldwide, is characterized by its unpredictable course. Mathematics as a tool for predicting MS outcomes and identifying factors influencing progression remains underexplored. I developed a novel stochastic model utilizing Markov Chains to predict the future disability status of MS patients on a granular scale. I was able to improve the statistical significance of the model to increase predictive accuracy despite MS's variable nature. I found patients stabilized over time due to consistent cycling, and confirmed MS disease course is memoryless. Using sigmoid modeling, I also analyzed MS on the individual level, investigating the use of MRI imaging and clinical tests such as the 9-hole peg test (9HPT) and 25-foot timed walk (25FTW) to predict patient outcomes for individuals. I identified the 9HPT and 25FTW as predictive biomarkers for progression, meaning they can be used to place patients on the correct treatments and avoid the guesswork and trial-and-error based decision making that currently occurs due to not knowing which patients need high efficacy medications.\\nThe success of mathematical methods used in this study offers insight into the disease and suggests that mathematics can answer more questions about MS, building a framework and process that can be used to better analyze and improve patient care. As next steps, in addition to publishing my current findings on the behavior of MS cohorts over time (as suggested by my model) to help neurologists make informed treatment decisions,  I will be furthering the findings from the multi-center clinical trial data, replicating it against data from additional clinical studies to prove it to be fully generalizable in a routine clinical population.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/math009-predicting-the-unpredictable-modeling-ms-progress\", \"title\": \"MATH009 - Predicting the Unpredictable: Modeling MS Progress\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713408706663_MATH009_Predicting_the_Unpredictable_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATH009 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATH034\", \"title\": \"Virtually Reconstructing an Ancient Musical Instrument\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Mathematics\", \"category_code\": \"MATH\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Welch, Helena\"], \"school\": \"Los Alamos High School\", \"abstract\": \"This project aims to help restore ancient Greek musical tradition and, thus, give us a better understanding of Greek culture by digitally reconstructing the chelys, a tortoise-shell lyre over 2500 years old. In past studies done on the instrument, sound tests were conducted on a physical reconstruction, a process both inefficient and expensive. To overcome this difficulty and study how the natural variability of tortoise shells affected sound outputs, my project designs a method of digitally modeling the instrument such that its dimensions can easily be changed.\\nThe frequency at which a material tends to vibrate when a force (in this case, a sound wave) acts on it is known as its eigenfrequency. When an instrument\u2019s strings are tuned to its eigenfrequencies, sound waves will have a higher amplitude, improving the quality of the instrument. This project uses analytic geometry to derive a geometric system describing the chelys\u2019s sound box, where dimensions are input parameters. Using this model, I attempt to find the best dimensions of the chelys through maximizing the number of eigenfrequencies around each of its seven notes. In addition, I investigate why the Greeks might have changed to using wood as the material of the sound box. Finally, I attempt to discover the optimal reconstruction from resources widely available today.\\nMy methodology can be generalized for use in studies of other instruments. Furthermore, it provides informative simulations of an instrument when there is insufficient evidence to reconstruct it from its archaeological remains.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf/25799\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_exact:1.00\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\"], \"title\": \"Virtually Reconstructing an Ancient Musical Instrument\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_exact:1.00, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This project aims to help restore ancient Greek musical tradition \u2026 digitally reconstructing the chelys, a tortoise-shell lyre over 2500 years old.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://supercomputingchallenge.org/files/23-24/finalreports/team-superstring-tortoises-report.pdf\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 50, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_exact:1.00\"], \"title\": \"Virtually Reconstructing an Ancient Musical Instrument\", \"source_domain\": \"supercomputingchallenge.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_exact:1.00\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"by S Challenge \u00b7 2024 \u2014 This project primarily focuses on deriving a geometrical model and performing finite element analysis on the sound box of the oldest Greek lyre, the chelys.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/math034-modeling-an-ancient-musical-instrument\", \"title\": \"MATH034 - Modeling an Ancient Musical Instrument\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714078693661_MATH034_Video_1_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATH034 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MCRO001\", \"title\": \"Next-Generation Antibiotics: Isolating and Screening Novel Bacteriocins\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Microbiology\", \"category_code\": \"MCRO\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Shaquib, Rishit\"], \"school\": \"Vanguard High School\", \"abstract\": \"The natural production of antimicrobial substances by living organisms as part of their defense mechanisms has been well-documented. Among these substances, bacteriocins, a diverse class of bactericidal peptides or proteins produced by bacteria and archaea, have gained considerable attention for their possible role as an alternative to antibiotics. In recent years, research has demonstrated the protective effects of LAB bacteriocins on the gastrointestinal tract, effectively eliminating pathogens and supporting gut health.  Most recently the FDA approval of nisin has demonstrates the ability for bacteriocins to be commercially grown and utilized. Additionally, bacteriocins are hyper-specific: a single species of bacteria can produce a broad range of bacteriocins based on its subtype. This investigation aims to further research into the properties and potential of bacteriocins as antibiotic substitutes, isolating cultures from raw cultures of caprine and bovine dairy, precipitating bacteriocin proteins and isolating them, and testing their activity against common sources of pathogenic infection such as E. coli and S. aureus. The resulting proteins will be purified through size-exclusionary filtration and the strains which have demonstrated efficacy will be sequenced for subspecies based on 16S subunit sequencing. Of the 16 samples taken from dairy, 156 different strains were tested, 6 of which demonstrated effective zones of inhibition against the growth of S. aureus and E. coli. This activity remained visible at a range of pH values 4-7 after undergoing the process of filtration. These results are promising in the development of new treatments to combat antibiotic resistance.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/mcro001-next-gen-antibiotics\", \"title\": \"MCRO001 - Next-Gen Antibiotics\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713633441087_video1080632379_1_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MCRO001 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MCRO009T\", \"title\": \"Solution for Affordable Insulin: Efficient Production of Single Chain Insulin Through P. fluorescens\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Microbiology\", \"category_code\": \"MCRO\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Lim, Hyolin\", \"Song, Sihyeong\", \"Kim, Soyul\"], \"school\": \"Korea Science Academy of KAIST\", \"abstract\": \"Diabetes poses a significant global health challenge, emphasizing the urgent need for insulin. Insulin costs a quite demanding as it is needed every year through one's lifetime. Meanwhile, single-chain insulin (SCI) has been studied to have high stability and production efficiency. Also, P.fluorescens has an advantage in protein production as cell lysis process isn't needed. Thus, our study aimed to find the solution for affordable insulin by researching the efficient production of SCI through P.fluorescens.\\nWe developed vectors, pAU, pSD1, and pSD2 using restriction enzymes, and identified productivity of SCI production on P.fluorescens using western blotting. We also verified the conditions that SCI is produced well, attempted a large-scale production of SCI, and purified SCI through His-tag purification method.  With the concentrated SCI, we tested its effect on mouse.\\nResults showed successful, similar SCI production in pAD2 and pSD2. Also, SCI production was confirmed only in M9 media and showed more production in 3ml than 5ml. The change in blood glucose level after injection of SCI and Humulin in mouse showed Pearson correlation rate of R^2=0.86.\\nThis study has succeeded in developing the vector for SCI production in P.fluorescens, and we found out aeration is an important factor for insulin production in P.fluorescens, especially in large capacity. Also, we've identified that SCI has similar activation as Humulin in vertebreate. Thus, we believe that SCI would be a breakthrough for insulin treatment, and could progress factory production of SCI through further research.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/mcro009t-production-of-single-chain-insulin\", \"title\": \"MCRO009T - Production of Single Chain Insulin\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712065662284_video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MCRO009T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MCRO031\", \"title\": \"Isolating and Annotating Novel Bacteriophages That Infect Gordonia rubripertincta: A Comparison Between Evergreen22 (Fribs8) and KayGee\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Microbiology\", \"category_code\": \"MCRO\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Barreto-Massad, Chloe\"], \"school\": \"American Heritage School of Boca Delray\", \"abstract\": \"Phage therapy is a promising option to mitigate antibiotic resistance. Phages, a type of virus, are genetically diverse and globally plentiful. Yet only 14,500 phages have been discovered, much less annotated.  Using isolation, purification, amplification, and DNA extraction, this two-phase study discovered and sequenced a novel phage called Evergreen22 that infects Gordonia rubripertincta, an opportunistic bacterium.\\nAnother novel phage\u2014KayGee\u2014, in the same CT cluster as Evergreen22 was annotated using DNA Master, which indicated 73 genes. Following the 14-guiding principles recommended by Turner and colleagues (2021), each of the 73 genes for KayGee was manually refined using an additional 8 bioinformatic tools. The annotation was sent to PhagesDB at the University of Pittsburgh for validation and for addition to the metagenomic database.\\nAll three hypotheses were supported. A wet-lab temperature study showed the optimal infection temperature of Evergreen22 to be 35\u00b0C, implying it would be efficacious in humans (body temperature is 37\u00b0C). The study compared Evergreen22 and KayGee on plaque morphology, annotations and the temperature study, and showed the phages to be lytic phages that do not produce TRNAs (toxins). Both phages are suitable for phage therapy. Also, KayGee has two rare genes only seen in one other CT-cluster phage called Pons whereas Evergreen22 had one rare gene, adding to the phage taxonomy knowledgebase. Furthermore, both phages can be used in bioremediation, therapeutic phage cocktails, and food preservation. Future studies should conduct one-step growth curves for both phages to determine the burst size of each.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/mcro031-annotating-bacteriophage-genome\", \"title\": \"MCRO031 - Annotating Bacteriophage Genome\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714597835299_trim.E6C8B5BB_2350_4B88_BE0B_106897E601E2_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MCRO031 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PHYS012\", \"title\": \"Development and Demonstration of a Low-Cost Strip-PET Scanner Prototype\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\", \"category_code\": \"PHYS\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Mahapatra, Samikshya\"], \"school\": \"College Station High School\", \"abstract\": \"Positron Emission Tomography (PET) allows physicians to visualize metabolism in various organs and is widely used in cancer and neurological imaging. The radioactive tracer, usually Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F) accumulates in regions of high metabolism, such as cancer. Fluorodeoxyglucose emits positrons that annihilate with nearby electrons to produce two back-to-back gammas, allowing for the reconstruction of the emission line through surrounding detectors.  The intersection of these lines from numerous decays provides a reconstructed source location, indicative of cancer. Traditional PET scanners consist of several rings of highly segmented scintillation detectors lining the outside of an MRI scanner. They are expensive ($>1 million) due to the many (>1000) small detectors coupled with photosensors.\\nAn inexpensive ($<50000) strip-PET scanner is being developed using different ideas from experimental particle physics, such as energy and timing, to recreate location. It uses a few long (~2m) scintillators, allowing the setup to be inside the strong MRI magnetic field, without disturbing the photomultiplier tubes (PMT) located outside the field. This design is expected to improve the detection efficiency of the gammas by avoiding Compton scatters in intervening MRI scanner material, a common occurrence in traditional PET scanners.\\nA prototype 4-strip scanner shows promising results with an inch-scale accuracy, compared to the sub-cm accuracy of conventional PET scanners. Future designs with more strips will provide competitive accuracy at a fraction of the cost. The inexpensive strip-PET scanner will allow for life-saving preliminary diagnostics in rural areas and developing countries by providing early cancer detection.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/phys012-pet-scanner\", \"title\": \"PHYS012 - PET scanner\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712194205067_TXSEF_Samikshya_Mahapatra_Submitted_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PHYS012 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PHYS040\", \"title\": \"Development of New Beam Configurations for OMEGA To Achieve Highly Uniform Indirect Drive Implosions With Cubic Symmetry\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\", \"category_code\": \"PHYS\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Wu, Edward\"], \"school\": \"Pittsford Sutherland High School\", \"abstract\": \"In light of the recent demonstration of breakeven on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) using indirect drive, interest in future indirect drive facilities has increased. A promising approach is the spherical hohlraum with six laser entrance holes (LEHs), which has cubic symmetry and potentially better uniformity than the cylindrical hohlraum (two LEHs) used on the NIF. While the 60-beam OMEGA laser is primarily a direct drive fusion facility, configurations using a 48-beam subset are proposed that would offer the unique capability of performing highly uniform experiments with a six-LEH hohlraum. Several configurations are possible because beams can be directed into more than one LEH. Using the 3-D code LORE, simulations yielded irradiation nonuniformities on the capsule as low as 0.13% (rms) at a high albedo. In addition, the hohlraum radius was varied to investigate the tradeoff between obtaining good uniformity and achieving a high radiation temperature. Beam pointing adjustments were implemented to ensure no beam leakage in designs with small hohlraum radius, demonstrating practicality. Future laser systems based on the OMEGA geometry and designed for direct drive could use these configurations to provide a versatile indirect drive capability.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://www.lle.rochester.edu/education/pittsford-sutherland-graduate-eddy-wu-receives-isef-award\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 10, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"isef_mention\", \"llm:own:0.92\"], \"title\": \"Pittsford Sutherland Graduate Eddy Wu Receives ISEF Award\", \"source_domain\": \"www.lle.rochester.edu\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"isef_mention\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"He presented work from his LLE project, \u201cDevelopment of New Beam Configurations for OMEGA to Achieve Highly Uniform Indirect Drive Implosions\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/phys040-new-configurations-on-omega-for-nuclear-fusion\", \"title\": \"PHYS040 - New Configurations on OMEGA for Nuclear Fusion\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/Awc0d50xogI\", \"title\": \"PHYS040 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PHYS049\", \"title\": \"Discovery of Two Potentially Habitable Super-Earths! StealthPlanetFinder: Innovative & Computationally Efficient Algorithms to Detect Exoplanets Overcoming Low Signal-to-Noise Ratio\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\", \"category_code\": \"PHYS\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Kashyap, Khedaar\"], \"school\": \"Leland High School\", \"abstract\": \"Since 2010, astronomers have utilized automated algorithms to detect numerous exoplanets that primarily exhibit Medium to High Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) transits. About 60% of potential habitable exoplanets have low SNR (<10) transits, but identifying them has been challenging. To address this challenge, I designed and developed StealthPlanetFinder (SPF). This innovative signal processing pipeline employs the GPU Transit Least Squares (GTLS) algorithm and Periodogram analysis to identify exoplanets with low-SNR transits efficiently. Making judicious use of GPU resources, SPF efficiently processed the first 1000 KOI Catalog light curves, identifying 116 new Threshold Crossing Events (TCEs) within a few hours in the specified period range of interest (100 to 125 days). Subsequently, SPF detected seven validated exoplanets, with notably one potentially habitable  Super-Earth candidate estimated at a radius of 1.75 R? around an M dwarf. Among our remaining six findings are three potential Sub-Neptunes with orbital periods of 114, 108, and 114 days around G-type stars, a super-Earth candidate around an M dwarf with a period of 102 days, and two rare Neptune size planet candidates around a K dwarf and a G-type star with a period of 109 and 117 days respectively. SPF scored 99% completeness and reliability on synthetic transits with low SNRs and on transits of confirmed candidates (100-125d period) in the KOI Catalog. Four validated candidates exhibited very low SNRs (<5.0) - the lowest for this period range in the Kepler database and two with False Alarm Probability <1.0%, showcasing SPF\u2019s heightened efficiency and sensitivity compared to contemporary processing pipelines and paving the way for breakthroughs in low SNR exoplanet exploration. Details will be reported.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/phys049-exoplanet-exploration-innovative-low-snr-analysis\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"PHYS049 - Exoplanet Exploration: Innovative Low SNR Analysis\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"SPF detected seven validated exoplanets, including two potentially habitable super-Earths around the M-dwarf star, with 101 and 121-day orbital periods.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714413012185_ISEF_PHYS049_Exoplanet_Exploration_Innovative_Low_SNR_Analysis_V2_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PHYS049 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PHYS050\", \"title\": \"New Population of Asteroids Discovered! Rapidly Finding and Tracking Faint Near-Earth Asteroids Using an Accurate Deep Learning Based Process\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\", \"category_code\": \"PHYS\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Vani Todur, Gauri\"], \"school\": \"Santa Clara High School\", \"abstract\": \"In 2013, an 18 meter sized asteroid exploded over the city of Chelyabinsk in Russia, injuring ~1100 people\u2013 it went undetected! Small asteroids are often missed due to their faintness. In fact, over 98% of 250,000 predicted NEOs smaller than 50 meters remain undiscovered. Current detection methods generate thousands of false detections nightly, necessitating tedious manual inspection. The purpose of this research is to create an automated deep learning enhanced process to accurately discover small, faint, near-Earth asteroids.\\nBecause of its ability to pick up faint thermal signals, archival image data in a single band from the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) was used. I developed and trained a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) in 30 minutes on a CPU with synthetic dim asteroid images I uniquely generated from 2D Gaussian function distributions. The CNN training set consisted of ~200k \\\"Non Asteroid\\\" and \\\"Asteroid\\\" images with synthetic dim asteroids implanted into WISE frames. It achieved a final accuracy over 90% on known dim asteroids.\\nI then deployed the CNN on images over 16 square degrees of sky for 5.8 days of data. The positive predictions were inputted into a movement linkage algorithm, and consistent angular velocity links were selected. Seven dim asteroid candidates were discovered. Cross-checks with known asteroid databases verified my findings. Aperture photometry was used to calculate the magnitude of each asteroid. My discovered asteroids are dimmer and faster than known asteroids found by NASA, possibly indicating a new population. My process yields few false positives, outperforming current discovery methods. This research improves our ability to detect elusive near-Earth asteroids, crucial for protecting Earth from future collisions.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/phys050-new-asteroid-population-found-using-deep-learning\", \"title\": \"PHYS050 - New Asteroid Population Found Using Deep Learning\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713671598982_ISEF_2024_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PHYS050 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PHYS062\", \"title\": \"An Investigation of New Brown Dwarf Spectral Binary Candidates From the Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 Citizen Science Initiative\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\", \"category_code\": \"PHYS\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Bravo, Alexia\"], \"school\": \"Union High School\", \"abstract\": \"My study examines three new brown dwarf spectral binary candidates, CWISE J072708.09-360729.2, CWISE J103604.84-514424.4, and CWISE J134446.62-732053.9, which were discovered by citizen scientists actively participating in the Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 initiative. Through subsequent near-infrared spectroscopy, I found that these objects are poorly fit by single near-infrared standards. However, by using binary templates, I achieved notably improved fits, attributing component types of L7+T4, L7+T4, and L7+T7 to CWISE J072708.09-360729.2, CWISE J103604.84-514424.4, and CWISE J134446.62-732053.9, respectively. Additionally, I calculated spectroscopic indices to investigate for indications of both binarity as well as high-amplitude variability, identifying CWISE J072708.09-360729.2 as a strong variable candidate. My findings provide preliminary evidence and characterization of distinct brown dwarf sources, underscoring their potential as compelling targets for continued investigations through high-resolution imaging or analysis of photometric variability.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://arxiv.org/abs/2310.06957\", \"kind\": \"paper\", \"found_via\": \"arxiv\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_exact:1.00\", \"trusted_domain:arxiv.org\"], \"title\": \"An Investigation of New Brown Dwarf Spectral Binary Candidates From the Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 Citizen Science Initiative\", \"source_domain\": \"arxiv.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\", \"search_provider\": \"arxiv\", \"match_reason\": \"title_exact:1.00, trusted_domain:arxiv.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"We present three new brown dwarf spectral binary candidates: CWISE J072708.09$-$360729.2, CWISE J103604.84$-$514424.4, and CWISE J134446.62$-$732053.9, discovered by citizen scientists through the Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 project. Follow-up near-infrared spectroscopy shows that each of these objects is poorly fit by a single near-infrared standard. We constructed binary templates and found significantly better fits, with component types of L7+T4 for CWISE J072708.09$-$360729.2, L7+T4 for CWISE \"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/phys062-investigation-of-new-brown-dwarf-spectral-binaries\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"Investigation of New Brown Dwarf Spectral Binaries\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"My study examines three new brown dwarf spectral binary candidates, by citizen scientists actively participating in the Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 initiative.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-3881/acffc1\", \"title\": \"An Investigation of New Brown Dwarf Spectral Binary Candidates From the Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 Citizen Science Initiative\", \"snippet\": \"Abstract We present three new brown dwarf spectral-binary candidates: CWISE J072708.09\u2212360729.2, CWISE J103604.84\u2212514424.4, and CWISE J134446.62\u2212732053.9, discovered by citizen scientists through the Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 project. Follow-up near-infrared spectroscopy shows that each of these objects is poorly fit by a single near-infrared standard. We constructed binary templates and found significantly better fits, with component types of L7+T4 for CWISE J072708.09\u2212360729.2, L7+T4 for CWISE J103604.84\u2212514424.4, and L7+T7 for CWISE J134446.62\u2212732053.9. However, further investigation of available spectroscopic indices for evidence of binarity and large amplitude variability suggests that CWISE J072708.09\u2212360729.2 may instead be a strong variability candidate. Our analysis offers tentative evidence and characterization of these peculiar brown dwarf sources, emphasizing their value as promising targets for future high-resolution imaging or photometric variability studies.\", \"found_via\": \"openalex\", \"kind\": \"paper\", \"authors\": [\"A. Bravo\", \"Adam C. Schneider\", \"Daniella C. Bardalez Gagliuffi\", \"Adam J. Burgasser\", \"Aaron Meisner\", \"J. Davy Kirkpatrick\", \"Jacqueline K. Faherty\", \"Marc J. Kuchner\", \"Dan Caselden\", \"Arttu Sainio\", \"Les Hamlet\"], \"year\": 2023, \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"needs_review\", \"signals\": [\"title_exact:1.00\", \"trusted_domain:doi.org\", \"repair:authors_without_student\", \"rescored\"], \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713997412825_Bravo_isefvideo_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PHYS062 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PHYS063\", \"title\": \"Measuring Quantum Entanglement Entropy in Gaussian Boson Sampling\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\", \"category_code\": \"PHYS\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Youm, Jason\"], \"school\": \"Montgomery Blair High School\", \"abstract\": \"Quantum computing has significant potential to generate unparalleled innovations in lattice modeling, encryption schemes, protein folding, prime factorization, and countless other fields of scientific research. I rigorously derived two formulas for the average quantum entanglement in Gaussian boson sampling, a common real-world experiment performed by quantum computers, using both computational and analytical techniques. I began with a non-closed form of the R\u00e9nyi entropy, a quantity that measures entanglement in a quantum system, and worked towards a closed form by expanding matrix terms, using Taylor series, defining helper matrices, and utilizing the binomial theorem for negative exponents. Previous efforts have only quantified the entanglement to one type of entropy, but my formulas extended the entanglement to an infinite class of entropies. Next, I analyzed two limiting cases of my formulas for very low- and high-energy photons, and discovered that the high-energy case yields a truly random quantum substate. Additionally, I investigated a behavior of entanglement called the typicality, which can be generalized to other bosonic systems, by showing that the variance of the entropy is constant. Finally, to experimentally validate my theoretical findings, I constructed a Python simulation that calculated the entropy in Gaussian boson sampling. The simulation provided conclusive support for my two formulas, and also featured small errors for specific input values. Overall, my research puts a firm mathematical basis to examining how entanglement affects the quantum computational speed of Gaussian boson sampling, accelerating the progress towards feasible real-world quantum computing and the subsequent innovations across scientific research.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://link.aps.org/doi/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.7.023125\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 12, \"status\": \"needs_review\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.56\", \"llm:related:0.85\"], \"title\": \"Average R\\\\'enyi entanglement entropy in Gaussian boson sampling\", \"source_domain\": \"link.aps.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.56\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"11. A. Deshpande, A. Mehta, T. Vincent, N. Quesada, M. Hinsche, M. Ioannou, L. Madsen, J. Lavoie, H. Qi, J. Eisert, D. Hangleiter, B. Fefferman, and I. Dhand, Quantum computational advantage via high-dimensional Gaussian boson sampling, Sci. Adv.8, eabi7894 (2022). 12. Y. Yu, Advancements in applications of quantum entanglement, J. Phys.: Conf. Ser.2012, 012113 (2021). 13. W.K. Wootters and W.S. Leng, Quantum entanglement as a quantifiable resource, Philos. Trans. R. Soc.356, 1717 (1998). [...] \"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/phys063-quantum-entanglement-in-gaussian-boson-sampling\", \"title\": \"PHYS063 - Quantum Entanglement in Gaussian Boson Sampling\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713919906687_IMG_5974_1__thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PHYS063 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PLNT008T\", \"title\": \"QuackWrap: Utilizing the Optimized Starch Content Within Lemna minor to Synthesize Biodegradable Plastics\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"PLNT\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Li, Felix\", \"Desai, Anshul\"], \"school\": \"College Park High School\", \"abstract\": \"Over years of increasing environmental awareness and ongoing pollution challenges of single-use plastics, contemporary bioplastics, despite their promise, still present significant ecological concerns, practical limitations for everyday living, and inefficiencies in feedstock cultivation. Addressing these challenges, our research identified Lemna minor, commonly known as duckweed, as a promising feedstock due to its rapid growth rate, efficient nutrient conversion, and high starch content\u2014a critical bioplastic component. To minimize the cost of current bioplastic production, starch was optimized within Lemna minor through low-energy, low-cost treatments. It was identified that plant hormones\u2014auxins (indole-3-acetic) and cytokinins (zeatin)\u2014that focused on the strategic timing of cytokinin application in the presence of auxins and other nutrients over 10 days, would yield the highest starch dry-weight content within Lemna minor. Through a controlled freshwater environment, results varied with the timing of cytokinin introduction, with the greatest starch dry-weight content of 60.7% when cytokinin was added on day 4. Furthermore, when subjected to a simulated saltwater environment, each treatment demonstrated an average of a 19.8% reduction in starch content compared to their freshwater counterparts. Utilizing the optimized starch content, a low-cost procedure was developed to transform the duckweed starches into a bioplastic that lost ~20% of its mass over a 2-month period in nature, comparable to current bioplastics. This use of Lemna minor not only overcomes ecological, economic, and cultivation inefficiencies but also promises a sustainable alternative to traditional single-use plastics, paving the way for an eco-friendly future in material production and beyond.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://www.societyforscience.org/press-release/regeneron-isef-2024-full-awards\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 103, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"full_name\", \"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:www.societyforscience.org\"], \"title\": \"Full Awards: High school scientists win more than $9M at Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair - Society for Science\", \"source_domain\": \"www.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"full_name, booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:www.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"PLNT055 \u2014 Reducing Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Water Contamination With Mycorrhizal Hydroponics Plants Neel Ahuja, Millburn High School, NJ, United States of America Third Award of $1,000 PLNT008T \u2014 QuackWrap: Utilizing the Optimized Starch Content Within Lemna minor to Synthesize Biodegradable Plastics Anshul Desai, College Park High School, TX, United States of America Felix Li, College Park High School, TX, United States of America [...] MATS032 \u2014 Development of Smart Self-Heali\"}, {\"url\": \"https://sspcdn.blob.core.windows.net/files/Documents/SEP/ISEF/2024/Attendees/Programs/Book.pdf\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 103, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"full_name\", \"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:sspcdn.blob.core.windows.net\"], \"title\": \"Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair 2024\", \"source_domain\": \"sspcdn.blob.core.windows.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"full_name, booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:sspcdn.blob.core.windows.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"17, Junior, Kinder High School for Performing and Visual Arts, Houston, Texas, T: Eastman Landry PHYS011 Investigating the Use of Parallel Computing With Quantum Computers Jesse Daniel Miller, 17, Junior, College Park High School, The Woodlands, Texas, T: Joseph Ewbank PLNT008T QuackWrap: Utilizing the Optimized Starch Content Within Lemna minor To Synthesize Biodegradable Plastics Felix Yizhuo Li#, 18, Senior, Anshul Ashesh Desai#, 18, Senior, College Park High School, The Woodlands, Texas, [..\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/plnt008t-quackwrap-duckweed-starch-based-bioplastics\", \"title\": \"PLNT008T - QuackWrap: Duckweed Starch Based Bioplastics\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712115159888_QuackWrap_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PLNT008T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PLNT018\", \"title\": \"Imaging, Expression Profiling, and Modeling: Systematic Approaches Integrated to Investigate BPC Regulation of the Circadian Clock\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"PLNT\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Tsai, Shao-Chi\"], \"school\": \"Taipei Municipal Chien Kuo High School\", \"abstract\": \"This study investigates plant-specific GAGA-binding factors, BASIC PENTACYSTEINEs (BPCs), which are known to exhibit overlapping and antagonistic effects on various developmental phenotypes, including clock-mediated physiological activities. Nevertheless, their correlation with the Arabidopsis circadian oscillatory system, comprising interlocked transcriptional feedback loops, has remained unclear. To bridge knowledge gaps, I employed three methodologies: leaf movement monitoring offered intriguing insights into the multifaceted functions of class I and class II BPCs in orchestrating circadian rhythms; qRT-PCR experiments unveiled cryptic regulatory pathways; mathematical modeling enabled further elucidation of BPCs\u2019 roles in fine-tuning the circadian clock and ensuring optimal oscillations. In wet lab experiments, BPC mutant lines illustrated the precise control exerted by BPCs over key clock components, including CCA1, ELF4, GI, and PRRs, resulting in the attainment of distinct steady states. Additionally, BPC overexpression induction provided an alternative approach, bypassing salvage pathways within the BPC family. ChIP-seq evidence and analysis of clock gene profile alterations under disrupted BPC homeostasis facilitated the construction of a comprehensive simulated model to determine entry points and compare pathway efficacy. Overall, this research sheds light on how BPC proteins maintain homeostasis and choreograph the complex interplay of clock genes, with implications for potential agricultural applications in growth and development, thereby enhancing crop adaptability to environmental changes and increasing yield.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/plnt018-bpc-dyshomeostasis-disrupts-clock-oscillations\", \"title\": \"PLNT018 - BPC Dyshomeostasis Disrupts Clock Oscillations\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712028483049_2min_video_for_isef_final_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PLNT018 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PLNT031\", \"title\": \"Aqua-Arsenic Remediation: Analysis of the Oryza sativa metagenome and Wet-Lab Approach to increase O. sativa Tolerance to Drought and Arsenic Through Hyper Expression of Aquaporin OsNIP2;1, OsNIP3;2, OsPIP2;2 genes (Year IV)\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"PLNT\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Bhat, Prisha\"], \"school\": \"Plano East Senior High School\", \"abstract\": \"According to the US Department of Agriculture, drought decreases the crop yield of rice, the most common source of nutrition worldwide, by nearly 18%. Coupled with arsenic contamination in the soil, total rice yield is reduced by over 40%, and the World Health Organization reports that arsenic contamination threatens the livelihoods of over 150 million people worldwide. Existing solutions focus on either drought or heavy metal remediation, but not both. Examination of the Oryza sativa metagenome via the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database revealed promising candidates within the aquaporin gene family capable of efficiently mitigating both arsenic toxicity and drought stress. Rice cotyledons were genetically augmented with arsenic-resistant OsNIP2;1 and OsNIP3;2 genes, and drought-resistant OsPIP2;2 genes both individually and in combination. In moderate drought conditions and 25 ppm arsenic-contaminated soil, transgenic plants were observed to have length and color similar to the positive control plants, corroborated by chlorophyll content. In contrast, the non-transgenic plants were much shorter in length and appeared wilted. After eight weeks, the roots of the transgenic plants contained more than 20 ppm arsenic, but arsenic was undetectable in the leaves due to decreased arsenic translocation from root to shoot. In addition, the soil arsenic content showed an 80% decline from a 25 ppm baseline to 5 ppm with transgenic rice plants. Statistical significance was proven using two-sample T Tests. Thus, aquaporin-augmented O. sativa offers a promising solution to mitigate both arsenic and drought stress in rice plants, improving crop yield and facilitating soil decontamination.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/plnt031-aqua-arsenic-remediation\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"PLNT031 - Aqua-Arsenic Remediation\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"... arsenic contamination threatens the livelihoods of over 150 million people ... Oryza sativa metagenome via the National Center for Biotechnology\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712788489728_ISEF_VIdeo_2024_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PLNT031 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PLNT061\", \"title\": \"The Role of TALE Homeodomain Proteins in the Haploid to Diploid Transition of the Fern Ceratopteris richardii\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"PLNT\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Uddin, Eva\"], \"school\": \"The Bronx High School of Science\", \"abstract\": \"TALE homeodomains (TALE-HD) are a large class of genes encoding proteins that act as transcription factors in eukaryotes to regulate major developmental and life cycle changes. Their ancestral role in the canonical land plants has been identified as the regulation of the organism's transition from the haploid to diploid phases of the life cycle. Interactions between the two subclasses of TALE-HDs, BELL and KNOX, have been observed to mediate this transition. Heterodimerization between BELL and KNOX homologs are found to serve this ancestral function in the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas. Studying this interaction in the different land plant lineages is crucial to understanding the impact that duplication and diversification of function over evolutionary time had on these essential genes. Identification of similarities and differences in the structures and interactions of TALE-HDs between different groups of plants, such as angiosperms, bryophytes and ferns, would help us better understand plant diversity and the way molecular genetic pathways are co-opted from earlier organisms. Gene specific and whole gene primers were designed for the seven BELL-HDs in the fern Ceratopteris richardii, which were cloned to obtain fragments for use in downstream studies of gene expression, protein-protein interaction and studies of gene function. In silico studies consisting of the construction of phylogenetic trees for BELL homologs found across plant lineages, including the seven C. richardii BELLs, were performed; as well as protein structure modeling to identify conserved structural motifs across analyzed sequences. CrBEL8, CrBEL12 and CrBEL1 were identified as morphologically distinct from other Ceratopteris BELLs.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/plnt061-tale-hd-proteins-in-fern-c-richardii\", \"title\": \"PLNT061 - TALE-HD Proteins in Fern C. richardii\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714576583615_23906b44_190c_4935_9210_d0baf21da011_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PLNT061 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PLNT063\", \"title\": \"Genetic Diversity and Tracing the Origin of Wasabi (Eutrema japonicum) on Ulleung Island, Korea\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"PLNT\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Son, Grace\"], \"school\": \"Tabb High School\", \"abstract\": \"Wasabi (Japanese horseradish: Eutrema japonicum, synonym Wasabia japonica) is an endemic species in Japan that has been cultivated as a traditional Japanese condiment. However, Ulleung wasabi, Wasabia koreana has been reported as a native species in a small oceanic volcanic Ulleung Island, which is located between the Korean Peninsula and the Japanese Archipelago. Although a few studies have been conducted to reveal species identity and origin, still several systematic issues concerning the species identity, distribution, nomenclature, relationship with wild wasabi E. japonicum remain a controversial debate. Therefore, I aimed to investigate the origin, species' identity, and phylogenetic relationship between the wild and cultivars of E. japonicum, and genetic structures using whole chloroplast genome sequences and DNA barcoding analysis of the Ulleung wasabi. The plastome sequences using the three accessions of Ulleung wasabi and six cultivar accessions (Daio, Daruma, Green Thumb, Micado, Orochi, and Shogun) suggested that Ulleung wasabi was most closely related to the cultivar 'Shimane No. 3' amongst the Japanese wasabi. The haplotype relationships based on three highly variable intergenic region sequences of chloroplast DNA for 51 accessions Ulleung wasabi revealed the existence of at least three different haplotypes. In conclusion, the current study suggests that Ulleung Island wasabi is most likely a cultivar of Eutrema japonica, while the DD population and some individuals of BR, CS populations holds the potential possibility of being a wild type wasabi. Ulleung Island wasabi's geographical origin could not be determined in this study, but multiple origins could be possible.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf/25963\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 20, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.60\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"[PDF] Genetic Diversity and Tracing the Origin of Wasabi (Eutrema ...\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.60, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Ulleung Island wasabi is most likely a cultivar of Eutrema japonica, CS populations holds the potential possibility of being a wild type wasabi.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/plnt063-ulleung-island-wasabis-origin\", \"title\": \"PLNT063 - Ulleung Island Wasabi's Origin \", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714533982716_Movie_on_4_30_24_at_11.06_PM_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PLNT063 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO008T\", \"title\": \"Zoro the Autonomous Rescue Dog: An Inexpensive Simultaneous Localization and Mapping System Running on a Mobile Quadruped for Rough Terrain Operation in Dangerous Scenarios\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Crismariu, Codrin\", \"Hulub, Bianca\"], \"school\": \"Informatics Liceum Grigore C. Moisil\", \"abstract\": \"Zoro is a robotic quadruped meant to explore and map unknown or dangerous environments using many sensors such as an Xbox Kinect for IR depth sensing and mapping and encoders, touch sensors, and an IMU to keep itself stable on uneven terrain. For the actuation of its limbs, we decided to use high torque servos, an inexpensive alternative to the standard brushless motors usually used for robot dogs. The servos paired with a 12-bit analog encoder give us the same information and actuation power in a smaller configuration as normal brushless motors could give us. To keep itself balanced we used the proprioceptive abilities that the IMU, touch sensors, and encoder give us; knowing the rotation of the robot in space and all the position of its limbs and their contact with the ground. For the mapping procedure, we take advantage of the IR projector and depth-sensing camera of the Kinect and the standard Robot Operating System protocols to sync the map data to the other sensors.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://www.societyforscience.org/press-release/regeneron-isef-2024-full-awards\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 103, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"full_name\", \"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:www.societyforscience.org\"], \"title\": \"Full Awards: High school scientists win more than $9M at ...\", \"source_domain\": \"www.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"full_name, booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:www.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"ROBO008T \u2014 Zoro the Autonomous Rescue Dog: An Inexpensive Simultaneous Localization and Mapping System Running on a Mobile Quadruped for Rough Terrain Operation in Dangerous Scenarios Bianca Hulub, Informatics Liceum Grigore C. Moisil, Romania Codrin Crismariu, Informatics Liceum Grigore C. Moisil, Romania ROBO019T \u2014 State Space Models Are All You Need Aidan Ong, Hwa Chong Institution, Singapore Junxiang Cai, National Junior College, Singapore [...] Khunasin Suksri, The Prince Royal\u2019s College, C\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo008t-zoro-the-autonomous-rescue-dog\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"ROBO008T - Zoro the Autonomous Rescue Dog\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Zoro is a robotic quadruped meant to explore and map unknown or dangerous environments \u2026 an inexpensive alternative to the standard brushless motors usually\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712170642532_ISEF_Zoro_Presentation_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ROBO008T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO019T\", \"title\": \"State Space Models Are All You Need\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Cai, Junxiang\", \"Ong, Aidan\"], \"school\": \"National Junior College\", \"abstract\": \"Conventional architectures such as the Transformer struggle to scale to very long sequences of over 10 000 steps. Promisingly, recent advances in sequence models based on the Structured State Space Sequence (S4) model like Liquid-S4, S5 and S6 have shown remarkable performance in handling sequences with long-term dependencies such as image, text, audio, and medical time-series data. In this paper, we propose two state-of-the-art (SOTA) architectures based on the State Space Model (SSM). Our first architecture, Liquid-S5, is a multi-input, multi-output (MIMO) SSM that can dynamically modify its state based on incoming inputs during inference. Liquid-S5 achieves SOTA on the Long Range Arena benchmark, demonstrating its ability to handle intricate long-range dependencies on continuous sequences. Our second architecture, LiquidMamba, builds upon selective SSMs (S6) by introducing the notion of data-dependent state updates to the S6 architecture. LiquidMamba also introduces two modifications. Firstly, we use a gated convolution over the normal convolution in vanilla Mamba to improve parameter efficiency. Secondly, we add the Feed-Forward Network that was removed in the original Mamba architecture back into LiquidMamba to improve its generalization capabilities. Notably, LiquidMamba exceeds the performance of Mamba even with the Feed-Forward Network added, as well as Transformer architectures for a given parameter-count on the WikiText-103 benchmark. We posit that both Liquid-S5 and LiquidMamba can serve as highly efficient and accurate architectures for learning representations from sequential data.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo019t-state-space-models-for-sequence-modeling\", \"title\": \"ROBO019T - State Space Models For Sequence Modeling\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711981125519_isef_video_presentation_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ROBO019T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO024T\", \"title\": \"A Low-cost Bionic Transradial Electromyographic Prosthesis Using Transformer-Based Deep Learning Algorithms\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Schwehr, Zachary\", \"Achanta, Sriman\"], \"school\": \"Mills E. Godwin High School\", \"abstract\": \"Current commercial and research-grade prosthetics lack fine motor movements and have limited degrees of freedom. These functional limitations force the amputee to compensate, which causes other health problems, further diminishing their quality of life. Additionally, commercial prosthetics are expensive with roughly only 5% of people being able to afford prosthetic devices. Given these problems, we propose a transformer-based deep learning algorithm to read surface electromyography (sEMG) signals and a 3D-printed transradial prosthetic capable of independent finger movement. The transformer model employs attention mechanisms to overcome prior constraints: mode complexity, high computation, and latency, and considering both spatial and temporal information. The overall cost of the prosthetic is less than $450, more than 160 times cheaper than commercial prosthetics. Furthermore, our prosthetic utilizes high-accuracy servo motors which allow for fine motor movements and has 15 degrees of freedom, more than three times that of current research-grade prosthetics and 15 times that of commercial-grade ones. Additionally, the mechanical prosthetic has a grasp speed of over three times faster than other state-of-the-art prosthetics and is comparable in weight to the human hand.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf/25164\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 20, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.56\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"[PDF] A Low-cost Bionic Transradial Electromyographic Prosthesis ...\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.56, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"The overall cost of the prosthetic is less than $450, more than 160 times cheaper than commercial prosthetics. Furthermore, our prosthetic utilizes high-\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo024t-low-cost-transradial-electromyographic-prosthetic\", \"title\": \"ROBO024T - Low-cost Transradial Electromyographic Prosthetic\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712032852465_isef_final_x6_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ROBO024T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO033T\", \"title\": \"VannameiVision: A Novel End-to-End Pipeline for Stock Quality Assessment With a Case Study in Shrimp Post-larvae Screening From Robust Data Acquisition to Autonomous Segmentation and Systematic Characterization of Count, Size, and Vitality\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Tiyapunjanit, Patipond\", \"Siammai, Thinnaphat\"], \"school\": \"Princess Chulabhon Science High School Pathumthani\", \"abstract\": \"In a world where nearly 800 million people face hunger, aquaculture, especially shrimp farming, emerges as a vital solution to bolster food security and sustainably meet the nutritional needs of the growing global population. Ensuring health and quality of post-larval shrimp is crucial, as it directly influences yields and efficacies of aquaculture operations. However, traditional methods are labor-intensive, susceptible to human error, and lacking consistency, leading to imprecise stock management and potential economic losses at both farm and industry levels. VannameiVision is designed to revolutionize these processes through automation and advanced machine learning algorithms. Our pipeline features robust data acquisition, autonomous segmentation, and systematic characterization of count, size, and vitality. The first step introduces a novel standardized shrimp imaging system using ArUco markers for enhanced capture. The second step automates annotation, integrating GPT-4 for caption generation and Grounded-SAM for zero-shot segmentation, speeding up the process by 3,061 times. The third step uses YOLOv8 trained on synthetic data for shrimp isolation, achieving over 98% mAP50 and improving count accuracy. The fourth step uses Elastic Net for body length estimation from segmentation masks with less than 0.1 mm error margin.  The final step addresses health condition screening by leveraging sampling statistics, shared encoder and reparameterization, achieving a remarkable accuracy of 99.4%, distinguishing healthy individuals even in batches with high trait heterogeneity. VannameiVision not only pioneers a sustainable future in aquaculture but embodies a beacon of innovation, casting light on paths to conquer global hunger with precision and perseverance.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://sspcdn.blob.core.windows.net/files/Documents/SEP/ISEF/2024/Attendees/Programs/Book.pdf\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 103, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"full_name\", \"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:sspcdn.blob.core.windows.net\"], \"title\": \"Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair 2024\", \"source_domain\": \"sspcdn.blob.core.windows.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"full_name, booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:sspcdn.blob.core.windows.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Value for Future Sustainable Food Development Thanatkorn Chauvanasmith#, 16, Sophomore, Sunyapat Akkarajeerawat#, 16, Sophomore, Bangkok Christian College, Bangkok, Thailand, T: Chanan Keatsirisart ROBO033T VannameiVision: A Novel End-to-End Pipeline for Stock Quality Assessment With a Case Study in Shrimp Post-larvae Screening From Robust Data Acquisition to Autonomous Segmentation and Systematic Characterization of Count, Size and Vitality Thinnaphat Siammai, 18, Senior, Patipond [...] Residen\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.societyforscience.org/press-release/regeneron-isef-2024-special-awards-winners\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 103, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"full_name\", \"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:www.societyforscience.org\"], \"title\": \"Regeneron ISEF 2024 Society for Science Special Awards Winners Announced - Society for Science\", \"source_domain\": \"www.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"full_name, booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:www.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"ROBO033T \u2014 VannameiVision: A Novel End-to-End Pipeline for Stock Quality Assessment With a Case Study in Shrimp Post-larvae Screening From Robust Data Acquisition to Autonomous Segmentation and Systematic Characterization of Count, Size, and Vitality Patipond Tiyapunjanit, Princess Chulabhon Science High School Pathumthani, Minburi, Bangkok, Thailand Thinnaphat Siammai, Princess Chulabhon Science High School Pathumthani, Min Buri, Bangkok, Thailand Second Award of $3,000 [...] Sumana Subramanian\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo033t-novel-robust-autonomous-shrimp-screening-pipeline\", \"title\": \"ROBO033T - Novel Robust Autonomous Shrimp Screening Pipeline\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713873940283_trim.7DA51C83_8DDF_4A2D_9EFF_BFC5755B03EF_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ROBO033T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO040\", \"title\": \"Autonomous Driving Agents Trained by an Algorithm Based on NeuroEvolution of Augmenting Topologies (Neat) Using a New Logarithmic Fixed-Point Number System Optimized for Microcontrollers\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Hyzyk, Krzesimir\"], \"school\": \"European School Luxembourg 1\", \"abstract\": \"In recent years, multi-agent systems have become increasingly more prominent in robotics, factories, and space exploration. This brought up a new class of control theory problems usually very difficult to solve.\\nTo tackle such a problem, I have built a dedicated physical environment: 6x6 foot perimeter, 16 autonomous agents (autonomous cars with an innovative automatic gearbox), 16 Raspberry Pi Pico WH microcontrollers, 361 RFID tags, 16 RFID readers, 4 Wi-Fi antennas, one 2 Gb network switch, and a launchpad as a user interface.\\nIn this environment, each agent's task is to drive to a randomly chosen location, whilst minimizing the number of collisions.\\nTo control and train the agents, I have adapted the NeuroEvolution of Augmenting Topologies (NEAT) algorithm, which is a versatile unsupervised machine learning technique, stemming from both neural networks and genetic algorithms.\\nThe agents were first trained virtually, in a virtual clone of the physical environment, making it possible for the agents to learn the challenges of the task before facing the physical environment, and then trained physically, in the perimeter.\\nYet, such an algorithm produces large models with thousands of neurons, that are too costly to evaluate on microcontrollers lacking floating-point hardware. Therefore, I have developed a new logarithmic fixed-point number system, allowing for both a high throughput of computations, and good accuracy.\\nMy project has therefore shown how to solve a difficult multi-agent control problem with cost-effective hardware and adequate training methods. This could be applied to other types of problems, such as drone swarms or recovery missions with flexible vehicles.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo040-neat-agents-based-on-my-own-log-number-system\", \"title\": \"ROBO040 - NEAT Agents Based on My Own Log Number System\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/8cR5hbxBwpg\", \"title\": \"ROBO040 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO070\", \"title\": \"EnViD: A Novel Predictive Vision Framework With Temporal Contrast for Resource-Efficient Single Object Tracking in Dynamic Visual Fields\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Padmanabhan, Sritej\"], \"school\": \"North Allegheny Senior High School\", \"abstract\": \"Autonomous unmanned vehicles (drones, etc.) require fast and resource-efficient perception and control to perform in dynamic, unpredictable real-world environments. Comprehending visual reality requires the efficient acquisition of common-sense knowledge over several regularities in the visual world, e.g., object spatial relationships, temporal dynamics such as motion & rotation, and illuminations on objects in view. For over 40 years, a paramount challenge has resided in the performance of vision systems within dynamic environments such as glare and shadows, particularly in the Single Object Tracking (SOT) domain. Prevailing methods, while sophisticated, are hindered by large datasets and high computational needs with their performance being compromised under varying ambient conditions. Considering these challenges, a novel event-based predictive vision framework (EnViD) was developed to better capture such real-world dynamics. EnViD builds sophisticated and meaningful high-to-high associations, in comparison to high-to-low mappings. This generates semantically rich features, which can be associated with more abstract, low-dimensional concepts through a predictive vision framework. EnViD was tested on an NVIDIA Jetson Nano with real-world conditions such as occlusions and shadows and was shown to surpass current success, precision, and accuracy benchmarks by ~20%. The computational burden of typical frame-based vision was addressed with a temporal contrast signal processing method, similar to the eye's retina, resulting in reduction of data usage by 92%. EnViD's increased efficiency and performance in dynamic conditions make it suitable for many vision tasks. It was proven to improve Telehealth Parkinson's video analysis, with potential use across multiple industries.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://doi.org/10.1109/urtc68753.2025.11533105\", \"title\": \"EnViD: A Predictive Vision Framework with Temporal Contrast for Efficient and Robust Video Analysis in Dynamic Visual Fields\", \"snippet\": \"Video-analysis applications and autonomous unmanned vehicles (drones, etc.) require fast and resource-efficient perception and control to perform in dynamic, unpredictable real-world environments. Comprehending visual reality requires the efficient acquisition of common-sense knowledge over several regularities in the visual world, e.g., object spatial relationships, temporal dynamics such as motion & rotation, and illuminations on objects in view. In the computer vision domain, a paramount challenge has resided in the performance of vision systems within dynamic environments such as glare and shadows, particularly in Single Object Tracking (SOT). This research specifically takes interest in improving telehealth applications such as disease diagnosis and monitoring. Prevailing methods, while sophisticated, are hindered by large datasets and high computational needs, with their performance being compromised under varying ambient conditions, which inevitably appear in real-world conditions. Considering these challenges, a novel event-based predictive vision framework (EnViD) was developed to better capture such real-world dynamics more efficiently. EnViD builds sophisticated and meaningful high-to-high associations, in comparison to high-to-low mappings. This generates semantically rich features, which can be associated with more abstract, low-dimensional concepts through a predictive vision framework assembled in a hierarchy. EnViD was tested on an NVIDIA Jetson Nano with a custom dataset simulating real-world visual conditions like glare, occlusion, and motion blur. EnViD demonstrated consistent improvements in tracking precision and robustness compared to classical frame-based methods. However, the predictive vision framework alone still suffers from high energy use, which is unrealistic for embedded applications. Therefore, a temporal contrast signal processing method similar to the eye's retina was utilized to reduce the computational burden of typical frame-based vision. By processing only per-pixel polarity changes, an attention-like mechanism can bring focus to the critical components of the frame. This resulted in a reduction of data usage by \u223c92%. However, utilizing event-based vision in combination with a predictive hierarchy result in swift signal loss. Therefore, a novel microsaccade signal generation technique was developed to reintroduce signal from signal feedback, similar to the human eye. This technique provides a possible explanation for why microsaccades are utilized in the human visual system, validated in silico. EnViD's increased efficiency and performance in dynamic conditions make it suitable for many vision tasks. To assess its performance for telehealth video-analysis tasks, it was applied to an algorithm for monitoring a Parkinsonian hand tremor. The EnViD module was adapted as a predictive tracking backbone that localized and stabilized the hand region in each frame under dynamic visual conditions, created in a custom dataset. This region was then passed into a MediaPipe-based hand landmark detector to extract fine-grained tremor motion signals. By narrowing inference to EnViD-predicted regions, the system reduced landmark dropout and tracking jitter by approximately 5%, yielding more reliable tremor quantification in the presence of the mentioned ambient conditions. This research introduces EnViD as a promising and novel neuromorphic architecture for improved performance of vision systems (i.e. telehealth camera input, autonomous vehicles, etc.) in dynamic conditions. Future applications include expanding this tool to multi-object tracking and additional contrasts beyond temporal, for increased efficiency.\", \"found_via\": \"openalex\", \"kind\": \"paper\", \"authors\": [\"Sritej Padmanabhan\"], \"year\": 2025, \"score\": 75, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"author_full_name\", \"title_strong:0.56\", \"trusted_domain:doi.org\", \"llm:own:0.95\", \"rescored\"], \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo070-low-compute-framework-for-dynamic-vision-tasks\", \"title\": \"ROBO070 - Low Compute Framework for Dynamic Vision Tasks\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714621542652_ISEF_FINAL_VIDEO_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ROBO070 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO080\", \"title\": \"Generative Deep Learning-Based Data Augmentation Techniques via Adversarial and Diffusive Models for Enhanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma Histopathological Scan Diagnosis\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Shah, Ashank\"], \"school\": \"Sunset High School\", \"abstract\": \"Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. Moreover, accurate, early diagnosis for pre-metastatic SCC is imperative; post-metastasis patient survival rate plummets from 99% to <50%. However, clinician-based interpretation of whole slide images is often inefficient and extensively time-consuming. Prior research has illustrated the efficacy of deep-learning approaches for autonomous classification of squamous cells for efficient SCC diagnosis; however, false negatives remain prominent due to bias against underrepresented, scarce malignant data. To circumvent the ramifications of imbalanced classes within datasets, research employed data augmentation techniques, but most fail to introduce new seed information and lead to model overfitting. This study developed two extensively fine-tuned novel generative machine learning architectures for SCC data augmentation and eventual classification enhancement: SquaGAN, a Conditional Generative Adversarial Network, and SquaDIFF, a Denoising Diffusion Probabilistic Model. Both models were trained on a SCC whole slide image patch dataset with severe malignant underrepresentation. To evaluate the success of the techniques, a VGG16 baseline metric classifier was developed and trained on three sets: the raw non-augmented dataset, a dataset amplified with existing data augmentation techniques, and finally a dataset amplified with the proposed generative data augmentation techniques. Both SquaGAN and SquaDIFF increased performance, with class-specific model accuracy jumps of +21% and +27%, respectively. Both models additionally demonstrated efficacy in a truncated evaluation, outperforming all existing counterparts. These results are promising in feasible autonomous diagnosis approaches in clinics.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo080-generative-ai-for-enhanced-carcinoma-diagnosis\", \"title\": \"ROBO080 - Generative AI for Enhanced Carcinoma Diagnosis\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/3TZGx_d03lM\", \"title\": \"ROBO080 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"SOFT014\", \"title\": \"A Configurable Compiled Programming Language With Integrated Transpilation\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Systems Software\", \"category_code\": \"SOFT\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Lustig, Milan\"], \"school\": \"Cold Spring Harbor Jr/Sr High School\", \"abstract\": \"Language workbenches and product lines allow users to customize programming languages by providing a framework for the creation of Domain Specific Languages (DSLs). They allow for quicker language development, but still require some programming. The customization offered by workbenches and product lines is focused towards adapting to new domains. The purpose of this research is to introduce a new approach to language customization. This research proposes a language designed to be easily customized and configured for new users, rather than new domains, while still offering language extension. Users can simply select options to configure the syntax and semantics of their personal preferences. This offers a more approachable take to language customization than most language workbenches, especially for inexperienced developers. Developers may also be able to more smoothly adapt to new languages if user-oriented customization is applied similarly to gradual learning. User-oriented customization is also accompanied by an inter-configuration transpiler and standardized language form, ensuring that code written in custom configurations is still readable by all users. User-oriented customization was implemented in a general purpose compiled C-based language in which users are able to configure the syntax and semantics by editing a Tom's Obvious Minimal Language (TOML) configuration file. From the creation of this language, it can be concluded that user-oriented customization can reasonably be implemented into large modern general-purpose compiled languages and, when accompanied by one-to-one syntax translation between forms, can be used by many people with many configurations with no added friction.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/soft014-configurable-compiled-language-with-transpilation\", \"title\": \"SOFT014 - Configurable Compiled Language With Transpilation\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/E_2NCDDlsGI\", \"title\": \"SOFT014 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"SOFT035\", \"title\": \"Software for Customized Development of Partial Hand Prostheses in the 3D-Printed Prosthetics Community\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Systems Software\", \"category_code\": \"SOFT\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Robertson, Katherine\"], \"school\": \"Sage Hill School\", \"abstract\": \"This work developed an accessible software for the development of 3D-printed prostheses for people with partial hand loss. Partial hand loss is the most prevalent form of amputation among upper limb amputations. Community efforts have created affordable 3D-printed prosthetic hands for upper-limb amputees. However, these hands are not easily customized without CAD experience, and given the variety of partial hand loss, they are often not well-suited for the user. This project provided streamlined software for the semi-automatic generation of a prosthetic hand optimized for an individual and focused on accessibility and adaptability. After manipulating a pseudo skeleton of joints and \\\"painting\\\" a scan of a residual limb to define the socket, the user would simply export the software's generated files for 3D-printing. To create variable flexibility and breathability in the sockets, a pattern of holes was generated across the mesh. The first phase of testing proved the socket's ability to retain a proper fit on the residual limb with minimal displacement under loads nearing 100N. The second phase of testing involved a qualitative assessment that validated the prostheses' robustness, ease of manufacturing, and kinematics. The software required low computational-cost with generation times varying from a matter of seconds to a maximum of 15 minutes. Ultimately, the developed program provided a comprehensive solution to easily create optimized prostheses for those with partial hand loss.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/soft035-software-for-3d-printed-partial-hand-prostheses\", \"title\": \"SOFT035 - Software for 3D-Printed Partial Hand Prostheses \", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713586314945_Sequence_07_Copy_012_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"SOFT035 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"SOFT045T\", \"title\": \"Mouseless Mouse: Enhancing Digital Interaction for Individuals With Limited Hand Mobility via Amplify and Smooth Extracted Data From Head Movement Using Real-Time Facial Tracking and Deep Learning\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Systems Software\", \"category_code\": \"SOFT\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Hemdan, Mohamed\", \"Abdalla, Mohamed\"], \"school\": \"Obour STEM School\", \"abstract\": \"Individuals with limited hand mobility usually face challenges in daily activities and technology interactions that require fine motor skills and dexterity. To address this issue, innovative technology has been developed for interaction with machines and controlling a mouse with head movements. Using a laptop's camera for commands eliminates the need for additional hardware for accurate control. The proposed system tackles the problem of limited input options while also minimizing erratic movements for people with neck movement restrictions. The system uses face mesh technology to map facial features accurately and translate head movements into cursor movements, and the data is amplified to fill the entire screen while maintaining comfortable movement. Exponential moving average (EMA) was used to improve cursor control by giving more weight to recent data points, thus reducing jitter. Because of the latency caused by EMA, Kalman filter is utilized for its predictive capabilities, which significantly enhance the system's responsiveness and enable more accurate real-time cursor movements. Due to limitations in actions, eye wink detection utilizes the eye-aspect ratio (EAR) to accurately measure eye wink representation. A specialized Vision in Transformer (ViT) model for detecting facial gestures has been developed. By implementing a two-phase fine-tuning approach. The model is adapted to function under various lighting conditions. By amplifying and smoothing data, the project reduced movement deviation. Lessening jittery movement. Utilizing ViT enhances real-time classification accuracy by expanding command options. Using a laptop's camera for accurate interaction aids individuals with limited hand mobility, benefiting all users and promoting inclusivity in technology.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/soft045t-mouseless-mouse\", \"title\": \"SOFT045T - Mouseless Mouse \", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713717397655_Final_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"SOFT045T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713718817837_Final_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"SOFT045T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"SOFT046T\", \"title\": \"DynaGrad: A Novel Gradient Descent With Adaptive Dual Learning Rates & Momenta for Improved Optimization and Accelerated Convergence in Deep Neural Networks\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Systems Software\", \"category_code\": \"SOFT\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Kamal, Pratishrut\", \"Vadlamudi, Venkata Varshith\"], \"school\": \"William G. Enloe High School\", \"abstract\": \"Machine Learning (ML) optimizers are widely used to optimize the weights and biases of deep neural networks. However, current methods can suffer from issues like slow convergence and getting trapped in poor local minima. In this work, we propose a novel gradient descent algorithm with dual adaptive learning rates and momenta that aims to improve optimization and achieve faster convergence. The key idea is to dynamically adjust the learning rate and momentum for each weight and bias based on the magnitude and direction of its partial derivative while incorporating a slow and fast gradient, moving at different paces along the loss function.  Weights and biases with larger gradient magnitudes are updated more aggressively, while those with noisy gradients are updated more conservatively. The momentum is also adapted to accelerate training along dimensions with consistent gradient directions and dampen oscillations in other dimensions. We evaluate our proposed algorithm on various deep neural network architectures and datasets. Results demonstrate faster decreases in the training loss and test error compared to the current state-of-the-art ML optimizers, and other adaptive methods. The improved optimization enables reduced training times and generally leads to better model performance. This adaptive gradient descent approach can enable more efficient training of deep neural networks across a variety of applications. Our approach, DynaGrad, is 15.6% faster than state-of-the-art algorithms and achieves a 2% lower loss. This leads to higher accuracy in deep neural networks, for medical imaging tasks, and any kind of research that involves advanced machine learning techniques.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/soft046t-dynagrad\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"SOFT046T - DynaGrad\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"... gradient descent algorithm with dual adaptive learning rates and momenta that aims to improve optimization and achieve faster convergence. The key idea is\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714532817812_Timeline_1_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"SOFT046T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"SOFT048\", \"title\": \"DETICKT IT: A Machine Learning-Based Application for Real-Time Tick Identification and Spatiotemporal Disease Risk Assessment\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Systems Software\", \"category_code\": \"SOFT\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Kolb, Antonia\"], \"school\": \"King School\", \"abstract\": \"There is an alarming increase in the population of ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs), with 475,000 cases reported annually, some of which are fatal. Due to limited training, healthcare providers and the public cannot always accurately identify ticks and their associated infections, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatments. Additionally, the prevalence rates of different disease-causing pathogens vary based on geographic locations. To facilitate the identification process and provide an expedited risk assessment of TBDs, a machine learning-based iOS application, DETICKT IT, was created. The app features a ResNet50V2 (transfer learning) deep convolutional neural network built in Python for combining real-time tick-species identification with a novel \\\"window\\\" algorithm and a location-based tick-risk assessment by embedding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's spatiotemporal tick and pathogen surveillance statistics. Users can receive an immediate and accurate analysis to determine whether they are at risk of contracting certain TBDs based on their geographic location. The app is able to accurately identify the ten most common tick species in North and South America: American dog tick, Asian Longhorned tick, Brown dog tick, Eastern blacklegged tick, Western blacklegged tick, Groundhog tick, Gulf Coast tick, Lone star tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick, and soft tick, with an overall accuracy of 97% and precision, recall, and F1 score metrics of 0.96, 0.97, and 0.96, respectively. This freely accessible app shows promise in assisting tick bite victims with their decision to seek further medical assistance, particularly those with underlying health conditions.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://www.thurj.com/fall-2024-research/akolb\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 95, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"full_name\", \"title_exact:0.92\"], \"title\": \"DETICKT IT: A Machine Learning-Based Application for Real-Time Tick Identification and Spatiotemporal Disease Risk Assessment | Thurj\", \"source_domain\": \"www.thurj.com\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"full_name, title_exact:0.92\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"and provide an expedited risk assessment of TBDs, a machine learning-based iOS application, DETICKT IT was created. The app features a ResNet50V2 (transfer learning) deep convolutional neural network (CNN) built in Python for combining real-time tick-species identification with a location-based tick-risk assessment by embedding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\u2019s (CDC\u2019s) spatiotemporal tick and pathogen surveillance statistics. With DETICKT IT, users can now receive an immediate [..\"}, {\"url\": \"https://apps.apple.com/us/app/detickt-it/id1623027174\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 45, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"full_name\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"\u200eDETICKT IT App - App Store\", \"source_domain\": \"apps.apple.com\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"full_name\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"iPhone DETICKT IT is an app that allows users to take a photo of a tick they find and then it gives a comprehensive risk assessment of the most prevalent tick-borne diseases. The app uses the user's location to create a location-based risk from the most common species of tick that are identified. ## Ratings & Reviews 4.7 out of 5 26 Ratings ### Great App! elizabeth!18 [...] # DETICKT IT Identify ticks and learn Only for iPhone 26 Ratings Age Rating 13+ Category Health & Fitness Developer Antonia\"}, {\"url\": \"https://doi.org/10.62571/gujf5t1klb24ak\", \"title\": \"DETICKT IT: A Machine Learning-Based Application for Real-Time Tick Identification and Spatiotemporal Disease Risk Assessment\", \"snippet\": \"There is an alarming increase in the population of ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs), with 475,000 cases reported annually, some of which are fatal. Due to limited training, healthcare providers and the public cannot always accurately identify ticks and their associated infections, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatments. Additionally, the prevalence rates of different disease-causing pathogens vary based on geographic locations. To facilitate the identification process and provide an expedited risk assessment of TBDs, a machine learning-based iOS application, DETICKT IT was created. The app features a ResNet50V2 (transfer learning) deep convolutional neural network (CNN) built in Python for combining real-time tick-species identification with a location-based tick-risk assessment by embedding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\u2019s (CDC\u2019s) spatiotemporal tick and pathogen surveillance statistics. With DETICKT IT, users can now receive an immediate and accurate analysis to determine whether they are at risk of contracting a certain TBD. The app is able to accurately identify the ten most common tick species in North and South America: American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis, D. similis), Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis), Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), Eastern blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), Western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus), Groundhog tick (Ixodes cookei), Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum), Lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum), Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni), and soft tick (Ornithodoros). The overall accuracy is 97% with precision, recall, and F1 score metrics of 0.96, 0.97, and 0.96, respectively. This freely accessible app shows promise in assisting tick bite victims with their decision to seek further medical assistance, particularly those with underlying health conditions.\", \"found_via\": \"openalex\", \"kind\": \"paper\", \"authors\": [\"Antonia Kolb\"], \"year\": 2023, \"score\": 113, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"author_full_name\", \"title_exact:1.00\", \"trusted_domain:doi.org\", \"rescored\"], \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/soft048-detickt-it-a-machine-learning-based-tick-risk-app\", \"title\": \"SOFT048 - DETICKT IT: A Machine Learning-Based Tick-Risk App\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714013398148_AKVideo_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"SOFT048 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TECA002\", \"title\": \"International Math Sign Language (IMSL): Standardizing a \\\"Universal Language\\\" for the Deaf Community\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Technology Enhances the Arts\", \"category_code\": \"TECA\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Mendenhall, Aurora\"], \"school\": \"Niceville High School\", \"abstract\": \"For the Deaf community, math is not a universal language. In over 300 existing sign languages worldwide, most math terms do not have corresponding signs, forcing deaf students to fingerspell everything. For example, if they wanted to say the word \u2018isosceles triangle,\u2019 they would have to spell it out repeatedly. This slows down math communication and education, making it challenging for deaf students to succeed in math-related fields; the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes found that only 7.8% of deaf students pursue math-related degrees. Developing a global set of math signs, along with an accessible online search engine, will aid deaf students in their education, careers, and lives. My research helped to achieve this goal.\\nMy experiment tested if math, sign language, and code could work together to improve math communication. I studied 6,000 signs from 23 global sign languages to accurately develop my solution. I created International Math Sign Language (IMSL), which contains 250 standard math signs. I also developed an easily accessible online search engine to display it. My experimental procedures proved effective during testing and my hypothesis was supported. My novel IMSL and interactive online database provided the most innovative system for improving math communication for the Deaf community.\\nAlterations that would benefit the experiment include a larger pool of sign languages to study and signs developed for more math terms. These would increase the project\u2019s viability and applicability. Future research on my topic includes creating international sign languages for every STEM subject. In summary, when math, sign language, and computer programming were used in tandem, they created a system that can change lives, and as a result, change the world.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf/24762\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"full_name\", \"title_strong:0.67\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\"], \"title\": \"International Math Sign Language (IMSL): Standardizing a ...\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"full_name, title_strong:0.67, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"International Math Sign Language (IMSL): Standardizing a. \\\"Universal Language\\\" for the Deaf Community. Mendenhall, Aurora (School: Niceville High School). For\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TECA016\", \"title\": \"Creating an Artificial Intelligence Neural Network to Critique Expressive Piano Performance\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Technology Enhances the Arts\", \"category_code\": \"TECA\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Huang, Henry\"], \"school\": \"Palos Verdes Peninsula High School\", \"abstract\": \"Classical music education is a complex field requiring the teacher to evaluate a student based on audio and visual information. However, this approach can be error prone and biased. This project proposes a framework of a 3-component piano performance analyzer that can provide feedback to students without the input of an instructor.\\nThe core component for analyzing the performance was focused on in this project. Training data was synthesized from existing piano performance datasets by randomly generating errors within the pieces. Two classes of errors were categorized, with simple errors describing one note, and high-level errors describing a series of notes. To predict these errors, multi-class and multi-label networks composed of difference modules and inception modules inspired by GoogleNet were created using 1D Convolutions.\\nThe model for predicting simple errors was able to reach an accuracy level of 97%, where accuracy was measured in how closely the output of the model matched the error codes for the piece. The accuracy of the high-level error model peaked at 90%.\\nThe results validate the current architecture of the analyzer component. Including the other components for generating an optimal performance and translating the student performance would complete the full model. For the analyzer component, future models could experiment with using a deeper network or combining it with a large language model to generate text descriptions of critique.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/teca016-neural-network-for-piano-critique\", \"title\": \"TECA016 - Neural Network for Piano Critique\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711995176465_Artificial_Intelligence_Performance_Analyzer_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"TECA016 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TMED012\", \"title\": \"Selection and Preclinical Testing of DNA Aptamers as Targeted Tau Therapies: A Novel Approach to Slow the Progression of Tauopathies\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\", \"category_code\": \"TMED\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Reddy, Maya\"], \"school\": \"Leander High School\", \"abstract\": \"Tauopathies are neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the deposition of abnormal tau in the brain. There are over 20 tauopathies that collectively affect millions of people around the world. Alzheimer\u2019s disease, Progressive supranuclear palsy, Pick's disease, and Post-encephalitic parkinsonism are some of the most common ones. There are currently no disease-modifying treatments for tauopathies. In these diseases the protein responsible for maintaining the stability of microtubules in neurons, known as tau, becomes hyperphosphorylated, causing the protein to stop functioning properly and leading to neuronal death. This project evaluates whether DNA aptamers can be used to target and alleviate this problem in tauopathies. This study used tau epitopes as the initial target in SELEX to isolate aptamer sequences specific to pathologically relevant sites on the tau protein. The ability of the aptamers to inhibit phosphorylation of the tau protein was evaluated via western blot. Results indicate that the aptamers displayed significant affinity towards tau and were effective in inhibiting phosphorylation of the protein at the selected site (>90% for both monomeric and oligomeric forms of p-tau). Additionally, a microtubule binding protein spin-down assay confirmed that the tau protein could still bind to microtubules in the presence of the aptamer. Furthermore, an in-vivo experiment was conducted to validate the effectiveness of the aptamer-based treatment. The experiment involved testing the aptamers on mutated strains of C. elegans that modeled progressive tau toxicity in tauopathies. The aptamer treatment showed promising therapeutic effects on the phenotypic symptoms of C. elegans by slowing the rate of decline in locomotor activity in worms that were treated.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/tmed012-dna-aptamers-as-targeted-tau-therapies\", \"title\": \"TMED012 - DNA Aptamers as Targeted Tau Therapies\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/t1Q8NiZpdG4\", \"title\": \"TMED012 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TMED018\", \"title\": \"Homotopic Connectivity as a Biomarker of Alzheimer's Disease\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\", \"category_code\": \"TMED\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Alla, Anika\"], \"school\": \"Caddo Parish Magnet High School\", \"abstract\": \"Cognitive impairment is a common, non-specific early presenting symptom in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). A biomarker differentiating AD-related cognitive impairment would be advantageous. In AD, beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles characteristically aggregate in the brain's temporal lobe, disrupting normal cognitive functioning such as memory. Homotopic connectivity, as measured by resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rs-fMRI), quantifies how the measured blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal, indicative of spontaneous neural activity, is similar in mirrored left-right brain hemisphere regions. Using data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database, this project investigated homotopic connectivity in a population with and without pathological beta-amyloid burden to determine if AD was associated with a disruption in the temporal lobe's homotopic connectivity.\\nDemographics, cognitive data, MRI scans, amyloid status, and tau burden were obtained from the ADNI database. rs-fMRI connectivity for 50 homotopic regions was quantified using the CONN toolbox and custom Matlab scripts. All statistical analyses were performed in SPSS. Study results indicated that homotopic connectivity is a robust connectivity measure in a healthy control population (mean r > 0.7). Compared to amyloid-negative controls, homotopic connectivity was significantly decreased within temporal lobe regions for the amyloid-positive groups. Homotopic connectivity correlated to cognitive function and inversely to tau burden.  Findings from this work support homotopic connectivity as a potential neuroimaging biomarker for Alzheimer's disease and, most notably, a sensitive biomarker even before the manifestations of symptoms.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/tmed018-homotopic-connectivity-and-alzheimers-disease\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.67\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"TMED018 - Homotopic Connectivity and Alzheimer's Disease\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.67, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Findings from this work support homotopic connectivity as a potential neuroimaging biomarker for Alzheimer's disease and, most notably, a sensitive biomarker\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/mXQEeMsckfM\", \"title\": \"TMED018 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TMED025\", \"title\": \"Alcott: A Convolutional Neural Network to Predict Multimeric Interactions in HIV-1 Neural Infection\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\", \"category_code\": \"TMED\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Mohanty, Anna\"], \"school\": \"Washington-Lee High School\", \"abstract\": \"Microglial cells have the ability to engulf HIV-1 infected glial cells by binding to neuronal blebs, effectively stopping the subsequent encephalopathy. However, two HIV-1 accessory proteins \u2013Nef and Fyn\u2013 can relocalize the Th cell recruiting protein CD59 to the cell membrane, limiting its function and inciting immune evasion. This is achieved via the formation of a Nef/Fyn polyproline helix utilizing glycine rich motifs, similar to how spider silk is twisted by golden orb weaver spiders. This experiment aimed to investigate if the enzymes used by golden orb weaver spiders to untwist their silk could be used to limit the Nef-Fyn complex function. First, a convolutional neural network was created in order to determine binding affinity from peptide alignment motifs based on sequence oligomerization capacity and degree of conservation. The oligomerization capacity was determined via the logP sum of each tokenized amino acid to determine solubility, and entropy was a function of the peptide\u2019s Gibbs Free Energy. The binding affinity (k-score) was ultimately determined through the generation of a confusion matrix. The system was trained on 5,000 data points and showed a 0.83 accuracy. From this, the enzyme Cathepsin L was determined to have the highest binding affinity to Nef (0.95 functional alignment), and gel electrophoresis was used to measure the degradation of Nef when digested with Cathepsin L, which was shown to be significant in glycine rich alignment motifs. Therefore, binding affinity predicted based on alignment motifs could be useful in improving enzyme therapy success rates and Cathepsin L could be used as a low-cost treatment component for reducing HIV-1 neural proliferation.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/tmed025-treating-hiv-1-with-spider-digestive-enzymes\", \"title\": \"TMED025 - Treating HIV-1 With Spider Digestive Enzymes\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyMIK7cqp1E\", \"title\": \"TMED025 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TMED030T\", \"title\": \"IdentiCan: The App That Detects Brain, Breast, Lung, Skin, and Pancreatic Cancer\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\", \"category_code\": \"TMED\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Sallinen, Nyambura\", \"Sekhda, Keshvee\"], \"school\": \"Lanier High School\", \"abstract\": \"Cancer is a problem that is affecting millions of people worldwide, and it is one of the leading causes of deaths in the U.S. With the increasing number of cancer cases, there\u2019s a higher number of false-negative and false-positive rates in the diagnosis of the type of cancer a patient has. Due to this, we have created an app, IdentiCan, that can help diagnose a person with breast, lung, and skin cancer. On the doctor side of our app, the doctor can use a compact calculator to help diagnose the patient, along with a page to upload CT, MRI, or x-ray scans to be put through image classification. Using sound classification, image classification, the Fourier transform algorithms, fractal geometry algorithms, and self-assessments in our app, we are able to 94.3% confidently diagnose a patient screening themselves with one of these cancers. Using special algorithms and analysis, we provide information about a treatment plan specialized for the user, and we have a messaging platform where the user can reach out to either a patient or doctor for reminders, updates, and more. We also contacted doctors and professionals to gain more knowledge in this area. To train our machine, we used approximately 500 pictures in each class, meaning around 8,000 pictures per type of cancer. After 246 trials, the machine was able to 99.6% accurately identify whether the scan shows a cancerous tumor and what specific type of cancer the image is showing.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712633238413_ISEF_Video_2_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"TMED030T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TMED036\", \"title\": \"Receptor Targeting Nanobodies: Locking the Door for All MERS-CoV Mutations as a Novel Therapeutic Approach\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\", \"category_code\": \"TMED\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Zowawi, Laila\"], \"school\": \"Encyclopedia Of Science Schools\", \"abstract\": \"The MERS-CoV is a critical public health concern due to its infectious nature, severe\\nsymptoms and high fatality rate, with 36% of MERS-CoV cases resulting in death. This highlights the urgent need to develop therapeutic antibody solutions to combat the ongoing MERS-CoV epidemic. Anti-MERS-CoV neutralizing antibodies are not effective in neutralizing MERS-CoV due to the consistent mutations resulting in neutralization-escaping\\nvariants, which presents a significant gap in tackling the MERS-CoV epidemic. This project proposes an innovative approach to block MERS-CoV viral infection, by targeting the gateway receptor of MERS-CoV, named dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) receptor. This approach employs monoclonal nanobody (Nb) Fc-fusion proteins to specifically block DPP4 receptors and inherently prevent the entry of all MERS-CoV variants. Using Artificial Intelligence-derived antibody CDR dissection and analysis algorithms, five Nbs with different attributes and key amino acid sequences were designed through in silico docking, 3-Dimensional homology, and local energy minimization. The resultant Nbs were produced in our lab and their neutralization capacity was tested through multiple in vitro assays including MERS-CoV pseudovirus Micro-Neutralization Test and cell-based binding      assays. Our results demonstrated that four out of the five anti-DPP4 Nbs' designs were able to successfully bind to DPP4 and inherently inhibit MERS-CoV pseudotyped virus, with one\\ncandidate (Nb-212) showing the highest readings in all validation assays. These results support the utility of 3D-designed receptor-targeting nanobody Fc-fusion proteins to develop a universal immunotherapy to combat MERS-CoV infection, despite the mutable nature of the virus.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/tmed036-a-nanobody-therapy-against-all-mers-cov-strains\", \"title\": \"TMED036 - A Nanobody Therapy Against  All MERS-CoV Strains\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713094868711_ISEF_Video_Laila_2024_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"TMED036 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TMED041T\", \"title\": \"EiPCA - A Portable Self-Screening Electrocardiographic System for Rapid Screening of Cardiovascular Diseases Using EiPCA Formula and Lead Augmentation Algorithm to Convert 1-Lead to 12-Lead ECGs\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\", \"category_code\": \"TMED\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Tawaditap, Patcharada\", \"Suksri, Khunasin\", \"Wattanakit, Peerapat\"], \"school\": \"The Prince Royal's College\", \"abstract\": \"Every 2 seconds, cardiovascular disease (CVD) steals a life. 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) is the gold standard for CVD diagnosis, which is specialist-reliant and mainly available in urban areas, leading to inaccessibility. Additionally, results take up to 2 weeks on average, causing possible delays in reaching more patients. Current available portable ECGs typically come with only 1-2 leads which is incomprehensive, or 12-lead option requires expertise, making self-screening difficult for normal individuals. \\\"EiPCA\\\" aims to develop a rapid portable self-screening 12-lead ECG with 3 electrodes system using the EiPCA-Algorithm, a new method of converting 1-lead to 12-lead ECG. In Phase-1, we developed portable ECG device using the AD8232 ECG sensor. EiPCA collects single-lead ECG, then converts it to a 12-lead ECG using Einthoven's Triangle Theory, Goldberger's equation, and the EiPCA formula, referring to Inverse Dower's transformation. This utilized sensor exhibited 3.03% deviation and 97.80% accuracy in graph generation. In Phase-2, to enhance the analysis of ECG screening system, we customized Bi-LSTM AI model to classify cardiac conditions. The system was tested with SimMan3G patient simulator, by simulating 15 conditions it achieved 96.40% accuracy. EiPCA's web application and risk assessment form were developed, incorporating AI model from previous phases, to analyze, display and prioritize CVD risk patient effectively. It provides a comprehensive ECG graph for up to 33 cardiac conditions, comparable to hospital ECG devices, and is 25,900 times faster than conventional method. EiPCA will make ECGs accessible everywhere, reduce medical inequalities in low- and middle-income countries, offer faster cost-effective solutions, and decrease CVD mortality rates.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/tmed041t-eipca-portable-12-lead-ecg-rapid-cvd-screening\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"EiPCA: Portable 12-Lead ECG, Rapid CVD Screening\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"\\\"EiPCA\\\" aims to develop a rapid portable self-screening 12-lead ECG with 3 electrodes system using the EiPCA-Algorithm, a new method of converting 1-lead to 12\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713969194892_Project_video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"TMED041T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TMED064\", \"title\": \"ALLocate: A Low-Cost Automatic Artificial Intelligence System for the Real-Time Localization and Classification of Acute Leukemia in Bone Marrow Smears\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\", \"category_code\": \"TMED\", \"award\": \"Third Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Yan, Ethan\"], \"school\": \"Groton School\", \"abstract\": \"The precise and accurate leukemia detection in current clinical practice remains challenging due to limitations in cost, time, and medical experience. To address this issue, this research develops ALLocate, the first integrated low-cost automatic artificial intelligence system for the real-time localization and classification of acute myeloid leukemia in bone marrow smears. ALLocate consists of an automatic microscope scanner system, an image sampling system, and a deep learning-based detection system. The automatic microscope scanner system uses 3D-printed pieces controlled by stepper motors and a RAMPS control board. For image sampling, a region classifier using a convolutional neural network (CNN) model was developed to select usable regions from unusable blood and clot regions. To achieve cell segmentation, a U-net-based model was established in usable marrow regions. For real-time detection, the YOLOv8 model was developed and optimized. The key variables for optimization include the number of epochs, learning rate, and network architecture. These models show high performance with a region classifier accuracy of 96%, U-net accuracy of 85%, and YOLOv8 mAP of 91%. When ALLocate was applied to marrow smears, its leukemia detection results were statistically the same with a doctor (with only 1% difference), but ALLocate is much faster (<1 minute) than a doctor (30 minutes per slide)  This is the first demonstration of an integrated deep learning system with a low-cost microscope automatic scanner system for leukemia detection. ALLocate can significantly improve the efficiency of leukemia detection from the marrow smears, especially in underserved communities, making healthcare more accessible to all.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/tmed064-a-low-cost-ai-system-for-acute-leukemia-detection\", \"title\": \"TMED064 - A Low-Cost AI System for Acute Leukemia Detection\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713826096541_Ethan_Yan_ISEF_Project_Video_Final_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"TMED064 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ANIM003\", \"title\": \"Deep-Sea Octocoral Biogeography: Exploring Genetic and Oceanographic Patterns through MutS Phylogenetic Analysis\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"ANIM\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Allman, Kendall\"], \"school\": \"Admiral Arthur W. Radford High\", \"abstract\": \"Despite covering less than one percent of the ocean floor, coral reefs sustain an estimated one-third of all known marine species, with most coral species inhabiting deep or cold waters across the world's oceans. However, many deep-sea coral habitats are unexplored and at risk due to rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and advancing technology enabling deep-sea mining and bottom trawling. The anthozoan subclass Octocorallia is one of the least studied categories within the phylum Cnidaria. This study represents the first comprehensive investigation into the phylogeny and connectivity of deep-sea octocorals across various regions in the North Pacific. By sequencing the MutS gene from octocoral species in the Aleutian Islands, California coast, Papahanaumokuakea, and Palmyra Atoll, a molecular biogeographic phylogeny was constructed, revealing strong genetic connections among corals from different geographic regions, likely facilitated by broadcast spawning and larval dispersal via ocean currents. Following this theory, larval dispersal pathways between reef sites were mapped to visualize connectivity, incorporating bathymetry mapping to optimize prediction accuracy and highlight oceanographic features' role in shaping the biogeographic distribution of octocorals. Investigating connectivity among these organisms is crucial as it directly informs the development of resilience assessments and the planning of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), MPA networks, and other conservation initiatives, essential for the optimal preservation of Octocrallias' unique biodiversity amidst anthropogenic threats.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/anim003-deep-sea-octocoral-phylogenetic-biogeography\", \"title\": \"ANIM003 - Deep-Sea Octocoral Phylogenetic Biogeography\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712055797999_editVideo2_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ANIM003 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ANIM014T\", \"title\": \"Endocannabinoids: From Drosophila Physiology and Autophagy Regulation to Therapeutic Insights\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"ANIM\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Chang, Yi-Tzu\", \"Chang, Min-Hong\"], \"school\": \"Taipei First Girls High School\", \"abstract\": \"The endocannabinoid system (ECS) and autophagy are both essential physiological mechanisms within cells. However, limited research explores the relationship between endocannabinoids, specifically 2-AG, and autophagy. We have chosen to study Drosophila as our research subject to examine the impact of endocannabinoids from an organism perspective. We believe that Drosophila can serve as an initial research platform, providing a more convenient method for studying both exogenous and endogenous cannabinoids. In this study, we manipulated the levels of 2-AG in Drosophila by modulating the expression of synthetic and degrading enzymes, MAGL and DAGL. When MAGL was inhibited, the lifespan, anti-starvation ability, and autophagy of Drosophila increased, while DAGL was inhibited or overexpressed, such functions suppressed. By adding autophagy inhibitors, we confirmed the relationship between autophagy and physiological functions. These findings could be beneficial to the efficiency of cannabinoid drug applications and mitigate side effects on the nervous system and liver function.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/anim014t-endocannabinoids-drosophila-physiology-autophagy\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.57\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"Endocannabinoids: Drosophila Physiology, Autophagy\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.57, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"When MAGL was inhibited, the lifespan, anti-starvation ability, and autophagy of Drosophila increased, while DAGL was inhibited or overexpressed, such functions\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711860845022_VID_20240331123629759_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ANIM014T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ANIM020\", \"title\": \"C-Fos and Reelin Protein Localization: Brain Fluorescence Imaging of Activity Pathways in Mice During Sensory Behavior Tasks?\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"ANIM\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Lee, Katherine\"], \"school\": \"Jericho High School\", \"abstract\": \"Organisms detect sensory stimuli through peripheral neurons and transmit the information to cortical brain regions for processing: creating an internal neural map of the external environment. The olfactory and visual cortices communicate to form the basis of cognition, learning, and memory. Yet the involved neural pathways remain unknown at the cellular level.\\nThis experiment determined anatomical brain functioning in mice by mapping the neural circuitry that underscores cognitive behavior. 10-12-month-old CD1 mice (n=5) spatially navigated a linear arena, with olfactory or visual stimuli cues, for one hour. The exploratory behavior of each mouse, induced by sensory stimuli, was computed using Deep Lab Cut and AnyMaze neural network software with 2 metrics: cognitive navigation and zone exploration. Mice exhibited increased navigation and exploration with olfactory cues compared to visual, providing a novel sensory task for future research.\\nEach mouse was then subjected to post-mortem brain tissue extraction and immunofluorescence staining 90 minutes post-cognitive stimulation. DAPI, Reelin, and C-Fos protein fixation visualized the anatomical location of neurons active during the sensory task, in specific brain regions of interest. The quantity and cell-type-specificity of excitatory C-Fos and Reelin protein-tagged neurons per cortex was determined with intensity analysis from ImageJ (p<0.05). Significant results were shown in the excitation of the hippocampal, motor, ectorhinal, and piriform cortices with olfactory cues (~7,800 neurons > ~2,300 control neurons). No significant results were generated by the visual cues. Thus, this study identified a potential pathway between olfaction, memory, and spatial navigation for the juncture of the mind, brain, and body.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": []}, {\"booth_id\": \"ANIM026\", \"title\": \"Silhouettes of Sound (Visualizing Animal Vocalizations for Species Identification)\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"ANIM\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Umamageswaran, Aadhi\"], \"school\": \"West High School\", \"abstract\": \"Marine mammals, such as cetaceans, rely significantly on sounds as their primary means of communication and perception of their environment. Acoustic signals are crucial for various social interactions, including mating, caring for offspring, alerting others of threats, and coordinating hunts. The study of sound waves in a solid medium, specifically the Chladni plate, provides a method to observe acoustic phenomena. It is hypothesized that by employing digital recordings of cetacean sounds to induce vibrations in a Chladni plate, distinct standing wave patterns would emerge. Those patterns could then be used to distinguish between different species. The Chladni sound wave patterns of various toothed (bottlenose dolphin, narwhals, beluga, sperm) and baleen (blue, humpback, North Atlantic right, fin, minke) whales were recorded. Various types of sounds, including tonal and impulsive sounds, give rise to distinct patterns. The variations enable distinct fingerprinting of cetacean sound structures. For instance, an unidentified 52-Hz-whale, an enigma for three decades, is discerned as possible kin of the humpback whale. The likeness in the standing wave patterns observed in blue whales across diverse oceanic regions indicates shared language traits within species. Additionally, they exhibit alternating circular- and square-core transitions.  Structural transitions were also identified in humpback whale songs. Several wave patterns were consistently replicated across various sampling sources. The validation of the hypothesis introduces a promising novel method for differentiating species and/or lineages through Chladni acoustic patterns. The results help advance the knowledge of marine mammal vocalizations and raise awareness about other intelligent language-using species.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/anim026-silhouettes-of-marine-mammal-sounds\", \"title\": \"ANIM026 - Silhouettes of Marine Mammal Sounds\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712687704480_ISEF_2024_Silhouettes_of_Sound_Video_Final_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ANIM026 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ANIM033T\", \"title\": \"Innovation of Artificial Tree Branches for Raising Lac Insects to Establish Sustainable Lac Resin Production\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"ANIM\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Ruaisapphokhin, Wipharat\", \"Suyala, Worarit\"], \"school\": \"Huayso Wittayakhom Rachamangkhalaphisek\", \"abstract\": \"Lac resin secreted from lac insects is one of the important commercial agricultures of Thailand as it can be used in many industries such as medicine and printing. Currently, farmers tend to cultivate lac insects on branches of Rain tree (Samanea saman). This causes wood damage, produce deterioration and impurity-laden lac resin, often leading to the demise of the lac insects. Therefore, this project aims to establish sustainable production of lac resin by cultivation of lac insects on artificial tree branches containing specific nutrient. The findings indicate that a 10% (v/v) concentration of soybean pulp juice, administered at 7 ml per stick per application serves as an optimal nutrient source, fostering growth of lac insects, resulting in longer insect lengths and yield 82 g of lac insets per stick. Moreover, cultivation conditions at 25 \u00b0C and 70-80% humidity resulted in the highest survival rate of the lac insets. Finally, it was found that lac insects grown on artificial tree branches exhibited a significantly higher amount of lac resin with a shorter life cycle compared to those grown on Rain trees.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/anim033t-artificial-tree-branches-for-raising-lac-insects\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"ANIM033T - Artificial Tree Branches for Raising Lac Insects\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"this project aims to establish sustainable production of lac resin by cultivation of lac insects on artificial tree branches containing specific nutrient.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714323641423_copy_F3238D5D_C83F_456C_8DA4_BE647B5EDA0F_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ANIM033T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ANIM039\", \"title\": \"Rhythms and Blues: Examining Potential Health Hazards of Blue Light-induced Circadian Disruption in Drosophila melanogaster\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"ANIM\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Lateef, Rania\"], \"school\": \"Governor's School at Innovation Park\", \"abstract\": \"Purpose:  Disrupted circadian rhythms can have deleterious consequences for all organisms. The extent to which blue light from digital devices affects circadian biology and mental and physical health outcomes is unknown. This project studied the effects of varying blue light exposure on Drosophila melanogaster\u2019s: (1) lifespan (2) caffeine addiction (3) memory and (4) gut permeability. Procedure: Four experimental groups included: controls, flies with the Tim01 mutation, which eliminates circadian behavioral rhythms, flies exposed to 8 hours (BL8) and 12 hours (BL12) of blue (576 nm) light. Percentage of flies surviving over time, within each group, was calculated. Caffeine preference was evaluated using a constructed choice chamber with caffeine enriched and regular media. The aversive phototoxic suppression assay assessed learning/memory; flies learned to avoid light paired with an aversive stimulus. Intestinal barrier dysfunction was detected by the presence of non-absorbable blue food dye outside the digestive tract after feeding. Results: Control flies lived longer than the circadian mutants and flies exposed to blue light for 12 hours (p<0.001). Circadian mutants demonstrated significant impairment in memory and learning compared to the controls (P=0.029), as did the BL12(P=0.009) and BL8(P=0.008) groups. Caffeine preference was demonstrated by the circadian mutants (OR 10.52, p<0.0001) as well as the BL12(OR 6.07, P<0.0007) and BL8(OR 6.48, P=0.0003) groups. Circadian mutants and BL12 flies had impaired gut permeability compared to the controls. Conclusions:  Prolonged blue light exposure, and associated circadian dysfunction, can adversely impact physical and mental health. The implications of a digital world require closer biologic scrutiny.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/anim039-rhythms-and-blues\", \"title\": \"ANIM039 - Rhythms and Blues\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713310666125_Rythms_and_blues_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ANIM039 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BCHM013\", \"title\": \"Characterization of Antimicrobials From the Soil Bacterium Xenorhabdus szentirmaii\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biochemistry\", \"category_code\": \"BCHM\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Dey, Ritisha\"], \"school\": \"Shorewood High School\", \"abstract\": \"Antimicrobial resistance(AMR) is a global health threat and the discovery of new antimicrobial compounds has been limited in the past four decades. New antimicrobials with new functions are urgently needed to address this pressing global issue. A potential new antimicrobial source is the soil bacteria Xenorhabdus spp., a symbiont of nematodes that invade the insect larvae. The nematodes regurgitate the bacteria, killing insect larvae by releasing toxins and antimicrobials and allowing the nematodes to extract nutrients. From cell-free cultures of Xenorhabdus szentirmaii, we established a novel protocol to separate unexplored antimicrobials into two distinct soluble forms: methanol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Both forms can inhibit dangerous AMR bacteria, including methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Further separation of methanol-soluble antimicrobials by high-performance-liquid-chromatography followed by mass spectrometry revealed new antimicrobial compounds including novel isoforms of fabclavine (peptide-polyketide antibiotic). Nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry revealed that the DMSO-soluble antimicrobials were novel lipopeptide-type antimicrobials with multiple isoforms.\\nThe antimicrobials of Xenorhabdus species are primarily produced by non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS) and polyketide synthetase (PKS) genes. Our global genome analysis revealed that X. szentirmaii contains 15 NRPS gene clusters and one hybrid NRPS-PKS gene. Mutation of the putative fabclavine biosynthetic gene encoded by the hybrid NRPS-PKS gene showed a reduced ability to inhibit both bacterial and fungal growth. In summary, our results substantiate the potential of Xenorhabdus szentirmaii as a promising natural source for future antimicrobial discoveries.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bchm013-antimicrobials-from-the-xenorhabdus-szentirmaii\", \"title\": \"BCHM013 - Antimicrobials From the Xenorhabdus szentirmaii\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712843913872_4_11ISEF_Video_Presentation_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BCHM013 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BCHM017\", \"title\": \"ALS-SynAegis: A Molecular Dynamics Study on TDP-43 Aggregation to Prevent Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Onset\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biochemistry\", \"category_code\": \"BCHM\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Rtunjay, Aryaman\"], \"school\": \"Nikola Tesla STEM High School\", \"abstract\": \"Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive muscle atrophy, leading to an inability to move the limbs and, in extreme cases, being unable to breathe. Current predictions show that global ALS cases will rise 69% by 2040. Prior literature has shown that the aggregation of a neuroprotein, TDP-43, leads to the onset of ALS, but the specific aggregation patterns of TDP-43 are unknown. Thus, there is limited research on the design of an inhibitor molecule targeting TDP-43. The only FDA-approved drug targeting TDP-43 aggregates, Riluzole, causes an increase in survival time of 3 months, which, in the context of ALS, is a very short time. This study utilizes Molecular Dynamics Simulations to model TDP-43 aggregation in understanding its aggregation patterns, such as contacting residues, hydrogen bonding points, and \u00df-sheet direction. Then, Molecular Docking Analysis is used to test 5 existing inhibitors, narrowed from a set of 100, on the discovered target site. Then, the best structural and functional groups were used to design ALS-SynAegis, a new and improved TDP-43 inhibitor. This study identified 312-NFGAF-316 as a novel target site for TDP-43 aggregates. Furthermore, the docking analysis showed ALS-SynAegis outperformed current inhibitors: binding affinity increased by an average of 45.6%, cytotoxicity decreased by 44% from the FDA-approved drug Riluzole, and there are no Molecular Toxicophores in ALS-SynAegis compared to the 1 present in Riluzole. The proposed inhibitor can have a widespread effect on the pathological progression of ALS and impact the broad field of TDP-43 aggregate inhibition.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bchm017-preventing-als-through-tdp-43-aggregate-inhibition\", \"title\": \"BCHM017 - Preventing ALS Through TDP-43 Aggregate Inhibition\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/7MAyqFNpPrc\", \"title\": \"BCHM017 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BCHM027\", \"title\": \"Antipodal Algae: Engineering Energy Solutions for a South Pacific Island\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biochemistry\", \"category_code\": \"BCHM\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Chen, Amelie\"], \"school\": \"Pacific Horizons School\", \"abstract\": \"As the emission of carbon dioxide into our atmosphere continues to contribute to climate change, the search for cleaner energy sources prevails. Using algae as a biofuel can replace the use of diesel fuel in American Samoa because algae is both naturally abundant and grows at a fast rate especially in the tropical temperatures of the island throughout the year. Algal biofuel is also a very promising fossil fuel replacement due to algae\u2019s high levels of lipids which can be extracted efficiently without the use of dangerous chemicals.\\nTo further expand on producing algal biofuel in American Samoa, the researcher created a python program to compute and calculate evapotranspiration, an important factor to farming algae in American Samoa. Using the Penman-Monteith equation, a multiplex mathematical equation, the researcher was able to calculate evapotranspiration rates across the island of Tutuila and produced a program that searches and displays evapotranspiration rates. She concluded that the midwest region of Tutuila, American Samoa is the most suitable location for algae cultivation because of its low evapotranspiration and high rainfall rates. In the end, the researcher was able to expand the possibilities of converting algae into biofuel and calculated the feasibility and most suitable region for algal cultivation. Thus, this experiment provides American Samoa the opportunity for the island to utilize a sustainable, renewable, and locally available energy source, which can help reduce the use of fossil fuels and help preserve and protect the environment by lowering the amount of carbon emitted into the atmosphere.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bchm027-algae-biofuel-south-pacific-solution\", \"title\": \"BCHM027 - Algae Biofuel: South Pacific Solution\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713609080259_IMG_4308_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BCHM027 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BCHM029\", \"title\": \"Integrative Assessment of the Novel Radioprotective Efficacy of Cardamonin: A Comprehensive in vitro and in silico Analysis\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biochemistry\", \"category_code\": \"BCHM\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Sridharan, Siddharth\"], \"school\": \"Little Rock Central High School\", \"abstract\": \"Current radiobiology research focusses to identify radioprotective agents that can protect normal tissues from radiation-induced injury due to accidental exposures. Recently, cardamonin has gained interest for its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer activity and biosafety properties. The main purpose of this project is to decipher the novel radioprotective effects of cardamonin by computational evaluations and in vitro experiments. Clone 9 and WI-38 cells were exposed to 8 Gy gamma irradiation after treatment with or without cardamonin (5 \u00b5M). Cell morphology and intracellular ROS generation were assessed. Further studies were done in clone 9 cells.  Gene and protein expression of antioxidant enzymes were studied. Apoptosis was measured by live cell imaging using caspases 3/7 stain. Cancer cells were used to study the selective effects of cardamonin. Molecular docking studies were done with Discovery studio and Autodock-vina computational docking software. Pretreatment with cardamonin significantly prevented cell death, and reduced intracellular ROS levels after irradiation. Cardamonin pretreated cells significantly upregulated transcription factor Nrf2 and maintained antioxidant status, which protected the cells against radiation injury. Apoptosis was significantly prevented by inhibiting the activation of caspases. Cardamonin had differential effects in cancer cells. Docking studies revealed the potent anti-apototic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic efficacy of cardamonin. In conclusion, this project provided significant evidence that cardamonin may serve as a promising radiation countermeasure to mitigate radiation injury and sensitize cancer cells for radiotherapy.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bchm029-novel-radioprotective-efficacy-of-cardamonin\", \"title\": \"BCHM029 - Novel Radioprotective Efficacy of Cardamonin\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/3ntx002oCgk\", \"title\": \"BCHM029 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BEHA002\", \"title\": \"Targeting ADHD with a Noninvasive System to Improve Concentration Based on Electroencephalogram and Neurofeedback Methodology\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BEHA\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Lee, Emma\"], \"school\": \"Stanton College Preparatory School\", \"abstract\": \"Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects approximately 366 million adults and 129 million children and adolescents worldwide (CHADD; Song et al., 2021). However, prescription ADHD medication is prone to causing adverse side effects such as sleep disorders, reduced appetite, and stunted growth in children (CDC). This project aims to address ADHD with a noninvasive system through interactive games that use neurofeedback principles to promote proper regulation of brainwaves, as symptoms of ADHD are correlated with abnormal brainwave activity (Enriquez-Geppert et al., 2019). An electroencephalogram (EEG) was used to measure brainwaves, which were filtered by high pass, low pass, and notch filters within a circuit to isolate wave frequencies of interest. The resulting brainwaves were converted to a digital signal by an analog-to-digital converter, analyzed by a Raspberry Pi, and used as the method of progression in two video games played solely with brainwaves. After a calibration that determined a unique threshold between relaxed and focused states for each participant through mathematical algorithms, the games provided visual and auditory feedback as real-time positive reinforcement for focusing brainwaves to create a new memory of optimal functioning, and ultimately train the brain to self-regulate its activity. The amount of time consumed for successful completion and the accuracy rate were measured for an improvement in self-regulation. Results of data collection and t-tests showed a statistically significant improvement in participants' completion time due to more focused states after 10 days (p = 0.004), supporting that the system effectively improves concentration.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/beha002-improving-concentration-with-eeg-and-neurofeedback\", \"title\": \"BEHA002 - Improving Concentration with EEG and Neurofeedback\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713998987514_Targeting_ADHD_with_a_Noninvasive_System_to_Improve_Concentration_Based_on_Electroencephalogram_and_Neurofeedback_Methodology_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BEHA002 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BEHA007\", \"title\": \"Elucidating the Behavioral, Pathogenetic, and Therapeutic Implications of Selectively Inhibited Monogenic Variants in Fragile X Syndrome Associated Genetic Epilepsy in Drosophila melanogaster\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BEHA\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Khanna, Deeksha\"], \"school\": \"Chamblee Charter High School\", \"abstract\": \"Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common \u201csingle-gene\u201d cause of intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) worldwide, often manifesting understudied seizure comorbidities in early childhood development. Herein, the Drosophila orthologs of five previously unstudied candidate genes (GK5, RGPD4, CHD2, KCNA1, and TTLL4) were functionally characterized in vivo to i) interpret the pathogenetic consequences of the loss-of-function (LOF) of target genes, ii) elucidate sex differences in seizure risk modification, and iii) assess the interaction of genetic risk loci and existing FXS treatment compounds for novel targeted therapeutic development. Utilizing fly strains containing RNAi-mediated KD of rigorously-identified Drosophila orthologs of target genes, genetic mating schemes using the elav GAL4-UAS system were implemented for all 10 crosses to enable pan-neuronal expression of target knockdown constructs to faithfully recapitulate FXS pathophysiology. Over 2,500 adult flies underwent a 10-second vortex to stimulate mechanical shock and induced seizure conditions; immediate response to external stimulus was assessed. In females, KCNA1 LOF was shown to significantly exacerbate seizure risk (p < 0.05). Conversely, in males, GK5 LOF was shown to significantly attenuate seizure risk (p < 0.05). Additionally, RGPD4 LOF was shown to elicit significantly different seizure frequencies in male and female flies (p < 0.05). Utilizing in silico molecular docking, 3 robust alternative treatment modalities that target the elucidated seizure suppressor/enhancer genes were identified to replace current clinical management techniques aimed merely at symptomatic alleviation and patient presentation, serving as a prominent basis for pharmacological intervention.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/quxugak7nTM\", \"title\": \"BEHA007 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BEHA015\", \"title\": \"Differential Empathy, Social Dominance Orientation, and the Limitations of Social Science Research\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BEHA\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Sun, Sierra\"], \"school\": \"The Waterford School\", \"abstract\": \"Previous research suggests people exhibit an \\\"empathy gap\\\": they feel more empathy for members of their group than for outsiders. I explored whether the empathy gap exists in racial and partisan contexts and how it translates into real-world action (donations). Surveytakers were recruited from two platforms. Rather than the expected empathy gap, Platform 1 surveytakers exhibited a statistically-significant reverse empathy gap (N=418, p=.0009), with white surveytakers expressing more empathy for Black than white scenario protagonists. In contrast, for the same scenario on Platform 2, surveytakers exhibited a statistically-significant empathy gap (N=781, p=.0442), with white surveytakers expressing more empathy for white than Black protagonists. These conflicting results are explained by a previously unaccounted-for variable: social dominance orientation (SDO), which measures an individual's preference for hierarchy. Platform 2 surveytakers had much higher SDO scores than Platform 1 surveytakers. When combining data across platforms (N=1199), low SDO surveytakers exhibited a reverse empathy gap and high SDO surveytakers exhibited an empathy gap; in- vs. out-group-condition moderated the relationship between SDO and empathy (p=.0022). Similarly, both SDO and in- vs. out-group-condition influenced donation amount (p=.1227). Additionally, the relationship between empathy and donation was moderated by both SDO and in- vs. out-group (p=.0199). Partisanship data followed similar trends. These results highlight how hidden differences in population samples can lead to replication failures and even statistically significant, conflicting results. Given significant replication challenges, social science researchers need to account for SDO and similar overlooked factors.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/beha015-differential-empathy-and-social-dominance-sdo\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"Differential Empathy and Social Dominance (SDO)\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Previous research suggests people exhibit an \\\"empathy gap\\\": they feel more empathy for members of their group than for outsiders.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/topss/isef-winners\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 55, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"full_name\", \"isef_mention\"], \"title\": \"Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair Winners\", \"source_domain\": \"www.apa.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"full_name, isef_mention\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"#### Second award of $1,000 Differential empathy, social dominance orientation, and the limitations of social science research, Sierra Anne Sun, The Waterford School, Sandy, UT #### Third award of $500 Concentration-dependent effects of dietary niacin and NAD+ in longevity, memory, and motor function of Drosophila melanogaster, Olivia Saun So, Harvard-Westlake Upper School, Studio City, CA [...] and the effects of accent familiarity on memory and social perception. [...] ## 2022 ### May 7\u201313, At\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712347170375_Differential_Empathy_and_Social_Dominance_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BEHA015 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BEHA021\", \"title\": \"The Effect of Absence of Select Languages on Amount of Divergence in Reconstruction of Proto-Romance\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BEHA\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Michel, Joshua (Shua)\"], \"school\": \"Chantilly High School\", \"abstract\": \"Diachronic linguistics is the scientific study of language and its change across time. Historically, the vast majority of research in the field has overfocused on languages with large speaker bases, which leads to accuracy and bias concerns. This issue is especially visible in Romance linguistics, the subfield where linguists work to reconstruct proto-Romance, the last common ancestor of the languages that descend from Latin. The purpose of this study is to employ quantitative and qualitative methods to determine the relative importance that select Romance languages have in the accurate reconstruction of proto-Romance. Using a cladistic approach to selection and the Comparative Method of reconstruction, 672 reconstructed words were created using wordforms from specific dialects of five languages: Spanish, French, Italian, Sardinian, and Romanian. An Excel program was developed to identify patterns of systematic (predictable) or irregular (non-predictable) divergences. The findings indicate that the removal of Sardinian resulted in the highest number of divergences (69.64%), meaning that it is the most important to proto-Romance reconstruction. Qualitative analysis confirmed that Sardinian is the only Romance language that unconditionally retains a distinction between the second-highest and third-highest vowel qualities of proto-Romance. This study confirms the necessity of including languages with speaker bases of differing sizes to ensure an accurate reconstruction of proto-Romance. Languages with the fewest speakers are at the highest risk of extinction, yet the protection of our linguistic heritage relies on accurate reconstruction. Future research can expand the language pool to determine if the relative importance findings are upheld.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/beha021-language-absence-on-divergence-in-proto-romance\", \"title\": \"BEHA021 - Language Absence on Divergence in Proto-Romance\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712280220937_summary_video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BEHA021 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BEHA023\", \"title\": \"Towards Improved Recognition and Diagnosis of Autism Among Females \u2013 A Novel Approach Using Machine Learning\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BEHA\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Tangirala, Aanika\"], \"school\": \"Lakeside School\", \"abstract\": \"Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social and verbal impairments, affecting 1 in 36 children. ASD diagnosis is based on behavioral observations, caregiver interviews, and clinical questionnaires. Autism in females is more likely to be missed, compared to males, as their behavioral symptoms present in ways that may not fit current diagnostic criteria. This study aims to evaluate the gender bias in current diagnostic tests for autism and identify behaviors that can predict autism more accurately among females.\\nA public dataset (ABIDE) of 1112 individuals \u2013 948 males, 164 females, 539 autistic and 573 non-autistic was used. This included test scores for the common diagnostic instruments - Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), and Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). Exploratory data analysis revealed statistical gender differences for SCQ, SRS total, and SRS communication scores. Machine learning (ML) analysis further validated the gender bias as autism classification accuracy with current behaviors was 95% for males versus 85% for females. A minimal set of 12 most predictive behavioral features for females was derived from the original 23 (reduction of 49%) and run on six ML algorithms. Random Forest had the highest accuracy (91%) in classifying female autism, with this reduced feature set. These results support potential modifications to autism diagnostic criteria for females\u2013 reducing overreliance on ADOS and emphasizing questionnaires like SCQ and SRS and interviews (ADI_R) more reliably. Building automated screening tools for these can facilitate faster, more accurate and gender equitable autism diagnoses.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/beha023-improved-diagnosis-of-autism-in-females-using-ml\", \"title\": \"BEHA023 - Improved Diagnosis of Autism in Females Using ML\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712559455940_GMT20240408_063524_Recording.cutfile.20240408064621763_640x360_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BEHA023 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BEHA050\", \"title\": \"The Use of Rhythmic Light Therapy To Entrain Gamma Oscillations and the Circadian System in Patients With Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD)\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BEHA\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Singh, Jessica\"], \"school\": \"The Bronx High School of Science\", \"abstract\": \"The increasing prevalence of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD), has prompted urgent exploration of interventions for patients, particularly those with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), who are at increased risk of progressing to AD. Neural oscillations, notably gamma oscillations at 40 Hz, have shown promise in framing cognitive functions and their implications in AD pathology. Previous research in both animal models and humans has demonstrated the potential of 40 Hz oscillations in reducing AD pathology and influencing cognitive function. The posterior cingulate cortex and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex are emerging imaging markers associated with AD, and alterations in cross-frequency bands have also been linked to learning and memory impairments. Based on these past observations, a novel intervention using light to enhance circadian entrainment and administer neurostimulation was pioneered to improve sleep and cognition in older adults with MCI and mild AD. A range of benefits from this light intervention on alertness and cognition were observed, with consistent enhancement in brain response across all participants. Understanding the complexities of non-pharmacological interventions and their impact on cognitive functions is crucial for developing new therapeutic approaches. This study lays the groundwork for effective and non-invasive interventions targeting neural oscillations, offering promising avenues for the management of cognitive impairments, a venture where the US government alone spends $3.7 billion annually.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/beha050-40hz-light-therapy-brightens-dementia-outcomes\", \"title\": \"BEHA050 - 40Hz Light Therapy Brightens Dementia Outcomes\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713985378312_Jessica_Singh_ISEF_Final_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BEHA050 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED016\", \"title\": \"Integrated in silico and in vitro Experimental Strategies for the Application of Carbon Quantum Dots in Alzheimer's Research\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Tsai, Alena\"], \"school\": \"Manhasset High School\", \"abstract\": \"Alzheimer\u2019s is difficult to treat, particularly due to inability of prospective treatments to cross the impermeable blood-brain-barrier(BBB). Neurodegeneration is exacerbated by A\u00df-aggregates and tau protein, caused by NMDA/AMPA/GSK3-\u00df dysfunction. This study evaluated the potential of carbon quantum dots(CQDs), nanomaterials exhibiting BBB-crossing, in Alzheimer\u2019s research, using methylene blue(MB) and ginkgolide-a(GA), carbon-rich, accessible substances, as precursors. Molecular docking between ligands(MB,GA) and macromolecules(AMPA,NMDA,GSK3-\u00df), indicated strong binding affinities(>-5.0kcal/mol). MTT and caspase-3 assays assessing apoptosis were conducted using HTB-11cells. MB/GA increased cell viability and reduced caspase activity in cells exposed to A\u00df(p=.001, .0002, respectively). An ELISA assessed levels of eotaxin protein, which exhibits BBB-crossing and exacerbate tau-pathology/neuroinflammation. A\u00df-exposed CCD-18Co cells displayed reduction of eotaxin by MB/GA(p=.015). Assays displayed MB/GA\u2019s potential to influence Alzheimer\u2019s pathology via interactions found by docking. Finally, CQD\u2019s were hydrothermally synthesized using MB/GA. BR6563,CL2120,CL2122 C. elegans expressing tau and A\u00df respectively, were exposed to CQD\u2019s to evaluate prevalence of neuroprotective effects. Fluorescence levels of  A\u00df/tau in models decreased after CQD exposure, indicating A\u00df/tau reduction (p=.039). Overall, methods provide a versatile,affordable,green method of addressing Alzheimer\u2019s pathology through CQD\u2019s. CQD\u2019s significantly reduced A\u00df/tau expression and apoptosis in models. In-silico molecular docking allows for exploration of numerous interactions, and preliminary in-vitro validation of precursors increases chances of maintaining desired neuroprotective-effects post-synthesis.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed016-application-of-carbon-quantum-dots-in-alzheimers\", \"title\": \"BMED016 - Application of Carbon Quantum Dots in Alzheimer's\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712095000639_ISEF_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BMED016 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED031\", \"title\": \"Lithium Iron Phosphate Promotes Tumor Cell Growth by Shaping Mitochondrial Function\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Teng, Lucy\"], \"school\": \"duPont Manual High School\", \"abstract\": \"Water pollution is a critical threat to human health as it can lead to increased cancer risk. More than 22 carcinogens can be found in the drinking water, including heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. As the use of lithium-ion batteries is dramatically increasing, it is essential to identify its uncertain potential health hazard. This study investigated the tumorigenesis potential of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), widely used in electric vehicle batteries. An MTT proliferation assay was used to test the influence of LiFePO4 on the growth of cells involving the colon, breast, lung, and brain, four common cancers. The Seahorse Assay and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed to identify the impact of LiFePO4 on mitochondria-relative cell energic metabolism and mitochondrial ultrastructure, respectively. The results suggested that LiFePO4 enhances human MDA-MB-231 and mouse 4T1 breast cancer cell growth but doesn\u2019t affect colon or brain cancer cell proliferation. Although a high concentration of LiFePO4 induces mouse TC1 lung cancer cells, no evidence suggests that LiFePO4 impacts human A549 lung cancer cells. The Seahorse Assay indicated that LiFePO4 represses oxygen consumption-related respiration in mitochondria (relating to oxidative phosphorylation) of breast MDA-MB-231 cells while promoting cell glycolytic activity. The TEM suggested that the increase in mitochondria in LiFePO4-treated breast cancer cells could be attributed to mitochondrial fission. Together, these findings reveal the potential of LiFePO4 in promoting breast cancer cell growth and provide insight into mechanisms underlying the LiFePO4-induced breast cancer cell growth by programming/modulating the cell energic metabolism.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed031-lifepo4-and-tumor-cell-growth-by-mitochondria\", \"title\": \"BMED031 - LiFePO4 and Tumor Cell Growth by Mitochondria\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/bnQuJVz6N1o\", \"title\": \"BMED031 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED042\", \"title\": \"Validating and Evaluating Expression of New Tumor Targets Across Cancers: Protein X as a Potential Target for Cancer Drug Development\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Song, Erin\"], \"school\": \"Horace Greeley High School\", \"abstract\": \"Lung and ovarian cancers continue to be leading causes of cancer deaths in the United States, and refining the treatment of these cancers is needed to improve patient survival. The goal of this research project was to develop a methodology to identify protein biomarkers as potential targets for refined cancer treatment.  This novel methodology combined an immunohistochemistry assay with a prevalence study. The immunohistochemistry assay was developed with an antibody selection test to confirm antibody specificity, a titration test to optimize antibody concentration, and an antigen retrieval test to optimize epitope-antibody binding. The prevalence study involved a robust assay, digital quantitative image analysis, and data analysis. With this methodology, the important immune system protein, Protein X, was quantified and evaluated across two indications of cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and ovarian cancer. Protein X expression was quantified and evaluated across 594 samples from NSCLC and ovarian cancer patients. Data analysis demonstrated that Protein X was significantly expressed on NSCLC (p<0.0001) compared to its expression in normal tissue, and significantly expressed on one major NSCLC subtype, squamous cell lung cancer (p<0.003). Protein X was not significantly expressed in ovarian cancer. The findings from this project indicate that Protein X is a potential biomarker and refined treatment target for NSCLC. Furthermore, the optimized immunohistochemistry assay developed in this study is applicable to identify other novel cancer biomarkers for precision drug development in a standardized manner.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed042-evaluating-protein-x-as-a-novel-cancer-target\", \"title\": \"BMED042 - Evaluating Protein X as a Novel Cancer Target\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712976731982_4_12_2024_Erin_Song_ISEF_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BMED042 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED043\", \"title\": \"The Identification of a Potential Novel Breast Cancer Biomarker Through Hypomethylation Analysis at Transcription Ending Site (TES)\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Iordachi, Felicia\"], \"school\": \"Theoretical High School \\\" Orizont, Durlesti \\\"\", \"abstract\": \"Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed disease among women, with 2.3 million new cases and 669,000 deaths identified in 2022 alone. Most studies on epigenetic diagnosis biomarkers for BC focus on hyper/hypomethylation patterns of genes at the transcription starting sites, near the promoter region. The aim of this work is to explore the role of epigenetic patterns at the transcription ending sites (TES). Since transposable elements can act as alternative polyadenylation signals, it was hypothesized that hypomethylation at transcription ending sites (TES) may serve as a biomarker for breast cancer because increased activity in transposon regions can induce mutations. The methylation levels of bisulfite-treated reads from publicly-accessible healthy and cancerous human breast cell lines data were compared by extracting methylation metrics at each cytosine in the dataset. Upon producing a visualization plot of the average methylation levels across the gene set, a hypomethylation downward spike pattern was observed at TES. Subsequently, calling upon differentially methylated regions (DMRs) reported statistical significance (q < 0.05) in the observed pattern, suggesting that hypomethylation at TES is a significant candidate for a BC biomarker.  The identified hypomethylated TES pattern provides a new potential BC risk diagnosis pathway that is more cost-efficient than imaging techniques and less invasive than biopsy-based diagnostic methods, as the hypomethylation pattern could be identified through circulating tumor DNA in blood.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed043-tes-hypomethylation-as-a-breast-cancer-biomarker\", \"title\": \"BMED043 - TES Hypomethylation as a Breast Cancer Biomarker\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713134197670_ISEF_Iordachi_Felicia_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BMED043 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED062\", \"title\": \"Genetic Analysis of CD16+ Monocyte, CD16- Monocyte and CD4+ T Lymphocyte Cells to Identify Novel Gene Expression Signatures and Develop a Diagnostic Tool for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"LeBlanc, Maya\"], \"school\": \"Abbey Park High School\", \"abstract\": \"Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an incurable chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its tissues, causing widespread inflammation and organ damage. Due to the lack of a single test for SLE diagnosis, multiple generalized methods are currently employed by doctors to detect the presence of the disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate gene expressions in CD16+ monocyte, CD16- monocyte and CD4+ T lymphocyte cells to identify gene expression signatures unique to SLE to improve diagnostic processes and outcomes for patients with SLE, or at risk of acquiring SLE. Raw gene probe data was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus. Statistical significance was determined by calculating p-values for gene probe expressions between healthy patients and those with SLE, covering all 54,675 gene probes and three cell types. The gene probes with the most significant statistical difference were identified and evaluated. Excluding transcription genes, the top three gene probes identified in the study were associated with the ATP6V0C, UBA1, and TGFB1 genes. Quantile-quantile plots confirmed statistical appropriateness for genetic analysis. Further evaluation determined that the ATP6V0C, UBA1 and TGFB1 genes associated with the CD16- monocyte cell type represents a unique and novel gene expression signature for the identification of SLE in patients. Gene probe expression ranges were established for these gene probes which serve as a diagnostic tool for the presence, or genetic predisposition, of SLE. This diagnostic tool can detect SLE in a single blood sample, improving diagnostic outcomes for patients and reducing healthcare costs.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713641517874_ISEF_Video_Final_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BMED062 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED075\", \"title\": \"A Novel Identification of the Epigenetic Enzyme JMJD1a in Neuroinflammation\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Fan, Baochan\"], \"school\": \"Hamilton High School\", \"abstract\": \"Neuroinflammation in the hippocampus and hypothalamus constitutes the common pathology underlying various neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic syndrome, respectively. Environmental inducers of neuroinflammation, including infections, toxin exposure, and mechanical injury, may change brain epigenetic regulation of gene expression, which can lead to alterations in neural activity and metabolic imbalances. Thus, I hypothesize that epigenetics, functioning at the gene-environment interface, may play a role in the development of diseases with neuroinflammatory-related pathologies. In this research, high-grade acute and chronic neuroinflammatory phenotypes were successfully generated in C57BL/6J mice through the intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After screening epigenetic enzymes in the hippocampus and hypothalamus through qPCR, I further determined the protein levels of the key epigenetic enzymes through Western Blotting. The results indicated that LPS-induced neuroinflammation was associated with overall elevated hippocampal and hypothalamic gene and protein expression levels of Jumonji C domain-containing protein 1a (JMJD1A), a histone demethylase. Furthermore, I discovered that high-fat diet-induced low-grade neuroinflammation in mice is also associated with marginally elevated hippocampal gene and protein expression levels of JMJD1a. These results unravel, for the first time, that hippocampal and hypothalamic JMJD1a is responsive to neuroinflammation and could play an important epigenetic regulatory function in the inflammatory pathways. The discovery of JMJD1a could pave a new avenue for combating neuroinflammatory diseases and advance our knowledge in neuroinflammatory processes and the related mechanisms.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed075-jmjd1a-in-neuroinflammation\", \"title\": \"BMED075 - JMJD1a in Neuroinflammation\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714005482764_ISEF_2024_Video_Made_with_Clipchamp_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BMED075 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED076\", \"title\": \"Discovery of Rs887829 as the Genetic Polymorphism Responsible for Reduced UGT1A1 mRNA Expression in a Diverse Cohort\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Ferber, Jonah\"], \"school\": \"Pine Crest School\", \"abstract\": \"UGT1A1 is an enzyme involved in metabolizing Irinotecan, a DNA topoisomerase class I inhibitor chemotherapeutic drug. Polymorphisms within the UGT1A1 promoter reduce UGT1A1 mRNA expression, rendering individuals susceptible to heightened drug toxicity. Irinotecan toxicity makes it crucial to identify the polymorphisms responsible for reduced mRNA expression and then use the polymorphism as a biomarker for personalized therapy. Previous research studied only Caucasian individuals and determined that a polymorphism within the UGT1A1 gene promoter's TATA box was responsible for reduced mRNA expression. Although this polymorphism has been used to guide Irinotecan prescriptions, it is loosely associated with reduced mRNA expression in other populations. Comparing drug response rates between Caucasians and African Americans prescribed Irinotecan based on the presence of the TATA box polymorphism, reveals reduced response rates among African Americans. Therefore, this research expands its scope to encompass both African-American and Caucasian populations. This study investigates a nearby single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs887829, located within 300 base pairs of and in linkage disequilibrium with the TATA box polymorphism. Liver samples were collected from both groups, with subsequent extraction of gDNA and mRNA. UGT1A1 mRNA expression was recorded for all samples. The UGT1A1 gene promoter region was amplified, and genomic analysis was conducted to determine the genotype for both polymorphisms in all samples. A linear regression model was used to determine the association between the presence of one of the polymorphisms and reduced UGT1A1 mRNA expression. The rs887829 SNP was determined to more accurately predict reduced UGT1A1 mRNA expression in both groups.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed076-rs887829-responsible-reduced-ugt1a1-expression-all\", \"title\": \"BMED076 - Rs887829 Responsible Reduced UGT1A1 Expression All\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714485650051_Movie_on_4_30_24_at_9.56_AM_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BMED076 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED077\", \"title\": \"FungiBug: Detection of Fungal Infection via a Rapid, Accurate, Handheld Small Blood Volume Diagnostic Device and Color Analysis\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Sreepathy, Rishabh\"], \"school\": \"ASU SCENE\", \"abstract\": \"The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus[1], and its secondary bacterial and fungal infections [2-5] have created an urgent need for a new, Small Biological Sampling Volume Diagnostic (SBVD) Device, which is Handheld, Low-Cost, Fast, and Reliable. This device needs to detect new rising pathogens at the triage level -  before pathogen identification and specific tests can be developed and widely distributed. Pathogen load evaluation is needed to rapidly evaluate both the infection degree of severity and therapies effectiveness.\\nPresently, state-of-the art infection diagnostics in Blood, Serum, Urine, Sputum and Spinal fluids use the universally accepted Colony Forming Units (CFUs) counting. This requires 10-30 mL of fluid and 24-72 hours of incubation, taking days for results, and yielding 30% false positives. This excess of diagnosed infections leads to massive overuse of antibiotics and costs US hospitals ~ $20 Billion/year.\\nThe device concept investigated in this study, FungiBug\u2122, aims to test pathogen detection and count pathogen loads using SYBR-safe fluorescent dyes that bind to nucleic acid pairs in DNA/RNA helices. Recently, macroscopic bacterial detection was tested successfully using 0.3 mL drops of SYBR-safe dyes on 0.3 mL calibrated pathogen solutions, via the first proof-of-concept studies to develop InnovaBug\u2122 [6-9] . The present work uses the same approach to detect fungal infections by Macroscopic Epi-Fluorescence using SYBR-safe dyes on fungal colonies for FungiBug\u2122.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed077-fungibug-detection-of-fungal-infection\", \"title\": \"BMED077 - FungiBug: Detection of Fungal Infection\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714010284705_IMG_6657_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BMED077 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED084\", \"title\": \"Ashwagandha as Treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Zebrafish Models\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Ford, Sophia\"], \"school\": \"Cor Jesu Academy\", \"abstract\": \"This research study was performed to determine whether Ashwagandha can be used as an effective treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Zebrafish embryo models. IBD is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that currently affects around 3 million people in the United States and has no known cure. Many pharmaceutical and herbal treatments have been found that can help lessen the severity and symptoms of the disease, but the search for a completely effective drug is an ongoing study. Ashwagandha, an Ancient Ayurvedic herb known for its extensive beneficial health benefits, has anti-inflammatory properties that have the potential to be used as a successful IBD treatment. The use of Zebrafish embryos 0-7 days post fertilization as a chemically induced IBD model is a commonly practiced method for testing IBD. At the highest treatment levels, embryonic models exhibited significantly reduced inflammation and a lack of commonly observed IBD characteristics.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed084-ashwagandha-as-treatment-for-ibd\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"BMED084 - Ashwagandha as Treatment for IBD\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This research study was performed to determine whether Ashwagandha can be used as an effective treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Zebrafish\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714085588303_trim.84F6981A_68F5_44D3_BD66_6DC4F21E4367_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BMED084 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED090\", \"title\": \"Development of a Cathepsin B-Responsive Hydrogel for the Targeted Delivery of Cancer Immunotherapy\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Kaleekal, Noah\"], \"school\": \"Irvington High School\", \"abstract\": \"Adoptive Cell Therapy (ACT) is a promising form of Immunotherapy, wherein T-Lymphocytes are propagated in the laboratory and re-infused into patients. However, a major limitation to ACT is Cytokine Release Syndrome, a life-threatening autoimmune disorder. Proposed strategies include the targeted delivery and controlled release of ACT to tumors. Hydrogels are biomaterials with suitable conditions for cell viability. Cathepsin B is a protease overexpressed on cancer cells, and is selectively capable of cleaving the dipeptide Valine-Citrulline (VCit). To overcome the current limitations of ACT, I developed a hydrogel incorporating the VCit peptide, to selectively degrade from a Cathepsin B stimulus, for targeted delivery and controlled release of ACT. VCit was synthesized using Fmoc-SPPS, purified using Prep-HPLC, and confirmed by Mass Spectroscopy. The peptide was conjugated to the polymer Polyethylene Glycol Diacrylate via Michael-type addition, which was confirmed by NMR. Following gelation under UVA light, the hydrogel was incubated in a Cathepsin B solution to assess degradation over 24 hours. After 0.5 hours, the hydrogel displayed, on average, a 41.4% reduction in weight, significantly higher than controls, and minimal weight was lost in the remaining period. These results indicate the hydrogel\u2019s rapid and controlled degradation in correlation with Cathepsin B levels. Furthermore, the hydrogel was able to release a 5-fold greater number of T-cells in Cathepsin B solutions than water. These results suggest clinical utility of this hydrogel for controlled and direct delivery of ACT to overcome existing side effects. Future research will further quantify and optimize the hydrogel performance through in-vivo studies.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed090-cathepsin-b-responsive-hydrogel-for-immunotherapy\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"BMED090 - Cathepsin B-Responsive Hydrogel for Immunotherapy\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Cathepsin B is a protease overexpressed on cancer cells, for targeted delivery and controlled release of ACT.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtS6SU9Wu6k\", \"title\": \"BMED090 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CBIO011\", \"title\": \"Utilizing Deep Learning to Facilitate Diagnosis of Look-Alike Leukemia Subtypes\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\", \"category_code\": \"CBIO\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Chan, Tessla\"], \"school\": \"Roslyn High School\", \"abstract\": \"B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are the 2 most common leukemias. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 59,610 leukemia cases and 23,710 deaths in 2023. Early detection of leukemia subtypes is critical in prescribing effective treatment strategies to maximize survival rates. Past studies using machine learning (ML) for diagnosing leukemia have achieved significant results, but very few studies were extended to cover the detection of specific leukemia subtypes. B-ALL and AML subtypes are difficult to distinguish because they have similar morphology. The objective of this study is to develop a novel dual-input model to distinguish subtypes of B-ALL and AML. Transfer learning will be utilized, and different classification algorithms: Fully-connected (FC), FC + Batch Normalization (BN), Global average pooling (GAP) will be tested on top of 3 pre-trained CNNs (VGG16, DenseNet201, InceptionResNetv2). Image segmentation will identify malignant cells, and data augmentation will apply transformations to increase the number of training samples. The model\u2019s hyperparameters will be finetuned while checkpoints and early stopping callbacks track loss and mitigate overfitting. Of all CNNs tested, DenseNet201 with the GAP classifier achieved optimal test accuracy of 96.62% with an AUC score of 0.9989.  An app called LST Detector will be developed for public use and to create a community-supported repository of blood smear images for the model to undergo further training. This model is the first to successfully identify all morphologically similar subtypes of B-ALL and AML leukemias.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cbio011-deep-learning-to-diagnose-leukemia-subtypes\", \"title\": \"CBIO011 - Deep Learning to Diagnose Leukemia Subtypes\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/KVO_EjSfiec\", \"title\": \"CBIO011 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CBIO014\", \"title\": \"Modeling Neuron Energy Efficiency and Consumption Using Hodgkin-Huxley Equations With Analysis and Application\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\", \"category_code\": \"CBIO\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Chasmawala, Zahra\"], \"school\": \"The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky\", \"abstract\": \"In the human brain, high amounts of metabolic energy are required to maintain neural activity. A large fraction of this energy is expended in the generation and firing of action potentials, as each requires an ATP-driven ion pump to restore the ionic concentration gradient. This project analyzes the biophysical accurate Hodgkin-Huxley (H-H) model as an energy model to evaluate the metabolic energy consumption of an isolated neuron. A MATLAB-based simulation of an H-H neuron's derived voltage and ionic currents at various external inputs is created. Using this model, the ATP supply and total energy consumption are measured. Then, various parameters, such as the conductances, temperature, and external currents, are optimized to minimize energy consumption and improve the neurons\u2019 energy efficiency. Studying neurons' energy consumption and efficiency provides greater insight into diseases associated with impaired brain energetics, such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease. This project aims to use the results of minimized energy calculations for applications in understanding and creating targeted treatments for these disorders.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cbio014-modeling-and-optimizing-neuron-energy-efficiency\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"CBIO014 - Modeling and Optimizing Neuron Energy Efficiency\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This project analyzes the biophysical accurate Hodgkin-Huxley (H-H) model as an energy model to evaluate the metabolic energy consumption of an isolated neuron.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712074863302_ISEF_Video_Sumbission_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CBIO014 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CBIO045\", \"title\": \"ViGAR: Viral Genome Annotation with Recurrent Neural Networks - Facilitating Drug Therapy Research for Thousands of Understudied Viruses\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\", \"category_code\": \"CBIO\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Gupta , Ritvik\"], \"school\": \"Johnston High School\", \"abstract\": \"Globally, numerous living organisms suffer from viral infections. Genome annotation is the process of mapping coding-sequences (CDS) of a genome. CDS are the portions of the genome that are translated into mRNA. An infected host cell will utilize this mRNA to synthesize the viral protiens. Understanding CDS locations within the genome aids researchers to unravel the virus's biology, identify the proteins it creates, and discover potential drug therapies. NCBI GenBank serves as a national repository for genomes. Presently, GenBank contains 83,909 viral genomes, yet only 38,567 of them are annotated. 45,342 viral genomes remain unannotated in GenBank, leaving a significant void in our comprehension of various viruses and their subsequent drug therapies. ViGAR (Viral Genome Annotation with Recurrent Neural Networks), helps address this gap. ViGAR utilizes a 2 layer stacked Bidirectional LSTM (bLSTM) network. Each bLSTM layer contained 256 units in both directions. Layer normalization was done between layers. The output layer was a 2 neuron TimeDistributed Dense layer with sigmoid activation. 14,819 genomes were downloaded from NCBI RefSeq to train the model. Data was preprocessed using one-hot encoding. ViGAR was evaluated on 3000 random samples. ViGAR excels at annotating CDS on viral genomes, achieving approximately 96% recall, 93% F-1 score, and 91% precision on test data. Additionally, ViGAR can annotate genome sequences virtually instantly. This research shows LSTMs can achieve higher accuracy and speed than traditional genome annotation models. ViGAR will facilitate fast and accurate drug therapy research for thousands of unannotated viral genomes.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cbio045-viral-genome-annotation-with-rnns\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"CBIO045 - Viral Genome Annotation with RNNs\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"ViGAR (Viral Genome Annotation with Recurrent Neural Networks), helps address this gap. ... Additionally, ViGAR can annotate genome sequences virtually instantly.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/VUfhqUezJ54\", \"title\": \"CBIO045 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CBIO051\", \"title\": \"3-Dimensional Visualization of Cell Behavior and Movement in Tissue\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\", \"category_code\": \"CBIO\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Chhabra, Taj\"], \"school\": \"Hunter College High School\", \"abstract\": \"The ability to visualize cell behavior within the 3-dimensional space of a tissue is invaluable for understanding cell function. Although open-source and professional software exist to analyze cell movement in 3D, in some cases available software is unable to track cells over time due to densely packed cells or low resolution imaging of the tissue. Using confocal microscopes, biologists can collect a series of 2-dimensional images scanned at different heights through the thickness of a tissue. The purpose of this project is to visualize the movement of cells in dense tissue in 3 dimensions, from images that were acquired at low resolution in order to avoid bleaching of fluorescent signals and tissue damage by confocal microscope lasers. I am currently working with images of Drosophila ovarian tissue to visualize follicle stem cell movement around germline cysts in the germarium. Using stacks of manually segmented images of stem cells and germline cysts, and using coordinates from the segmentations, a Python program was written to create a 3D wireframe animation. The wireframe allows visual transparency through each element, so that the stem cells can be seen through the germline cysts. In addition, any element can be hidden in order to better visualize the remaining elements, a feature that is especially helpful for a dense tissue. The animation can be rotated to view from any angle, and zoomed in and out. This program allows visualization of follicle stem cell movement around germline cysts in 3D for the first time.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cbio051-3-dimensional-visualization-of-cell-behavior\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.57\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"CBIO051 - 3-Dimensional Visualization of Cell Behavior\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.57, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"The purpose of this project is to visualize the movement of cells in dense tissue in 3 dimensions, from images that were acquired at low resolution\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713674851939_3_Dimensional_Visualization_of_Cell_Behavior_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CBIO051 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CBIO054\", \"title\": \"T-STM : Spatio Temporal Modeling of the Tumor-Microenvironment for in silico  Testing of Immunomodulatory Drug Combinations for Enhanced Triple Negative Breast Cancer Immunotherapy\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\", \"category_code\": \"CBIO\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Venkatesh, Ajeet\"], \"school\": \"Nikola Tesla STEM High School\", \"abstract\": \"Breast cancer affects 2.3 million women annually with the five-year survival rate for Triple-negative-breast-cancer (TNBC) being 12%. Current immunotherapy treatments are effective only in 25% patients as the multiple immunosuppressive mechanisms of the Tumor-microenvironment (TME) are not understood. T-STM is the first of its kind multi-agent, Spatial-temporal-modeling based simulation of the TNBC TME. T-STM uses a novel hybrid approach with discrete models to characterize tumor, stromal and immune interactions; driven by tumor and patient-specific metabolic profiles, signaling and immune infiltration patterns derived from TCGA(The-Cancer-Genome-Atlas) data along with partial-differential-equations for modeling nutrient diffusion and the multiple immunosuppressive pathways in the TME. Simulation results were successfully validated with TCGA histopathological immunophenotypes matching and cell fraction histograms showing high correlation with r values between 0.785 and 0.91. Simulations run on 100 TNBC datasets for 150 days, testing for optimal combinations of immunomodulatory drugs showed best tumor reduction for the combination of TLR9 agonist with P13k, mTOR and IDO inhibitors combined with LAG3 and PDL1 blockade with an average of 80% reduction in tumor cells across 40 datasets. T-STM shows best immune-efficacy with low stroma and high tumor-infiltrating-lymphocytes scenario validated by Kaplan\u2013Meier survival curves (hazard ratio 0.308 , P = 0.0219) with stromal permeability boost increasing immune response. T-STM can potentially shorten the drug development cycles through identification of combination inhibitor therapies based on simulated remission rates to create customized therapeutics for enhanced cancer immunotherapy with reduced costs.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cbio054-in-silico-spatio-temporal-modeling-of-tnbc-tme\", \"title\": \"CBIO054 - In silico Spatio-Temporal Modeling of TNBC TME\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714633129920_WIN_20240501_23_56_31_Pro_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CBIO054 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CBIO058\", \"title\": \"Intraoperative Brain Tumor Detection Using Raman Spectroscopy Data and Machine Learning\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\", \"category_code\": \"CBIO\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Pippal, Nikolas\"], \"school\": \"Gymnazium Olomouc - Hejcin\", \"abstract\": \"The aim of this research is to detect tumor tissue during brain surgery using data preprocessing and machine learning. Brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related death in children in the United States.  Gliomas, the most common type of malignant brain tumor, pose significant treatment challenges affecting patient survival rates. Radical and safe resection is the most effective treatment for brain tumor patients. This involves the complete removal of tumor tissue while preserving the healthy brain tissue. The accuracy of tumor detection is crucial for successful surgery.\\nA novel approach for continuous perioperative monitoring of resection boundaries is the use of Raman spectroscopy. This technique evaluates the biochemical composition of tissue through spectral analysis. The spectra obtained during brain surgery are preprocessed by various methods, including the Savitzky-Golay filter, Min-max normalization, rotation, and baseline correction, to optimize results of classification via KNN, Decision Tree, or Random Forest.\\nA new baseline calculation method was developed, which was essential for effective data preprocessing. After preprocessing, a significant difference was found between the spectra of brain and tumor tissue at the Raman shift 1460 cm^-1. The resulting program can accurately distinguish between healthy brain and tumor tissue with an accuracy of 89%, and has a tumor identification accuracy over 96%.\\nThis represents a significant improvement in the intraoperative identification of tumor tissue. In conclusion, the combination of Raman spectroscopy, data transformation, and machine learning can be an effective tool for surgeons to achieve radical and safe resection of gliomas, improving patient survival.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cbio058-brain-tumor-detection-using-raman-spectroscopy\", \"title\": \"CBIO058 - Brain Tumor Detection Using Raman Spectroscopy\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/baeebazK6Zs?si=Meh_AQsyy5gboCUa\", \"title\": \"CBIO058 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CELL009\", \"title\": \"Elucidating Novel Mechanisms: Berberine Mitigates Cisplatin-Induced Hepatorenal Mitochondrial Dysfunction Through Preservation of Electron Transport Chain Integrity\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\", \"category_code\": \"CELL\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Sridharan, Bhavana\"], \"school\": \"Little Rock Central High School\", \"abstract\": \"A high incidence of hepatorenal impairment in cancer patients treated with cisplatin has been reported. Berberine, a plant alkaloid possesses wide range of medicinal properties. Mitochondrial accumulation of cisplatin and subsequent damage to electron transport chain (ETC) plays a key role in the cisplatin-induced cell death. This study was aimed to elucidate the mitigative role of berberine against cisplatin-induced hepatorenal injury with an in depth focus on mitochondrial functions. Clone 9 and Human renal mesangial cells were treated with 10 \u00b5M berberine for 24 h followed by 20 \u00b5M cisplatin. Cell morphology and intracellular ROS generation (DCFDA), mitochondrial ROS and antioxidant status (RTPCR and Western Blotting), mitochondrial membrane pore transition (Swelling assay), apoptosis (Incucyte), membrane potential (TMRM uptake), respiration and oxygen consumption rate (Seahorse Pro analyzer), protein expression and activities of complexes II, III and IV, and ATP content were measured. Berberine pretreatment significantly reduced intracellular ROS levels and prevented cisplatin-induced cell death. An increase in mitochondrial oxidative stress and reduced antioxidant enzymes by cisplatin subsequently increased mitochondrial swelling and mPTP opening, apoptosis, membrane depolarization, and inhibition of electron chain complexes . Berberine effectively mitigated these deleterious effects, ameliorated mitochondrial functions and prevented cell death. In conclusion, this study has provided significant evidences that berberine preserved the integrity of ETC and mitigated cisplatin-induced hepatic and renal mitochondrial dysfunction  Hence, berberine may be considered as a potential adjuvant drug during and after chemotherapy with cisplatin.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cell009-berberine-mitigates-cisplatin-induced-dysfunctions\", \"title\": \"CELL009 - Berberine Mitigates Cisplatin-Induced Dysfunctions\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/pbAzQAlT9No\", \"title\": \"CELL009 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CELL031\", \"title\": \"Identification of Survivin as a Novel Longevity Biomarker: Towards Developing Novel Anti-Aging Therapeutics\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\", \"category_code\": \"CELL\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Almazroei, Lana\"], \"school\": \"Dar Al-Tarbia Al-Hadetha\", \"abstract\": \"Cells enter the senescence state when aging occurs, an irreversible cell cycle arrest. This exhibits an age-related increase in the levels of Senescence Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP), resulting in chronic inflammations and age-related diseases. Senolytics, drugs that selectively clear senescent cells, have limited applicability, prompting the need to discover new natural ones. Survivin is an anti-apoptotic crucial for cell cycle regulation. Survivin is over-expressed in cancers and aged fibroblasts, however its role in adipocyte aging is not well understood. This project aimed to study survivin's role in the aging process of breast adipocytes as a potential therapeutic target to treat age-related inflammations. It also aimed to target survivin with a natural compound called Withaferin A, as a novel senolytic to prevent age-related diseases. To achieve these objectives, various biological techniques were utilized. These included oil-red staining, which detects lipid droplets, immunocytochemistry to assess cell proliferation, RT-qPCR to analyze gene expression levels, immunoblotting and ELISA to measure protein levels, and cell transfection. Results indicated that survivin and phospho-survivin increased with age in breast adipocytes leading to a notable elevation in inflammations. Interestingly, treating adipocytes with Withaferin A significantly reduced survivin and phospho-survivin levels, causing a remarkable reduction in inflammations. When survivin was over-expressed in young cells, it led to an increase in inflammations indicating that it is survivin-dependent. This study identifies survivin as a potential therapeutic target for age-related inflammations in breast adipocytes and highlights the efficacy of Withaferin A in mitigating inflammations.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cell031-withaferin-a-as-an-anti-aging-drug\", \"title\": \"CELL031 - Withaferin A as an Anti-Aging Drug\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713251872197_trim.342B8609_279E_4AB1_9B58_1A7EF9937F55_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CELL031 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CELL036\", \"title\": \"Tinted Truths: Revealing the Relationship Between Tartrazine and the Dysregulation of Retrotransposons and p53 Expression in Drosophila melanogaster\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\", \"category_code\": \"CELL\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Gummaraju, Manya\"], \"school\": \"Plano East Senior High School\", \"abstract\": \"The p53 gene is a tumor suppressor in the human body that is mutated in 50-60% of human cancers. p53 acts to suppress retrotransposons (jumping genes) within the genome which are prevalent in a multitude of diseases and cancers. This study aimed to find a possible link between the consumption of tartrazine (yellow five food coloring) and increased retrotransposons. The purpose was also to see if Curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) could suppress retrotransposon activity in the genome, similar to 3TC (a suppressor of retrotransposon activity). The study was done using the UAS-Gal4 system in Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly). Firstly, a fly cross was done that caused the dysregulation of retrotransposons in the genome of the progeny, which in turn increased p53 expression.  The flies were fed with the test compounds throughout their life cycle. The F1 generation female ovaries were dissected to observe the percentage of GFP (indicative of retrotransposon activity) that was found in the genome. After performing a T-Test, it was proven that Tartrazine caused a statistically significant increase in retrotransposon activity and hence p53 activity, while curcumin was similar to the control group. 3TC  showed a statistically significant decrease in dysregulation of retrotransposons. This suggests that tartrazine may be causing the derepression of retrotransposons within the genome resulting in p53 activation. This information could help with the prevention of diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's, etc. Hence, tartrazine could be causing the onset of such detrimental diseases and these effects could be mitigated by using curcumin instead.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cell036-tartrazine-dysregulates-p53-in-d-melanogaster\", \"title\": \"CELL036 - Tartrazine dysregulates p53 in D. melanogaster\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713741124846_IMG_0308_2_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CELL036 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CELL044T\", \"title\": \"A Mechanistic Analysis of Intraneuronal Amyloid Beta Aggregation Caused by Cellular Dysfunction in Alzheimer\u2019s Disease\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\", \"category_code\": \"CELL\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Balaji, Ananya\", \"Balaji, Avyay\"], \"school\": \"Ames High School\", \"abstract\": \"Alzheimer\u2019s Disease (AD) affects tens of millions of people around the world as the most prevalent form of dementia. A hallmark of AD is the intracellular and extracellular aggregation of the misfolded amyloid beta protein, which contributes to neurodegeneration. While the formation of extracellular amyloid beta plaques is well characterized, pathways for intracellular accumulation and resulting cellular dysfunction are less clear. The goal of this study was to identify and characterize the dominant cellular mechanisms for amyloid beta aggregation.\\nTo do so, the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line was transfected with the APPSwe plasmid, which produces amyloid beta\u2019s precursor protein. Cell lines were treated with one of three chemicals to replicate stress conditions in cellular organelles: hydrogen peroxide to induce general oxidative stress, rotenone to induce mitochondrial stress, and tunicamycin to induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Cells were then stained for amyloid beta-specific antibodies and for cell death. Microscopy, followed by analysis via ImageJ software, was used to determine the chemical, and therefore cellular stress pathway, that induced the most amyloid beta aggregation in cells.\\nTunicamycin most prominently promoted aggregation when measuring the proportion of cell clusters expressing amyloid beta. A significant difference was present compared to both rotenone and hydrogen peroxide for both transfected and non-transfected cells. These results indicate that the ER stress pathway, and thus the cellular protein folding response, most influence intracellular amyloid beta aggregation. This points to therapeutics and preventive options targeted at the ER as potentially viable for combating AD.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cell044t-intraneuronal-amyloid-beta-in-alzheimers\", \"title\": \"CELL044T - Intraneuronal Amyloid Beta in Alzheimer's \", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714016193497_ISEF24_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CELL044T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CELL045T\", \"title\": \"In vitro and in silico Evaluation of Embryogenesis Inhibition Activity of Ethanolic Extracts of Chico (Manilkara zapota) Bark Against Gastrointestinal Strongyle Eggs\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\", \"category_code\": \"CELL\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Rentuza, Michaela Ria\", \"Macabata, Mikaella Rose Emereene\", \"Secuya, Wesly\"], \"school\": \"Cebu City National Science High School\", \"abstract\": \"Strongyloides, a group of parasites identified in ruminants, had displayed a growing resistance against commercial anthelmintic treatments which has caused economic losses in livestock and agriculture especially in continents like Asia, Europe, and South America. This study aimed to evaluate the embryogenesis inhibition activity of ethanolic extracts of the tannin-rich chico (Manilkara zapota) bark against gastrointestinal strongyle eggs through an in vitro and in silico evaluation.\\nFor the in vitro evaluation, the chico bark extract at varying concentrations were prepared. Fecal samples identified with strongyle eggs underwent fecalysis and were subjected to the different treatments. The embryogenesis inhibition rate was calculated after data collection. In silico molecular docking of gallotannins, ellagitannins, and ivermectin-B1a with tubulin alpha-1b was conducted using AutoDock Vina and visualized in ChimeraX and PyMol.\\nIn vitro results showed that the higher the concentration of the chico bark, the higher the embryogenesis inhibition rate. Statistical treatment revealed that the extracts of 15.2 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL had no significant difference with ivermectin. Additionally, the extract of highest concentration showed 90.06% effectiveness in inhibiting the development of the eggs. In silico results indicated similar biological activity between tannins and ivermectin-B1a, supporting the extract's mode of action against eggs.\\nIn conclusion, the in vitro results showed that the chico bark extract inhibited embryogenesis and its effectiveness was comparable to ivermectin. Additionally, the in silico evaluation suggested similar biological activity between tannins and ivermectin. Further in vivo and toxicity assays should be conducted by future researchers.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cell045t-chico-bark-extract-as-embryogenesis-inhibitor\", \"title\": \"CELL045T - Chico Bark Extract as Embryogenesis Inhibitor\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713938251153_ISEF_Video_Presentation_CELL045T_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CELL045T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM010\", \"title\": \"M.L.C.E Larvicide: Garcinia mangostana Pericarp and Citrus aurantifolia Leaves Combined Extracts as a Novel Natural Larvicide for Aedes aegypti Larvae\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Chuah, Yee Jia\"], \"school\": \"Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sultan Ismail\", \"abstract\": \"The rise of vector-borne diseases, particularly dengue fever has highlighted the need to enhance mosquito control. Aedes aegypti is the mosquito species responsible for the rapid transmission of dengue fever, Zika virus and Chikungunya. However, the current mosquito control using synthetic larvicides may lead to a negative impact on the environment, and larvae might develop increased resistance. Hence, natural product-based larvicide is crucially demanded as an environmentally-friendly alternative for mosquito control. This study investigated the larvicidal activity of the combination of Garcinia mangostana pericarp extract and Citrus aurantifolia leaves extract, named the M.L.C.E Larvicide against A. aegypti larvae. Each bioassay consisted of 20 larvae and more than 50 larvicidal bioassays had been conducted at different concentrations of extracts (from 0.025%w/v to 0.4%w/v). The exposure to M.L.C.E caused a significant behavioral change in larvae, thus leading to larval inactivation and 100% mortality at 0.1%w/v. M.L.C.E Larvicide exhibited a greater performance than that of its individual extracts (p<0.05). The combined extract exhibited a similar performance of larvae mortality when compared to the commercialized larvicide, Temephos after 16 hours of exposure. M.L.C.E Larvicide was found to contain bioactive compounds including alpha-mangostin and other GC-MS detected small metabolites such as caryophyllene and germacrene D. They were likely to be the main contributors interfering with the larval development and physiological processes, leading to morphological alterations and larvae mortality. In conclusion, the study highlights the potential of M.L.C.E Larvicide as a natural, eco-friendly and sustainable alternative for mosquito control towards A. aegypti larvae.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cell006-m-l-c-e-larvicide\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 18, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"CELL006 - M.L.C.E Larvicide\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Previously, M.L.C.E Larvicide is developed towards A. aegypti larvae, by combining Garcinia mangostana pericarp extract and Citrus aurantifolia leaves extract.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/chem010-m-l-c-e-larvicide\", \"title\": \"CHEM010 - M.L.C.E Larvicide\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/jwUVGWkSbuA?si=WPp8JixbFTO1y4R8\", \"title\": \"CHEM010 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM016T\", \"title\": \"BioPower: A Biochemical Redox-Flow Battery\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Trapp, Julia\", \"Trapp, Alexander\"], \"school\": \"Landheim Ammersee\", \"abstract\": \"Climate change drives governments around the world to switch from carbon-based energy to renewable sources. Wind and solar power are very popular, yet storing enough energy for night or times without wind remains a challenge. A convenient solution are batteries. Most batteries are metal based, yet the required resources are not endless, they are unevenly distributed around the globe, often associated with environmental degradation and their disposal is not always without risks. Therefore, batteries which do not use toxic chemicals, esp. metals or metal salts are of great interest. Such batteries would be much simpler and safer to produce and to dispose, they would be less expensive, non-flammable and ideally non-toxic, they would be capable to store energy loss-free. Currently there are no such batteries commercially available, but they are in focus of research groups worldwide.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/chem016t-biopower\", \"title\": \"CHEM016T - BioPower\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711305774457_Video_2_min_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CHEM016T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM017T\", \"title\": \"HidroQapa: Waterproof Bioplastic Made From Chitosan Extracted From Shrimp Shell Waste\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Mauritty, Frederico\", \"Filipe, Madalena\"], \"school\": \"Colegio Valsassina\", \"abstract\": \"Several tons of crustacean waste are generated globally due to the mass consumption of seafood such as shrimp, lobster, crab, etc. These are a reservoir of renewable resources such as chitin and derivatives (e.g. chitosan), proteins, calcium carbonate, and pigments. These raw materials that are considered \\\"waste\\\" to the fish industry can be reused to create sustainable and biodegradable products, also reducing waste of resources and pollution of the environment.\\nShrimp shell chitin is obtained by deproteinization, demineralization, and de-pigmentation processes. Chitosan is obtained by deacetylation of chitin. This is a natural, low toxicity polymer that can be manufactured in the form of films, fibers, sheets, and gels. It also has important biological, physiological and pharmacological properties. In addition, the functional groups of this biopolymer allow its use as a hydrophobic agent.\\nThus, this project aimed to synthesize a waterproofing bioplastic in the form of a biofilm for fabrics and other materials, made from chitosan extracted from shrimp shell waste, within the Aquaculture and Fish Industry theme. The product will have to be incorporated into the fabric during the manufacturing process, and these fabrics will have to be disposable, such as medical gauzes, due to the high biodegradability of the polymer.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://biofuelsdigest.com/mary-kay-awards-shrimp-shell-bioplastic-second-place-in-science-and-engineering-fair\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 45, \"status\": \"needs_review\", \"signals\": [\"full_name\", \"llm:related:0.75\"], \"title\": \"Mary Kay awards shrimp shell bioplastic second place in science ...\", \"source_domain\": \"biofuelsdigest.com\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"full_name\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Madalena Filipe and Frederico Mauritty of Lisbon, Portugal came in second with HidroQapa, a waterproof bioplastic made from chitosan extracted from shrimp shell\"}, {\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf/24924\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 20, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.56\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"HidroQapa: Waterproof Bioplastic Made From Chitosan ...\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.56, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"\u200bThus, this project aimed to synthesize a waterproofing bioplastic in the form of a biofilm for fabrics and other materials, made from chitosan extracted from\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/chem017t-hidroqapa\", \"title\": \"CHEM017T - HidroQapa\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711794036616_VIDEO_REGENERON_ISEF_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CHEM017T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM027\", \"title\": \"Light-driven Adaptive Camouflage Structures Based on Photoprogrammable Printing Ink\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Xu , Shengjie\"], \"school\": \"Shanghai Foreign Language School Affiliated to SISU\", \"abstract\": \"In nature, many animals change their colors or shapes to adapt to various environments, sparking a research trend in environmental adaptive materials. Light-responsive cholesteric liquid crystal materials have attracted extensive attention from researchers due to their remote, contactless, and dynamically adjustable properties. However, the development of a wide-ranging and precisely controllable helical superstructure remains a significant challenge, primarily due to the lack of suitable photoswitches and the unpredictability stemming from their low viscosity. Therefore, this study focuses on light-responsive chiral diarylethene liquid crystal systems, aiming to address the limitations in the current light-controlled liquid crystal systems, such as a narrow dynamic tuning range and poor precision control. By optimizing the ratios of chiral photoswitch (3.8 wt%), liquid crystal molecule (96.2 wt%), and polymer ink (100 wt%), the viscosity of the liquid crystal system is enhanced, striking a delicate balance between precise stable printing of patterns and dynamic wide-ranging tuning. This research introduces a class of flexible liquid crystal superstructures that are photoprogrammable, wide-ranging manipulable, and precisely printable. Specifically, we have successfully achieved a wide range of reflection colors from 470 nm to 800 nm on different kinds of flexible substrates, including PET, paper and wood. These innovative superstructures advance the development of adaptive camouflage materials, revealing the underlying scientific principles behind adaptive structural colors in nature. According to this research result, they hold significant potential in advanced anti-counterfeiting and national defense camouflage applications.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://www.yau-awards.com/uploads/file/20231031/20231031130830_94818.pdf\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 45, \"status\": \"needs_review\", \"signals\": [\"full_name\", \"llm:related:0.80\"], \"title\": \"2023 S.T.Yau High School Science Award (Asia) Research ...\", \"source_domain\": \"www.yau-awards.com\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"full_name\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Zhu Job title: Professor School: East China University of Science and Technology Province: Shanghai Country: China Title of Research Report Light-driven adaptive camouflage structures based on photoprogrammable printing ink Date 15 September 2023 II Light-driven adaptive camouflage structures based on photoprogrammable printing ink Shengjie Xu Shanghai Foreign Language School Affiliated to SISU, Shanghai 200083, China Abstract The remarkable structural colors found in animals have always [...] a\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/chem027-photoprogrammable-ink-allows-adaptive-camouflage\", \"title\": \"CHEM027 - Photoprogrammable Ink Allows Adaptive Camouflage\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713574537674_21908_raw_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CHEM027 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM030\", \"title\": \"Next-Generation Coating: Tunable Self-Healing Material for Intelligent Protection of Metal Surfaces\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Deng, Shuyi\"], \"school\": \"YK Pao School\", \"abstract\": \"Metal surfaces are of vital importance in aerospace, automobile, and food industries, where they are often coated to prevent corrosion and chemical reactions with surroundings. Surface defects and mechanical damage of these coatings can lead to severe problems: the release of toxic metals into food poses significant human health risks. My research focuses on developing self-healing materials that automatically repair surface defects through supramolecular interactions, thereby improving the durability and safety of metal surfaces. I have designed and synthesized novel monomers that form hydrogen bonds and salt bridges upon random copolymerization, with their molecular structures confirmed via NMR spectroscopy. Utilizing efficient one and two-component random copolymerization methods, I have produced five polymer resins, specifically polyacrylic acids or polyesters based ones, varying in monomer structure and concentration. These resins were characterized chemically by GPC, DSC, and FTIR analyses. They can be easily applied on metal surface and rapidly solidified within 20 minutes upon heating. Their design allows for the consideration of the component ratio within the polymer network, carefully balancing mechanical strength with self-healing properties. Notably, a polyacrylate resin with a glass transition temperature of 26.31\u00b0C and polyesters with a lower polydispersity index (PDI) than commercial materials, were synthesized. Combinations of polyacrylate and polyester resins demonstrated enhanced self-healing ability from scratches and cuts. Future work will explore the design of new monomers and conduct gradient tests on monomer concentrations in polymer networks, further advancing the field of self-healing materials for metal surface protection.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/chem030-self-healing-material-for-metal-surface-protection\", \"title\": \"CHEM030 - Self-Healing Material for Metal Surface Protection\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712503901109_4_7__thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CHEM030 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM058\", \"title\": \"Synthesis and Evaluation of a Low-Cost Biopolymer Encapsulant for Lead Sequestration in Halide Perovskite Solar Cells\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Meduri, Abhinav\"], \"school\": \"North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics\", \"abstract\": \"In recent years, single-junction perovskite solar cells with lead-halide frameworks have garnered considerable interest for their superior photovoltaic performance, facile fabrication, and tunable optoelectronic properties. However, concerns about lead toxicity and instability in lead-halide perovskite solar cells (LHPSCs) remain. Water infiltration through the perovskite layer along grain boundaries can lead to the formation of PbI2, the primary decomposition product containing lead in highly efficient solar cells. Given that the maximum permissible levels of lead in drinking water in the U.S. are 15 ppb (EPA), it is crucial to effectively control and restrict the release of dissolved lead-containing products into soil and water reservoirs from LHPSCs. In this project, the efficacy of an alginate-L-cysteine (SA-Cys) biopolymer film was explored for mitigating lead leaching from LHPSCs. Alginate, a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, was functionalized with thiol groups to enhance its adsorption and chelation of lead ions. The modified polymer was integrated outside the perovskite architecture through a multi-layer deposition strategy, resulting in a modified LHPSC that achieved a sequestration efficiency of 80% and retained over 97% of its original lead content under simulated rainfall. Electronic structure calculations using the PCM solvation model showed the SA-Cys monomer had improved lead-binding properties compared to its non-functionalized counterpart. A preliminary analysis of the performance of encapsulated cells demonstrated that SA-Cys had no impact on the PV output of the solar cells. This investigation provides valuable insights into addressing the challenges associated with lead leaching and aims to further enhance the performance of LHPSCs.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35735116\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 20, \"status\": \"needs_review\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.60\", \"trusted_domain:pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\", \"llm:related:0.85\"], \"title\": \"Lead Sequestration from Halide Perovskite Solar Cells with ...\", \"source_domain\": \"pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.60, trusted_domain:pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"by BN Breen \u00b7 2022 \u00b7 Cited by 30 \u2014 We show that thiol-functionalized nanoparticles provide an economic way of minimizing Pb leaching in the case of PSC module damage and subsequent water exposure\"}, {\"url\": \"https://acs.figshare.com/articles/journal_contribution/Lead_Sequestration_from_Halide_Perovskite_Solar_Cells_with_a_Low-Cost_Thiol-Containing_Encapsulant/20131884\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 12, \"status\": \"needs_review\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.60\", \"llm:related:0.85\"], \"title\": \"Lead Sequestration from Halide Perovskite Solar Cells with ...\", \"source_domain\": \"acs.figshare.com\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.60\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"We show that thiol-functionalized nanoparticles provide an economic way of minimizing Pb leaching in the case of PSC module damage and\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/chem058-lead-sequestration-in-perovskite-cells\", \"title\": \"CHEM058 - Lead Sequestration in Perovskite Cells\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/SATEgV_pikI\", \"title\": \"CHEM058 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM062T\", \"title\": \"Modeling of Amino Acids' Chemical Reactivity Against Cancer\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Vasnetsov, Catherine\", \"Vasnetsov, Victor\"], \"school\": \"The TASIS School in Dorado\", \"abstract\": \"The composition and structure of variable side chains in amino acids determine peptides' unique functions in a wide range of applications. The APD database served as the primary data source for theoretical modeling research on various amino groups and their properties in relation to\\namine composition, size, 3-dimensional structure, positive charge at the amino group, and the type and length of the side organic chain. Our research objective was to identify chemical, physical, and structural properties that define peptides' activity against both types of pathogens: viruses and cancers. There were 1,547 physicochemical features extracted with the propy package in Python, and these features characterize the sequence through the percentage of each amino acid present in the  sequence (amino acid composition, 20 features); the percentage of each pair of amino acids in the sequence (total of 400 features). Additional factors include correlations between pairs of amino acids in a specific feature, such as charge, polarizability, free energy, and van der Waals forces. We discovered that specific properties were correlated with all three targeted anti-disease activities: anti-virus, anti-cancer, and dual action. Our analysis revealed that specific pairs of amino acids possess the most important specific properties for anti-cancer and anti-virus activity. A promising framework for accelerated development of drugs with multiple targets is proposed to benefit experimental chemists by pre-selecting specific groups of amino acids based on their targeted reactivity against pathogens. This should lead to faster and more productive laboratory experiments, identifying more viable candidates for clinical trials.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/chem062t-modeling-amino-acids-reactivity\", \"title\": \"CHEM062T - Modeling Amino Acids' Reactivity\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713482927513_Vasnetsov_2024_ISEF_Video_PEPTIDES_REACTIVITY_Final_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CHEM062T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM068\", \"title\": \"Optimizing Synthesis of mRNA Therapeutics\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Chenna, Srijay\"], \"school\": \"The Charter School of Wilmington\", \"abstract\": \"When Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman developed mRNA therapeutics, they packaged mRNA in 4-component lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to prevent bloodstream degradation by RNases. Research has since shown that dendritic nanoparticles (DNPs) can similarly encapsulate mRNA therapeutics with greater stability. Unfortunately, more research is required to perfect the synthesis of Ionizable Amphiphilic Janus Dendrimers (IAJDs), molecules that self-assemble in buffer to create DNPs. This project optimizes synthesis of the IAJD hydrophobic region through new tosylated precursors allowing for different reaction conditions. 4-toluenesulfonyl chloride reacts with alcohols in large quantities at room temperature to form paraffins with optimal leaving groups for nucleophilic substitution. This makes formation of the dendrimer's branching paraffins more efficient with cleaner purification. This is partially from lower reaction temperature, preventing decomposition of dimethylformamide, the reaction solvent, and decomposition of alkylated reagents. Reactions for orthogonal synthesis were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and thin layer chromatography (TLC) which guided optimization of reaction and purification. Importantly, this first alkylation step dictates the efficiency of the entire orthogonal synthesis especially as IAJDs move into scaled production. After simplifying the synthesis schematic for the hydrophilic region from the hydrophobic building block in a prior project, this project's optimization remains the primary challenge in an efficiently optimized reaction scheme oriented towards accessibility. With this modification, production of DNPs can be simpler and cheaper for use as a universal component in all mRNA therapeutics.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/chem068-optimizing-nanoparticle-synthesis-for-mrna-vectors\", \"title\": \"CHEM068 - Optimizing Nanoparticle Synthesis for mRNA Vectors\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/bb0gaix7Uas\", \"title\": \"CHEM068 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV004\", \"title\": \"ForestCast: Developing a Novel Convolutional Neural Network to Enhance Prevention of Fragmentation in the United States\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Pasquale , Tristan\"], \"school\": \"Wiregrass Ranch High School\", \"abstract\": \"The United States lost 4.22 million acres of forest in 2021 - equivalent to 775 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Remote sensing is the most common model used to monitor deforestation. However, typical remote sensing models only achieve 66% accuracy, resulting in insufficient data for policy making regarding deforestation, specifically forest fragmentation. Fragmentation urgently needs proper management which requires higher accuracy, higher precision, and faster computation than remote sensing. This research aimed to develop ForestCast - the first computational program to enhance visualization of forest fragmentation data by i) masking clouds to create a dataset for training, ii) innovating a novel convolutional neural network (CNN) that visualizes fragmentation, and iii) comparing the results to remote sensing. Using Google Earth Engine (GEE), the clouds in the satellite imagery were masked, increasing visualization by 92% (p<0.001). The CNN was developed and trained to identify fragmentation using the dataset obtained from GEE, achieving 90.5% accuracy. ForestCast illustrated the strong relationship between urbanization and fragmentation in the US (p<0.005). In a case study comparison, it was discovered ForestCast had 24.5% higher accuracy and was almost 7 times faster than the average remote sensing model. In conclusion, ForestCast is a new model with higher accuracy and efficiency than remote sensing. These findings allow ForestCast to undergo refinement in future investigations for other common deforestation pressures like wildfires and agricultural expansion. Thus ForestCast has the potential to become an important cornerstone of national forest-monitoring programs.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/eaev004-fragmentation-prevention-in-us-by-forestcast\", \"title\": \"EAEV004 - Fragmentation Prevention in US by ForestCast\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712022708413_copy_F27B3219_0C9A_4DAB_B2B6_76286B26F8EE_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EAEV004 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV021\", \"title\": \"National Ground-Level NO2 Predictions via Satellite Imagery Driven Hybrid Neural Networks\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Cao, Elton\"], \"school\": \"Fairview High School\", \"abstract\": \"Outdoor air pollution, specifically nitrogen dioxide (NO2), poses a global health risk. Land use regression (LUR) models are widely used to estimate ground-level NO2 concentrations by describing the satellite land use characteristics of a given location using buffer distance averages of variables. However, information may be leaked in this approach. Therefore, in this study, I leverage a convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture to directly pass pixel plots of satellite imagery for the prediction of U.S. national ground-level NO2. I designed CNN architectures of various complexity which inputs both image and numerical based data, testing both high and low resolution pixel plots. My resulting model accurately predicted NO2 concentrations at both daily (R2 = 0.898) and annual (R2 = 0.964) temporal scales, with coarse resolution imagery and simple CNN architectures displaying the best and most efficient performance. Furthermore, the CNN outperforms traditional buffer distance models, including random forest (RF) and neural network approaches. Additionally, with a novel graph neural network (GNN) based approach which leverages network interactions between monitoring sites, I developed a hybrid hierarchical GNN-CNN model which captures both short and long distance associations between monitors. The resulting hybrid model significantly improved prediction against new and unseen monitors. With the success of hybrid neural networks in this approach, satellite land use variables continue to be useful for the prediction of NO2. Using this computationally inexpensive model, I encourage the globalization of advanced LUR models as a low cost alternative to traditional NO2 monitoring.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/environmental-science/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2023.1285471/full\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 12, \"status\": \"needs_review\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.73\", \"llm:related:0.85\"], \"title\": \"Frontiers | National ground-level NO2 predictions via satellite imagery driven convolutional neural networks\", \"source_domain\": \"www.frontiersin.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.73\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Citation Cao EL (2023) National ground-level NO2 predictions via satellite imagery driven convolutional neural networks. Front. Environ. Sci. 11:1285471. doi: 10.3389/fenvs.2023.1285471 Received 30 August 2023 Accepted 05 December 2023 Published 15 December 2023 Volume 11 - 2023 Edited by Linlin Xu, University of Waterloo, Canada Reviewed by Francesco Finazzi, University of Bergamo, Italy Arti Choudhary, Utkal University, India Updates Crossmark icon Check for updates [...] grid, with white valu\"}, {\"url\": \"https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2023.1285471\", \"title\": \"National ground-level NO2 predictions via satellite imagery driven convolutional neural networks\", \"snippet\": \"Outdoor air pollution, specifically nitrogen dioxide (NO2), poses a global health risk. Land use regression (LUR) models are widely used to estimate ground-level NO2 concentrations by describing the satellite land use characteristics of a given location using buffer distance averages of variables. However, information may be leaked in this approach as averages ignore the variances within the averaged region. Therefore, in this study, we leverage a convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture to directly pass data grids of various satellite data for the prediction of U.S. national ground-level NO2. We designed CNN architectures of various complexity which inputs both satellite and meteorological reanalysis data, testing both high and low resolution data grids. Our resulting model accurately predicted NO2 concentrations at both daily (R2 = 0.892, RMSE = 2.259, MAE = 1.534) and annual (R2 = 0.952, RMSE = 0.988, MAE = 0.690) temporal scales, with coarse resolution imagery and simple CNN architectures displaying the best and most efficient performance. Furthermore, the CNN outperforms traditional buffer distance models, including random forest (RF), feedforward neural network (FNN), and multivariate linear regression (MLR) approaches, resulting in the MLR performing the poorest at daily (R2 = 0.625, RMSE = 4.281, MAE = 3.102) and annual (R2 = 0.758, RMSE = 2.218, MAE = 1.652) scales. With the success of the CNN in this approach, satellite land use variables continue to be useful for the prediction of NO2. Using this computationally inexpensive model, we encourage the globalization of advanced LUR models as a low-cost alternative to traditional NO2 monitoring.\", \"found_via\": \"openalex\", \"kind\": \"paper\", \"authors\": [\"Elton L. Cao\"], \"year\": 2023, \"score\": 75, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"author_full_name\", \"title_strong:0.80\", \"trusted_domain:doi.org\", \"llm:own:0.95\", \"rescored\"], \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/eaev021-no2-predictions-via-hybrid-neural-networks\", \"title\": \"EAEV021 - NO2 Predictions via Hybrid Neural Networks\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/isqKu75L-Sw\", \"title\": \"EAEV021 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV032\", \"title\": \"Using Machine Learning Species Distribution Modeling as a Novel Approach to Efficiently Predict Forest Development Suitability\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Muscal, Yoav\"], \"school\": \"Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School\", \"abstract\": \"Current reforestation practices are limited, with many failing to meet the necessary rates required for forest expansion. In view that commonly used multicriteria analyses introduce subjective decision-making rules, current approaches do not produce transferable models. This study aimed to develop a novel approach to efficiently generate forest development suitability assessments, determining which regions are most suitable for successful reforestation and afforestation. Using Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt), a machine learning species distribution model, this study developed an efficient method of assessing forest habitat suitability. The MaxEnt model determined which regions had a greater likelihood of containing forests. Forest presence data was then overlaid on the MaxEnt results, demonstrating which areas are not forested, yet have suitable ecological characteristics. The MaxEnt output demonstrated predictive capabilities with an AUC of 0.831. Considering that the model has predictive validity and that all data was acquired from routinely updated, publicly available datasets, this approach is both precise and procedurally feasible. Species distribution modeling and MaxEnt are traditionally used for species conservation, however, the current study employs these methods for novel exploratory development. This approach of determining forest development suitability has implications for large-scale reforestation projects due to their reliance on physical surveying. Additionally, this approach limits anthropogenic impacts, allowing for sustainable forest development. Results of the current study highlight the importance of using machine learning species distribution modeling on a large scale to plan efficient forest development projects for the future of our planet.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://doi.org/10.1145/3460112.3471966\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 20, \"status\": \"needs_review\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.56\", \"trusted_domain:doi.org\", \"llm:related:0.95\"], \"title\": \"Species Distribution Modeling for Machine Learning ...\", \"source_domain\": \"doi.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.56, trusted_domain:doi.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Species Distribution Modeling (SDM) seeks to predict the spatial (and sometimes temporal) patterns of species occurrence, i.e. where a species is likely to be\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/eaev032-reforestation-using-species-distribution-modeling\", \"title\": \"EAEV032 - Reforestation Using Species Distribution Modeling\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/B6oSPyi0rhk\", \"title\": \"EAEV032 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV050\", \"title\": \"A Novel Approach for Tropical Cyclone Track Forecast Across the Atlantic Basin\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Agrawal, Nikita\"], \"school\": \"Whitney M. Young Magnet High School\", \"abstract\": \"Over the period from 2008 to 2022, the United States experienced 263 tropical cyclones in the Atlantic basin. The ability to accurately predict the track of tropical cyclones is essential for saving human lives and minimizing property damage. The Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS) is a sophisticated physics-based model with 21 ensemble members for tropical cyclone track predictions. To derive a consensus tropical cyclone track forecast from the 21 ensemble members, an average is calculated, herein referred to as GEFS Mean. However, the GEFS Mean has a large 5-day track prediction error when compared against the Best Track, which is the actual tropical cyclone track. To generate the tropical cyclone predicted track with minimal error, a CNN model was developed. Tropical cyclone storm data from 2008 to 2022 were processed to create multiple 5-day forecast sequences of the 21 GEFS predictions and corresponding Best Track. K-fold cross-validation was used to determine a more reliable accuracy score. The relative improvement percentage was evaluated for assessing the enhancement achieved by the CNN Model over the GEFS Mean. The CNN Model improved the GEFS Mean for tropical cyclones such as Hurricane Danielle (2010), Hurricane Ernesto (2012), Hurricane Harvey (2017), Hurricane Maria (2017), Hurricane Larry (2021), and Hurricane Ian (2022). The CNN Model generally outperforms the GEFS Mean and offers a more reliable and accurate prediction performance compared to the GEFS Mean. Future research will include incorporating other ensemble forecasting systems such as European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) for better tropical cyclone track prediction.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/eaev050-atlantic-basin-tropical-cyclone-track-forecast\", \"title\": \"EAEV050 - Atlantic Basin Tropical Cyclone Track Forecast\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/CoVsRqDlSFw\", \"title\": \"EAEV050 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV054\", \"title\": \"Novel Spinel Oxide Coatings on Stainless-Steel Mesh for Efficient Oil-Water Separation\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"AlKadi, Yara\"], \"school\": \"Dhahran Ahliyya School\", \"abstract\": \"The depletion of water resources and environmental hazards associated with aging oil wells, including the release of oil-contaminated water, present grave threats to marine ecosystems and human health. Additionally, with approximately 14,000 oil spills annually, action is needed for innovative strategies in sustainable water management and oil extraction practices. A new solution to this challenge was a specially developed, anti-fouling stainless-steel mesh (SSM) surface coated with Co-NiFe2O4 spinel ferrites for efficient oil-water separation. A mechanically robust Co-NiFe2O4 coating, featuring a distinctive cluster structure composed of nanoneedles on stainless steel mesh, was synthesized using the hydrothermal technique. This involves chemical reactions conducted in a high-temperature and pressured environment. The resulting modified mesh surface efficiently separates oil/water mixtures with a remarkable separation efficiency rate of 99%. The SSM has exhibited superhydrophilicity/superoleophilicity in air and superoleophobicity underwater, displaying an oil contact angle (OCA) underwater measuring 151\u00b0. Advocating for mesh recyclability through reduce, reuse, and recycle principles not only minimizes traditional cleaning needs but also fosters environmental sustainability, as the results demonstrate the ability to produce this nanocomposite cost-effectively. This study introduces a novel superoleophobic/superhydrophilic mesh surface, fabricated through a straightforward, simple process, as a potentially highly effective material for oil-water separation due to its self-cleaning surface. This material shows significant potential for practical use in critical scenarios, such as oil spill mitigation, produced water separation, and the rejuvenation of aging oil wells.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/eaev054-coated-s-steel-mesh-for-oil-water-separation\", \"title\": \"EAEV054 - Coated S.Steel Mesh for Oil-Water Separation\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712085611052_Yara_Yousef_Alkadi_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EAEV054 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV056\", \"title\": \"The Development of an Algorithm to Measure Aerosols in Clouds Using MODIS Satellite Data\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Albakri, Yara\"], \"school\": \"Andalus International School Ash Shati Girls Section\", \"abstract\": \"Absorbing aerosols represent significant uncertainties in environmental science and pose serious environmental issues worldwide, especially in urban and arid regions like the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region. Enhancing the accuracy of aerosol impact estimates on clouds and reducing the associated uncertainties are crucial for projecting future climate scenarios. Remote sensing technology, particularly high temporal resolution satellites like MODIS, plays a pivotal role in monitoring changing weather and terrestrial phenomena. However, the retrieval of aerosol data is complicated by the presence of clouds, as detecting particles within them can lead to improved aerosol estimates, thereby enhancing the spatial coverage in climate models This study addresses the complex task of retrieving absorbing aerosols within cloud formations by differentiating between cloud and absorbing aerosol particles, aiming to bridge the knowledge gap regarding cloud-aerosol interactions. It concentrates on analyzing clouds along the borders of the MENA region from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2023. The process for extracting aerosols from space-based observations involved multiple stages. It began with a visual comparison and the conversion of digital values to actual radiance measurements. Then, using a radiative transfer model to eliminate unwanted radiances from MODIS top-of-atmosphere (TOA) reflectance. The newly developed algorithm, which uses radiance data from MODIS bands 31 and 29, performs a subtraction operation to single out the radiance values attributable to absorbing aerosols. This approach promises to be a valuable tool for aerosol research as it increased spatial coverage and efficiency by 68%, thereby enhancing our understanding of the Earth's atmospheric dynamics.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": []}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV060\", \"title\": \"Reconstructing Late Pleistocene Changes in the Western Equatorial Pacific Thermocline and Analyzing the Viability of Coarse Fraction as a Temperature Proxy\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Hamilton, Miles\"], \"school\": \"Hastings High School\", \"abstract\": \"The Western Pacific Warm Pool (WPWP) is a crucial component of global climate and has direct influence in the modulation of heat throughout the global ocean. Changes in geochemistry in the vertical thermocline gradient are important indicators of the region\u2019s response to climate change. Here, we extend d18O records from 670 - 770 kyr at International Ocean Discovery Program Site U1486 (2\u00b022\u2019S, 144\u00b036\u2019E, 1332 m water depth??) located in the Bismarck Sea in the southern portion of the WPWP using two thermocline-dwelling foraminifera species Globorotalia tumida and Pulleniatina obliquiloculata and one surface dwelling species Globigerinoides ruber. Foraminifera samples were picked at 20 cm intervals working down core and prepared for mass spectrometry. Additionally, we compared coarse fraction data (wt %>63 um) from 0-670 kyr to d18O from the same time frame. We found that in certain time frames, most notably 200-670 kyr, changes in wt %>63 um anticipate changes in d18O by ~19 ka with a significant correlation demonstrated through a linear regression and t-statistic. More specifically, when the biomass of foraminifera, reflected by wt %>63, increases, ice volume displays a reflected increase. While coarse fraction alone does not provide consistently accurate information as a temperature proxy, when paired with d18O, it could provide confirmation and reinforce noticeable trends.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/eaev060-thermocline-reconstruction-and-coarse-fraction\", \"title\": \"EAEV060 - Thermocline Reconstruction and Coarse Fraction\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713652346384_My_Movie_22_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EAEV060 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV077\", \"title\": \"Comparison of Quantitative PCR and Metabarcoding Methods for the Enumeration of Sockeye Salmon Using Environmental DNA: Year 2 of an Ongoing Study\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Djajalie, Elizabeth\"], \"school\": \"Thunder Mountain High School\", \"abstract\": \"Planetary biodiversity is declining at alarming rates. Species conservation depends on knowing what species are present in an environment and in what quantities. A keystone species in Alaska is Oncorhynchus nerka, commonly known as sockeye salmon. Traditional methods of quantifying this species are often costly, time-consuming, dependent on expertise, and environmentally invasive. Environmental DNA (eDNA) may provide an alternative quantification method that solves these problems. Our previous project determined that quantitative eDNA metabarcoding could accurately enumerate sockeye salmon in eight creeks in the Wood River watershed of Southwest Alaska. This project continues the previous year\u2019s investigation by analyzing the same eDNA samples using a second eDNA analysis technique: quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR), which is potentially more accurate than metabarcoding. Visual survey fish counts served as the gold standard. Samples underwent qPCR processing that produced species abundance estimates from the eDNA. qPCR abundance estimates were compared to those of visual surveys and eDNA metabarcoding. The results strongly supported qPCR\u2019s ability to accurately quantify sockeye salmon and established that an eDNA signal no matter the analysis method is a concentration estimate that needs to be corrected for volume surveyed. Visual counts were therefore divided by watershed area before being compared to eDNA counts. Overall, qPCR and metabarcoding methods appear comparable and both capable of serving as an alternative or supplement to traditional methods of species enumeration. However, if metabarcoding is used to quantify abundance across multiple sampling runs, it must be standardized with qPCR to account for variation in sequencing efficiency.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/Tjns6md2eic\", \"title\": \"EAEV077 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV092\", \"title\": \"Pura Aerem: Computational Analysis and Prototype Optimization of a Novel Multi-stage Extension Designed To Reduce PM10, CO2, CO Exiting TWC-OC Catalytic Converters\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Sami, Shanza\"], \"school\": \"West High School\", \"abstract\": \"Ambient air pollution presents a 7 million annual mortality rate and devastating environmental impacts, with gas-powered vehicles among the leading contributors. The current technology used within gas-powered vehicles is the TWC-OC catalytic converter, converting gasses such as CO, HC, and NOX into CO2 and trace pollutants. The goal of this study is to enhance TWC-OC catalytic converter filtration efficiency through a multi-stage extension, Pura Aerem (PA), which utilizes diffusion-interception capture methods to reduce PM10 levels, photoelectrochemical oxidation (PECO) technology for carbon monoxide destruction, and C60 Buckminsterfullerene Multi-Walled Buckypaper (MWBP) screening used for CO2 encapsulation. Mat3ra Molecular Dynamic (MDS) simulations were conducted to optimize carbon nanotechnology. An artificial intelligence (AI) image segmentation analysis of scanning-electron microscope (SEM) images was used to analyze layer parameters for input into Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulations via GeoDict and Solidworks, simulating laminar exhaust flow, validating filtration efficiency and optimizing flow rate. Components were 3D printed according to specifications for modularity. Levels of PM10, CO2, and CO were sampled from four environments with a wide range of vehicles. Pura Aerem reduces Fine PM and Coarse PM by 99.275% and 99.587% (respectively), CO2 by over 92.844%, and CO by 100%. Chi-square tests indicated that there was a significant FPM and CPM reduction (p < 0.01). Individual stages also showed high filtration efficiency. Thorough sensitivity analysis conducted to determine PA\u2019s long-term effects on worldwide PM and gas emission levels within ambient atmosphere. PA is a promising emission solution for applications within internal combustion engines.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/eaev092-pura-aerem-pm10-co2-co-emission-reduction\", \"title\": \"EAEV092 - Pura Aerem: PM10, CO2, CO Emission Reduction\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714526099105_ISEF_ProjectBoard_Video_Shanza_Sami_2024_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EAEV092 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV093T\", \"title\": \"Algae as a Resource for Bioplastic Production: Evaluating Species-Specific Characteristics and Biodegradability of Closterium, Chlorella, Scenedesmus, Volvox, Spirogyra, Saccharina latissima and Alaria esculenta\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Chowdhury, Pretom\", \"Bennett, Madison\", \"Jeong, Joseph\"], \"school\": \"Forest Hills High School\", \"abstract\": \"Plastic pollution, with an annual human ingestion rate of approximately 1.38 million grams/per year, requires sustainable alternatives. The development of biodegradable bioplastics from algae as a means to reduce environmental impact and combat climate change was investigated. Exploring the creation of bioplastics using green and brown algae, each processed through distinct chemical methods. Farming green algae under controlled conditions to optimize biomass production was followed by the extraction of biopolymers through flocculation. Brown algae bioplastics were developed by mixing dried algae with water, glycerol, and cornstarch. The aim was to evaluate the biodegradation, tensile strength, and melting point of these bioplastics, hypothesizing that Saccharina Latissima (brown algae) would exhibit superior properties because of its high growth rate, and substantial yield of polysaccharides and alginate. Biodegradation was tested using an analytical scale and water immersion; tensile strength was measured using calipers and a spring meter; the melting point was determined with a hot plate and thermometer. The Data confirmed that Saccharina Latissima bioplastics had a biodegradation rate of 1.2% per day, a tensile strength of 0.6 MPa, and a melting point of 65\u00b0F. The high alginate content in brown algae contributes significantly to the enhanced film-forming capabilities, flexibility, and transparency of the bioplastics. These bioplastics, with their varied properties, can potentially replace conventional plastics in numerous applications, ranging from water bottles to industry-level PVC pipes. This research underlines Saccharina Latissima's potential as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics, offering promising prospects for environmental conservation.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/eaev093t-algae-as-a-resource-for-bioplastic-production\", \"title\": \"EAEV093T - Algae as a Resource for Bioplastic Production\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714521865019_ISEFVID_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EAEV093T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV101\", \"title\": \"Investigating Concentrates of Uranium and Other Hazardous Metals/Metalloids in the Surrounding Environments of Uranium Contaminated Waters on the Navajo Nation\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Redhouse, Haylei\"], \"school\": \"Navajo Preparatory School\", \"abstract\": \"This Environmental Science project brings to light the real issues the Navajo People face from health concerns to pollution on their sacred lands in a unique and resourceful way. It investigates the chemical contaminants of Uranium and other Heavy Metal/Metalloids in Carbon Rod, Soil, and Stick samples.\\nI chose three sample sites to collect data from based on their proximity to abandoned and active uranium mines, processing\u2019s, and disposals. Sample Site-1 was within the Black Mesa Mining District, in Northern Arizona. Sample Site-2 was near the Mexican Hat Uranium Disposal Cell, as well abandoned Monument Valley Uranium Mines, in Northern Arizona. Finally, Sample Site-3 was near the Sunshine Uranium Mine and the White Mesa Uranium Mill, in Utah. Uranium is mined in the form of crystal salts, which are soluble in water. Consequences of Uranium mining include contamination of the Navajo Nation\u2019s water supply, resulting in end-stage renal (kidney) disease more than three times the national average.\\nAn Oxford ED-2000 bulk X-Ray Fluorescence machine using Geologic Majors + Traces software identified 10 major metal and metalloid analytes from the 3 sample sites, as measured in weight percent for high concentrations and parts per million for trace concentrations. Highly toxic Arsenic, Mercury, Lead, Cobalt; less toxic Barium, Bismuth; as well as radioactive Uranium and Thorium were detected. Many of which surpassed thousand times more the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s Maximum Contaminant Level.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": []}, {\"booth_id\": \"EBED001\", \"title\": \"Design of Traction Inverter With SiC Semiconductors\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\", \"category_code\": \"EBED\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Laskai, Szilveszter\"], \"school\": \"Fazekas Mihaly High School\", \"abstract\": \"In recent years, the purchase price of fossil fuels has risen significantly, bringing alternative energy sources to the fore. The problem has affected not only fossil fuels but also electricity, resulting in substantial losses for public railways and transport companies. In September 2022, the Budapest Transport Company (BKV) did not receive any valid bids for the procurement of traction energy. The company's annual traction costs, which amounted to approximately 20 billion HUF, could potentially increase by a factor of 10 or 15. For Hungarian State Railways (M\u00c1V), the cost of 1 kWh of traction energy was 34 HUF in 2021. However, by 2022, this cost had already risen to 170 HUF, and in 2023, it further increased to 180 HUF.\\nTo address the aforementioned issues, an inverter optimized for railway traction will be developed, consisting of SiC MOSFETs. The inverter is a compactly designed, high energy density electrical device. Despite its small size, it is capable of delivering a power of 2.5 kW. For demonstration purposes, it can also be operated from a 230 V mains voltage. It is perfectly suitable as a general-purpose variable frequency drive. The device is pioneering in terms of general-purpose VFDs, as it offers outstanding performance compared to traditional IGBT-based VFDs, while maintaining low manufacturing costs.\\nThanks to the modular system, the power module of the device is interchangeable, allowing for a huge power density and higher input voltages.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://www.nxp.com/design/design-center/development-boards-and-designs/EV-INVERTERGEN3\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 12, \"status\": \"needs_review\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.67\", \"llm:related:0.95\"], \"title\": \"EV Traction Inverter Control Reference Design Gen 3 | NXP Semiconductors\", \"source_domain\": \"www.nxp.com\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.67\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This EV-INVERTERGEN3 third-generation of automotive-grade EV power inverter control reference design has an optimized architecture for 800 V Silicon Carbide (SiC)-based traction inverter including the following changes:\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/ebed001-sic-traction-inverter\", \"title\": \"EBED001 - SiC Traction Inverter\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EBED007\", \"title\": \"GIVS: A Novel, Generative Artificial Intelligence Vision System for the Visually Impaired\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\", \"category_code\": \"EBED\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Xu, Ryan\"], \"school\": \"Jasper High School\", \"abstract\": \"Vision is one of the most crucial senses. However, visual impairment - the inability to properly correct eyesight - has grown to affect more than 253 million people worldwide, with lifelong consequences. Despite the growing need to address visual impairment, existing electronic travel aids (ETAs) are limited in versatility and highly cost-prohibitive. The researcher devised a solution to this problem by developing a novel Generative Artificial Intelligence Vision System (GIVS). GIVS employs a multimodal generative AI model to provide vivid vision-to-text-to-speech descriptions of the user's surroundings, mimicking the natural language communication of a human assistant. The model architecture consists of an image encoder, querying transformer, linear projection layer, and large language model, which the user interacts with through voice commands on a smartphone. The researcher designed a wearable eyeglass frame with 2 cameras, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), LiDAR, and GPS sensors to provide accurate, real-time data, at a total cost of less than $90. Voice recognition was further developed to activate optical character recognition (OCR) text recognition and GPS/IMU-based navigation. Across multiple testing environments, GIVS exhibited a state-of-the-art mean detection rate and bounding box IoU for everyday objects. Furthermore, the generative AI achieved an A-rated BLEU-score, the OCR was accurate, and the navigation system showed minimal localization error in testing. The prototype was intuitive, user-friendly, and met all criteria and constraints, demonstrating the great potential generative AI offers in assisting the visually impaired.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/ebed007-generative-ai-system-for-the-visually-impaired\", \"title\": \"EBED007 - Generative AI System for the Visually Impaired\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/IHpwt9taLmk\", \"title\": \"EBED007 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EBED014\", \"title\": \"SkyCatcher: An Annular-Structured UAV for Enhanced Grasping and Delivery Solutions\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\", \"category_code\": \"EBED\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Xu, Zijun\"], \"school\": \"Saint Stephen's Episcopal School\", \"abstract\": \"This paper introduces \\\"SkyCatcher,\\\" a novel annular-shaped retractable quadrotor UAV specialized for cargo transportation. Unlike other morphing quadrotors with complex platforms and challenging control dynamics, \\\"SkyCatcher\\\" features a unique ring-shaped design with all components distributed around the periphery, leaving a spacious circular center for package transport. This design efficiently utilizes the central space, and through an innovative mechanism involving only a servo motor for morphing, it achieves effective transformation across two degrees of freedom, allowing the drone to navigate through smaller spaces in its compact form. Moreover, the UAV is equipped with a feedforward PID control algorithm, complemented by a Model Predictive Control (MPC) for precise trajectory tracking, enhancing its flight performance. Furthermore, \\\"SkyCatcher\\\" incorporates a SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) algorithm that enables the drone to model and analyze its surroundings to avoid obstacles, deliver objects to precise locations automatically, and plan its route efficiently, which makes the drone especially useful in indoor environments. This paper details the design, manufacturing, and assembly processes of each component, including the construction of the electrical system and software tuning. Finally, the UAV is subjected to a series of experiments to test its capabilities and potential limitations, followed by iterative improvements and re-evaluations under more stringent conditions.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/ebed014-a-retractable-uav-for-grasping-and-delivery\", \"title\": \"EBED014 - A Retractable UAV for Grasping and Delivery\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712378343256_In_this_project_I_propose_a_novel_retractable_ring_shaped_quadrotor_SkyCatcher_designed_to_dynamic_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EBED014 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EBED022T\", \"title\": \"DoorBully: A Mechatronic Locking System Enhanced by IoT Connectivity and Machine Learning for Rapid School Safety Lockdown Response\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\", \"category_code\": \"EBED\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Kumar, Rohan\", \"Susskind, William\"], \"school\": \"Paul Duke STEM High School\", \"abstract\": \"Over the past two decades, educational institutions have witnessed an exponential increase in school shootings and gun-related threats, marking a prominent need for enhanced security solutions that are compliant with all Fire and Safety regulatory codes. The DoorBully system, a retrofittable security mechanism designed for educational environments, introduces a singular action or central command point door locking system. Its architecture integrates an electronic control system with a Peer to Peer (P2P) network, utilizing secure SSH connections and an isolated UPS for reliability during fluctuating power availability. The system features acoustic triangulation through machine learning algorithms, powered by Random Forest Regressor, for Sound Source Localization (SSL), enabling precise identification of gunshot origins within the facility. This capability is critical for quickly informing authorities about potential threats, thus optimizing emergency responses. Utilizing MQTT protocol for mesh network coverage, DoorBully ensures robust device communication, balancing data load efficiently across the network for real-time, web-hosted monitoring and control available to first responder via pre-provide APIs. This provides immediate updates on door statuses and environmental conditions, enhancing situational awareness during crises.The DoorBully system underwent rigorous testing across many educational institutions, subjected to various scenarios and levels of operational autonomy to assess responsiveness. Through iterative development, incorporating extensive data collection and feedback, we refined the system to ensure its advancement in both technological sophistication and reliability, resulting in a security solution adept at addressing modern safety challenges.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/ebed022t-doorbully-advanced-locking-school-safety-system\", \"title\": \"EBED022T - DoorBully: Advanced Locking School Safety System\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712545897877_isef_video_1_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EBED022T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EBED040\", \"title\": \"Mitigation of Pressure Injuries Utilizing an Inertial Wearable, Computer Vision, and Machine Learning\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\", \"category_code\": \"EBED\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Trutschl, Maya\"], \"school\": \"Caddo Parish Magnet High School\", \"abstract\": \"Pressure ulcers, or pressure injuries (PIs), are localized areas of the skin and/or underlying tissue decay that typically occur over bony prominences due to prolonged pressure or friction. These ulcers can range from a pink spot on the skin to exposed bone and tissue. If they occur, PIs can lead to serious morbidity and mortality, emphasizing the need for prevention. Certain predispositions, such as poor circulation or malnutrition, can lead to faster progression and/or increased severity of the ulcers. PIs are reported in 10-30% of healthcare patients, making them one of the largest concerns in the field. To ensure the prevention of ulcers, it is suggested that a patient is rotated at least every 4 hours.\\nThis research utilizes a database of demographic and clinical features of a large patient data set and data analysis and machine learning to determine the higher risk predispositions and build devices to assist in the prevention of PIs. Two complementary monitoring systems are built utilizing the information acquired from the database and are based on the patient's position in a hospital bed. The first device is a non-invasive camera monitoring system, and the second device is an inertial wearable system utilizing an inexpensive microcontroller and gyroscope/accelerometer collecting vector data. Machine learning is applied to the data gathered by the inertial wearable and the camera monitoring system, linking the time a patient has not turned and alerting to the need to reposition the patient to relieve pressure points.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://aircconline.com/csit/papers/vol14/csit141205.pdf\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 12, \"status\": \"needs_review\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.60\", \"llm:related:0.85\"], \"title\": \"[PDF] Mitigation of Pressure Injuries Utilizing Machine Learning and an ...\", \"source_domain\": \"aircconline.com\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.60\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"coupled with a complimentary device to assist in the prevention of pressure injuries. A complementary monitoring system is built based on an inertial wearable utilizing an inexpensive microcontroller and a gyroscope. The combined approach is evaluated, fine-tuned, and assessed based on different performance metrics. KEYWORDS Pressure ulcers, Machine Learning, Inertial Wearable 1. INTRODUCTION Pressure ulcers, also known as bed sores or pressure injuries (PIs) have a significant negative impact [\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/ebed040-mitigation-of-pressure-injuries\", \"title\": \"EBED040 - Mitigation of Pressure Injuries\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/xV2PzTtbeCg\", \"title\": \"EBED040 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EGSD002\", \"title\": \"One-step Synthesis of Amorphous ZnP2 Composite Anode Promoting the Fast-Charging Performance in Li-Ion Batteries\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\", \"category_code\": \"EGSD\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Leong, Pok Hei\"], \"school\": \"Pui Ching Middle School\", \"abstract\": \"Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) plays a decisive role in the development of consumer electronics and electric vehicles (EVs). However, the problems of range anxiety and time-consuming charging also become more prominent. Fast charging is regarded to be a key requirement for widespread economic success of electric vehicles, but fast-charging LIBs suffer from slow kinetics and lithium plating limited by the graphite anode under high current density. To achieve fast charging, finding low-cost and large-capacity anode alternative materials is promoted. As an alternative to graphite, a series of P-based phosphides have impressed many researchers for its many advantages to high electronic conductivity, high capacity and sufficient source as anodes for rechargeable batteries. Inspired by these facts, I implemented a strategy of one-step synthesis of ZnP2/Zn3(PO4)2/C for fast-charging LIBs with commercially available zinc oxide (ZnO), red phosphorus (RP) and conductive carbon (C) / Super P by using the high-energy ball milling method, which is more environmentally friendly and convenient than conventional method. The amorphous a-ZnP2/Zn3(PO4)2/C36 showed a good capacity of 1705 mAh/g with at 0.1 A/g, with a capacity retention of 99.15% after 500 cycles. Furthermore, a-ZnP2/Zn3(PO4)2/C36 provided 613 mAh/g at 20A/g(12C) after 2000 cycles with capacity retention of 85.3%, showing a better buffering effect on volumetric expansion during cycling(139%) than c-ZnP2/Zn3(PO4)2/C23 (169%). It is worth mentioning that this is the state-of-the-art cycling performance among all the reported Zn\u2013P system materials, and even transition metal phosphide (P\u2013/Fe/Co/Ni/Cu series) electrodes\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/egsd002-one-step-synthesis-of-znp2-for-fast-charging-libs\", \"title\": \"EGSD002 - One-step Synthesis of ZnP2 for Fast-Charging LIBs\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712456108984_ISEF_final_video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EGSD002 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EGSD006\", \"title\": \"\u201cThe Bionic Leaf\u201d: Developing a Novel Bi-functional Nickel Oxide Catalyst to Use With the Bacterium Ralstonia eutropha for Artificial Photosynthetic Systems\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\", \"category_code\": \"EGSD\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Gurumukhi, Arya\"], \"school\": \"Plano East Senior High School\", \"abstract\": \"Annually, millions of lives are lost due to climate change-related factors, predominantly stemming from carbon dioxide emissions linked to fossil fuels. In this research, the development of a revolutionary \\\"bionic leaf\\\" capable of producing high-efficiency fuels by emulating photosynthesis is created. The engineering goal is to create a bionic leaf that would have a solar storage efficiency of 60% and create 10 mg/L of alcohol-based fuel after a sustained time of 100 hours while being environmentally sustainable and cost-effective. A key factor to achieve this engineering goal was the synthesis of a novel bi-functional catalyst material. Nickel oxide (NiO2) was synthesized with the sol-gel process to create 1D nano-rods. It was then doped with iron (Fe) to weaken the hydrogen bonds in the NiO2 to create oxygen vacancies. These oxygen vaccines and 1D nanorods improve conductivity and reaction speed. The resultant bi-functional catalyst material, combined with a binder solution and an amorphous photovoltaic cell, forms the basis of the final \\\"bionic leaf.\\\" This leaf is then incorporated in the three-electrode cell set-up with the genetically modified bacterium Ralstonia eutropha which had its PHB gene deleted to redirect its carbon flux to release an alcohol-based fuel more efficiently. Remarkably, over 100 charge and discharge cycles demonstrated no signs of degradation. Surpassing the engineering goals, the fuel exhibited a power density and energy density comparable to modern diesel, all achieved sustainably at a cost of $5. Future endeavors aim to further enhance solar efficiency and fuel production levels, exploring advanced nano-synthesis techniques.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/meet-arya-gurumukhi-the-texas-student-developing-a-bionic-leaf-that-uses-sunlight-water-and-bacteria-to-make-fuel/articleshow/133322335.cms\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 45, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"full_name\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"Meet Arya Gurumukhi, the Texas student developing a ' ...\", \"source_domain\": \"timesofindia.indiatimes.com\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"full_name\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"The Bionic Leaf is essentially a laboratory system rather than a literal artificial plant. Sunlight provides the energy, while catalysts help\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/egsd006-a-novel-catalyst-for-the-bionic-leaf\", \"title\": \"EGSD006 - A Novel Catalyst for the Bionic Leaf\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711930586692_Untitled_video_Made_with_Clipchamp_1__thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EGSD006 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EGSD015\", \"title\": \"Increasing Green Hydrogen Production Accessibility:  Novel Synthesis of Maghemite Nanosphere Electrode for Bifunctional Alkaline Water Splitting\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\", \"category_code\": \"EGSD\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Ashley, Asa\"], \"school\": \"The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky\", \"abstract\": \"Hydrogen has shown promise as the future of zero-carbon energy storage. However, partly due to the cost and synthesis complexity of electrocatalysts for Alkaline Water Splitting (AWS), 95% of hydrogen production continues to rely on fossil fuels. Given these considerations, this work demonstrates the synthesis of an inexpensive, novel maghemite nanosphere electrode for green hydrogen production. The electrocatalyst was prepared via a new process involving the aerobic transformation of a hydroxide precursor and the oxidation of a magnetite intermediate, resulting in the agglomeration of spinel structures, forming nanospheres. The electrode presented excellent activity in a KOH medium with low overpotentials, outperforming the standard RuO2 electrode at high rates in the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) due to the effect of cation vacancies on anion intermediate binding energy. The electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) of the electrocatalyst was increased by 274% and 335% for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) and the OER, respectively. Furthermore, the synthesized electrocatalyst demonstrated better stability over 120 hours than RuO2 and Pt due to the hydroxide precursor. Overall, this electrocatalyst has potential to increase the accessibility of green hydrogen generation worldwide via its extremely low cost, simplicity and industrial viability of synthesis, and globally available materials required, compared to other noble metal alternatives. This solvothermal method exhibits potential to be generalized to the synthesis of other transition metal oxide-based nanostructured materials. Similarly, the discovered pathway to produce magnetite from hydroxide in an aerobic environment has numerous applications in biomedical nanotechnology and inorganic synthesis.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/egsd015-maghemite-nanosphere-electrode-for-aws\", \"title\": \"EGSD015 - Maghemite Nanosphere Electrode for AWS\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713514435120_isefashleyvideo_Made_with_Clipchamp_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EGSD015 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EGSD026T\", \"title\": \"Photovoltaic on Fleek! Power Optimization for Photovoltaic Systems Using Power Equalization\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\", \"category_code\": \"EGSD\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Eski, Stefanie\", \"Bruetsch, Florian\", \"Ludwig, Babett\"], \"school\": \"Gymnasium Spaichingen\", \"abstract\": \"Photovoltaic systems are becoming increasingly important. There is a central challenge to be solved here. Due to the series connection, the weakest cell always determines the total output. This results in massive avoidable power losses due to shading effects of the weakest cell.\\nWe developed a concept for this in which we support the weaker cells individually and thus achieve a balance in performance. This means that we only lose the effectively shaded area. We developed several versions of an electronic circuit board and software for this purpose. We then evaluated and optimized this in detail.\\nWe have provided proof of functionality. If a part of the system is shaded, our system measures the shading. The software processes the collected data and regulates the electronics. This transforms the current from the stronger cells into the shaded cells. As the power required for this comes from the stronger cells, our system works autonomously. As a result, all cells always have the same output and there are no avoidable losses.\\nWe were able to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our system. A cost estimate showed additional costs of only $35 per module, with an expected additional yield of 10-20% compared to a photovoltaic system without support. This makes our system significantly more efficient than previous systems. We can thus make a substantial contribution to the fight against climate change.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/egsd026t-power-optimization-for-photovoltaic-systems\", \"title\": \"EGSD026T - Power Optimization for Photovoltaic Systems\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712341603905_PV_on_fire_V03_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EGSD026T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EGSD027\", \"title\": \"Development of Novel Bi-functional Catalyst for LOHCs as Sustainable Hydrogen Storage and\\r\\nTransportation Applications\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\", \"category_code\": \"EGSD\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Almutlaq, Shahad\"], \"school\": \"Dhahran Ahliyya School\", \"abstract\": \"Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is an important goal. Hydrogen is a potential renewable energy source; however, cost-effective storage and transportation of hydrogen pose challenges. In this context, the practical implementation of liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) will be investigated. Currently two individual catalysts and reactors are needed for hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions. The study aims to prepare one catalyst in one reactor for both reactions. A series of catalysts was synthesized, x%Rh-y%M@CeO2, by dispersing Rh in combination with a variety of transition metals, M= Fe, Co, Ni, and Mn. Both processes were tested in a batch reactor, and GC-MS was used to identify the product conversion after the reaction. The highest conversion of toluene to methylcyclohexane (MCH) in the hydrogenation reaction was 84% and 100% selective using 10 mg of 0.5%Rh-10%Mn@CeO2 at 80\u00b0C under 40 bars of H2(g). while, the dehydrogenation reaction using 10 mg of same catalyst achieved 80% conversion and 100% selectivity of MCH to toluene at 200\u00b0C, 0 bars of H2(g). In contrast, other studies showed %>90 conversion and <90% selectivity however, using two different catalysts and reactors. Optimization of reaction conditions, temperature, pressure, catalysts' weight, and time duration of reactions was performed to improve overall product yield. The prospect of stable recyclability was tested over five runs, yielding consistent conversion and selectivity results. This study shows promising development for efficient and reversible catalyst demonstrated promising performance as an alternative solution for hydrogen storage and transportation processes.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/egsd027-hydrogenation-and-dehydrogenation-catalyst\", \"title\": \"EGSD027 - Hydrogenation and Dehydrogenation Catalyst\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713300269972_Shahad_Musaad_Almutlaq_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EGSD027 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EGSD034\", \"title\": \"PuraFlo: Centrifugation-Based Water Filtration System to Reduce Turbidity in Water Treatment and Ecosystems\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\", \"category_code\": \"EGSD\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Prawira, Jordan\"], \"school\": \"Mountain House High School\", \"abstract\": \"Sediment pollution, a type of water pollution, degrades drinking water quality, disrupts ecosystems, and increases environmental risks. Anthropogenic causes comprise 70% of sediment pollution, costing $16 billion in environmental damages annually (EPA). The project goal is to develop an efficient water turbidity reduction system.\\nPuraFlo was developed with 3 main components (Water Impeller, Centrifugator, Turbidity Separator) and 2 static components (Collector, Floating Platform). The design implements concepts of Porifera's hyperbolic geometry, the hurricane's logarithmic spiral, and rotational motion's relative acceleration.\\nPuraFlo, a centrifugation-based water filtration system, in 100L of turbid water, successfully reduces turbidity by 34% (1000-664 NTU) over 2.8 hours, using 2 Watts and a prototype cost of $29. PuraFlo maintains an efficiency of 10,989-14,375 mg of sediment/Wh at 1500 RPM for 72 hours. Water Impeller moves water using lift and drag on the blade's hydrofoil. Centrifugator provides an efficient flow path using the hyperbolic geometry with logarithmic spiral grooves. Turbidity Separator removes suspended solids through differential density, separating denser particles from the water. Collector diverts output water. Floating Platform continuously self-adjusts to water level. Solidworks flow simulations supported test results, exemplifying PuraFlo's optimized flow.\\nPuraFlo is the first important step in reducing turbidity in water treatment, minimizing chemical usage, reducing sedimentation time, and potentially saving $453K-$3.5M in annual operating costs in a local water treatment plant in treating 200-1000 NTU effluent. PuraFlo is important as it effectively reduces water turbidity, improves water quality, and mitigates sediment pollution.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/egsd034-centrifugal-water-filtration-to-reduce-turbidity\", \"title\": \"EGSD034 - Centrifugal Water Filtration to Reduce Turbidity\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/00Y_t1x48q8\", \"title\": \"EGSD034 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/MdjkPJ8sb4M\", \"title\": \"EGSD034 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM006\", \"title\": \"Gyno-Genix: A Quadrupled Biosensor  for the Early Screening of Multiple Gynecological Problems\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Agrawal, Soumya\"], \"school\": \"Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's R.K. Sarda Vidya Mandir\", \"abstract\": \"Gynecological issues affect 90% of the female population worldwide, but due to the similarity in their symptoms with other diseases, they are misdiagnosed. This project focuses on developing a risk assessment based questionnaire accompanied by a quadrupled lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) based test kit, leveraging urine samples for screening Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome(PCOS), Ovarian Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, and Uterine Fibroids. The competitive xLFIA test kit utilizes color indications on the test lines\u2014color presence indicates a negative result, while its absence signifies a positive result, with the control line ensuring the strip's functionality. This innovative combination of biomarkers yields an approximate accuracy of 90%, along with higher sensitivity and specificity. Validation through Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) confirmed successful binding of the coated antibody complex with antigens and the chromogenic HRP substrate, producing a discernible dark yellow color, affirming positive results in incubator reader analysis. This validation solidifies the selection of biomarkers for the non-invasive urinary metabolite screening test strip. The integration of this test kit with a comprehensive risk assessment based questionnaire will enable the evaluation and their likelihood of encountering gynecological conditions. The questionnaire is attached to a website with a special page dedicated to spreading awareness about the gynecological issues. By providing an accessible, easy-to-use, and non-invasive screening tool, this project aims to bridge the gap in early detection and timely intervention, thereby addressing the selected gynecological conditions.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://www.societyforscience.org/press-release/regeneron-isef-2024-full-awards\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 103, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"full_name\", \"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:www.societyforscience.org\"], \"title\": \"Full Awards: High school scientists win more than $9M at ...\", \"source_domain\": \"www.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"full_name, booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:www.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Armaan Gomes, Homestead High School, CA, United States of America Fourth Award of $500 ENBM006 \u2014 Gyno-Genix: A Quadrupled Biosensor for the Early Screening of Multiple Gynecological Problems Soumya Agrawal, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan\u2019s R.K. Sarda Vidya Mandir, Chhattisgarh, India ENBM010 \u2014 CereVis: A Novel Multimodal Comprehensive Surgical Assistance System for Brain Tumors Utilizing Machine Learning for Pre-Operative Planning and Intra-Operative Surgery [...] BMED037 \u2014 Recasting an Anti-Psychotic a\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm006-gyno-genix\", \"title\": \"ENBM006 - Gyno-Genix\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712048041363_ISEF_VIDEO_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENBM006 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM010\", \"title\": \"CereVis: A Novel Multimodal Comprehensive Surgical Assistance System for Brain Tumors Utilizing Machine Learning for Pre-Operative Planning and Intra-Operative Surgery\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Tadinada, Gopalaniket\"], \"school\": \"North Oldham High School\", \"abstract\": \"Annually, brain tumors affect 90,000 people nationwide, and have 5-year survival rates as low as 5%. Surgery, the most popular treatment, hinges on accurate pre-operative planning & detection, where traditional methods are lacking. Outdated surgical technology and inaccurate segmentation lead to a 52-62% recurrence rate for tumor subtypes called gliomas. Additional challenges arise during surgery when the surgeon's tumor view is restricted, making it difficult to distinguish borders. This project aims to create a low-cost, comprehensive surgical assistance system using machine learning to reduce the recurrence of brain tumors, with a focus on gliomas. CereVis presents 1 model for detection, 3 for pre-operative planning, and 2 for surgery. Using a Support Vector Machine, CereVis uses highly correlated RNAs identified through RNA-Seq data found in an ELISA to detect potential GBM. The Tumor Classification Model distinguishes pituitary tumors, meningiomas, and gliomas. The Glioma Classification Model categorizes gliomas\u2019 grades and types between oligodendrogliomas, astrocytomas, and glioblastomas 1-4. CereVis's core is the 3D Segmentation Model, achieving a 99.631% wIoU for precise tumor delineation. An intra-operative system of CereVis employs three scalpel detection models, with accuracies from 90% to 97.6%, providing real-time 3D tracking of the scalpel. Lastly, CereVis includes a system regulating laser temperature during laser ablation brain surgery through Adaptive Dynamic Programming. Additional implications of the segmentation model include monitoring the medication effects of size-reducing drugs. CereVis has the potential to revolutionize brain tumor removal by serving as a pre-operative planner that properly informs surgeons and assists them during surgery.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm010-ai-surgical-assistance-system-for-brain-tumors\", \"title\": \"ENBM010 - AI Surgical Assistance System for Brain Tumors\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712014155673_Final_ISEF_Video_23_24_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENBM010 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM037\", \"title\": \"A Novel, Cost-Effective, and Accessible 3D Printed Thrombectomy Device\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Alsowyan, Nasser\"], \"school\": \"Unaizah International School\", \"abstract\": \"An estimated 100,000 deaths are caused by blood clots in the United States annually, higher than those by breast cancer and motor crashes combined. One common treatment option involves physically removing unwanted clots to restore\\nblood flow. However, stent-related complications include restenosis, clot breakage, and injury to the point of entry or vessel. To address these issues, biomedical engineers and scientists have been gradually uncovering the potential of 3D-printed thrombectomy devices. This research aims to improve current stent technology and mechanisms, utilizing an inner and outer sent supported by a guide wire designed to penetrate, attach, and discard the thrombus in various arteries and veins. This will be developed alongside two balloons aiding in placement and clot-fragmentation barrier. The components used were designed through NX CAD and\\nintensive research of anthropometric data was conducted to alleviate the current design limitations and allow flexibility. Through LIVE/DEAD\u2122 viability assay, the device demonstrated prominent proliferation on the outer stent, proving biocompatibility. Moreover, a computational load testing simulation was performed in Ansys Mechanical, as well as a fluid flow analysis in COMSOL Multiphysics. Minimal stress and strain of approximately 10% it\u2019s yield point and no major blood flow speed drop-offs demonstrated that the guide wire and stents have the strength needed to withstand the applicational force and maintain seamless blood flow through it. The surgical device offers the potential to alleviate the burden of blood clots on global healthcare to safeguard countless lives worldwide.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm037-a-novel-3d-printed-thrombectomy-device\", \"title\": \"ENBM037 - A Novel 3D Printed Thrombectomy Device\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712916090151_Nasser_Ahmad_Alsowyan_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENBM037 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM044\", \"title\": \"DeepRet: Novel Multi-Stage Deep Learning-Based Low-Cost Retinal Imaging System to Enable Accessible Glaucoma Screening in Low-Resource Environments\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Kalia, Rohan\"], \"school\": \"Wheeler High School\", \"abstract\": \"The world's leading cause of irreversible blindness, glaucoma is an aggressive collection of progressive optic neuropathies degrading the retina-brain connection. The primary challenge of glaucoma lies in its asymptomatic nature, necessitating a timely diagnosis to prevent progression into blindness. However, several barriers to diagnosis exist in low-resource environments such as the inaccessibility of ophthalmologists and necessary equipment to perform diagnostic tests, causing disproportionate rates of blindness in these areas. Despite advances in automated methods of retina-based glaucoma diagnosis, real-world application of these algorithms struggles to extend beyond controlled, in silico contexts. To overcome the variability and complexities of clinical settings, this study proposes DeepRet, a novel, multi-stage deep learning-based diagnosis framework specifically designed for integration into low-powered retinal imagers. DeepRet is trained on several task-specific datasets for image processing, super-resolution, and diagnosis and fused together to create a single, more powerful system. Evaluated on several metrics, DeepRet either meets or outperforms the state-of-the-art, demonstrating the broad performance of the system. This study also introduces a first-of-a-kind retinal fundus imager (RFI), combining low-cost electronics, 3D-printed parts, and a companion mobile application to create an accessible diagnostic device that is significantly cheaper and more portable than existing equipment. DeepRet is integrated into this imaging system and is validated in its practical performance to enhance the capabilities of low-powered equipment.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm044-deep-learning-based-glaucoma-screening-device\", \"title\": \"ENBM044 - Deep Learning-Based Glaucoma Screening Device\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/tt-6okXEAho\", \"title\": \"ENBM044 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM046\", \"title\": \"Pro-Inflammatory Macrophages Induce Pyroptotic Death of \u00df-Cells: Modeling Macrophage-Mediated Pancreatic Endocrine \u00df-Cell Damage Using Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Vascularized Macrophage-Islet Organoids\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Roy, Aadita\"], \"school\": \"Pelham Memorial High School\", \"abstract\": \"Diabetes is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Loss of functional pancreatic \u00df-cell mass is key to both type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D) diabetes. Islet macrophages have important roles in the pancreas during development and tissue homeostasis. Studies indicate that these macrophages also contribute to \u00df-cell death in T1D and TD2. However, the absence of a model that mirrors the cellular components of the human pancreas makes it difficult to dissect the key pathways involved in islet macrophage-mediated \u00df-cell death. Organoids mirroring human organs can now be generated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC). To study the mechanisms by which macrophages induce \u00df-cell death and the crosstalk involved between these cells, I constructed a novel human hPSC-derived vascularized macrophage-islet organoid model consisting of pancreatic endocrine cells, endothelial cells, and macrophages. To find potential mechanisms, I performed a comparative analysis of the organoids in the presence of unstimulated macrophages or pro-inflammatory macrophages. I found phenotypic evidence of pro-inflammatory macrophage-induced pyroptotic death of \u00df-cells, an inflammation-mediated form of programmed cell death. RNA seq analysis showed specific upregulation of genes associated with pyroptosis, including Gasdermin D, Caspase 1, Interleukin-18, High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), and N-terminal PYRIN-PAAD-DAPIN domain and a C-terminal caspase-recruitment domain (PYCARD). Together these data show that inflammatory macrophage-induced pyroptosis may lead to the loss of \u00df-cell mass in diabetic pancreas. These hPSCs-derived vascularized macrophage-islet organoids provide means for a more systematic understanding of immune cell-mediated damage of host \u00df-cell in diabetes.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713236485405_Untitled_2_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENBM046 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM051T\", \"title\": \"SAAR: Surgical Aid for Anatomical Reconstructions Using Projector-Based Augmented Reality and Computer Vision Systems\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Muthukkumar, Karthik\", \"Malarvasan, Tarun\", \"Sristy, Pranav\"], \"school\": \"Urbana High School\", \"abstract\": \"Accurate visualization of underlying anatomical structures is vital for precise surgical interventions, particularly in high-risk and minimally invasive procedures. Existing methods like fluoroscopy or camera-based systems divert the surgeon's attention to external displays, potentially increasing risk. This project proposes SAAR, a novel computer vision and projector-based navigational system that superimposes 3D anatomical reconstructions directly onto the patient's surgical site. SAAR employs a custom patient registration pipeline to convert preoperative CT scans into 3D reconstructions, which are then projected onto the surgical area using a calibrated projector system housed on a robotic frame mechanism. A splotch-based algorithm actively adjusts the frame to match the overlay to the patient's positioning, accounting for procedural movement. To augment surgical understanding, SAAR uses a custom convolutional neural network (CNN) with a U-net architecture for preoperative segmentation and identification of internal abnormalities. These regions of interest are highlighted via projection, guiding the surgeon's attention. Furthermore, SAAR leverages a custom-built CNN-LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory) architecture to predict 3D organ movement in the thoracic region. This feature utilizes biometric data, enabling dynamic visualization of the anatomy in real-time. The system was evaluated through extensive testing, involving training and validation on large datasets of publicly available CT and MRI scans. The accuracy of projection alignment was also rigorously assessed, demonstrating clinical viability. SAAR offers a pragmatic and cost-effective alternative to existing solutions that can potentially transform surgical visualization in a variety of environments.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm051t-surgical-navigation-via-projector-based-ar-and-cv\", \"title\": \"ENBM051T - Surgical Navigation via Projector-Based AR and CV\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/DSQLuDXqgqg\", \"title\": \"ENBM051T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM054\", \"title\": \"NitinArm: Using Shape-Memory Alloy Actuation to Engineer a Lighter, Cheaper, More Dextrous, Trans-Radial Prosthetic\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Vatts, Shreyas\"], \"school\": \"College Park High School\", \"abstract\": \"Approximately 50 million people globally rely on technology to replace a missing appendage, 80% of whom cannot afford current solutions and are left with costly, immobile, bulky prosthetics. Among the most prevalent are trans-radial prosthetics; these devices intend to capture the arm\u2019s nuanced movement but grossly fail, achieving only 9 of the 27 degrees of freedom (DoFs) at upwards of $100,000. This inability to adequately imitate the hand and wrist is a product of the cost, size, and weight of the motors used. Hence the quality of life of amputees is significantly hindered. This research engineers a novel trans-radial prosthetic to utilize Nitinol, a low-cost, lightweight, shape-memory-alloy instead of motors. Nitinol has three phases\u2014twinned martensite (trained), detwinned martensite (deformed), and austenite (transition)\u2014and changes shape with temperature. To recreate 19 DoFs, Nitinol wires are trained in sets of two: one mimics muscle contraction, and the other expansion. By connecting the wires\u2019 ends, one is always in its detwinned phase, and by passing a current through the wire, it warms and transitions to its twinned phase, simultaneously deforming the paired wire, mimicking the expansion and contraction of muscles. These wires are then inlaid in a custom 3D-printed PLA-carbon fiber prosthesis which enables the replication of the abduction and adduction of the fingers and the isolated actuation of the phalanges, feats not accomplished in commercial prosthetics. This design displays a 110% increase in DoFs than current solutions at only $3000, 10% of the industry average. NitinArm\u2019s increased dexterity, lower costs, and lower weight improve millions of amputees\u2019 lives as it betters trans-radial prosthetics, and proves Nitinol applicability to all prosthetics.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm054-nitinarm-motorless-prosthetics\", \"title\": \"ENBM054 - NitinArm: Motorless Prosthetics\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/lVsCJNO492Y\", \"title\": \"ENBM054 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM062\", \"title\": \"Orthotic Hand Brace to Improve Range of Motion in Patients With Cerebral Palsy\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Caramanica, Sophia\"], \"school\": \"Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science at WPI\", \"abstract\": \"People with spastic cerebral palsy sometimes develop contractures in the hands that cause the hand to close in on itself, reducing the range of motion (ROM). For children who use their hands to learn about the world, this is a problem. Current treatments include orthotics, which tend to be bulky and uncomfortable, and electrical stimulation which has proven effective in alleviating pain and reducing spasticity. The objective of this device is to reduce the pain caused by contractures using electrical stimulation and stretch out with contractures with the orthotic. To test the device, the angles of each participant's fingers were measured without the device. Then, the angles of the fingers were measured with the orthotic on. The control group was measured without electrical stimulation, and the test group was measured with. Finally, the participants gave feedback for how the orthotic could be improved.  The average change in finger angles was 1.88\u00b0. The control group had a 0.67\u00b0 average change in angles higher compared to the test group. These results indicate that the proposed orthotic does increase ROM, and feedback from participants determined that the TENS unit did relax the muscles, however the TENS did not help improve ROM. Future testing will be done over a longer period to see the device's effectiveness over time. Children who have cerebral palsy deal with chronic pain and are limited by their reduced ROM, but this device can increase their ROM and overall quality of life. Keywords: cerebral palsy, contractures, range of motion, orthotic, electrical stimulation\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm062-orthotic-hand-brace-for-cerebral-palsy\", \"title\": \"ENBM062 - Orthotic Hand Brace for Cerebral Palsy\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713563823905_Sophia_ISEF_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENBM062 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM069\", \"title\": \"FlexiSpine: An Adaptive Robotic Brace for Personalized Spinal Deformity Treatment\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Wang, Minran (William)\"], \"school\": \"Culver Academies\", \"abstract\": \"Spinal deformity is usually a symptom cause by scoliosis. The current method of treating such disease is through a brace that fits around torso and hip to force the spine to display the normal curvature. The traditional bracing imposes several limitations due to their rigid, static, and sensor-less designs and inability to adapt to changes in the skeletal system in accordance with treatment. Forces and moments exerted by the brace cannot be measured or modulated, and the three-dimensional stiffness of the human torso has not been characterized, which are all crucial factors to be considered in bracing treatment. In the recent years, the concept of robotic spine exoskeleton is introduced to improve on the conventional bracing. This paper described the building of mechanical and control architectures for an active Thora-columbo-sacral orthosis for the correction of spinal deformities including scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis.\\nThe exoskeleton is composed of two Stewart-Gough platforms in series, each controlled independently the position. The position and the motion of the different region of spine could be controlled through each platform utilizing the six linear actuators. An AI agent is applied to analyze the severity of the deformities and perform recommended treatment that change correspond to the skeletal system.\\nIndex Terms\u2014Human torso stiffness, spine deformity, robotic spine brace, exoskeleton, AI\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf/25825\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 20, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.62\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"An Adaptive Robotic Brace for Personalized Spinal ...\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.62, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"FlexiSpine: An Adaptive Robotic Brace \u2026 a brace that fits around torso and hip to force the spine to display the normal curvature.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm069-dynamic-robotic-brace-for-spinal-deformity\", \"title\": \"ENBM069 - Dynamic Robotic Brace for Spinal Deformity\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713987343610_2MIN_VIDEO_Made_with_Clipchamp_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENBM069 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV025\", \"title\": \"BioRegen Polymer: A Regenerative Approach to Upcycling Waste From the Seafood Industry and Paper Waste Into Innovative and Environmentally Regenerative Biobased Polymers and Data Analysis Using the ARIMA and Linear Regression Models\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Rajesh, Aswath\"], \"school\": \"Viera High School\", \"abstract\": \"This project resulted from an observation that conventional plastics are a significant cause for pollution in our environment and aims to develop a compostable, environmentally friendly polymer using waste from the seafood and paper industries. Through research, it was discovered that a composite made of chitosan (from shrimp shells), partially hydrolyzed collagen (from fish waste), and cellulose (from paper waste) could enhance both the physical and environmental properties of the material.\\nThe project has three phases: First, the creation of a biopolymer film by blending chitosan, collagen, and cellulose in six distinct proportions; second, the assessment of the resulting bioplastic's mechanical strength, biodegradability, toxicity to plants, water resistance, flexibility, and surface analysis using SEM; and third, the use of predictive analytics, specifically ARIMA and Holt's trend analysis using Python, to understand material behavior.\\nData analysis shows that a higher content of collagen improves the material's tensile strength  flexibility, and biodegradability, but slightly decreases its water resistance . Surface analysis results showed that the material surface was homogenous. The collagen matrix in gelatin significantly contributes to the strength and flexibility of the resulting bioplastic. Chitosan helps with water resistance due to its hydrophobic property. Cellulose adds strength to the bioplastic and also acts as a filler. These findings highlight the project's environmental benefits, in terms of upcycling waste materials to produce sustainable bioplastics.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev025-bioregen-polymer\", \"title\": \"ENEV025 - BioRegen Polymer\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711938549460_AswathRajesh_ENEV025_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENEV025 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV026\", \"title\": \"Improvement and Empirical Testing of a Novel Autonomous Microplastics-Collecting Semisubmersible\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Isahaku, Luksina\"], \"school\": \"Nicolet High School\", \"abstract\": \"Since the beginning of modern plastic's invention nearly a century ago, the human species as a whole has continually increased its rate of plastic consumption and waste. Until recently, this pollution's impact was thought to come primarily from macroplastics, the most visible plastics which fill beaches, suffocate marine life, and are easily comprehensible by the general public. Despite this focus, within the last 20 years microplastics have become an ever-increasing source of concern as evidence of their environmental impact has grown rapidly. These microplastics have since been found everywhere from the Marianas Trench to the human bloodstream, and their negative effects on health have gradually become similarly well known. Despite this threat, no organization \u2013 public or private \u2013 has tackled this issue where it is most impactful \u2013 in the open water where microplastics are free to bioaccumulate and wreak havoc on ecosystems. This project thus aims to fill the gap in microplastic pollution management by creating the first device capable of directly removing these plastics from our ecosystems at scale. This is done by creating a device which autonomously trawls surface waters with a mesh of fine pore diameter. It has been found through empirical testing that microplastics can be collected quite efficiently using this method, and through modeling it is predicted that given relatively little investment, microplastic quantities in the Great Lakes could be reduced by 85-95% by 2050 if we take action now to solve this, one of the most pressing environmental issues of our era.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://arxiv.org/abs/2408.02162\", \"kind\": \"paper\", \"found_via\": \"arxiv\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_exact:1.00\", \"trusted_domain:arxiv.org\"], \"title\": \"Improvement and Empirical Testing of a Novel Autonomous Microplastics-Collecting Semisubmersible\", \"source_domain\": \"arxiv.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\", \"search_provider\": \"arxiv\", \"match_reason\": \"title_exact:1.00, trusted_domain:arxiv.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Since their invention, plastics have become ubiquitous in modern societies all around the world, and their impact on the environment has, in recent years, become nearly as well-known. Plastics produced by humans have reached nearly every corner of the world, and throughout their centuries-long lifetimes, plastics continually break down into smaller and smaller particles due to the physical stresses which they are subjected to. These stresses eventually, inevitably, break these plastics down into\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev026-autonomous-microplastics-collecting-submersible\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"Autonomous Microplastics-Collecting Submersible\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"... autonomously trawls surface waters with a mesh of fine pore diameter. It has been found through empirical testing that microplastics can be collected quite\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/iCqnG9WeYPU\", \"title\": \"ENEV026 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV034\", \"title\": \"Removal of Microplastics by Waste Plastics Based on Fenton-like Reaction: Waste Treat Waste\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Yang, Zhihan\"], \"school\": \"No. 2 High School Attached to East China Normal University\", \"abstract\": \"Microplastics have become one of the new pollutants which have aroused international concern, and they even pose a potential threat to human health. In this project, a classical Fenton-like reaction was used to prepare carbon-based catalysts from waste plastics to treat microplastics. The research contents include carbonization of waste plastics by high-temperature carbonization method, preparation of carbon-based catalysts by loading Fe3O4 nanoparticles on their surfaces, characterization and analysis of the surface morphology and element distribution of carbon materials and catalysts by exploring the effect of acidification pretreatment on the magnetic properties of catalysts, and further exploring the effect of removing microplastics by Fenton-like reaction system under different conditions. The results show that the high-temperature carbonization method can convert waste plastics into carbon materials and the acidification pretreatment can help to improve the yield of the magnetic catalyst for subsequent recycling. It is also found that the reaction time is extended to 11 hours and the weight loss rate can reach 22.5%. The above results illustrate the feasibility of this project, and provide new ideas for the treatment of a series of microplastics and carbon-containing wastes, including plastics, coffee grounds, dried fruit shells, etc., and can be extended to various systems such as Light-fenton, so as to truly realize \u201cwaste treat waste\u201d.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev034-removal-of-microplastics-by-waste-plastics\", \"title\": \"ENEV034 - Removal of Microplastics by Waste Plastics\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712657480403_Removal_of_Microplastics_by_Waste_Plastics_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENEV034 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV040\", \"title\": \"A Novel Framework Using Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to Create Land Resource Management Strategy Through Economic-Environmental Payoff Optimization\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Banerjee, Sanchali\"], \"school\": \"Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology\", \"abstract\": \"This study proposes a generative AI procedure for managing land resources to optimize the payoff between economic and environmental benefit. Randomly selected land usage images in the northeastern United States were obtained from the Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics (MRLC) Consortium, classifying pixels into 16 land classes. Economic and environmental attributes, including GDP, employment, and air quality index, were acquired from the Bureau of Economic Analysis and Environmental Protection Agency. A conditional generative adversarial network (cGAN) performing picture translation (Pix2Pix) was trained to generate land layout images in the following procedure: (1) The generator model produced layout images that were sent to the discriminator model. (2) The economic-environmental payoff was balanced via a custom loss function in the discriminator using a deep neural network. (3) After training, a user-provided aerial image of land was passed to the model; the image was segmented by land type using a U-Net trained on MRLC land maps and Landsat satellite imagery. (4) The model output an optimal land usage layout aligning with geographic constraints of the user's area of interest (ex. water bodies, urbanized regions). The neural network yields an average R^2 of 80.2% across the economic/environmental characteristics, and the U-Net has a pixel classification accuracy of 88.1%. The GAN achieves a Frechet Inception Distance of 10.4, indicating that it successfully generates realistic land layouts comparable to real-world standards. The findings demonstrate a robust framework that recommends the optimal allocation of land resources to sustain economic growth without compromising environmental sustainability.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev040-generative-ai-framework-for-land-resource-strategy\", \"title\": \"ENEV040 - Generative AI Framework for Land Resource Strategy\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712791034724_Sanchali_Banerjee_ENEV040_Project_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENEV040 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV048\", \"title\": \"Multi-Functional High-Flux Superhydrophilic/ Supeoleophobic ZnO-Pillared MXene Membrane With Self-Cleaning Properties for Wastewater Treatment\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Alqasir, Asma\"], \"school\": \"Riyadh School for Boys and Girls\", \"abstract\": \"Wastewater is expected to increase by 24% in 2030, posing significant risks to health and the environment. Titanium carbide (2D MXene) membranes offer a potential solution for wastewater treatment due to their sieving characteristics. However, developing such membranes with efficient properties remains a challenge in addressing the discharge of complex wastewater. This project presents a novel ZnO-pillared MXene membrane for stable, environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and efficient treatment of oily and dye-contaminated wastewater. MXene was synthesized, hydroxylated, pillared, as a secondary species was inserted between layers, and deposited on an alumina ceramic support to fabricate the novel membrane. Three triplicates were conducted to prepare the membrane and all resulted in an average increase in MXene\u2019s interlayer spacing from 0.33nm to 0.55nm, representing a 66% enlargement. Membrane evaluation revealed a water flux of 7,630 LMH at 2 bar, showcasing 300% improvement in comparison to typical membranes. The synthesized membrane exhibited (>96%) and (99.4%) oil rejection and dye rejection, respectively. The anti-fouling and recycling capabilities were demonstrated over 15 oil-in-water cycles while maintaining a stable flux of 2,100 LMH and rejection above 96%, Also, 100 dye-filtration cycles were run with a flux of 2,000 LMH and average rejection of 98% resulting in a remarkable 105% increase in stability over average membranes. The membrane showcased self-cleaning properties under visible light, and the cost is less than the average membrane by 98%. The scalability allows for seamless integration into filtration systems across global water treatment facilities, contributing significantly to combat clean water scarcity challenges.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev048-mxene-based-membrane-for-wastewater-treatment\", \"title\": \"ENEV048 - MXene-based Membrane for Wastewater Treatment\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV055T\", \"title\": \"Sensor-Assisted, Noninvasive Monitoring for Operational, Investigative and Predictive Hive Health Management for Honeybee Colonies \u2013 Sustainable Bee Keeping\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Kumar, Suchir\", \"Kashyap, Naithruv\"], \"school\": \"Westwood High School\", \"abstract\": \"Motivated to create an early warning system to predict Colony Collapse Disorder, our research focuses on developing a technological solution to constantly monitor beehive health. We present a platform that integrates data from a strategically deployed array of weight sensors, sensors measuring variables of the beehive & wirelessly transmitting measurements to the cloud using monitoring infrastructure to continuously assess health of beehives. The synchronous sampling of all sensors every hour allows us to form a multivariate time series that serves to: (a) provide immediate alerting in case a measurement exceeds predefined boundaries that characterize a healthy beehive and (b) based on historical data predict future hive health. Through analysis of collected data, a significant discovery emerged: approx. 150-200 hours before a collapse, weight patterns exhibit a notable increase in standard deviation. Using Pandas & Matplotlib, raw data is processed to parse time-series information. By employing the standard deviation within specific data windows, a transition point from a healthy to unhealthy state can be identified, enabling the prediction of hive collapses.  We have been able to test the predictions & understand that the data gives us a good indicator of how the hives are doing. Our algorithm detects when there is unusual activity. In our trials & testing period, we were able to monitor & salvage hives. Our goal is to roll out the technology & have been talking to weight sensor manufacturers to make it available to all beekeepers for free. Ultimately, saving bee colonies & enabling more crops to be pollinated will benefit us all. We believe that the the problem's importance along with the simplicity of this algorithm is the most effective part of this solution.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev055t-noninvasive-beehive-monitoring-for-ccd-prediction\", \"title\": \"ENEV055T - Noninvasive Beehive Monitoring for CCD Prediction\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713506118338_NoninvasiveBeehiveMonitoringForCCDPrediction_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENEV055T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV058\", \"title\": \"Piezocatalysis with Optimized Turbulent Flow in Hydro Turbine for Eutrophication Remediation\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Zhao, Emily\"], \"school\": \"Manhasset High School\", \"abstract\": \"Eutrophication affects 65% of coastal and 53% of freshwater regions in the US but no scalable cyanobacterial degradation methods exist. Piezocatalysis harnesses mechanical energy to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in water, which degrade organic pollutants by oxidation without generating toxic residues. This study designed a novel hydro-turbine using bluff bodies that maximize kinetic flow energy available for aquatic remediation via piezocatalysis. MoS2-doped films exhibited first-order ROS chain reaction production when agitated in Anabaena (20 \u00b5g/L), and has potential to inhibit cyanobacterial positive feedback growth by converting nitric products into reactive nitrogen species. The inverted piezo-active flag model was computationally optimized to enhance polarization with turbulent energy and ensure rapid charge dispersion with flow-induced vibrations. The 90\u00b0 upstream triangle yielded maximum coefficients by effective flow separation (12.6 drag, 18.6 lift) and a flag length ratio of 0.75 was optimal while avoiding canceling zones. The optimized piezocatalytic hydro-turbine design yielded 78% remediation under 800gph for 60s (p=0.032). A minimum flow speed was identified by energy/order to be 0.5m/s, with 0.7W/(1g MoS2). Application depth of 0.3m-2m was identified with cyanobacterial concentration, turbulence needed for crossflow effectiveness, and speed; conditions are within industrial scalability standards. Chain reactions allow the remediation of still-water and high-volume downstream regions through tributaries. In the future, the device can be studied in environments with varying meander speeds and upstream ROS exposure times. The device presents a potential industrial eutrophication treatment applicable in ~93% of fluvial environments.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev058-piezocatalytic-eutrophication-remediation-turbine\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"Piezocatalytic Eutrophication Remediation Turbine\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This study designed a novel hydro-turbine using bluff bodies that maximize kinetic flow energy available for aquatic remediation via piezocatalysis.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714366884631_ISEF_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENEV058 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV062T\", \"title\": \"sPET: Miniature Enzyme From Metagenomic Mining for the Hydrolysis of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Pawabunsiriwong, Abhipiya\", \"Chaiwong, Pawonwan\", \"Jiratthitijaroen, Wirunpat\"], \"school\": \"Kamnoetvidya Science Academy\", \"abstract\": \"Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plays a pivotal role in modern packaging and textile industries, contributing to over 350 million tons of global production annually. Despite its widespread use, PET's resistance to degradation poses a significant threat to environmental sustainability. The inefficacy of current recycling techniques, with high operational cost and pollution, emphasizes the need for innovative solutions. The studies explore the potential of PET hydrolase enzymes, which offer a promising solution as they facilitate the biodegradation process without causing harm to the environment or relying on hazardous chemicals. However, existing PET hydrolases struggle with the high crystallinity of PET plastics and require substantial energy for effective degradation, rendering them difficult for use in industrial applications.\\nOur research aims to identify smaller enzymes capable of functioning at around ambient temperature to enhance cost-efficiency, operational feasibility, and the degradation of crystalline regions in PET. The use of metagenomic mining and tertiary structure analysis has facilitated the selection of enzyme candidates for cloning, expression, purification, and efficiency testing.\\nsPET, the discovered enzyme, was capable of efficiently digesting PET films at 37 \u00b0C, and it possesses a high denaturation midpoint of 65 \u00b0C. This characteristic suggests sPET can be used over extended periods for the enzymatic recycling of PET monomers. Furthermore, our research introduces strategies to improve the degradation capabilities of the enzyme through the engineering of residues. These findings illuminate a path for the real-world integration of such enzymes, offering a practical and sustainable solution to the pressing challenge of plastic waste management.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://app.kvis.ac.th/kvis-awards/list.php?code=BIOL049\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 12, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.56\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"BIOL049 - sPET: Miniature Enzyme from Metagenomic Mining ...\", \"source_domain\": \"app.kvis.ac.th\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.56\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"The studies explore the potential of PET hydrolase enzymes, which offer a promising solution as they facilitate the biodegradation process without causing harm\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev062t-spet-miniature-pet-hydrolase-from-metagenome\", \"title\": \"ENEV062T - sPET: Miniature PET Hydrolase From Metagenome\u200b\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/2aSf74OZszA\", \"title\": \"ENEV062T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV063\", \"title\": \"Utilizing Machine Learning to Develop Image-Based Agricultural Optimization Software\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Kratcha, Gavin\"], \"school\": \"Hankinson Public School\", \"abstract\": \"Hydroponic farming is rapidly gaining popularity because of its consistency and sustainability. Thousands of hydroponic farms are being built around the world as reliable food sources to match the increasing demand for food. Hydroponic farms are able to grow sensitive crops quickly and efficiently, but emerging technologies are inconsistently integrated within hydroponic production. My goal was to find a way to integrate emerging deep-learning technologies within hydroponic production to give the hydroponic farmer useful information about their crops. First, I needed to collect data from hydroponic farms to use for deep learning. I used nine hydroponic farms to simulate nine different growing conditions to grow champion collards, georgia southern collards, romaine lettuce, buttercrunch lettuce, blue scotch curled kale, and premier kale. Every week, I measured the shoot length and took pictures of these plants. After six weeks, I uprooted the plants to measure the chlorophyll content of the leaves, shoot length, root length, wet shoot mass, wet root mass, dry shoot mass, and dry root mass of the plants. This data was used to train a deep-learning model that is able to accurately predict these characteristics of a plant from a picture of the plant. I found that deep-learning models can be created to assist hydroponic farmers by giving them useful information about their crops. Systems involving deep learning are vital to the future of agriculture to ensure the sustainability of hydroponic farming. These technologies can be easily integrated into mobile applications or automated systems to improve hydroponic farming practices.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev063-image-based-agricultural-optimization-software\", \"title\": \"ENEV063 - Image-Based Agricultural Optimization Software\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713938646571_Gavin_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENEV063 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ETSD005T\", \"title\": \"Hawk Wing: A New Way to Improve Aircraft Efficiency Through Biomimicry\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\", \"category_code\": \"ETSD\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Buscu, Filip\", \"Ghiberdic, David-Cristian\", \"Marinescu, Rares\"], \"school\": \"International Computer High School of Bucharest\", \"abstract\": \"Modern aircraft consume a lot of fuel. This provides high environmental and financial strain on society, and is a field where constant improvement and innovation is targeted. Hawk Wing is a project that focuses on implementing innovative biomimicry solutions in modern aviation to improve the overall performance of fixed wing aircraft. It addresses solutions such as morphing surfaces, or alternative stabilization methods. Formally, we consider the ways of integrating the following into the aircraft of the future:\\nThe effects of multiple, variable winglets.\\nWing designs which are based on a morphing surface, instead of fixed point airflow change, which current attitude control systems use.\\nMultiple variable winglets can be used to increase stability and control authority on any plane. They could also be the basis of a plane with high-efficiency modes at both high-altitude, and as a ground effect vehicle. They could be used to improve yaw control of wing-like planes in cross wind conditions.\\nMorphing wings would improve the airflow over the wing, providing a smooth angle transition instead of the harsh one currently presented by elevons. CFD software suggests significant increases in overall speed and lift would be attainable.\\nThe work presents the evaluations performed by CFD software and empirical tests based on a drone emulating a multiple, variable winglet airplane. Leveraging the customizability of the aircraft, greater stability was found at all stages of flight. The experiments that were conducted indicate that it is indeed possible to replicate the aforementioned methods to different developing\u00a0scales.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/etsd005t-improving-aircraft-efficiency-through-biomimicry\", \"title\": \"ETSD005T - Improving Aircraft Efficiency Through Biomimicry\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712055699884_ISEF_HawkWing_ROM1_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ETSD005T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ETSD011\", \"title\": \"An Accessible, Adaptable, 6-Axis, Low-Cost 3D Printed Robotic Arm Solution\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\", \"category_code\": \"ETSD\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Lucci, Frank\"], \"school\": \"BASIS San Antonio Shavano Campus\", \"abstract\": \"Robotic arms are useful in a variety of applications: manufacturing, de-palletization, artificial intelligence research, etc. However, on average, a typical robotic arm with 6-axis capabilities can cost many thousands to millions of dollars depending upon the payload, accuracy, repeatability, and workspace size. Additionally, if an arm needs to be utilized for a task requiring different constraints than originally intended, expensive modifications are needed to meet requirements. High initial costs and expensive modifications deter many independent researchers, small scholastic institutions, hobbyists, and others with limited budgets from having access to the possibilities that robotic arms offer. To address this issue, an adaptable, 6-axis, low-cost 3D printable robotic arm that is compatible with Robotic Operating System (ROS) was designed, built, and tested for those who can't afford industrial arms but who still need a comparable utility. The robotic arm was designed to have a maximum reach of 800mm at a standard length that it could be easily extended and modified for specialized tasks. Additionally, the robot was designed to have a repeatability of under 2mm, a payload of 1kg at the standard maximum length, an accuracy below 1cm, and a cost under $800. When refined and tested at the maximum length, the average repeatability was 1.13mm. The accuracy ranged from 0.07cm to 3.58cm with an average of 1.38cm. The maximum maneuverable payload was 0.644kg and the max holding load was 1.45kg for lifting at 800mm. Finally, the price, adaptability, and compatibility with ROS were successfully implemented.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/etsd011-a-6-axis-accessible-and-adaptable-robotic-arm\", \"title\": \"ETSD011 - A 6-Axis Accessible and Adaptable Robotic Arm\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712032759418_ISEFFINALVIDEO_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ETSD011 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ETSD019\", \"title\": \"Testing of an Insulative Reusable Heat Shield Based on Novel Aerogel Blanket Technologies Through Physical Heat Exposure\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\", \"category_code\": \"ETSD\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Lee, Aaron\"], \"school\": \"The Meadows School\", \"abstract\": \"In a world with more cost-saving, reusable systems in the aerospace industry than ever before, heat shields remain a largely disposable system which, in their reusable form, lack the thermal performance necessary for capsules reentering the atmosphere further out from Earth. This project seeks to investigate the use of aerogel blankets as a backing for highly-emissive ceramic tiles to improve the insulative properties of the TUFROC reusable heat shield system. Using a type K thermocouple, high-temperature bunsen burner, aerogel blanket squares, and a silicon-carbide tile, a simulation was set up where a thermocouple measured the temperature of the aerogel blanket facing away from the tile receiving heat from a high-temperature bunsen burner. Given an 8-minute period of heating at an average temperature of 896 \u00b0C, the peak temperature of the unexposed aerogel blanket was 62.2 \u00b0C, cooling to 25.4 \u00b0C over the course of a 40-minute cooling period. The capability of the aerogel blanket heat shield system presented here to block large amounts of heat from penetrating the opposite side of heating indicates potential in utilizing aerogel blankets over the industry standard for TUFROC insulative heat shield systems, silica blankets, and further experimentation of the system under more intense heating conditions could make space exploration to farther-removed locations more accessible for a greater number of people and countries.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/etsd019-testing-an-aerogel-blanket-reusable-heat-shield\", \"title\": \"ETSD019 - Testing an Aerogel Blanket Reusable Heat Shield\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711893119514_DO01000120_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ETSD019 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ETSD024\", \"title\": \"Development of Efficient Underwater Robot Based on Quadruped Structure of Sea Turtles and Fish Fin Hydrodynamics\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\", \"category_code\": \"ETSD\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Li, Hanlin\"], \"school\": \"Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School\", \"abstract\": \"Marine debris pollution and pipeline leaks pose significant threats to our fragile marine ecosystems, presenting hazards that are neither safe nor effective to address through manual labor. This study introduces a novel underwater robot, inspired by the multi-legged structure of sea turtles and the fin propulsion dynamics of fish, designed to offer an efficient and unobtrusive solution to these pressing engineering challenges. The robot features a cylindrical sealed capsule as its core, with a quadrupedal structure that allows it to navigate underwater and traverse the seabed, which ensures versatility in performing various tasks. A peristaltic pump facilitates buoyancy control, allowing the robot to adjust its depth by altering its weight. Remote operation is achieved through the Blinker APP via Wi-Fi, enabling accessibility and ease of control. This project endeavors to enhance the robot's propulsive efficiency by investigating the impact of fin shapes on velocity, utilizing both numerical simulation and empirical testing. Through the optimization of fin design, along with streamlined modifications to the leg linkage structure and adjustments to the robot's center of gravity, a marked improvement in swimming speed was achieved, increasing from 0.0357 m/s to 0.133 m/s. Further iterations focused on refining the mechanical arm's control algorithm for precise maneuverability and improving the robot's agility around underwater pipelines through enhancements in its turning radius and speed. The experiments have proven that these advancements facilitate the robot's application in underwater garbage removal and pipeline inspection, offering considerable practical value in addressing critical environmental and infrastructural issues.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/etsd024-sea-turtle-inspired-underwater-robot\", \"title\": \"ETSD024 - Sea Turtle-Inspired Underwater Robot\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712112034014_Sea_Turtle_Inspired_Underwater_Robot_2_minute_ETSD024_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ETSD024 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712112272456_Sea_Turtle_Inspired_Underwater_Robot_1_minute_ETSD024_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ETSD024 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ETSD035\", \"title\": \"An Improved Color Filter Array Design Using Metafilters\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\", \"category_code\": \"ETSD\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Thuringer, Alex\"], \"school\": \"Paul Laurence Dunbar High School\", \"abstract\": \"Color image sensors typically rely on absorbing filters arranged in the Bayer pattern (red, 2\u00d7green, and blue). Dye-and pigment-based filter arrays have several disadvantages such as photo- and thermal- instability, a multi-step fabrication process, and reduced camera sensitivity from absorption. These disadvantages have motivated the investigation of alternatives to reduce fabrication cost and enhance camera sensitivity. Most approaches focus on structure-based filters. Here I present an alternative, structure-based CFA that combines dielectric phase plates and pillar-based metasurfaces. The CFAs were fabricated using two-photon lithography (Nanoscribe Photonic Professional GT) with IP-Dip resist. CFAs have metafilter sizes of 13.2 \u00d7 13.2 \u00b5m, a pillar periodicity of 1.2 \u00b5m, and a focal length of 18 \u00b5m. This design allows the zero and first order focal spots to be captured by separate pixels on the image sensor. The total efficiency of the sensor, which is close to 60% across much of the visible region, significantly exceeds most Bayer arrays. The current design also offers a flatter spectral response, which may be desirable under some lighting conditions.. The maximum color error of the filters is 5.5?E and the average error is 2.9?E in CIE xy coordinates. These results are comparable or better than the errors of common cellular phone and DSLR digital cameras.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/etsd035-an-improved-color-filter-array-design\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.71\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"ETSD035 - An Improved Color Filter Array Design\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.71, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"CFAs have metafilter sizes of 13.2 \u00d7 13.2 \u03bcm, This design allows the zero and first order focal spots to be captured by separate pixels on the image sensor.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712855357686_WIN_20240411_12_46_21_Pro_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ETSD035 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ETSD044\", \"title\": \"Design and Analysis of Non-Pneumatic Tires With Hybrid Metamaterial Spoke: A Novel Approach\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\", \"category_code\": \"ETSD\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Shah, Siddhant\"], \"school\": \"Bhagawan Mahavir International School\", \"abstract\": \"As the market for Off-the-Road (OTR) tires grows (annual growth of 5.2%, valuing at $32 billion), consumers continue to demand driving efficiency and productivity, even as the equipment places additional stress and performance demands on tires. Although traditional pneumatic tires have dominated the market for years, they are easily punctured and require excessive maintenance, limiting their performance on rugged terrains. In recent years, non-pneumatic tires (NPTs) have posed a potential solution. NPTs replace air pressure with flexible-spokes, eliminating the risk of flats & rapid pressure-losses while increasing driving safety. In this research, different polyurethane (PU) spoke structures were studied under radial loading conditions. The Mooney-Rivlin 5 Parameter model was utilized to model the hyperelastic behavior of PU based on the uniaxial-test data obtained from the FEM test specimen. Based on the limitations of existing spoke structures, a hybrid metamaterial spoke design was created. The new spoke uses a negative-stiffness mechanism to increase recovery from deformation and maintain minimal stress levels compared to existing structures by 271.65%. The design is utilized in a tire assembly, which is covered with a tire casing, creating a closed tire design that prevents foreign debris from accumulating and causing vehicle imbalance\u2014a problem identified with conventional NPTs. The project utilizes nonlinear finite-element analysis to evaluate tire performance based on static, modal, and dynamic roll-over bump analysis. Results showcased that the new structure demonstrates a 17% improvement in durability and handling precision compared to pneumatic tires. Additionally, it offers better vibrational stability while maintaining comparable contact-pressure.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf/24838\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 20, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.67\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"[PDF] Design and Analysis of Non-Pneumatic Tires With Hybrid ...\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.67, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Based on the limitations of existing spoke structures, a hybrid metamaterial spoke design was created. The new spoke uses a negative-stiffness mechanism to\"}, {\"url\": \"https://jglobal.jst.go.jp/en/detail?JGLOBAL_ID=202302278945904561\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 12, \"status\": \"needs_review\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.57\", \"llm:related:0.75\"], \"title\": \"Design and analysis of non-pneumatic tire with hybrid metamaterial ...\", \"source_domain\": \"jglobal.jst.go.jp\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.57\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Design and analysis of non-pneumatic tire with hybrid metamaterial spoke. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Amrita School of Engineering, Bengaluru,\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/Nri7QBqRxNc\", \"title\": \"ETSD044 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ETSD050\", \"title\": \"SkyLinker: UAV Autonomous Perpetual Solar Flight for Facilitation of Mobile Communication and Long-Distance Surveillance\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\", \"category_code\": \"ETSD\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Xu, Michael\"], \"school\": \"Delbarton School\", \"abstract\": \"Expanding the applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) requires overcoming limitations in flight endurance imposed by current battery energy densities and adverse weather conditions like wind and cloud cover. This research aims to address these challenges by developing a high-payload autonomous UAV powered by solar energy, enabling extended flights spanning multiple days and potentially perpetually. After undergoing eight iterative versions and enduring seven crashes, a compact 2.40m wingspan aircraft weighing 1.55kg and accommodating a 1.42kg payload was engineered with autonomous navigation and self-stabilization capabilities in crosswinds up to 37km/h. The eighteen 3.6W solar panels generated 29W of electricity, surpassing the 8.43W required for sustained flight at 43km/h. Flight testing at 40\u00b0N latitude in September demonstrated a promising 25% minimum state-of-charge, 4.5hr excess flight time, and 6.1hr charge margin during a 24-hour day/night cycle. These performance metrics represent a significant improvement from previous solar-powered UAVs. With improved capabilities, this aircraft can be applied to facilitate mobile communication by housing antennas within the aircraft, replacing the need for cost-prohibitive cell towers. Additionally, this solar-powered UAV\u2019s expanded flight endurance can revolutionize surveillance applications, such as monitoring solar and wind infrastructure, assessing crop health, and surveying disaster zones for a more effective response. This novel aircraft constructed from just $580 in materials showcases the growing feasibility of constructing cost-effective solar-powered UAVs using current solar technology. Furthermore, this research contributes one of the first open-source 3D models in order to accelerate future UAV research.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/etsd050-skylinker-uav-autonomous-perpetual-solar-flight\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"SkyLinker: UAV Autonomous Perpetual Solar Flight\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This novel aircraft constructed from just $580 in materials showcases the growing feasibility of constructing cost-effective solar-powered UAVs using current\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713569635282_ISEF_final_final_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ETSD050 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ETSD066\", \"title\": \"I.D.A.S - Interlocking Drone Aerial Swarm: Enhancing Thrust and Battery Configuration Flexibility\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\", \"category_code\": \"ETSD\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Senthil, Yuvan\"], \"school\": \"BASIS Peoria\", \"abstract\": \"My project explores a novel design of interlocking transformative drones that drastically increases the number of potential applications of drone swarms. With my design, drones in a swarm can dynamically attach to each other in midflight to form larger and more complex structures thus offering more configurability in their aerial capabilities.\\nThis report presents the methodology of designing such a drone. Each modular drone has a specially engineered frame allowing them to physically connect mid-flight and facilitate bi-directional data exchange. For the data exchange, I developed a customized code for the Teensy 4.1 microcontroller which allows it to act as a motor proxy. This innovative approach allows me to dynamically bypass one of the drone's flight controllers, allowing for one drone to assume a 'secondary' role under another's control which allows integration.\\nData was collected by creating a thrust stand with a strain gauge-based load cell, and measuring the thrust generated with various configurations. Incremental throttle inputs were applied, and the resulting data was recorded to evaluate the thrust benefits.  Additionally, the impact of connecting drones on battery life was measured by recording voltage telemetry data. The results show that by creating this dynamic system, multiple attached drones result in higher achieved thrust, and better battery life.\\nThis product has many potential applications. It offers maneuverable small drones that can reassemble to form larger drones that have more thrust, which is highly useful in rescue and factory settings. This can also be useful in recharging a larger drone midair.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/etsd066-i-d-a-s-interlocking-drone-aerial-swarm\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"ETSD066 - I.D.A.S - Interlocking Drone Aerial Swarm\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"It offers maneuverable small drones that can reassemble to form larger drones that have more thrust, which is highly useful in rescue and factory settings.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/aMSXGtM5qos\", \"title\": \"ETSD066 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATH005\", \"title\": \"On the Construction and Applications of Infinite-Dimensional Lie Algebra Weight Systems in the Theory of Vassiliev Invariants\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Mathematics\", \"category_code\": \"MATH\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Gyulev, Nikola\"], \"school\": \"Model High School of Mathematics \\\"Akademik Kiril Popov\\\"\", \"abstract\": \"We explore knots. If we allow self-intersections, we get Singular knots. To distinguish different knots, invariant functions are used. A function from the set of knots to a ring is called a Vassiliev Invariant if when extended to singular knots (via the Vassiliev-Skein Relation) it vanishes on all knots with a given number of self-intersections. They are of interest, because of a conjectured way to approximate any knot invariant using them. All Vassiliev Invariants turn out to satisfy a certain topological property (4T Relation), and because of that, we consider all invariants, that satisfy it - we call them framed weight systems. There is a powerful construction for invariants coming from finite-dimensional Lie Algebras, which turns out not to be strong enough to span all possible framed weight systems. The main goal of the paper is to determine whether an extension of the construction for infinite-dimensional Lie Algebras suffices. We examine in more detail the construction for Loop algebras (a family of infinite-dimensional Lie algebras), proving that it produces framed weight systems, which are multiplicative, and their images commute with all elements of the extension of the universal enveloping algebra of the corresponding Loop Algebra (the space where the construction lives). We also go into more detail about the weight system coming from the Loop algebra built upon the Lie algebra sl2, giving an argument, which is a strong indication that it differs from the weight system of sl2, as well as presenting several chord diagram identities, which provide convenient connections.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712105768339_Timeline_1_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATH005 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATH014\", \"title\": \"Twisted Homogeneous Racks Over the Alternating Groups\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Mathematics\", \"category_code\": \"MATH\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Vulakh, Joseph\"], \"school\": \"Paul Laurence Dunbar High School\", \"abstract\": \"An important step towards the classification of finite-dimensional pointed Hopf algebras, which are algebraic structures with a wide range of fundamental applications to mathematics and physics, is the classification of finite-dimensional Nichols algebras arising from braided vector spaces of group type. This question is fundamentally linked with the structure of simpler algebraic objects called racks. Of particular interest to this classification is the type D condition on racks, a sufficient condition for a rack to not be the source of a finite-dimensional Nichols algebra. In this project, the type D condition in simple racks arising from the alternating groups was studied. Several families of twisted homogeneous racks arising from alternating groups are shown to be of type D, expanding upon previous work in this direction. This is important progress towards a general classification of twisted homogeneous racks of type D, and ultimately towards a classification of finite-dimensional pointed Hopf algebras.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://arxiv.org/abs/2305.19136\", \"kind\": \"paper\", \"found_via\": \"arxiv\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_exact:1.00\", \"trusted_domain:arxiv.org\"], \"title\": \"Twisted homogeneous racks over the alternating groups\", \"source_domain\": \"arxiv.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\", \"search_provider\": \"arxiv\", \"match_reason\": \"title_exact:1.00, trusted_domain:arxiv.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"An important step towards the classification of finite-dimensional pointed Hopf algebras is the classification of finite-dimensional Nichols algebras arising from braided vector spaces of group type. This question is fundamentally linked with the structure of algebraic objects called racks. Of particular interest to this classification is the type D condition on racks, a sufficient condition for a rack to not be the source of a finite-dimensional Nichols algebra. In this paper, we study the type\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/math014-twisted-homogeneous-racks\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"MATH014 - Twisted Homogeneous Racks\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Several families of twisted homogeneous racks arising from alternating groups are shown to be of type D, expanding upon previous work in this direction.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712491985989_isef_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATH014 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATH021\", \"title\": \"The Perforation of p-adics: Closing a Gap in Hensel's Lemma Through the Convergence Inequality\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Mathematics\", \"category_code\": \"MATH\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Uzun, Imaad\"], \"school\": \"New Rochelle High School\", \"abstract\": \"Hensel\u2019s Lemma is the foundation of p-adic number theory and, as discovered in this study, a possible way to revolutionize the math behind elliptic curve cryptography. It works by lifting a root f(a) of a polynomial f to a root mod p, which can be more effective at finding integer solutions where none may exist otherwise. A common method of proving Hensel\u2019s Lemma involves the following inequality which bounds the distance between a p-adic solution and its nth approximation: |{alpha} - a_n|_p = (|f\u2019(a)|_p) * (|f(a)/f\u2019(a)^2|_p)^2^(n-1). Showing the values of n for which this \u2018convergence inequality\u2019 becomes an equality is vital for the practical use of p-adic approximate roots. However, such equality has never been proven for any values of n > 10, making our current understanding of its behavior incomplete. The goal of this study was to show that the inequality holds as an equality for greater values of n (and then all n), which I constructed a computer program in Python to demonstrate numerically. Then, I was successfully able to show equality for all values of n by induction, supported by the program\u2019s outcomes. Thus, I amended our understanding of the inequality\u2019s behavior, which I showed to be directly applicable to approximating rational points on elliptic curves, a tactic that could save hundreds of millions of dollars per year on cybersecurity in the US if harnessed. No such proof has been documented before, making this a novel discovery.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/math021-closing-a-gap-in-hensels-lemma\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"MATH021 - Closing a Gap in Hensel's Lemma\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"A common method of proving Hensel's Lemma involves the following inequality which bounds the distance between a p-adic solution and its nth approximation: |{\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712947384208_IMG_6855_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATH021 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATH025\", \"title\": \"Linear Group of Seventh Chord Transformations\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Mathematics\", \"category_code\": \"MATH\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Huang, Songtianze\"], \"school\": \"Hangzhou Foreign Languages School\", \"abstract\": \"Seventh chords are widely used in music. What are the relationships between different seventh chords? Can these relationships be explained mathematically? This research classifies transformations between seventh chords into six types using Euler's principle, namely U_1, V_1, W_1, U_2, V_2, and W_2. Each of these transformations is in matrix form. This research constructs a group generated by these transformations and names this group the General Transformation Group (GT). This research claims that every element in GT can be expressed in a unified form. This research also determines that GT is isomorphic to the semi-direct product of Z_2 and the internal direct product of three Z_12, and its center is isomorphic to the internal direct product of three cyclic groups of order 2. By using this group, we can examine the transformation between dominant sevenths and half-diminished sevenths from a generalized 4-chord perspective. This group also gives musicologists a theoretical guideline to seventh chords and their relationships and provides musicians and auto accompaniment with a clear picture of the usage of seventh chords. This research encourages further research into transformations of chords beyond seventh chords, aiming to broaden the applicability of the GT group's principles.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/math025-group-of-seventh-chord-transformations\", \"title\": \"MATH025 - Group of seventh chord transformations\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712845471380_introductingVideo_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATH025 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MCRO002\", \"title\": \"Ketones Produced by Bacillus subtilis Bacteria: Assessing Inhibition and Morphological Changes on Deadly Bat Fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Year 9)\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Microbiology\", \"category_code\": \"MCRO\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Carpenter, Calvin\"], \"school\": \"All Saints Episcopal High School\", \"abstract\": \"Bats, like bees, are a keystone species benefiting the environment and saving farmers billions of dollars in chemicals. However, since 2006, millions of bats in North America have died of a disease called White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) caused by a deadly fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd). This cold-loving fungus wakes bats in wintertime. With little food available, the bats become weak, starve, and die.\\nIt was confirmed that naturally occurring soil bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, found in bat habitats, produce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that inhibit Pd. In early 2023, five categories of VOCs produced by Bacillus subtilis with antifungal properties were identified: Alcohols, Acids, Ketones, Benzothiazoles, and Sulfurs, but not tested on Pd. The purpose of this study tests four VOCs from the ketone category for antifungal properties against Pd: A) 3-Hydroxy-2-butanone, B) 2-Nonanone, C) 2-Heptanone, and D) 2-Undecanone. Two inhibition assay tests, five replicates each, were performed with each ketone against Pd. ImageJ was used to analyze and calculate the change in fungal growth after fourteen days. Inhibition from two ketones was statistically significant at p<0.001. A third ketone caused weak inhibition, but not significant at p<0.01. The final ketone caused no inhibition; thus no significance. Additionally, structural and morphological changes were observed in the treated Pd. Chitin, the polymer structure of the fungal wall, was examined for effects after exposure to each ketone. These results show that the use of organically-produced chemicals, ketones, found in natural bat habitats, can provide a treatment to mitigate the fungus.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/mcro002-bacterial-ketones-inhibit-deadly-bat-fungus\", \"title\": \"MCRO002 - Bacterial Ketones Inhibit Deadly Bat Fungus\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711507709745_2024_ISEF_MCRO002_Bacterial_Ketones_Inhibit_Deadly_Bat_Fungus_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MCRO002 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MCRO013\", \"title\": \"Innovative Sustainable Bioplastic Production: Unleashing the Potential of Crustacean Waste Through a Novel Microbial Synthesis\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Microbiology\", \"category_code\": \"MCRO\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Ikegami, Towako\"], \"school\": \"Kindai University Toyooka High School\", \"abstract\": \"Fossil fuel-derived plastics, including microplastics, cause significant environmental pollution, necessitating sustainable solutions. While biodegradable plastics are key for sustainability, their limited degradation conditions pose challenges. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), synthesized from sugars and oils by microorganisms, offer a promising solution for degradation in diverse environments, including marine and cold soils. However, high cost of microbial feedstocks hinders economic viability of PHA production. Approximately 8 million tons of crustacean shells are discarded annually worldwide. The widespread and low-cost availability of these shells, which are rich in polysaccharide chitin, suggests their potential as viable feedstock for PHA production. This research aimed to discover and analyze microorganisms capable of producing PHA from crab shells, originating from soil with high crab shell accumulation in Toyooka City. For the first time, GC-MS confirmed a bacterium that synthesizes PHA from crab shells and powdered chitin, classified as a previously unidentified species through genome analysis. Furthermore, the discovery of two distinct long circular contig with significantly different GC contents in the bacterial genome suggests that it is composed of two symbiotic bacteria. Detailed gene analysis has revealed a mechanism whereby one symbiont depolymerizes chitin into sugars, while the other not only shares this depolymerization capability but also utilizes these sugars for efficient PHA synthesis. This highlights the intricate synergistic interaction that underpins efficient PHA production from crustacean shells. These discoveries offer ecologically novel insights, present an innovative approach to PHA production, and significantly advance a circular society.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/mcro013-bioplastics-from-crab-shells-via-novel-microbes\", \"title\": \"MCRO013 - Bioplastics From Crab Shells via Novel Microbes\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713319928993_vllo_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MCRO013 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MCRO014\", \"title\": \"Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo Evaluation of Antidiabetic, Antifungal, Antioxidant, Larvicidal, Bioelectricity and Anticancer Activity of Six Native Plant Species: Innovations for Novel Drug Discovery\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Microbiology\", \"category_code\": \"MCRO\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Fernando, Nishini\"], \"school\": \"Dunbar High School\", \"abstract\": \"Plant-based natural products are utilized as active ingredients in herbal medicines, and studying their bioactivities leads to better understanding of their possible medicinal value. The present study aims to evaluate 6 bioactivities of Pseudophoenix sargentii, Byrsonima lucida, Glandularia maritima, Illicium parviflorum, Pinus elliottii, and Ulmus alata, preceded by phytochemical and antibacterial properties determined during my past study. Leaves were shade dried, powdered and underwent sonication extraction before rotary evaporation with two solvents, ethyl acetate (EA) and water, separately. Utilizing varied concentrations of leaf extracts, antifungal activity (disk-diffusion assay), larvicidal activity, antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging assay), antidiabetic assays in vitro, anticancer activity (onion-root tip), and bioelectricity analysis (plant microbial fuel cell- 3 anodic configurations) were conducted. B. lucida plants demonstrated higher voltage production across stainless steel and activated carbon anodic configurations (0.153\u00b10.056 V). The EA extracts of B. lucida showed statistically significantly greater antifungal activity against Candida glabrata (2.58\u00b10.06 cm- 0.4 g/ml), the highest larval mortality in Aedes taeniorhynchus and Culex quinquefasciatus after 48-hour incubation (10.5\u00b10.2 and 12.3\u00b10.2, respectively), the highest antioxidant activity (42.46%) and the highest a-amylase and a-glucosidase inhibition (IC50, 1.10 mg/ml and 0.20 \u00b5g/ml respectively). The greatest mitotic activity inhibition (mitotic index, 0.40\u00b10.02 at 0.2 mg/ml) was shown by the EA extract of I. parviflorum. Out of six tested native plant species, B. lucida demonstrates the highest potential for development of novel pharmaceutical drugs for noncommunicable diseases.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/mcro014-drug-discovery-6-bioactivities-of-6-plant-species\", \"title\": \"MCRO014 - Drug Discovery- 6 Bioactivities of 6 Plant Species\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712031616418_NishiniVid_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MCRO014 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MCRO025\", \"title\": \"Developing a Cost-Effective Alternative to Treating Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Microbiology\", \"category_code\": \"MCRO\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Garcia, Isabel\"], \"school\": \"Isaac Bear Early College High School\", \"abstract\": \"Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a poorly understood disease that is characterized by the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. Our current and most researched treatment for SIBO is rifaximin, which is not only an incredibly costly antibiotic that insurance companies tend to not cover, but it is also an ineffective antibiotic with an average eradication rate of 60% and a relapse rate of 45%. This experiment focused on developing a cost-effective alternative to treating SIBO. The alternative treatment consists of Berberis vulgaris and Azadirachta indica, two plants that possess high levels of antimicrobial compounds. These plants were combined with pure ethanol, pure water, or 1:1 ethanol water dilutions to determine their efficacy in 96-well plates assays upon Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Micrococcus luteus, five bacteria associated with SIBO. These assays recorded fluorescence, or the viability of bacteria, and compared the treatment to rifampicin, an alternative for rifaximin. In all assays, the alternative treatment decreased bacterial growth at a more consistent and effective rate than that of rifampicin. The results of these experiments portray the new treatment\u2019s abilities at being an effective, cheaper, and more accessible treatment alternative to rifaximin. This new development has the ability to aid millions by improving patient quality of life, reducing antibiotic usage, and preventing harmful bacterial overgrowth in weakened hosts. The treatment is currently being tested upon mammalian cell cultures and will later undergo bioassay guided fractionation (BGF).\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/mcro025-developing-effective-and-affordable-sibo-treatment\", \"title\": \"MCRO025 - Developing Effective and Affordable SIBO Treatment\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713834595885_ISEF_video_1_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MCRO025 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PHYS001\", \"title\": \"Magnetic Field-Assisted Nanopatterning of Two-Dimensional Materials for Future Electronics\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\", \"category_code\": \"PHYS\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Mu, Aimee Yixuan\"], \"school\": \"Shanghai High School International Division\", \"abstract\": \"After half a century of development, the technology of silicon-based electronic devices is gradually approaching its limits. Devices such as computers and cell phones start to require more power, generating a significant amount of heat. To overcome these problems, scientists are exploring future materials as replacements for silicon. Two-dimensional (2D) materials like graphene and others with unique properties are considered fantastic candidates for future electronics. For example, electrons in graphene behave like light, resulting in very fast movement and generating much less heat. 2D materials have emerged as the forefront of quantum material research in both physics and materials science. To manufacture electronic devices, 2D materials must be patterned into nanostructures. For this purpose, one of the key requirements is etching. The quest for new etching technology suitable for 2D materials has emerged. In this project, I designed and conducted experiments to achieve nanopatterning of graphene by significantly enhancing a newly developed, low-cost, high-efficiency, and environmentally friendly method called the magnetic field-assisted hydroxyl radical etching (MAHRE) method. My research establishes that MAHRE could be a remarkable solution for etching 2D materials at a nanometer scale, not only in research labs but also in the industry for fabricating electronic nanodevices using 2D materials. This advancement will undoubtedly stimulate the application of 2D materials and offer new advantages for information technology, benefiting humankind.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/phys001-magnetic-field-assisted-nanopatterning-of-2d-films\", \"title\": \"PHYS001 - Magnetic Field-Assisted Nanopatterning of 2D Films\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713338218819_vedio_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PHYS001 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PHYS019\", \"title\": \"Celestium: Optimized and Accurate Planetary and Interplanetary \\r\\nSatellite Modeling via Utilization of Novel Algorithms and Advanced Differential Equations\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\", \"category_code\": \"PHYS\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Kumar, Nikhil\"], \"school\": \"The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky\", \"abstract\": \"In 2022, the Satellite Industry Association reported a staggering 45% increase in the number of operational satellites, resulting in an orbital population exceeding 7,000 around Earth. With the growing reliance on satellite technology, the demand for precise and dependable orbit modeling has increased. This project aims to help aid this problem through the creation of Celestium, a sophisticated software solution engineered to compute satellite orbits while accommodating a spectrum of perturbations, including J2 effects, atmospheric drag, etc. Celestium enables users to define satellite orbits through two methods: the basic position (r and velocity (vectors or the Keplerian Orbital Elements (KOEs) set comprising semi-major axis (a), eccentricity (e), inclination (i), true anomaly (?), argument of periapsis (?), and the right ascension of the ascending node (O). The transformation between the perifocal frame of reference (PQ) and the Earth-Centered Inertial frame (ECI) is accomplished using a translation matrix (R_(PQ?ECI)), allowing for an r and v to be generated from the KOEs (which then is numerically integrated via the Runge-Kutta method). Celestium incorporates perturbations by adjusting a derived acceleration equation. The accuracy of Celestium\u2019s simulations aligns closely with empirical data collected by NASA for satellite trajectories. Additionally, Celestium accommodates various attitude maneuvers, including Hohmann transfers, further enhancing its versatility.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/phys019-simulating-interplanetary-and-planetary-satellites\", \"title\": \"PHYS019 - Simulating Interplanetary and Planetary Satellites\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712066703297_ISEF_video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PHYS019 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PHYS020\", \"title\": \"Precession, Nutation and Dynamic Trajectory of a Magnetic Rod in an Axisymmetric Magnetic Field\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\", \"category_code\": \"PHYS\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Koh, Martin Zhen Xuan (School: NUS High School of Mathematics &amp\", \"Science)\"], \"school\": null, \"abstract\": \"Precession and nutation in dynamical systems have been of long-standing research interest. Manifesting in systems as diverse as spinning tops to celestial bodies like planets, understanding these motions offer a window into the intricate dance of forces governing such systems. One example of a previously unexplored system exhibiting precession and nutation is that of a magnetic rod in an axisymmetric magnetic field. This project aims to study this system through qualitative, quantitative, and experimental means. A theoretical model was formulated using Newton\u2019s Second Law and the torque equation, accounting for energy dissipation. One unique aspect of this system compared to other systems exhibiting precession and nutation is the presence of the non-linear magnetic force and torque, which were modelled by considering both magnets as current carrying cylinders. Experimentally, the dynamic trajectory and relevant degrees of freedom of the rod were measured using image binarization and ellipse fitting. This was used for a systematic investigation into how the nutation, precession and petaloid-like trajectories are affected by number of magnets, initial angular velocity and other relevant parameters. Theoretical predictions and experimental results show a good agreement. This work has various engineering applications such as centrifuge design, and could be used to introduce students to the concepts of precession, nutation and the magnetic force.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://doi.org/10.1088/1402-4896/ad75cb\", \"title\": \"Precession, nutation, and dynamic trajectory of magnetic rod in axisymmetric magnetic field\", \"snippet\": \"Abstract Precession and nutation in dynamical systems have been of long-standing research interest. Manifesting in systems as diverse as spinning tops to celestial bodies like planets, understanding these motions offers a window into the intricate dance of forces governing such systems. One example of a previously unexplored system exhibiting precession and nutation is that of a magnetic rod in an axisymmetric magnetic field. This project aims to study this system through qualitative, quantitative, and experimental means. A theoretical model was formulated using Newton's Second Law and the torque equation, accounting for energy dissipation. One unique aspect of this system compared to other systems exhibiting precession and nutation is the presence of the non-linear magnetic force and torque, which were modelled by considering both magnets as current-carrying cylinders. Experimentally, the dynamic trajectory and relevant degrees of freedom of the rod were measured using image binarization and ellipse fitting. This was used for a systematic investigation into how the nutation, precession and petaloid-like trajectories are affected by the number of magnets, initial angular velocity and other relevant parameters. Theoretical predictions and experimental results show a good agreement. This work has various engineering applications such as centrifuge design.\", \"found_via\": \"openalex\", \"kind\": \"paper\", \"authors\": [\"Martin Zhen Xuan Koh\", \"Bernard Ricardo\"], \"year\": 2024, \"score\": 113, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"author_full_name\", \"title_exact:1.00\", \"trusted_domain:doi.org\", \"rescored\"], \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/phys020-motion-of-magnetic-rod-in-magnetic-field\", \"title\": \"PHYS020 - Motion of Magnetic Rod in Magnetic Field\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711972931946_ISEF_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PHYS020 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PHYS023T\", \"title\": \"Development of an Inexpensive, High-Performance, Easily-Assembled, Low-Dispersion Astronomical Spectrograph\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\", \"category_code\": \"PHYS\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Yoshida, Hiroaki\", \"Maeta, Kohtaro\", \"Kanetsuki, Shotaro\"], \"school\": \"National Institute of Technology, Yonago College\", \"abstract\": \"Two years ago, the astronomy club of the National Institute of Technology Yonago College devised a method for monitoring Earth\u2019s ozone layer through spectroscopic observations during total lunar eclipses. Given the simplicity of this method, we aimed to propose collaborative observations with astronomy clubs across Japanese high schools. However, the lack of spectrographs in most high schools and many Japanese public observatories due to their expense and complexity posed a challenge. Consequently, we undertook the task of developing an affordable and easily assembled spectrograph. The proposed spectrograph features a computer for controlling the rotation angle of the diffraction grating, enabling precise switching between the zeroth- and first-order spectra, which was not possible with other spectrographs. This allows a single camera attached to the spectrograph fulfills dual roles: slit viewing and spectroscopic observation, whereas other spectrographs use two cameras to perform both. Notably, the spectrograph offers low dispersion and captures the visible light spectrum in a single shot, boasting a resolution of R = 1,000 capable of resolving sodium D lines. This resolution is more than 1.5 times higher than the resolution of other spectrographs of the same price as this spectrograph. Moreover, it facilitates the measurement of rotational speeds of galaxies, a capability unavailable with conventional low-dispersion spectrographs. Utilizing readily available components such as telescope connecting rings streamlines fabrication, rendering the spectrograph easy to construct with minimal processing and inexpensive. Already operational at a local public observatory, the spectrograph's designs will soon be made accessible on our college website.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/phys023t-development-of-an-astronomical-spectrograph\", \"title\": \"PHYS023T - Development of an Astronomical Spectrograph\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713256786344_My_Movie_2_2_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PHYS023T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PHYS034\", \"title\": \"Gear-Based Topological Mechanical Metamaterials\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\", \"category_code\": \"PHYS\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Franco de la Matta, Belen\"], \"school\": \"Bergen County Academies\", \"abstract\": \"The ability to engineer metamaterials with properties and functionalities not found in nature is a revolutionary concept with exciting technological applications. Mechanical metamaterials use mechanisms as fundamental building blocks to achieve novel behaviors. In recent years, topology has transformed our understanding of physics, ranging from electronics to photonics. This project combines these two lines of developments to address the natural question of whether the ideas of topology extend to mechanical metamaterials. In this work, I studied geared mechanical metamaterials. The addition of rotational degrees of freedom expands the basic elements available for designing materials, resulting in new phenomena. I studied metamaterials based on the Martini and Hexachiral lattices. Initially, I optimized the design and manufacturing process, focusing on factors such as cost, production time and repeatability. Then, I conducted a series of experiments to analyze the behavior of these prototypes under various types of deformations. I determined the presence of localized edge zero modes, a key characteristic of topological materials, and investigated how rotational degrees of freedom affect the global stability of the materials. Finally, I determined the compatibility matrices for the metamaterials based on the Martini and Hexachiral lattices and performed a computational study of the effects of varying lattice geometries. My computations revealed the specific geometries at which topological phase transitions occur. The convergence of topology and mechanical metamaterials is a nascent field. The concepts investigated in this work hold great potential for applications ranging from nanomachines to unraveling the intricate mechanisms driving morphogenesis in living organisms.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/phys034-gear-based-topological-mechanical-metamaterials\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.80\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"PHYS034 - Gear-Based Topological Mechanical Metamaterials\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.80, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Mechanical metamaterials use mechanisms as fundamental building blocks to achieve novel behaviors. In recent years, topology has transformed our understanding\"}, {\"url\": \"https://ethz.ch/content/dam/ethz/special-interest/phys/theoretical-physics/cmtm-dam/documents/mmm/SS2018/Chapter_07.pdf\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 12, \"status\": \"needs_review\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.75\", \"llm:related:0.95\"], \"title\": \"[PDF] Topological mechanical metamaterials\", \"source_domain\": \"ethz.ch\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.75\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"In this chapter we introduce a new approach to mechanical metamaterials which is inspired by a topic known in modern solid state physics: topological bandstructures. Before we present the main concepts we discuss the key application where topology might have a considerable impact in the near future: wave-guiding. [...] sin(ky) = 1 2i 2 eiky \u2212e\u2212iky3 (7.38) connects again y to \u00b11. Remember that \u03c3y = !0 \u2212i i 0 \\\" (7.39) 57 That means that for \u03b3 we need to multiply (7.38) with the right pattern of \u00b1i\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712722880584_Belen_ISEF_FINAL_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PHYS034 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PHYS047\", \"title\": \"A Novel Computer Vision Approach to Radial Velocity Extraction for Exoplanet Detection\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\", \"category_code\": \"PHYS\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Gan, Katelyn\"], \"school\": \"Sage Hill School\", \"abstract\": \"Studying the Radial Velocity (RV) of stars led to the first definitive detection of an exoplanet in 1995 and has since contributed to the discovery of several thousand exoplanets. Cross-correlating spectral data with a template mask has been the standard approach to RV extraction. In the last decade, scientists have been actively seeking enhanced RV extraction techniques to boost precision, simplify procedures, and reduce the overall computational workload.\\nIn this proof-of-concept research, we present a novel approach that utilizes computer vision (CV) techniques to analyze stellar spectra and accurately extract RVs. We first constructed 2D spectral line images from the raw stellar data and devised several enhancement approaches to make the images more suitable for feature detection. We then applied CV techniques to detect, match, and transform features between two images. We successfully extracted RV information using this novel method.\\nWe tested our method on four real stellar data sets measured by the Yale Extreme-precision Spectrograph Stellar Signals Project (ESSP). We found that it yields results comparable to an industry-standard method in both time and frequency domains. From the sensitivity test outcomes, it is evident that the CV method exhibits a high level of robustness against diverse model settings and can effectively handle potential measurement noise. Its fast speed in RV extraction also positions it among the fastest methods available.\\nThis novel computer vision-based RV extraction technique, combined with advancements in instrumentation, could push the RV extraction resolution further below the 1 m/s level to identify star-exoplanet systems similar to our Sun-Earth and eventually discover real habitable exoplanets.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/phys047-computer-vision-method-for-exoplanet-detection\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"PHYS047 - Computer Vision Method for Exoplanet Detection - ISEF\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Studying the Radial Velocity (RV) of stars led to the first definitive detection of an exoplanet in 1995 and has since contributed to the discovery of several\"}, {\"url\": \"https://doi.org/10.1109/urtc60662.2023.10534937\", \"title\": \"A Computer Vision Approach to Radial Velocity Extraction for Exoplanet Detection\", \"snippet\": \"For many decades, cross-correlating spectral data with a template mask has been the standard approach to radial velocity (RV) extraction for exoplanet detection. In this proof-of-concept paper, we present a novel approach that utilizes computer vision (CV) techniques to analyze stellar spectra and accurately extract RVs. We tested our method on four real stellar data sets and found that it yields results comparable to an industry-standard, chunk-by-chunk (CBC) method in both time and frequency domains, with remarkable robustness and speed. This CV technique could enable the detection of exoplanets that are currently difficult to detect due to stellar variability and activity.\", \"found_via\": \"openalex\", \"kind\": \"paper\", \"authors\": [\"Katelyn Gan\", \"Vinesh Rajpaul\"], \"year\": 2023, \"score\": 113, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"author_full_name\", \"title_exact:1.00\", \"trusted_domain:doi.org\", \"rescored\"], \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713591364058_ISEF_041902_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PHYS047 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PHYS053T\", \"title\": \"Comparison of the Spiral Wave on the Fabric and the Gravitational Wave From the Orbiting Binary\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\", \"category_code\": \"PHYS\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Sawangsawai, Kanisorn\", \"Thanakulkairid, Phudit\", \"Feng, Bemikha\"], \"school\": \"Kamnoetvidya Science Academy\", \"abstract\": \"Gravitational waves are caused by fluctuations in the curvature of spacetime from Einstein's general theory of relativity. When black holes or objects with high mass orbit each other or collide, energy is lost in the form of gravitational waves. In some previous studies, this phenomenon has been visualized from waves on a fabric that are generated by the rotation of a roller. However, it is not possible to simulate gravitational waves perfectly because of the discontinuous data collection, the relationship between the rotation speed and the wave speed on the fabric, the manual control of the device pressure, and the consideration of the system's momentum conservation law were not considered. This may result in the waves in these studies being different from the gravitational waves detected from real phenomena. Therefore, the research team wanted to improve the simulation of gravitational waves on a fabric by controlling the motion of the source to be as close as possible to the real phenomenon in the inspiral phase of a compact orbiting binary system, which obeys the law of conservation of angular momentum. By collecting the distance of the wave displacement from a point on the fabric at any time and comparing the data with the strain signal of LIGO from the real phenomenon. The research team found that the characteristics of the frequency and amplitude of the waves on the fabric increased or decreased in the same way as the phenomenon. However, the characteristics were different when considering the size of the change affected by the order of magnitude. Therefore, the improvement of the demonstration can explain the trend of the behavior of gravitational waves from a compact binary system in the inspiral phase.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://app.kvis.ac.th/kvis-awards/list.php?code=PHYS026\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 12, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.88\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"PHYS026 - Comparison of the Spiral Wave on the Fabric and the Gravitational Wave from the Orbiting Binary\", \"source_domain\": \"app.kvis.ac.th\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.88\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"The research team found that the characteristics of the frequency and amplitude of the waves on the fabric increased or decreased in the same way as the phenomenon. However, the characteristics were different when considering the size of the change affected by the order of magnitude.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/phys053t-comparison-of-gravitational-wave-and-fabric-wave\", \"title\": \"PHYS053T - Comparison of Gravitational Wave and Fabric Wave\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713968180796_ISEF_Final_8_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PHYS053T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PHYS060T\", \"title\": \"From Curveballs to Global Shipping: The Impact of Surface Conditions on the Magnus Effect\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\", \"category_code\": \"PHYS\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Angiras, Vishnu\", \"Mishechkin, Misha\"], \"school\": \"Shrewsbury High School\", \"abstract\": \"The Magnus effect is a phenomenon where a rotating sphere or cylinder generates a force perpendicular to the airflow. Smooth, vertical Magnus cylinders incorporated into cargo ships act like a sail to convert perpendicular crosswinds into thrust. Such applications have reduced net fuel consumption by 30%. Little research has investigated the impact of surface conditions, an important variable in fluid dynamics. We aimed to fill this research gap, hypothesizing that maximizing surface roughness and dimple density would yield the highest lift-to-drag ratio, a measure of efficiency. The setup consisted of a motor-driven spinning cylinder on a two-axis force detection system to measure downforce and drag in a wind tunnel. Surface roughness was altered by wrapping the cylinder in sandpaper and dimple density by using thin, 3D-printed, dimpled sheaths. Data was analyzed using a paired two-tailed t-test. For each variable, 3 trials were completed with each trial spanning 10 seconds, and collecting 100+ data points. Dimples did not show a significant increase in efficiency (SD 5%, p=0.25) while medium surface roughness (relative roughness of 0.048) increased efficiency by 120% compared to smooth (SD 3%, p<0.03). The benefits of surface roughness diminish at finer and coarser extremes. Utilizing our pre-established Reynold's number, we extrapolated our findings, projecting fuel savings of 55.8% for cargo ships that incorporate Magnus cylinders with appropriate roughness. Future work will focus on additional variables, such as raised dimples or a combination of dimples and roughness.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/phys060t-impact-of-surface-conditions-on-the-magnus-effect\", \"title\": \"PHYS060T - Impact of Surface Conditions on the Magnus Effect\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/giGrKSlU94M?si=7dISKDgO4rICiYS8\", \"title\": \"PHYS060T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PLNT006\", \"title\": \"Combating Huanglongbing Through the Development of a Non-phytotoxic Oxytetracycline Formulation and Novel Fluorescence-Based Detection System\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"PLNT\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Santra, Moitri\"], \"school\": \"Oviedo High School\", \"abstract\": \"Huanglongbing (HLB), more commonly known as citrus greening, is a devastating disease caused by bacteria that colonize tree phloem, restrict nutrient flow, and cause symptoms such as fruit drop and reduced fruit quality. In Florida alone, it has reduced the citrus industry's value from $9 billion to merely $3 billion in recent years. Foliar application of two EPA-approved antibiotics for combating citrus greening, Oxytetracycline (OTC) and Streptomycin (STM), have been used in field settings for several years with no significant success. The EPA recently approved OTC for trunk injection, the only treatment available to citrus growers in Florida. However, the OTC formulation causes trunk damage due to low pH and OTC phytotoxicity, and there is no current solution to this problem. Furthermore, there is a need for a detection system to monitor OTC levels in the plant to ensure the treatment is effective. This research focuses on the development of a Oxytetracycline (OTC) formulation using biocompatible inert materials including Ocimum sanctum phytochemicals that solubilizes OTC at a neutral pH to alleviate phytotoxicity. Additionally, a unique paper-based sensor has been developed that improves the inherent fluorescence property of OTC and can therefore be used to check OTC levels in leaf tissue.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/plnt006-novel-antibiotic-formulation-for-citrus-greening\", \"title\": \"PLNT006 - Novel Antibiotic Formulation for Citrus Greening\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712025000994_Santra_ISEF_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PLNT006 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PLNT017\", \"title\": \"Rising Temperature, Falling Immunity: Plant Stomatal Defense Relies on Heat Sensitive Protease\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"PLNT\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Lin, Ching-Min\"], \"school\": \"Taipei Municipal Chien Kuo High School\", \"abstract\": \"Global warming poses a significant threat to plants by weakening their defense, exacerbating disease outbreaks and threatening global food security. However, limited attention is given to the effect of temperature under pathogen attack on the closure of stomata, critical portals for pathogen entry. Recent research has revealed that XCP1 is a heat-sensitive protease in charge of processing PR1 into the immune cytokine AtCAPE9. In this study, I hypothesize that stomatal immunity hinges on the heat-sensitivity of XCP1. Using Arabidopsis as a model system, I have developed a precise plant microclimate setup. The study demonstrates that even brief heat stress episodes can obstruct XCP1 activity, persistently compromising stomatal immunity even after temperatures return to normal. Our findings highlight the crucial role of XCP1-mediated production of AtCAPE9 in heat-compromised stomatal immunity. Additionally, the exogenous application of AtCAPE9 effectively restores heat-compromised immunity. This discovery presents promising opportunities for developing transgenic and non-transgenic strategies to improve plant defense against pathogen invasion and reduce yield losses in a warming climate.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/plnt017-plant-defense-relies-on-heat-sensitive-protease\", \"title\": \"PLNT017 - Plant Defense Relies on Heat Sensitive Protease\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711875518715_CML_ISEF_Project_Introduction_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PLNT017 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PLNT019\", \"title\": \"Growth Promotion of Hydroponic Lactuca sativa var. capitata and Microgreen Raphanus sativus When Exposed to Pseudomonas psychrotolerans Consistently Throughout the Growth Period\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"PLNT\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Fromm, Leah\"], \"school\": \"East Hampton High School\", \"abstract\": \"The fight to end global hunger in a sustainable fashion has been a struggle. There are still few agricultural technologies aiding the situation. Using the bacterial endophyte Pseudomonas psychrotolerans we determined if the growth of hydroponic Lactuca sativa var. capitata and microgreen Raphanus sativus increases post-inoculation. Both hydroponics and microgreens are possible technologies to aid world hunger troubles.\\nWe inoculated half of the hydroponic plants and the microgreen plants with 10\u00b5L (OD 600 = 1.0) of Pseudomonas psychrotolerans and half with a control solution. The plants were grown beneath LED lighting for nine weeks (hydroponics) and two weeks (microgreens). Observations of length, height, number of leaves, dry mass, and wet mass were recorded. Data was analyzed using a One-Way ANOVA test. This work was hands-on and bridged across multiple disciplines.\\nInoculated hydroponic plants demonstrated significantly larger sizes, in dry mass (p<8.2x10-12) and wet mass (p<7.95x10-10). They also had greater mean leaf growth (17 leaves vs. 13 leaves),  increased length (39cm vs. 33cm), and height (11cm vs. 8cm). Inoculated microgreen plants also displayed a difference in the mean number of leaves (5 vs. 4).\\nThis study demonstrated Pseudomonas psychrotolerans has a positive effect on the growth of Lactuca sativa var. capitata and Raphanus sativus. Future experiments will utilize various plant species to determine whether the effects of Pseudomonas psychrotolerans are universal or localized to Lactuca sativa var. capitata and Raphanus sativus. The innovative use of bacteria within this study has laid the groundwork for research to promote humanity's future.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/plnt019-hydroponic-butter-lettuce-and-bacterial-endophytes\", \"title\": \"PLNT019 - Hydroponic Butter Lettuce and Bacterial Endophytes\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713805825164_Leah_ISEF_8_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PLNT019 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PLNT040\", \"title\": \"The Effects of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Polymer on Bioactive Compounds of Juniperus procera (L). Plant\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"PLNT\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Almalki, Layan\"], \"school\": \"Alfaisaliah Islamic Schools\", \"abstract\": \"Juniperus (L.) is the second most prevalent genus of conifers worldwide. This study focuses on Juniperus procera (L.) because of its natural abundance of photochemical components that have potential antioxidant, insecticidal, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. Nevertheless, the abundance of bioactive chemicals in existing natural sources is limited. Therefore, the exploration of novel methods for inducing the generation of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants is an expanding field of research. This investigation suggests utilizing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a water-soluble synthetic polymer, to enhance the production of bioactive chemicals in Juniperus procera (L.). For the present study, explants of Juniperus procera were subjected to PVA in 0.0, 30.0, 50.0 mg/L. For each treatment, five explants, three jars per treatment, in total 45 explants, were cultured under laminar conditions for a month. Subsequently, the levels of bioactive compounds were evaluated using a UV spectrophotometer with ferruginol standard.  In addition, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to evaluate ferruginol compounds. Furthermore, (Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) was utilized to measure the antioxidant activity of plant extract. The findings of this investigation show beneficial outcomes regarding the effects of PVA treatment at a concentration of 50mg/L. These effects include a significant enhancement in phenol content by approximately 200%, a considerable elevation of ferruginol concentration by 115.7%, and a substantial increase of antioxidant activity in plant extracts by 128%. Thus, the results of this research hold great importance in multiple sectors such as medical, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food, economics, and environment.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/plnt040-the-effects-of-pva-on-juniperus-procera-l\", \"title\": \"PLNT040 - The Effects of PVA on Juniperus procera (L).\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713164481958_isef_2024_video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PLNT040 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PLNT041T\", \"title\": \"Evaluation of Cuscuta Interaction With Arabidopsis thaliana Expressing RUBY Reporter\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"PLNT\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Reczek, Kane\", \"Mizuba, Hannah\"], \"school\": \"Roanoke Valley Governor's School for Science and Technology\", \"abstract\": \"Cuscuta, known as dodder, is a parasitic plant which draws all necessary resources from its host through the formation of haustoria, root-like organ structures. Its hosts include Arabidopsis thaliana, a flowering dicotyledon. RUBY is a reporter DNA construct recently developed which codes for three enzymes in the metabolic pathway of betalain, a red pigment. The goal of this study was to evaluate the transfer of betalain from Arabidopsis modified with 35S:RUBY construct to dodder using spectrophotometric assays and sectioning of haustorial attachments. Of the planted RUBY-Arabidopsis, some expressed the construct, while others silenced it. After these hosts had flowered, C. campestris and C. gronovii were attached to the stems and leaves. Haustorial attachments were harvested and extracted in distilled water. After being spun in a centrifuge, the supernatant of each sample was read for absorbance at 535 nm. Sectioning was performed with a vibratome or by hand under a microscope. Two extractions were performed and analyzed. A Welch\u2019s ANOVA compared haustoria absorbance of both Cuscuta species on expressing and silenced hosts, and results (p=0.121) indicated there was no significant difference between the mean of any group. However, photographs of cross-sections taken under microscope showed patches of pigment in both Cuscuta species on expressing and silenced hosts. These results indicate that betalain is present in the parasite, but that it may have been mRNA crossing the haustorium and synthesizing the pigment, rather than betalain alone being transferred.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/plnt041t-cuscuta-arabidopsis-interaction-with-ruby-reporter\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"Cuscuta-Arabidopsis Interaction With RUBY Reporter\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"The goal of this study was to evaluate the transfer of betalain from Arabidopsis modified with 35S:RUBY construct to dodder using spectrophotometric assays and\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713321904738_IMG_8558_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PLNT041T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PLNT045\", \"title\": \"Utilizing Tobacco Mosaic Virus as a Viral Vector in the in Planta Production of Antimicrobial Peptides\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"PLNT\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Radi, Tamara\"], \"school\": \"Jeddah Knowledge International School\", \"abstract\": \"Despite major advancements in biological sciences and technologies, we have yet to tap into the full potential of plants. They have the ability to produce a variety of proteins, some of which can be life saving. One of these are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), considered next-generation antibiotics with their broad-spectrum activity against a plethora of pathogens. Also, bacteria have a much lower propensity to develop resistance to them. However, the clinical application of AMPs is impeded by the economic challenges associated with their large-scale production. This study investigated the utility of Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) to produce AMPs in the Nicotiana benthamiana plant to facilitate a simpler, quicker peptide production. Included was the genetic design of the previously reported AMP sequence called 1082 AMP in the TMV genome to facilitate its incorporation into the plant. Sanger sequencing was performed to confirm the successful cloning of the 1082 AMP gene into the TMV genome, followed by western blot analysis to detect the 1082 AMP expression in N. benthamiana plant confirming the TMV utilization to produce AMPs. Subsequently, the mean inhibitory concentration assessment and an NPN-dye permeability assay demonstrated a retained antimicrobial activity of the 1082 AMP on several pathogenic drug-resistant bacteria including K. pneumoniae, A. Junii, E.coli, and S. aureus. These results exhibited a successful production of the 1082 AMP in plants with a retained bioactivity, providing a promise for TMV uses to produce peptides for clinical use as an alternative as we move into the post antibiotic era.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/plnt045-producing-amps-in-plants-using-tmv-viral-vectors\", \"title\": \"PLNT045 - Producing AMPs in Plants Using TMV Viral Vectors\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713183538606_Tamara_Osman_Radi_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PLNT045 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PLNT047\", \"title\": \"The Efficacy of Rhodophyta as a Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer Through Okra and Arabidopsis Growth, Pigment Concentration and Macronutrient/Micronutrient Distribution Using Tender Energy Spectroscopy\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"PLNT\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Curran, Jessica\"], \"school\": \"Westhampton Beach High School\", \"abstract\": \"Invasive Rhodophyta (red macroalgae) species Dasysiphonia japonica & Gracilaria are threatening environmental and human health by outcompeting native seaweeds and releasing toxins from harmful algal blooms (HABs). This project takes advantage of Rhodophyta\u2019s bioavailable nutrient content to repurpose these otherwise devastating species into a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers. This study tests the efficacy of D. japonica and Gracilaria as Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer (SLF) as a foliar spray and soil drench respectively on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) growth and chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoid pigment concentration. SLF was diluted and tested at varying concentrations based on application, and compared to a chemical fertilizer. Additionally, arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) was grown in plant-based agar plates combined with concentrations of Gracilaria SLF and chemical fertilizer. Arabidopsis plants were analyzed with Tender Energy Spectroscopy on the National Synchrotron Light Source 2. Elemental distribution maps of P, K, Ca, S, Cl, etc. were constructed using energy spectrums of 2400 eV and 4200 eV, revealing SLFs\u2019 and chemical fertilizers efficiency in providing nutrients necessary for plant development, densely located at the plant's axil and leaves sustaining future growth. Overall, in each tested factor, SLF groups performed similarly to each other, more effectively than the control group, and as effective as the chemical fertilizer. T-tests and ANOVA tests were used to confirm statistical significance. These results support that SLF can be a viable substitute for chemical fertilizers and offer a multi-purpose solution that can mitigate eutrophication and future HABs while removing an invasive species to protect our coastal environment.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/plnt047-fertilizer-made-from-invasive-red-seaweed\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"PLNT047 - Fertilizer Made From Invasive Red Seaweed\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This study tests the efficacy of D. japonica and Gracilaria as Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer (SLF) as a foliar spray and soil drench respectively on okra (\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713306328713_My_Movie_3_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PLNT047 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO003\", \"title\": \"Trojan Microrobots for Digestive Tract Treatment\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Xu, Ziheng\"], \"school\": \"Pui Ching Middle School\", \"abstract\": \"Oral administration is a common drug delivery way in our daily lives. However, achieving precise target delivery and ensuring medication efficacy in the digestive system with complex pH environments is challenging. Motivated by the \\\"Trojan Horse\\\" story, we proposed a multilayer magnetic hydrogel oral \\\"Trojan Microrobot\\\" for on-demand release driven by a gradient magnetic field. The inner hydrogel shells enclosed designated drugs and magnetic microparticles. The outer hydrogel shells enclosed the inner hydrogel shells, magnetic microparticles, and pH neutralizers. Fabricated by the hanging drop method, the spheroid microrobots have a size of 1-3 mm, facilitating oral medicine delivery. Inspired by creatures rolling on the ground, the robots were driven to move via surface rolling, realized by a rotating gradient magnetic field produced by a five-axis motion platform carrying a rotating magnet. In-vitro and ex-vivo experiments were performed to demonstrate the rolling microrobots with well-controlled movement direction and destination and their disintegration layer by layer, which relied on the ratio of the fabrication materials. The biosafety test was conducted by co-culturing with zebrafish embryos, revealing the safety of the microrobots for living organisms. The microrobots can deform to pass through narrow channels via deformation and stay stable in acid and alkaline in-vitro environments. The robots can also be controlled to deliver and release containers in a bovine intestine ex-vivo. These results revealed the advantages of the Trojan microrobot in cargo delivery with almost no loss, remote controlled release, and less damaged drugs by pH environment. It is a promising approach to advance next-generation precision oral therapies in the digestive system in vivo.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo003-trojan-microrobots-for-digestive-tract-treatment\", \"title\": \"ROBO003 - Trojan Microrobots for Digestive Tract Treatment\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711884434094_3_31_3__thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ROBO003 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO013\", \"title\": \"GaitGuardian: Real-Time Freezing of Gait Prediction and Progression Analysis for Parkinson's Disease\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Bankapur, Viren\"], \"school\": \"Independence High School\", \"abstract\": \"Over 10 million people worldwide are diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder significantly impacting daily life. Freezing of Gait (FoG), affecting around 80% of advanced PD patients, is a severely disabling symptom where individuals are temporarily unable to move, leading to an increased risk of balance loss and falling. In response to these challenges, especially in underdeveloped areas with minimal access to proper treatment, GaitGuardian, composed of FoG prediction, fall detection, and PD progression analysis, was deployed onto a Raspberry Pi, offering an accessible and low-cost solution for improved quality of life. First, for the FoG prediction component, a machine learning ensemble model, reaching 99.87% accuracy, was trained on angular features extracted from the Daphnet dataset consisting of real-time sensor data from 10 PD patients, to detect FoG periods 2 seconds before their occurrence and play an auditory cue to reduce the severity of FoG periods. Next, for fall detection, an XGBoost model, reaching 99.76% accuracy, was trained on features from the SisFall dataset containing sensor data from young and elderly individuals, and was paired with an emergency contact feature. Finally, for PD progression, two Random Forest Regressors, with R-squared values of 97.7% and 97.4%, were trained on vocal features from the Oxford Parkinson's Disease Telemonitoring Dataset to predict separately total and motor Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores as PD progresses. Overall, GaitGuardian can predict FoG, detect falls, and analyze the progression of PD while outperforming state-of-the-art models, demonstrating its beneficial impact on PD patients.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo013-freezing-of-gait-prediction-and-progression-analysis\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"Freezing of Gait Prediction & Progression Analysis\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"GaitGuardian can predict FoG, detect falls, and analyze the progression of PD while outperforming state-of-the-art models, demonstrating its beneficial impact\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711952618842_isef_video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ROBO013 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO028\", \"title\": \"Syncardia: AI at the Heart of Early Cardiovascular Disease Detection\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Thomas, Ethan\"], \"school\": \"Ransom Everglades School\", \"abstract\": \"In the contemporary landscape of medical technology, the integration of machine learning (ML) with wearable electrocardiograms (ECGs) presents a groundbreaking approach to cardiovascular disease detection. This study expands the abilities of ML algorithms in interpreting ECG data from wearable devices for early and accurate identification of cardiovascular anomalies. Traditional methods of cardiovascular monitoring often require invasive procedures or stationary equipment, limiting their accessibility and viability for early diagnosis. In contrast, wearable ECGs offer continuous, non-invasive monitoring. The application of ML models such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) enables clinically viable interpretation of these datasets without a clinician, overcoming the severe scaleability limitations that currently plague the wearable ECG market. By targeting the early detection of cardiovascular irregularities, potentially reducing the incidence of late-diagnosis related complications. Moreover, the predictive capabilities of ML models facilitate proactive healthcare interventions, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. Our analysis further discusses the potential of these models in personalizing patient care, considering individual health profiles and historical data for tailored treatment strategies. The amalgamation of wearable ECG technology with advanced ML models thus marks a significant stride towards innovative, efficient, and patient-centric approaches in cardiovascular healthcare.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo028-syncardia\", \"title\": \"ROBO028 - Syncardia\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712540918961_Syncardia6_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ROBO028 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO032\", \"title\": \"Tremor-Adaptive Assistive Dining Solution: A Robotic Arm Integrating Computer Vision and Active Stabilization for Enhanced Autonomy\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Shao, Tianhao\"], \"school\": \"Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School\", \"abstract\": \"In the context of an increasingly technological society and a demographic trend towards an aging population, the challenge of aiding individuals with compromised hand functionality in conducting activities of daily living\u2014such as self-feeding\u2014has emerged as a critical societal concern. This study introduces a novel automatic feeding system, leveraging a 6-axis robotic arm that incorporates servo control, computer vision, deep learning, and filtering technologies. These components synergize to facilitate precise feature detection and efficient feeding under highly unstable conditions. The system features a versatile mechanical framework and an anti-shaking mechanism, employing inverse kinematics and gradient descent algorithms to achieve stable and accurate operation of the robotic arm. To counteract environmental vibrations, the system includes a dual-servo anti-tremor assembly, which has demonstrated a significant reduction in food spillage by 74%. The control mechanism integrates sophisticated algorithms, including Kalman filtering for the fusion of sensor data and predictive control, thereby improving the robotic arm's responsiveness and adaptability. For precise localization of facial features, the system utilizes 3D Time-of-Flight (TOF) cameras in conjunction with OpenCV and Dlib frameworks, applying neural network models to identify essential facial coordinates accurately. Furthermore, the integration of YOLO (You Only Look Once) algorithms for gesture recognition enhances the system's autonomy and interactive capabilities with users. This research has successfully developed an automated robotic feeding system through real-time data processing to assist individuals with neurological impairments in self-feeding, while adapting to their dynamic needs.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo032-ai-enhanced-tremor-adaptive-assistive-robotic-arm\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"AI-Enhanced Tremor-Adaptive Assistive Robotic Arm\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This study introduces a novel automatic feeding system, leveraging a 6-axis robotic arm that incorporates servo control, computer vision, deep learning, and\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712511885262_ISEF_Video_2_min_V_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ROBO032 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO035\", \"title\": \"The Virtual Cardiologist: Three Deep Learning Pipelines in an Inexpensive Portable Device and Web/Mobile Application for Rapid Cardiovascular Diagnosis and Clinical Decision-Making\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Mehrotra-Varma, Shiv\"], \"school\": \"Clovis North High School\", \"abstract\": \"Background: Heart disease is the foremost cause of death worldwide, and specialty care such as cardiologists and expensive Doppler echocardiograms are scarce in rural areas. There is significant variability among physicians in interpreting heart sounds and 2D echocardiograms from more basic, widely available tools like stethoscopes and point-of-care ultrasound devices (POCUS), leading to treatment delays. Methods: 26 Deep-learning models were tested to optimally [a] stratify severity of aortic stenosis from POCUS 2D echocardiogram images [b] estimate cardiac ejection fraction (heart failure) from POCUS 2D echocardiogram videos and [c] identify pathologic heart murmurs using digital stethoscope recordings. The top performing model for each was integrated into a portable, inexpensive Raspberry-Pi device (Virtual Cardiologist), mobile application, and website. Each model was tested on two independent datasets to ensure accuracy. The heart murmur algorithm was also tested on 323 patients by recording their heart sounds via a custom and digital stethoscope in an outpatient setting for clinical validation. Results: The three top-performing models outperformed cardiologists and previous AI methods. The aortic stenosis model (AUC=0.89) utilized EfficientNet, a CNN with compound scaling built on a pre-trained computational backbone. The ejection fraction model (EchoSwin) incorporated Microsoft Swin transformers modified for video input (MAE=5.6). The heart murmur model employed an LSTM Autoencoder algorithm (AUC=0.92). Conclusion: The Virtual Cardiologist can serve as an accurate tool for patient assessment and triage for referral to tertiary care in remote areas with limited specialty care. This is the first tool of its kind for detection of multiple cardiovascular morbidities.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo035-virtual-cardiologist-for-rapid-cardiac-diagnosis\", \"title\": \"ROBO035 - Virtual Cardiologist for Rapid Cardiac Diagnosis\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712816796026_Virtual_Cardiologist_For_Rapid_Cardiac_Diagnosis_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ROBO035 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO036T\", \"title\": \"SCOMAE: Diagnosing Tuberculosis From Cough Acoustics Using Supervised COntrastive Masked AutoEncoders\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Xu, Michael\", \"Nabulsi, Faisal\"], \"school\": \"The Taft School\", \"abstract\": \"Tuberculosis (TB), a leading cause of infectious disease death worldwide, disproportionately affects lower-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). When diagnosed early, TB is very curable, but when left undiagnosed for long periods of time, it can be deadly to the patient and spread throughout the community. Especially in LMICs, current diagnostic methods are slow, resource-intensive, and inaccessible, resulting in the prolific spread of TB within the host and within communities. In order to eradicate TB and ameliorate health disparities, more accessible and scalable diagnostic methods must be introduced. Cough, the most common symptom of TB, exhibits unique acoustic characteristics that vary across different respiratory diseases, suggesting potential for diagnosis based on cough sounds. Previous attempts to develop a machine learning-based algorithm to detect TB from cough audio have largely been unsuccessful due to limited availability of labeled data. In this work, we design and implement a novel self-supervised learning architecture optimized for TB detection from cough sounds, combining Masked Autoencoders and Supervised Contrastive Learning. We pretrain our network on a vast corpus of audio data and then fine-tune it on a dataset of labeled cough recordings from TB patients. Evaluated on a public benchmark, our model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.843 on the task of TB detection from cough sounds, outperforming all published techniques to the best of our knowledge. This breakthrough not only sets a new standard for cough-based TB diagnosis, but also marks a significant stride towards the global eradication of TB.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo036t-diagnosing-tuberculosis-from-cough-acoustics\", \"title\": \"ROBO036T - Diagnosing Tuberculosis From Cough Acoustics\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/FgGtLS_S4oU\", \"title\": \"ROBO036T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO047\", \"title\": \"Extraterrestrial Exploration Hexapod With Tactile AI-Based Gait Adjustment\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Wei, Haodong\"], \"school\": \"Cranbrook Kingswood School\", \"abstract\": \"Extraterrestrial exploration has predominantly employed rover robots due to their proven reliability. Recent research, however, suggests that legged robots, with their superior mobility and agility enabled by adaptive locomotion systems, may offer a more effective solution for navigating extraterrestrial terrains. This study focused on developing a hexapod robot equipped with a tactile AI-based terrain recognition system capable of adjusting its gait accordingly. The development process began with the mechanical design and 3D printing of the robot's components, followed by the integration of a servo motor-powered system. Subsequent programming efforts yielded a variety of gaits tailored to specific environmental challenges and a hybrid gait for enhanced data collection through both tangential (friction) and normal (hardness) force measurements facilitated by a pressure sensor, taking advantage of a tactile AI\u2019s superiority in extracting physical force features. A multilayer neural network was then designed to classify the collected tactile data, enabling the robot to predict the type of terrain it encountered and adjust its gait dynamically. Experimental validation was conducted across continuous test fields featuring PVC, cardboard, and sand surfaces, which differ in friction and hardness. The robot demonstrated an 80% success rate in terrain recognition and navigation across 20 trials even with a relatively small dataset, showcasing its potential as a versatile tool for future extraterrestrial missions.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo047-hexapod-with-tactile-ai-based-auto-gait-adjustment\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.56\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"ROBO047 - Hexapod With Tactile AI-Based Auto Gait Adjustment\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.56, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This study focused on developing a hexapod robot equipped with a tactile AI-based terrain recognition system capable of adjusting its gait accordingly. The\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/RDNoTWzdY4w\", \"title\": \"ROBO047 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO065\", \"title\": \"Optimal Sparsification and Low-Rank Decomposition of Deep Reinforcement Learning Policies for Surgical Robot Task Automation\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Goddla, Vikram\"], \"school\": \"Detroit Country Day School\", \"abstract\": \"Deep reinforcement learning(DRL) has shown significant promise in a wide range of applications including computer games and robotics. Yet, DRL policies require very long training times resulting in dense policies with excessive number of network connections. These dense DRL policies are prone to overfitting and consume massive computing resources limiting their performance in real-world applications such as robotic surgery. Pruning, and singular-value-decomposition have been proposed to achieve model sparsification and compression to limit overfitting and reduce memory consumption. However, they resulted in sub-optimal performance with significant decay in rewards. L1 and L2 regularization have been proposed for sparsification in autoencoders, but they do not induce optimal sparsity due to their bias toward larger weights and their implementation in DRL is not apparent.\\nI developed a novel L0-regularization framework using an optimal sparsity map to sparsify DRL policies and promote their decomposition to a lower rank without decay in rewards. I evaluated my L0-regularization framework across five environments (Cartpole, Acrobat, LunarLander, SuperMarioBros and Surgical Robot Learning) using several on-policy and off-policy algorithms. I demonstrated that the L0-regularized DRL policy in the SuperMarioBros environment achieved 93% sparsity and gained 70% compression while outperforming the dense policy by 200 points. Additionally, the L0-regularized DRL policy in the Surgical Robot Learning environment, achieved a 36% sparsification and gained 46% compression, while significantly outperforming dense policies, providing solid evidence that L0-regularized sparse DRL policies are very effective in limiting overfitting and reducing computational resource requirements.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo065-optimally-sparse-deep-reinforcement-learning\", \"title\": \"ROBO065 - Optimally Sparse Deep Reinforcement Learning\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/AKPxyra692w\", \"title\": \"ROBO065 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO078\", \"title\": \"Zenith Soar X-4: Autonomous Drone for Autonomous Drone for Disaster Relief and Detection\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Williams, Daniel\"], \"school\": \"East Coweta High School\", \"abstract\": \"Background: Escalating natural disasters demand rapid, efficient, and safe response solutions. This project introduces a cost-effective autonomous drone system designed for disaster relief and emergency response.\\nObjective: To develop a drone that enhances response times, increases safety for rescue teams, and provides real-time crisis data.\\nMethods: The Zenith Soar features cameras, sensors, dual GPS, and magnetic positioning systems, connecting with up to 40 satellites for precise navigation. Its advanced algorithms support reliable detection and mapping, while a 24,000 mAh battery allows for extended flights. The drone body, designed for cost-efficiency and ease of replacement, is 3D-printable in under 10 hours with components mounted on a removable tray for quick transfer. Key capabilities include live video streaming, thermal imaging, automated target detection, 3D mapping, and autonomous operation. After three redesigns, the drone was optimized for durability and lightweight construction using high-temperature ABS. It was initially trained to detect and map human presence but can be adapted for various targets and tasks.\\nResults: Testing showed the drone can accurately map locations and autonomously detect individuals from 150 feet, with a flight duration over an hour and a range of nearly 500 meters. Its design and autonomous nature enable effective operation across diverse environments.\\nThis drone system promises significant advancements in disaster response efficiency and safety, leveraging cutting-edge technology to meet critical challenges.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo078-zenith-soar-x-4\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"ROBO078 - Zenith Soar X-4 | Regeneron ISEF 2026\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This project introduces a cost-effective autonomous drone system designed for disaster relief and emergency response.\\\\n\\\\nObjective:\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714260132339_Zenith_Soar_X_4_ISEF_2024_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ROBO078 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"SOFT006\", \"title\": \"FlashGuard: Developing Epileptic Activity and Trigger Content Detection Software Using a Computer-Based Application for Real Time Monitoring and Seizure Reporting\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Systems Software\", \"category_code\": \"SOFT\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Pendyala, Ishan\"], \"school\": \"Friendswood High School\", \"abstract\": \"In the virtual realm, individuals with photosensitive epilepsy encounter challenges using electronic devices exposed to visual stimuli. These stimuli, characterized by rapidly flashing elements in high contrast, can trigger seizures, rendering the Internet and computer applications unpredictable and hazardous for affected individuals. To address this issue and enhance accessibility, a novel approach was devised to assess the average rate of frame changes on a user's screen. This innovative method involves converting frames to the CIELAB color space, replicating human perceptual qualities, and calculating the average grayscale of the resulting differential frame. The weighted average of the last 30 differentials is then fed into a logistic regression model embedded in FlashGuard, the compiled application. Unlike browser extensions, FlashGuard is compatible with all computer applications and provides real-time analysis, surpassing current models that rely on recorded data. During testing, FlashGuard demonstrated an 80% accuracy and a 76% precision in identifying True Positives for seizure-inducing videos. Anticipated to be more effective in real-world scenarios with more variation in virtual environments, FlashGuard serves as a proactive solution, preempting seizure-inducing stimuli and thereby increasing device accessibility for photosensitive individuals. This application acts as a safety barrier, allowing users to engage with devices while mitigating the risks associated with potentially harmful stimuli.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/soft006-photosensitive-epilepsy-trigger-detection-software\", \"title\": \"SOFT006 - Photosensitive Epilepsy Trigger Detection Software\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711974534691_SOFT006_Project_Board_2024_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"SOFT006 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"SOFT013\", \"title\": \"Remote Detection and Severity Classification of Parkinson's Disease Using Markerless Videos in Uncontrolled Settings\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Systems Software\", \"category_code\": \"SOFT\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Dhoot, Arav\"], \"school\": \"Neerja Modi School\", \"abstract\": \"Parkinson's Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Yet, it lacks a cure. Timely detection and treatment can significantly slow the progression of symptoms, yet access to neurologists is a challenge, particularly in rural and remote regions. Therefore, this study aims to develop a system for the detection and classification of PD using in-the-wild videos for early-stage diagnostic evaluation. For this research, a novel dataset consisting of videos from open-source domains with varying PD intensities and gait abnormalities was constructed. Using a human pose estimation (HPE) model, HPE images were generated from the videos. Scaled and centered HPE images were used to extract joint coordinates to train a 10-tree Random Forest Classifier (RFC), and generate spatiotemporal images\u2014images produced by the superposition of the average of 17 HPE images. 7 modified classification models (ViT-Tiny, ViT-Small, ViT-Base, ResNet-18, ResNet-34, 5-layer ConvNet, and 6-layer ConvNet; each incorporating the previously trained RFC as an additional layer) were trained on 19218 spatiotemporal images. Using shallower models required less computational resources for training and inference compared to state-of-the-art models. Training on spatiotemporal images communicated greater computational information to the models, while incorporating the RFC provided greater global context during the classification. Upon testing on 2402 images, the models surpassed state-of-the-art performance, with ResNet-18 and ResNet-34 both achieving 99.88% accuracy. The models were tested in a clinical trial (n=27). All models displayed an accuracy close (within 5%) to the performance observed on the testing dataset, with ViT-Base and ResNet-34 achieving an accuracy of 96.30%.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/soft013-remote-parkinson-diagnosis-using-markerless-videos\", \"title\": \"SOFT013 - Remote Parkinson Diagnosis Using Markerless Videos\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712846540674_ISEF_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"SOFT013 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"SOFT015\", \"title\": \"SignalGrab: A Machine Learning Approach to Helping Color Blind Drivers\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Systems Software\", \"category_code\": \"SOFT\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Mandic, Bora\"], \"school\": \"Saint Paul Academy and Summit School\", \"abstract\": \"There are nearly fourteen million individuals with color blindness in the United States. Many individuals with color blindness struggle with differentiating between red and green traffic signals, particularly at night when other visual cues are unavailable. This can lead to traffic hazards for both them and those around them. SignalGrab is a novel approach to solving this problem through a machine-learning-powered mobile app that drivers can use to easily recognize traffic signals. A specialized dataset was created, containing nearly six thousand labeled images of traffic signals at night in diverse conditions. This dataset was used to train a custom machine-learning algorithm that was embedded in an Android app, built using Android Studio. The app has a minimalistic user interface and provides audible information about the type of approaching traffic lights to minimize driver distractions. SignalGrab reliably solves the issue of traffic light recognition for color-blind drivers. In real-life testing, SignalGrab correctly recognizes traffic signals with an accuracy of 97.1 percent.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://signalgrab.com\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 55, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"full_name\", \"isef_mention\"], \"title\": \"SignalGrab \u2014 Audible Traffic Signal Alerts for Colorblind Drivers\", \"source_domain\": \"signalgrab.com\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"full_name, isef_mention\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Our App ## Coming soon\u2026 SignalGrab is a machine-learning-powered mobile app that audibly alerts you of the traffic signals ahead. Mount your phone on your dashboard, and SignalGrab uses real-time AI image recognition to identify traffic signals \u2014 day or night, in any weather, in any vehicle \u2014 and tells you what's ahead before you need to look for it. Driver's view of SignalGrab detecting a green light ahead Driver's view of SignalGrab detecting a red light ahead \ud83d\udcf1 [...] \ud83d\udcf1 ### Simple dashboard mo\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/soft015-signalgrab-an-ai-app-for-color-blind-drivers\", \"title\": \"SOFT015 - SignalGrab: An AI App for Color Blind Drivers\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711859809543_SignalGrab_ISEF_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"SOFT015 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711860044944_signalgrab_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"SOFT015 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"SOFT023\", \"title\": \"EmSafe: Further Improving the Emergency Call Service and the Development of Digital Emergency Management Infrastructure for Industrial, Event, and Public Use\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Systems Software\", \"category_code\": \"SOFT\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Kumar, Rahul\"], \"school\": \"Brisbane Grammar School\", \"abstract\": \"Despite the improvements made to the Emergency Call Service by the original EmSafe Project, numerous issues have been found that impact the safety and security of people around the world. Emergency Management systems for public spaces and events are severely lacking and do not provide information in an easily understandable or accessible way. Further, GPS based systems have proven inaccurate when used indoors, impacting the ability for event and public space emergency response teams, as well as state-run Emergency Services to provide support when they cannot find the people they have been tasked with helping. Further, fly-in fly out workers in various fields have had difficulty accessing location specific emergency management information, which is often only shared in an inaccessible email or during onboarding training. This lacklustre approach to sharing this crucial information results in several preventable mining deaths each year in Australia alone. To resolve these issues, the EmSafe project was updated and two new pieces of software were developed. EmSafe Beacons were developed to allow for highly accurate, scenario specific responses to emergencies that occur in public spaces. This software can work on all devices and uses physical stickers to determine the location of a user inside a building. EmSafe for Industry was developed to support fly-in fly-out workers and provide them with location-specific emergency management information. This software can run with or without GPS support, ensuring workers anywhere in the world can access jobsite specific information. This research and development can enhance emergency response tactics for public spaces, events, job sites, and Emergency Service systems worldwide.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/soft023-new-developments-for-emergency-management-systems\", \"title\": \"SOFT023 - New Developments for Emergency Management Systems\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/kbsGMp8h8P4\", \"title\": \"SOFT023 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"SOFT033\", \"title\": \"Improving the Ransomware Detection/Mitigation Proof-of-Concept With Machine Learning\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Systems Software\", \"category_code\": \"SOFT\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Song, Eric\"], \"school\": \"Yorktown High School\", \"abstract\": \"Ransomware attacks render data unusable and demand a ransom in order to restore data integrity. These attacks cost billions of dollars every year at the individual, industrial, and national security levels. As ransomware poses a big threat to computer systems today, research in the field is active. However, there is greater emphasis with regard to prevention, rather than incident response. Preventative systems, while effective, can be bypassed by attackers, given enough time. Incident response aims to address this issue by mitigating attacks as they happen. Key extraction can be used for incident response when dealing with ransomware. By intercepting the ransomware's encryption key, restoring data can be done without payment of ransom. Random forest models were constructed to test the feasibility of using machine learning in combination with this technology, due to the time-sensitive nature of key extraction. To do so, a large dataset comprised of 30,000 samples was developed by testing binaries and outputting behavioral data. Afterwards, 100 random forest models were built with different random states to test the efficacy of random forests. The models demonstrate that machine learning can be incorporated into the system with a better detection rate than the previous proof-of-concept (99.3% versus 66.7%). Additionally, the efficiency of the random forest is viable for use with key extraction. In the future, this integration can be further developed to become more optimized and have better capability in defeating  advanced ransomware. Additionally, different models can be used to analyze their advantages over the random forest in ransomware detection.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/soft033-using-machine-learning-for-ransomware-detection\", \"title\": \"SOFT033 - Using Machine Learning for Ransomware Detection\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713140551515_2024_04_14_20_20_03_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"SOFT033 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"SOFT051\", \"title\": \"LISES: Legislative Information Simplification and Enhancement System for Mitigating Information Asymmetry in Governmental Policies\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Systems Software\", \"category_code\": \"SOFT\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Vemula, Maruthi\"], \"school\": \"North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics\", \"abstract\": \"The goal of this study was to create an enhanced yet accessible system to generate simplified summaries of governmental policies, thus enhancing public understanding and mitigating information asymmetry through cognitive psychology. L.I.S.E.S. (Legislative Information Simplification and Enhancement System), a novel pipeline integrating GPT-4, a Large Language Model (LLM), achieves this goal. The system leverages the Gunning Fog Index (GFI) and Flesch-Kincaid Score (FKS) for readability assessment, with results indicating a 121.5% FKS increase from full bills and a 52.3% enhancement over provided summaries. GFI metrics reveal a 61.8% and 44.5% decrease from full and provided texts, respectively. Consistently high ROUGE-L scores across six Legislative Congresses reflect robust information retention. To augment summaries below the 0.5 ROUGE-L benchmark, L.I.S.E.S. employs a feedback loop utilizing a Genetic Algorithm, refined by a novel fitness function integrating FKS, GFI, and ROUGE-L, yielding a 29.89% average improvement in ROUGE-L scores. Additionally, to evaluate the cognitive load of the created summaries, a specialized Psycholinguistic Cognitive Load Neural Network (PCL-NN) model was developed.  This model exhibits superior performance in calculating the cognitive load of AI-generated summaries, with a correlation coefficient of 0.93, which outclasses standard LSTM and CNN models. The PCL-NN validates the quality of the summaries and their cognitive accessibility by demonstrating a 15.7% improvement in accuracy and a 21.5% error reduction relative to other models. L.I.S.E.S. not only streamlines the conveyance of legislative information but also embodies the transformative potential of AI in fostering informed civic engagement.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/soft051-framework-for-legislative-document-summarization\", \"title\": \"SOFT051 - Framework for Legislative Document Summarization\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714017501647_ISEF_Video_2024_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"SOFT051 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TECA014\", \"title\": \"Tactron: A Low-Cost Refreshable Tactile Graphics Display\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Technology Enhances the Arts\", \"category_code\": \"TECA\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Yao, Matthew\"], \"school\": \"Walla Walla High School\", \"abstract\": \"One of the greatest challenges for blind and visually impaired individuals (BVIs) is in learning STEM subjects. Many key concepts, like graphs and molecules, are hard to comprehend without tactile feedback, and learning is currently severely restricted by limiting tactile graphic books. Similarly, representative tactile exhibits in art museums would greatly benefit the enjoyment of art for BVIs. However, most museums can unfortunately only afford to accommodate blind patrons through semantic descriptions. Refreshable tactile graphics displays, which dynamically create custom tactile graphics, are an emerging solution. However, these displays are expensive, with the cheapest being Orbit Research\u2019s Graphiti, which costs $25k. Tactron was designed and built in this project as a low-cost alternative. The primary innovation of Tactron is using a single-actuator mechanism, driven by a coreXY-style plotter, to push up individual pins. The material cost of Tactron is just $117, a 99.5% reduction over the Graphiti. Tactron is also easy to assemble and modify\u2014all components are 3D printed, laser cut, or standard parts. Tactron uses U2net\u2019s salient object detection to isolate image subjects, which OpenCV then processes to create edge outlines. Then, a custom compiler translates the outlines into GCode movement instructions, which are then sent to and plotted by the Arduino Uno R3 that controls Tactron. The first prototype had a 96% success rate from image to displayed pins. It will be further improved through more streamlined software for independent learning, a higher resolution mechanical design using molded pins, and a faster and more developed plotter. Tactron\u2019s low cost and ease of use will make STEM and art appreciation much more accessible for millions of BVIs worldwide.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/teca014-tactron-a-low-cost-tactile-graphics-display\", \"title\": \"TECA014 - Tactron: A Low-Cost Tactile Graphics Display\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/z0ghi3vdhvQ\", \"title\": \"TECA014 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TECA021\", \"title\": \"TALK: An American Sign Language Computer Program\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Technology Enhances the Arts\", \"category_code\": \"TECA\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Secillano III, Miguel\"], \"school\": \"Vanguard High School\", \"abstract\": \"Around 1-1.5 million people became deaf in the United States later in life. How can they be taught American Sign Language (ASL)? To provide a solution to this problem, the researcher created a computer application written in Python that can detect different handshapes, allowing anyone to learn ASL at their own pace.\\nFirstly, the researcher created two programs: One that uses the researcher's dataset to create a trained model and one that uses that trained model to recognize hand shapes and create new datasets. Using the latter program, the researcher created their own dataset, allowing them to create a model for the main program to use. The researcher then tested each sign individually and analyzed the program's ability to recognize each hand shape.\\nMost of the signs that got tested were able to be detected. However, the signs R and U get mixed up frequently, which makes sense; from the computer's perspective, R and U are only slightly different. Other than that, most of the signs work very well.\\nIn conclusion, the researcher concluded with a program that could accurately read 93-95% of common signs in ASL. Combining sign and hand detection needs to be more seamless, but in the future, the researcher plans to improve and refine their program to help counteract this.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/teca021-talk-an-american-sign-language-computer-program\", \"title\": \"TECA021 - TALK: An American Sign Language Computer Program\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712027759245_Timeline_1_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"TECA021 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TMED021\", \"title\": \"A Novel Therapeutic Approach for Peripheral Neural Sheath Tumors\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\", \"category_code\": \"TMED\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Shah, Sahil\"], \"school\": \"The Waterford School\", \"abstract\": \"Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant cancer predisposition syndrome that affects 1 in 3,000 individuals indiscriminately. It is primarily characterized by the growth of peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNST) all over the body. A common PNST manifestation of NF1 is a plexiform neurofibroma (PN), and ~15% of PNs progress to malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). To date, there are no effective therapies for MPNSTs, as tumor location complicates surgical resection, radiation therapy is last-line due to secondary malignancies, and there is no FDA-approved drug for MPNSTs. These challenges result in a dismal five-year survival rate of ~16%. Novel treatments to solve these issues are needed. Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP), a technology initially developed for space propulsion, has recently been investigated as a novel cancer therapy. It generates reactive oxygen and nitrogen-generating species, increasing oxidative stress within cancer cells leading to cell death. CAP has also demonstrated selectivity towards malignant cells. However, CAP has yet to be tested in any NF1-related context. Herein, the effect of CAP on NF1-related MPNSTs was investigated. NF1-mutated cell lines were found to be significantly more sensitive to CAP exposure in vitro compared to wild-type cell lines and demonstrated cell death in a dose-dependent manner. CAP also demonstrated in vivo efficacy for MPNST xenografted tumors, slowing tumor growth. This is the first application of CAP for NF1-related PNSTs and provides a preclinical basis for translating the novel therapeutic modality for the treatment of MPNSTs and other NF1-related tumors.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/tmed021-novel-treatment-for-neural-sheath-tumors\", \"title\": \"TMED021 - Novel Treatment for Neural Sheath Tumors\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711909209055_IMG_1528_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"TMED021 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TMED023T\", \"title\": \"A Field Study on Arsenic in South Texas Drinking Water: Assessing Risk and Identifying Solutions\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\", \"category_code\": \"TMED\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Garcia, Alan\", \"Pineda, Zeviel\"], \"school\": \"Veterans Memorial Early College High School\", \"abstract\": \"Arsenic is toxic. The primary goal of this research is to scientifically detect and quantify arsenic levels in drinking water due to local residents\u2019 concerns and assess the potential health implications and identify solutions. Water was collected from nineteen locations along Military Highway in Cameron County, and each sample was analyzed with a field testing kit under three trials and verified with mass spectrometer testing at Texas A&M University. The hypothesis that arsenic will be present at high levels\u2014but under the state and federal limit of 10 parts per billion (ppb)\u2014and will be related to geographic location, was partially true. The arsenic concentration was not always below EPA/state limits; results showed arsenic above 10 ppb in five locations, with the highest reading recorded at 10.6 ppb (mass spectrometer) from two locations. Overall, the samples were at higher levels, with an average of 7.06 ppb, which is notable because some states have a 5 ppb limit. Along with arsenic, other heavy metals were found above the EPA standard, such as Zinc and Iron. The locations that possessed the highest concentrations of arsenic were geographically clustered together. Other relatively high readings (8.8 ppb, 8.9 ppb, 9.4 ppb, 9.5 ppb) were also found in geographic clusters. Because there is no amount of arsenic a person may be safely exposed to, all sites with arsenic present a critical hazard to the general public. Recommendations from other states should be considered to educate residents and address this issue.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/tmed023t-arsenic-in-south-texas-drinking-water\", \"title\": \"TMED023T - Arsenic in South Texas Drinking Water\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RN7H_WnnZd8\", \"title\": \"TMED023T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TMED032\", \"title\": \"A Novel Genomic Variant Algorithm for Identifying the Pathological Mechanism of Rare Genetic Diseases in Order to Target Personalized Therapies\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\", \"category_code\": \"TMED\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Crawford, Mia\"], \"school\": \"University School of Milwaukee\", \"abstract\": \"I propose a method that enables the development of treatments for the 350 million people worldwide suffering from 7,000 rare genetic diseases. Genomic therapies for rare genetic diseases are possible if the underlying genetic variations are known due to the invention of gene editing technology such as CRISPR. However, these therapies are prohibitively expensive and are typically only employed and justified in cases of diseases with large cohorts, such as sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis. Ongoing research is being done to reduce these expenses in the hope that they will become economically viable in the near future. In order to enable personalized patient care, it is essential to identify genetic variants of clinical significance. Without the identification, targeted therapies may not be developed. In the case of many rare genetic diseases, very few people have the disease, leading to small cohorts. It is presently difficult and expensive to identify the underlying genetic variants of clinical significance because whole genome sequencing analysis requires large cohorts on the order of 100 people. I developed a novel genomic variant algorithm to identify the variants of clinical significance for cohorts as small as two by augmenting whole genomic sequencing with clinical presentation of the disease, mode of inheritance, generational data, and organ-specific gene expression. I demonstrate the method to two members of a family suffering from Children\u2019s Interstitial Lung Disease (ChILD), a rare genetic disorder affecting 1 in 100,000 individuals in the United States. Using this method, I identified a variant of clinical significance for ChILD in the CLEC4M gene. The method is extensible to all rare genetic diseases.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/tmed032-genetic-variant-algorithm-for-rare-diseases\", \"title\": \"TMED032 - Genetic Variant Algorithm for Rare Diseases\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712632808507_Movie_on_4_8_24_at_9.38_PM_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"TMED032 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TMED037\", \"title\": \"Advancing Wound Infection Assessment by Utilizing pH-Sensitive Curcuma Longa, Phase II\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\", \"category_code\": \"TMED\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Mukadam, Ishita\"], \"school\": \"Maharishi School\", \"abstract\": \"Wound care is an essential part of patient healthcare. However, infections worldwide are increasing at a record rate due to disease, microbes, and antibiotic resistance. Unfortunately, preventing such infections is challenging due to the lack of early warning assessment for wound health. To bridge this critical gap, a novel early-warning wound infection detecting system was developed that uses the natural pH-indicating properties of turmeric to indicate wound infection before it spreads to other parts of the body. Turmeric\u2014a bioactive antibacterial compound\u2014was used to change color in the bandage in response to varying pH environments. The color difference was measured using Red-Green-Blue Color Analysis. Infected wounds typically exhibit an alkaline pH of 9-10, distinct from the pH range of 6-8 in uninfected wounds. A rigorous litmus test involving 10 chemical substances and 9 pH levels was conducted, of which an alkaline compound emerged as the most suitable for simulating infected wounds, and an acidic compound was used to mirror the body's wound-healing response. Subsequently, three bandage materials were tested. Of specific interest was the finding of the RGB color analysis of materials, which revealed organic 100% cotton cloth as statistically significant over commercially used Band-Aid, exhibiting high observed absorbency and recorded color changes at pH 9 of 100% of the samples. This cost-effective and eco-friendly use of turmeric is the first-ever approach that provides healthcare professionals with a non-invasive assessment of their patient wounds that identifies infections before spreading while avoiding antibiotic usage. This bandage holds promise for reducing infection rates and drug resistance when combined with sanitation practices.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf/25315\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 20, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.56\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"Advancing Wound Infection Assessment by Utilizing pH\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.56, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Infected wounds typically exhibit an alkaline pH of 9-10, distinct from the pH range of 6-8 in uninfected wounds. A rigorous litmus test involving 10 chemical.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/tmed037-early-wound-infection-assessment-using-turmeric\", \"title\": \"TMED037 - Early Wound Infection Assessment Using Turmeric\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713281346672_ISEF_TurmBand_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"TMED037 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TMED045T\", \"title\": \"Lifestyle Synchronization of Medullary Sponge Kidney Patients\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\", \"category_code\": \"TMED\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"AlDakrany, Adham\", \"Seddik, Mohamed\"], \"school\": \"Kafr EL-Sheikh STEM School\", \"abstract\": \"Despite its incurable nature, MSK Life Sync offers AI-driven support to manage Medullary Sponge Kidney (MSK) disease to enhance life quality for sufferers, including children. As highlighted by a healthcare survey in Egypt, there is a vital demand for accessible health monitoring technologies among lower and middle-income groups. This project seeks to provide these communities with the tools and knowledge for effective health management and disease prevention. A mobile application was developed for patients and doctors, featuring scanning, tracking, and chatting capabilities. Patients manage their health through the app, while doctors access patient data to monitor their progress. An AI model has been enhanced for accurately classifying kidney radiologic images, using real-case datasets from Radiopaedia. Additionally, a device with a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) sensor for measuring urine salinity and a temperature sensor for system isolation has been integrated and connected to Google Firebase for real-time database updates. Furthermore, a chatbot within the app provides immediate responses to inquiries about kidney diseases. The system underwent thorough experimentations, demonstrating a high validation accuracy exceeding 90% with the generation of lifestyle instructions, ensuring a system response within 5\u20137 seconds. This study presented a system for MSK management with a device embedded in TDS and temperature sensors for condition monitoring, coupled with Firebase for cloud storage and an AI model for kidney imaging classification within a mobile application with high diagnostic accuracy and quick responses. Future goals include manufacturing a portable device and collaborating globally to improve chronic kidney disease care.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/tmed045t-medullary-sponge-kidney-life-sync\", \"title\": \"TMED045T - Medullary Sponge Kidney Life Sync.\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712974502711_MSK_Life_Sync_TMED045T_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"TMED045T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713068336582_MSK_Life_Sync_Test_plan_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"TMED045T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TMED047\", \"title\": \"The Secrets of Healthy Aging: Semi-Automated Discovery of Natural Senolytics\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\", \"category_code\": \"TMED\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Chaganti, Tesko\"], \"school\": \"Canton High School\", \"abstract\": \"As populations around the world grow older and pandemics ravage global health, the burdens of age-related diseases, such as arthritis, heart disease, and cancer, are increasingly prevalent. A primary driver of these age-related diseases is cellular senescence, a process where cells stop dividing. Senescent cells accumulate in the body as humans age and can cause inflammation, tissue/organ dysfunction, tumor formation, and other negative effects. The removal of senescent cells has benefits, such as the alleviation of age-related disease and possibly the reversal of natural aging itself. Existing drugs that can eliminate senescent cells, termed \u201csenolytics\u201d, are either unselective or barely available in natural foods. As aging and age-related disease is a problem all humans will face, it is essential to ensure the widespread accessibility of senolytic drugs. Thus, the discovery of novel senolytic drugs that are highly abundant in natural sources is of crucial need. Yet, drug discovery remains an incredibly expensive and painstaking process, leading to the unaffordability of modern drugs. A novel automated drug discovery pipeline was developed to efficiently screen over 70,000 natural compounds, focusing on their drug-like and pharmacokinetic properties, natural food abundance, and crucially, their ability to inhibit proteins essential for the survival of senescent cells. This automated screening resulted in the discovery of 11 novel potential senolytic drugs that are highly abundant in natural foods without compromising selectivity. These drug candidates could present a solution for numerous life-threatening diseases, saving billions of lives, while being accessible to all, irrespective of socioeconomic barriers.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/tmed047-the-secrets-of-healthy-aging\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"TMED047 - The Secrets of Healthy Aging\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"A novel automated drug discovery pipeline was developed to efficiently screen over 70,000 natural compounds, focusing on their drug-like and pharmacokinetic\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/8pwNz5jdlC8\", \"title\": \"TMED047 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TMED053\", \"title\": \"Oral Delivery of Anticoagulant Dabigatran via a Mg-Micromotor Encapsulant Within a Gastric-Resistant Tablet for Ischemic Stroke Treatment\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\", \"category_code\": \"TMED\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Wang, Lula\"], \"school\": \"Greenwich High School\", \"abstract\": \"A novel, targeted, therapeutic oral delivery system was designed as a blood-thinning treatment to prevent ischemic stroke, caused by blood clots. Dabigatran (Db), is an anticoagulant medication that inhibits free and fibrin-bound thrombin. However, the drug is not able to withstand gastric fluids, and effectively reach the small intestine for absorption. To provide stable and effective delivery of Db past the stomach, it was uniquely encapsulated on magnesium micromotors, with SiO2, PLGA, and chitosan layers, producing 30\u00b5m Db-PLGA-SiO2-Mg microparticles. Dissolution studies in simulated intestinal fluid demonstrate timely release of Db from microparticles within 6 min following arrival. 1mg of these microparticles were incorporated into 80%-starch/20%-baking soda to create a 10mg Db-minitablet (DMT). In a simulated in-vitro experiment within gastric fluid, the treatment was successfully delivered to the intestine after withstanding stomach fluid for 1-2 hours. Once in the small intestine, the DMT dissolved, releasing Db-PLGA-SiO2-Mg microparticles for H2-gas self-propulsion towards the intestinal walls, for Db absorption. To support the functionality of the encapsulated Db delivery, experiments were designed to measure the blood-thinning capability of Db-PLGA-SiO2-Mg microparticles, versus untreated and free-Db. While untreated-blood coagulated in 5 min, blood treated with free-Db coagulated in 11.4 min. Finally, analogous-dose Db-PLGA-SiO2-Mg microparticle-treated blood coagulated in 19.0 min, likely due to the microparticle\u2019s unique dissolution properties. The results of this work highlight the stable delivery of Db-PLGA-SiO2-Mg microparticles through the stomach gastric fluids, where it then self-propels through the small intestine, and is quickly absorbed.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/tmed053-self-propelled-acid-resistant-dabigatran-delivery\", \"title\": \"TMED053 - Self-Propelled, Acid Resistant Dabigatran Delivery\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/eWKMh509kwk?si=tg9K05NMEaltr9Wk\", \"title\": \"TMED053 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TMED060\", \"title\": \"Enabling Scalable Precision Medicine With STAD: A Novel Computational Platform for Early Recurrence-Free Survival Prediction and Biomarker Discovery in Digital Pathology for Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\", \"category_code\": \"TMED\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Chandrasekhar, Vrishank\"], \"school\": \"Lynbrook High School\", \"abstract\": \"Gastrointestinal cancers affect 1.1 million people and are responsible for >875K deaths annually, making them the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Late detection of recurrence leads to a 6% survival rate, yet current clinical systems fail to risk-stratify, with a status quo of 53% concordance. This research presents the first low-cost, integrative computational platform to predict the recurrence-free survival rates of gastrointestinal cancer patients two years in advance by leveraging patients' diagnostic tissue slides. First, ~410K histopathology images are preprocessed by training a ResNet-18 model to remove noise, identify cancerous tissue, and generate probabilistic labels. By pro?ling this information, the model generates datasets of varying tissue types, which are used to train the Cox Proportional Hazards convolutional neural network. The model adaptively evaluates prognostically relevant tissue regions and predicts a risk score for each patient. The identification and prediction models achieved AUROCs of 0.94 and 0.98 across 35 institutions, surpassing all existing clinical techniques. The model's automated analysis of the primary cancer site with limited ground truths offers clinicians the first digital biomarker of recurrence-free survival, sparing patients from overaggressive therapies by providing vital insights into future clinical events. This scalable, affordable, and comprehensive solution can be generalized to other cancer types and diseases and will lead to better clinical outcomes, allow physicians to construct robust, personalized treatment plans earlier, and prevent recurrences from occurring in the first place, saving millions of lives. This work can also be scaled to other medical imaging modalities, further expanding its impact.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/tmed060-stad-survival-prediction-for-precision-medicine\", \"title\": \"TMED060 - STAD: Survival Prediction for Precision Medicine\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TMED077\", \"title\": \"EyeSpeak: A Real-Time, Non-Invasive Tear Test for Detection of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\", \"category_code\": \"TMED\", \"award\": \"Fourth Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Xiao, James\"], \"school\": \"North Allegheny Senior High School\", \"abstract\": \"Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) affects over 280 million individuals globally, but less than 25% of those affected receive proper care. Early detection is vital for timely intervention and treatment but is hindered by the lack of a definitive clinical test. Current depression detection and diagnoses rely on patient-reported symptoms, lacking quantifiable biomarkers and leading to frequent misdiagnoses. This study aimed to address this gap by investigating tear fluid as a non-invasive point-of-care test for MDD. LC-MS/MS-based proteomics analysis, conducted on samples from 15 MDD patients and 15 healthy controls, yielded a pool of 1,042 tear proteins. Quantitative analysis using MaxQuant and Perseus software packages identified distinct protein expression patterns, revealing 116 upregulated and 89 downregulated proteins in MDD. Applying stringent criteria and comparing with previously reported potential depression biomarkers found in blood and cerebrospinal fluid, three key biomarkers\u2014matrix metalloproteinase-9, interleukin-8, and STAM-binding protein\u2014were selected as tear biomarkers for MDD. ELISA validation demonstrated 100% accuracy in a validation cohort (n=20). For real-time testing, an electrochemical sensor, EyeSpeak was developed using a Sensit Smart biosensor. EyeSpeak demonstrates 99% accuracy, costs 80 cents, and takes 20 minutes for a MDD test. EyeSpeak outperforms the current \\\"gold standard\\\" for MDD diagnosis (PHQ-9 form and psychologist evaluation) by enhancing accuracy by 1.5-fold and saving hundreds of dollars and months of time per patient. This novel approach holds promise as a quantitative gold standard for MDD screening and diagnosis, which could lead to widespread use.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/tmed077-depression-point-of-care-testing\", \"title\": \"TMED077 - Depression Point-of-Care Testing \", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714605335869_2024_ISEF_James_Xiao_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"TMED077 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ANIM004\", \"title\": \"Analysis of the Larvicidal Biopotential of Jua Bravo (Solanum viarum Dunal) on Mosquito Larvae Causing Tropical Diseases\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"ANIM\", \"award\": \"Non-Trivial: 10 scholarships for Non-trivial\", \"finalists\": [\"Braga, Pedro\"], \"school\": \"Escola Santa Teresinha\", \"abstract\": \"Disease-causing mosquitoes represent a public health problem as they are vectors of various arboviruses, such as dengue, chikungunya, and zika, which can cause serious sequelae in those infected, such as microcephaly, Guillain-Barr\u00e9 syndrome, chronic inflammatory rheumatism postchikungunya, and others. From this perspective, the research aims to investigate the action of the active principles of the extract from Ju\u00e1 Bravo (Solanum viarum Dunal) as a potential biolarvicide against culicidae dipterans. The methods to achieve the goal were: Collection of the material; Extraction of the extract; Conducting phytochemical experiments; Evaluation of the toxicity of the Solanum viarum extract on the larvae of Aedes aegypti and Anopheles sp. Among the samples subjected to bioassays, it was observed that saponin 1 and 2, which contain two sugars in their osidic unit, showed the best larvicidal activity, with an LC50 value of 100 \u00b1 0.31 and 100 \u00b1 0.24 mg/mL after application at a concentration of 400 mg/mL over a period of 24 hours. The application on mosquito larvae at a concentration of 20-100 \u00b5g/mL showed larvicidal activity in 12 hours of 20%, in 24 hours the larvicidal activity was 60%, and in 72 hours it was 100%. The mortality of 20 Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae exposed to the active principles in 72 hours was: glycoside (85%), steroid (56%), anthracenic (58%), and coumarin (63%). In the genetic tests with mosquitoes that came from controlled larvae, all underwent sexual dimorphism (100%), i.e., they had no capacity to reproduce, making the diseases inactive. Thus, the study indicates the importance of using natural extracts in the entomological control of Aedes aegypti and Anopheles sp in the evaluation of economically viable alternative means.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/anim004-larvicidal-biopotential-of-jua-bravo\", \"title\": \"ANIM004 - Larvicidal Biopotential of Jua Bravo\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711581272491_Video_ISEF_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ANIM004 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ANIM008\", \"title\": \"Why Is the Mare Acting Like a Stallion?: Novel Test to Diagnose Granulosa Cell Tumor\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"ANIM\", \"award\": \"Long Island University: Presidential Scholarships\", \"finalists\": [\"Kumar, Melina\"], \"school\": \"Clear Lake High School\", \"abstract\": \"Granulosa cell tumor (GCT) in mares is a significant concern in veterinary medicine. These tumors primarily affect the ovaries and constitute about 85% of all tumors related to the reproductive tract, impacting the mare\u2019s behavior, reproductive function, and athletic ability. Early detection is crucial to mitigate the effects of GCT and keep mares fit for breeding and sports. The aim of this study was to develop an accurate, cost-effective alternative to the current invasive, expensive ultrasound, and biochemical analysis used to diagnose GCT from equine blood. A systematic approach was designed to study the expression of ovarian granulosa-theca cell hormones such as anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), inhibin A, inhibin B, activin A, activin B, and testosterone in eight GCT cyst fluids to identify which of these hormones leak into blood circulation. These hormones were measured using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent assays in 26 GCT-positive, 26 GCT-negative, and 181 random subjects for clinical differentiation. The results indicated hormones with elevated levels in cyst fluid corresponded to high levels in serum. Mean AMH concentrations in cyst fluid and serum were 2622.3ng/mL and 17.03ng/mL, respectively. AMH showed the best clinical differentiation (six-fold, p-value<0.0001) between GCT-positive and GCT-negative subjects. ROC analysis revealed an excellent AUC for AMH (0.993), followed by inhibin B (0.842). To implement the AMH test in the diagnostic setting, a cutoff point of 5.6ng/mL was established. The AMH test demonstrated diagnostic accuracy of 96.1% and was improved to 100% by adding inhibin B measurements. AMH measurements can now be established as a stand-alone test for equine GCT diagnosis. This AMH test ($10) will reduce the current testing cost ($300) by 30-fold.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/anim008-novel-test-to-diagnose-granulosa-cell-tumor\", \"title\": \"ANIM008 - Novel Test to Diagnose Granulosa Cell Tumor\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711924144572_FINAL_ISEF_VIDEO_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ANIM008 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ANIM016\", \"title\": \"The Effects of Electrical Stimulation on Planaria Tissue Regeneration\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"ANIM\", \"award\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\", \"finalists\": [\"Anand, Ashu\"], \"school\": \"Alabama School of Fine Arts\", \"abstract\": \"Cellular regeneration is a primary process necessary for the reconstruction of impaired tissue following an injury. In contrast to acute wounds, chronic wounds are characterized by prolonged regeneration leading to an increased susceptibility to infection and potential nerve damage. The role of electrical signals is crucial in initiating regenerative processes integral to wound healing. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of external electrical stimulation in enhancing wound healing by facilitating the targeted delivery of electrotherapy to the injury site and promoting the directional migration of regenerative molecules. Wound healing was modeled by the regeneration of bisected freshwater brown planaria. It was hypothesized that planaria exposed to electrical stimulation would have a significantly lower regeneration time compared to unexposed planaria. Electrical current of varying voltage groups (1-Volt, 3-Volts, and 5-Volts) was delivered through a DC power supply in an electrolyte solution. Complete regeneration was measured by the development of prominent photoreceptors in the eye as observed under a microscope. All exposure groups exhibited shorter average regeneration times compared to the control group. A Single-Factor ANOVA statistical analysis followed by a series of Two-Sample t-tests with adjusted Bonferroni correction values confirmed a statistically significant difference between the control group and the 3-Volt group. The accelerated regeneration observed in the 3-Volt exposure group supports that electrical stimulation can enhance wound healing processes after an injury. Future applications of electrotherapy supported by the results of this study may be used to promote tissue regeneration in individuals with chronic wounds.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/anim016-electrical-stimulation-on-planaria-tissue\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.67\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"ANIM016 - Electrical Stimulation on Planaria Tissue\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.67, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"It was hypothesized that planaria exposed to electrical stimulation would have a significantly lower regeneration time compared to unexposed planaria.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712067001110_ISEF_video_intro_2_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ANIM016 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ANIM024\", \"title\": \"Analysis of Equine Gut Microbiota by Living Environment\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"ANIM\", \"award\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\", \"finalists\": [\"Tittel, Lauren\"], \"school\": \"Oregon Episcopal School\", \"abstract\": \"The gastrointestinal tract microbiome is vital for proper nutrition, balanced metabolism, and a healthy immune system and is foundational for understanding diseases and ailments related to microbiota imbalance. This project analyzed the diversity of the equine gut microbiome by living environment to better understand the external factors that influence gut bacterial species and thus impact animal health. Manure samples were collected from horses (n=30 total) in three unique living situations: full turnout on pasture grass, partial turnout, and no turnout where horses live in box stalls. Bacterial DNA was extracted and the V3/V4 regions of the highly conserved 16S gene were amplified via PCR. Ten out of the thirty original samples exhibited sufficient DNA, as established by gel electrophoresis, and 16S metagenomic sequencing was performed. Data cleaning, quality control, and alpha diversity analyses were performed with mothur and QIIME2 software. Complete microbial composition, including species abundance, was visualized and summarized at different taxonomic levels. Equine manure samples from partial and full pasture groups demonstrated very diverse gut microbiomes. However, no statistically significant differences in bacterial diversity across groups were found. Further investigation into equine gut microbiota diversity can suggest optimal living environments and diets to enhance horse health.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/anim024-equine-gut-microbiota-by-living-environment\", \"title\": \"ANIM024 - Equine Gut Microbiota by Living Environment\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/uieJqyyYm2s\", \"title\": \"ANIM024 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ANIM027T\", \"title\": \"Identifying New Sponge Species From Qatar Marine Environment Using Molecular Techniques\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"ANIM\", \"award\": \"Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society: First Life Science Award of $1,200\", \"finalists\": [\"Albloshi, Fajer\", \"Aljalahma, Alanood\"], \"school\": \"Qatar Technical School For Girls\", \"abstract\": \"The Arabian Gulf, known for its extreme conditions, supports a diverse marine ecosystem. Its isolation and harsh environment have led to a high number of unique species. However, much of the marine life here remains unexplored, offering potential for new discoveries. Sponges, in particular, are intriguing for their ability to filter large amounts of water and produce antibacterial compounds. Despite their importance, our understanding of sponge diversity in the region, especially around Qatar, is limited.\\nAim: This study aimed to use molecular techniques to identify two potentially new sponge species found in Qatar's marine environment.\\nMethods: We selected two sponge species, \\\"Chalinula qatari\\\" and \\\"Suberites luna,\\\" obtained from the Environmental Research Center. We extracted DNA and amplified specific genes using PCR. Sequencing and analysis were performed using various software.\\nResults: Our analysis revealed that \\\"Chalinula qatari\\\" and \\\"Suberites luna\\\" are indeed new species, forming a distinct branch in the phylogenetic tree. This highlights Qatar's unique marine biodiversity.\\nConclusion: This study marks a significant genetic exploration of sponge species in Qatar's waters. It emphasizes the importance of further research to uncover more undiscovered species and broaden our understanding of marine life in the region.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/anim027t-identifying-new-sponge-species-from-qatar-marine\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"ANIM027T - Identifying New Sponge Species From Qatar Marine - ISEF\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"We selected two sponge species, \\\"Chalinula qatari\\\" and \\\"Suberites luna,\\\" obtained from the Environmental Research Center.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712445096001_video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ANIM027T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ANIM037\", \"title\": \"Concentration-Dependent Effects of Dietary Niacin and NAD+ in Longevity, Memory, and Motor Function of Drosophila melanogaster\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"ANIM\", \"award\": \"American Psychological Association: Complimentary student affiliate memberships\", \"finalists\": [\"So, Olivia\"], \"school\": \"Harvard-Westlake Upper School\", \"abstract\": \"Niacin is an essential nutrient for life. It serves as a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a critical coenzyme for ATP production, DNA repair and gene expression. In humans, niacin deficiency is detrimental, and can result in death. However, the effect of niacin taken at doses exceeding the daily recommended amount remains unclear.  In the Drosophila Parkinson model, flies exhibit severe cognitive and motor dysfunction. Studies showed that, in these mutant flies, niacin and NAD+ supplements improve motor and neurological functions. As aging flies exhibit motor and neurological dysfunction similar to those of Parkinson mutants, I investigated whether dietary niacin and NAD+ supplements could enhance metabolic and cognitive functions in aging flies. Consistent with previous reports, I observed that flies live 8-9 weeks, accompanied by gradual, age-related declines in cognitive and motor abilities. My findings reveal that high concentration (50 mg/100 g) of niacin or NAD+ adversely affects the normal aging process of flies. Flies given high doses live less and exhibit signs of motor and cognitive dysfunction at younger age than untreated groups. I show that these detrimental effects occur in a dose-dependent manner. Intriguingly, supplementation with a milder dose of niacin (10 mg/100 g) had the opposite effect. In files older than 5-6 weeks, mild doses of niacin improved longevity, motor function and short term memory. Experiments are underway to study the mechanism by which varying concentrations of niacin affect the health of flies. Taken together, these results suggest that moderate niacin supplements may offer partial mitigation of senescence in flies.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/anim037-effect-of-niacin-in-fly-longevity-and-function\", \"title\": \"ANIM037 - Effect of Niacin in Fly Longevity and Function\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714619645571_Science_Fair_Project_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ANIM037 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ANIM041T\", \"title\": \"Investigating the Apoptotic Induction Potential of Various Chemical Food Preservatives on Caenorhabditis elegans\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"ANIM\", \"award\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\", \"finalists\": [\"Nayak, Jishnu\", \"Patel, Ohm\"], \"school\": \"Arizona College Prep High School\", \"abstract\": \"Despite the ubiquity of food preservatives in modern-day cuisine, the holistic range of their effects has yet to be adequately explored. The purpose of this experiment is to examine whether these different food preservatives can induce caspase-based apoptosis in animal tissue specifically due to caspase 3-related protein expression in Caenorhabditis elegans (chosen because of the homologous conserved pathways that it shares with humans).\\nThe methods involved a unique protocol: C.elegans were incubated with preservatives of concentrations from 6.25-50 mM (similar to physiological concentrations found in regulated packaged foods) and a negative control of distilled water for 6 hours, and subsequently fixed with ethanol, permeabilized using antibody wash with detergent, and imaged with anti-tubulin and caspase-3 antibodies applied. Protein expression was measured using confocal microscopy and the ImageJ imaging program to calculate the fluorescence of the imaging assay, representing the level of caspase expression.\\nCitric Acid had significantly more caspase 3-related protein expression than Sodium Benzoate and Sodium Nitrate. However, most of the preservatives induced more expression than the control, except for some Sodium Nitrate treatment groups. Statistical analysis was done using an Unbalanced Two-way ANOVA and Tukey Multiple Comparison tests.\\nThe results insinuate that the common food preservatives Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, and (to a lesser extent) Sodium Nitrate induce caspase 3-related protein expression leading to apoptosis. This has implications for not only the safety and regulation of overconsumption of food preservatives, but also the field of oncology, as inducing apoptosis in cancerous cells is a novel potential treatment for fighting cancer.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/anim041t-preservatives-on-inducing-apoptosis-in-c-elegans\", \"title\": \"ANIM041T - Preservatives on Inducing Apoptosis in C. elegans\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/8Vc6gSPWfRk\", \"title\": \"ANIM041T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Vc6gSPWfRk&ab_channel=OhmPatel\", \"title\": \"ANIM041T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ANIM049\", \"title\": \"DOGMA (Dogs' Oncological Genomic Metabolite Analyzer): Diagnosis of CMTs in Dogs Using a Machine Learning Model\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"ANIM\", \"award\": \"NC State College of Engineering: Alternates (not read aloud)\", \"finalists\": [\"Wang, Asher\"], \"school\": \"Holicong Middle School\", \"abstract\": \"Canine mammary tumors (CMTs) represent the most common neoplasia in female dogs. Histopathology analysis is considered the gold standard for classification but is invasive and does not always lead to diagnosis. This study aimed to create a novel AI-powered diagnostic model leveraging urinary metabolite profiling to diagnose malignant masses and copilot tumor grading of CMTs. This study employed a large-scale dataset from MetaboLights Repository containing 55 tumor-specific urinary metabolites in 156 dogs collected using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Various commonly used machine learning algorithms, such as Random Forest (RF), were implemented to build and optimize the models. Results were reported in confusion matrix form in accordance with STARD-AI guidelines. Additionally, feature engineering was utilized to determine each variable\u2019s discriminative power. Overall survival (OS) by metabolic grade was compared using log-rank-test. The Malignant Versus Benign (MVB) RF model performed the best (94.74% accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity). Tumors were graded with 82.35% overall accuracy, 72.73%/78.57%/81.82% precision, and 72.73%/91.67%/90% recall among Grade 1/2/3, respectively. Feature importance in MVB and tumor grading models ranged from isopropanol (-0.01) to taurine (0.04) and 3-indoxylsulfate (-0.02) to creatine (0.07), respectively. Median OS differed among Grade 1/2/3 (not reached, not reached, 181 days, respectively; P<3.45e-14). This study demonstrates the use of non-invasive metabolic profiling and artificial intelligence to allow for efficient and accurate diagnosis and grading of CMTs. Future AI-powered diagnostic tools could inform human breast cancer research as well as transform lab reports and medical data into actionable insights.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/anim049-diagnosis-of-cmts-in-dogs-using-machine-learning\", \"title\": \"ANIM049 - Diagnosis of CMTs in Dogs Using Machine Learning\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714526649442_ISEF_Video_Presentation_FINAL_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ANIM049 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BCHM008\", \"title\": \"Analysis of Novel Multi-Enzyme Formulation's Synergistic Implications for the Enhanced Interventional Disruption of E. coli Biofilms\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biochemistry\", \"category_code\": \"BCHM\", \"award\": \"Drug, Chemical &amp\", \"finalists\": [\"Balasubramanian, Muhilan\"], \"school\": \"Ballard High School\", \"abstract\": \"Biofilms are intricate and stratified bacterial communities anchored on various surfaces, such as medical devices, surgical equipment, teeth plaque, etc. Contemporary treatment methods - antibiotics and sterilization - are ineffective against the rigid matrix structure consisting of various exopolymers. Thus, the microorganisms thrive and contribute to nosocomial infections, SSIs, and loss of life. This research focuses on utilizing enzymes to hydrolyze the exopolymers and disrupt the biofilm structure. This project is a continuation of a previous project validating the potential of enzymes to degrade biofilm. Now, a novel multi-enzyme formulation containing proteinase K and DNase I aimed at adhesion proteins and eDNA, respectively, is applied to explore increased potency than individual applications. A 24-well microtiter plate biofilm assay was performed and repeated three times with the enzymes applied individually and synergistically. The plate was split into six columns: blank, negative control, proteinase K, DNase I, Synergy 1, and Synergy 2 with twice the concentrations. Each assay was performed over three days with E. coli inoculation, enzyme application, and crystal violet staining. The CV-stained plates were read under OD540-590 for biofilm measure. The results were analyzed through the percent difference from the negative control, and the synergistic combinations showed increased disruption of the biofilms than the individual applications (p<0.05). This proved that multi-enzyme formulations procure more significant disruption of biofilms, implicating their use to develop practical applications to eradicate biofilms. A one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey HSD were the statistical tests utilized to affirm the differences and significance of the results.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bchm008-novel-enzyme-formulation-application-on-biofilms\", \"title\": \"BCHM008 - Novel Enzyme Formulation Application on Biofilms\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712087230908_IMG_2759_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BCHM008 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BCHM033\", \"title\": \"The Effect of Liposomes on Drug Delivery of Ascorbic Acid\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biochemistry\", \"category_code\": \"BCHM\", \"award\": \"American Chemical Society: Diploma of Recognition and $100 gift card\", \"finalists\": [\"Nguyen, Thien-Nhi\"], \"school\": \"West Shore Junior/Senior High School\", \"abstract\": \"Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, has been identified as a potential cancer therapeutic due to its abundance, specificity to cancer cells, and low toxicity. In high doses, it has the capacity to induce oxidative stress in cancer cells, which tend to lack catalase, resulting in apoptosis. However, vitamin C tends to be unstable. Liposomes may be a promising carrier to stabilize vitamin C due to their low cost, high versatility, and ability to exhibit the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect in tumors. The purpose of this project is to determine the efficacy of liposome-encapsulated vitamin C as a therapeutic by measuring encapsulation efficiency and drug delivery rate. Liposomes were created by using the pro-liposome method, where the lipid phosphatidylcholine was mixed with Tris HCl buffer and ethanol. Then, a solution of Tris HCl buffer and vitamin C was added to the solution to be encapsulated. Encapsulation efficiency was determined by centrifuging the liposome solution in an ultrafiltration tube. In order to measure drug delivery, the liposome solution was dialyzed, with 10 mL samples of the external solution being extracted every hour for 24 hours. Each of these samples was titrated with iodine with starch solution as an indicator. Compared to vitamin C alone, liposomal vitamin C returned a much more stable delivery rate with greater retention in solution. Each hour, beginning with hour 18, revealed a statistically significant difference in drug release rate (p < 0.05), with the exception of hour 20, where the p-value was 0.103. The encapsulation efficiency of the liposomes was 81.67% on average. The results indicate that liposomes can be an effective method to stabilize and deliver vitamin C for cancer therapeutic applications.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bchm033-the-effect-of-liposomes-on-ascorbic-acid-delivery\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.67\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"BCHM033 - The Effect of Liposomes on Ascorbic Acid Delivery\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.67, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"The results indicate that liposomes can be an effective method to stabilize and deliver vitamin C for cancer therapeutic applications.\\\\n\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714079083404_IMG_1540_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BCHM033 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BCHM036\", \"title\": \"On the Synthesis of Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles From Eggshells via the Sol-Gel Method\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biochemistry\", \"category_code\": \"BCHM\", \"award\": \"NC State College of Engineering: Scholarship to attend NC State Engineering Summer Camp\", \"finalists\": [\"Luthra, Viraj\"], \"school\": \"Chantilly High School\", \"abstract\": \"Around one in five people worldwide are diagnosed with Osteoporosis, a disease that causes gradual loss of bone mass leading to increased risk of fractures, drastically reducing life expectancy. Hydroxyapatite [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2], more commonly referred to as HAp, is a compound gaining increasing attention in the Biochemical and Medical fields due to its high osteocompatibility and surface area, making it ideal for treating this disease; moreover, it can be used to coat implants to stop the body from attacking foreign material. In this novel testing of HAp synthesis, eggshells were used as the calcium carbonate source and diammonium phosphate as the phosphate group. Through repeated trials, the optimal HAp initial reaction time was found for nanocrystal width, conductivity, hardness, and yield. Overall, the best trial produced ~46.82 g of nanoparticles with a width of around 80 nm with ~98% purity at the cost of only $15 compared to the average cost for implants of $3500. Ultimately, this product can be scaled for distribution in economically developing areas at a much lower cost than previously\u00a0developed.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://eu-opensci.org/index.php/ejeng/article/view/63151\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 12, \"status\": \"needs_review\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.60\", \"llm:related:0.92\"], \"title\": \"The Synthesis of Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles Using ...\", \"source_domain\": \"eu-opensci.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.60\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"HAP nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using eggshell as calcium source and the used phosphate sources. The particles and crystallite size of produced\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bchm036-on-the-synthesis-of-hydroxyapatite-nanoparticles\", \"title\": \"BCHM036 - On the Synthesis of Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714003224953_Viraj_Luthra_ISEF_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BCHM036 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BEHA010T\", \"title\": \"Finding Relief in Back Pain Through an Accessible Laptop Stand\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BEHA\", \"award\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\", \"finalists\": [\"Corpuz, Nichelle\", \"Galacgac, Zea Hope\"], \"school\": \"Waipahu High School\", \"abstract\": \"Our project aims to solve the issues that come with poor posture. We will be creating a laptop stand to solve and prevent back pain. Our participants will be students within the age range of 15-16 years old. They will be seated on a chair and measured while using a laptop stand and without it. Their arm, knee, hip, and ankle angles will be measured and then calculated to see percent errors and statistical differences. There will be minimal risk and only a small amount of personal data collected. Overall, our project will focus on solving the problem of poor posture and back pain among students at our school to help them perform and feel better during their work hours.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/beha010t-finding-relief-in-back-pain-through-a-laptop-stand\", \"title\": \"BEHA010T - Finding Relief in Back Pain Through a Laptop Stand\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713426851311_Finding_Relief_in_Back_Pain_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BEHA010T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BEHA011T\", \"title\": \"A Sensor-Integrated Wearable Device for Support During Autism Spectrum Disorder Meltdowns by Applying the Deep Pressure\u00a0Stimulation\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BEHA\", \"award\": \"Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society: Second Behavioral and Social Science Award of $800\", \"finalists\": [\"Al-Momani, Dana\", \"Al-Shobaki, Layan\"], \"school\": \"Jubilee School\", \"abstract\": \"The project addresses the challenge of managing meltdowns in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a condition marked by difficulties in communication and social interaction. Globally, ASD affects approximately 1 in 100 children, with Jordan reporting a notably high prevalence of 92.1%. Meltdowns, characterized by overwhelming reactions to stimuli, are common among individuals with ASD, often leading to behaviors such as stimming and crying. To combat this issue, the project introduces an innovative vest equipped with sensor technology and deep pressure application. These sensors, including those for heart rate, skin temperature, vibrations, and GSR(Galvanic Skin Response), accurately detect early signs of meltdowns. Upon detection, the vest applies gentle pressure similar to a massage, aiming to calm the child and reduce the risk of self-harm. Testing conducted on 33 children with varying severity levels of ASD yielded promising results. These included decreased heart rate, increased skin temperature ,reduced vibrations and increased GSR. In summary, the device effectively manages meltdowns, mitigates the risk of injury, and alleviates anxiety through the application of deep pressure stimulation theory.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/beha011t-wearable-device-for-asd-meltdowns\", \"title\": \"BEHA011T - Wearable Device for ASD Meltdowns\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711994382780_ASD_Video_ISEF_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BEHA011T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BEHA012T\", \"title\": \"Searching for \\\"Magic Pill\\\": A Novel Adenosine Modulator in the Treatment of Schizophrenia and Stress-Related Disorders\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BEHA\", \"award\": \"American Psychological Association: Complimentary student affiliate memberships\", \"finalists\": [\"Tsao, Yu-Pin\", \"Fu, Shao-Chieh\"], \"school\": \"Taipei Municipal Chien Kuo High School\", \"abstract\": \"Schizophrenia and stress-related disorders impose significant health challenges on patients and societal resources. To address these pressing needs, a novel compound, the Novel Adenosine Modulator (NAM), extracted from Gastrodia elata, a Chinese herbal medicine recognized for its calming properties, has emerged. Our study aims to investigate NAM's therapeutic potential in treating these mental illnesses. Two mouse models, exhibiting schizophrenia- and stress-related behaviors induced by drugs and stress, respectively, were utilized. In Experiment 1, schizophrenia-like behaviors were induced in mice using the NMDA receptor antagonist, MK-801. We conducted three distinct behavioral experiments to assess NAM's efficacy against positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia in mice. NAM effectively mitigated hyperlocomotion induced by MK-801 in the open field test, indicating its potential for treating positive symptoms without severe side effects. However, it did not influence MK-801 induced sensorimotor gating deficits. In Experiment 2, unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) was employed to induce stress-related disorders such as anxiety and depression. Four behavioral experiments were conducted to evaluate depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors. NAM treatment notably ameliorated anhedonia in the sucrose preference test, suggesting its efficacy in addressing depressive symptoms of stress-related disorders. Collectively, our findings underscore NAM's promising therapeutic potential for alleviating positive symptoms of schizophrenia and depressive symptoms of stress-related disorders. The neural mechanism underlying its therapeutic effects is worth further investigation.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/topss/isef-winners\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 55, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"full_name\", \"isef_mention\"], \"title\": \"Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair ...\", \"source_domain\": \"www.apa.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"full_name, isef_mention\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Rhythms and blues: Examining potential health hazards of blue light-induced circadian disruption in Drosophila melanogaster, Rania S. Lateef, Governor\u2019s School at Innovation Park, Manassas, VA Searching for \u201cmagic pill\u201d: A novel adenosine modulator in the treatment of schizophrenia and stress-related disorders, Shao-Chieh Fu, Taipei Municipal Chien Kuo High School, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Yu-Pin Tsao, Taipei Municipal Chien Kuo High School, New Taipei City, Taiwan [...] Engaging minds, Debunkin\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/beha012t-test-novel-adenosine-modulator-for-mental-illness\", \"title\": \"BEHA012T - Test Novel Adenosine Modulator for Mental Illness\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711942703241_IMG_1454_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BEHA012T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BEHA019\", \"title\": \"Illuminating Minds: Shining a Light on Atypical Dyslexia Therapies\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BEHA\", \"award\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\", \"finalists\": [\"Dickinson, Madilyn\"], \"school\": \"St. Patrick Catholic High School\", \"abstract\": \"This study assesses the impact of Rapid Automatized Naming (RAN) therapies on reading speed and accuracy in students with dyslexia, with a nuanced examination of how RAN deficits interact with socioeconomic status (SES), alongside gender, ethnicity, pre-kindergarten education, and ADD/ADHD diagnoses. By comparing baseline and final reading test scores, this research aims to uncover the specific benefits of RAN therapies for 1st to 4th grade students diagnosed with dyslexia.\\nParticipants engaged in targeted RAN interventions designed to bolster orthographic processing, and their progress was meticulously analyzed. The findings revealed that RAN therapies significantly enhanced reading proficiency for all students, particularly those who showed signs of RAN deficits, highlighting the critical role of such therapies in dyslexia intervention strategies.\\nMoreover, the study illuminated the complex interplay between SES and reading achievements. Lower SES was associated with a higher prevalence of RAN deficits and lower baseline reading scores. Yet, students from lower SES backgrounds demonstrated marked improvements post-therapy, suggesting that RAN therapies may be especially beneficial in bridging educational disparities.\\nWhile SES was a significant factor, the analysis also considered the effects of several other demographics, finding that RAN therapy's effectiveness did not correlate with these variables. This comprehensive approach highlights the importance of implementing RAN therapies into dyslexia treatment programs, offering a useful tool for enhancing reading skills across diverse student populations, with particular implications for addressing the educational challenges associated with lower SES.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/beha019-testing-atypical-dyslexia-therapies\", \"title\": \"BEHA019 - Testing Atypical Dyslexia Therapies\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711902136529_IMG_0702_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BEHA019 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BEHA024\", \"title\": \"Using Bidirectional Transformer Neural Networks for Advancing Gender Bias Recognition in STEM Job Advertisements\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BEHA\", \"award\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\", \"finalists\": [\"Van Zandweghe, Nina\"], \"school\": \"Solon High School\", \"abstract\": \"Gender disparity persists in most STEM fields, where men vastly outnumber women. Recent research shows that gendered wording in advertisements for STEM jobs may have a significant influence on the appeal of a job to potential female applicants. To increase awareness and potentially address such gender bias in STEM job ads, it is important to identify the bias as clearly and accurately as possible. Previous research has attempted to predict gender bias in STEM job ads by using a simple word-counting and summation approach. This paper fine-tunes a deep learning language model, Google's Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers, for the specific task of recognizing biased language in STEM job ads by training the altered model on a large dataset of STEM job advertisements. This machine learning model has the advantage of a more holistic semantic understanding of the language in these ads due to its use of transformer neural networks. The analysis yields two main results. First, the ads are biased toward masculine language, in line with the findings of previous research. Second, the machine learning approach predicts gender bias in STEM job ads with high accuracy and is able to outperform the word-counting and summation approach.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://nhsjs.com/2024/using-bidirectional-transformer-neural-networks-for-advancing-gender-bias-recognition-in-stem-job-advertisements\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 50, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_exact:0.91\"], \"title\": \"Using Bidirectional Transformer Neural Networks for Advancing Gender Bias Recognition in STEM Job Advertisements - NHSJS\", \"source_domain\": \"nhsjs.com\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_exact:0.91\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"To raise awareness and potentially address gender bias in STEM job ads, it is important to recognize the bias in such ads as clearly and accurately as possible. In this paper, I revisit the issue of detecting gender-bias in STEM job ads by using Google\u2019s Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT), a novel machine learning tool that utilizes transformer neural networks to gain a deeper semantic understanding of a given job advertisement\u2019s language. Transformer models are [...]\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/beha024-bert-for-gender-bias-recognition-in-stem-job-ads\", \"title\": \"BEHA024 - BERT for Gender Bias Recognition in STEM Job Ads\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712697778577_BERT_for_Gender_Bias_Recognition_in_STEM_Job_Ads_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BEHA024 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BEHA028T\", \"title\": \"The RIGHT Model: A Novel Personal Development Tool for Adolescents\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BEHA\", \"award\": \"Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society: First Award Behavioral and Social Science Award of $1,200\", \"finalists\": [\"Neoh, Sher Meng\", \"Keng, Jia Hui\", \"Ng, Wan Yunn\"], \"school\": \"Heng Ee High School\", \"abstract\": \"Deficit in learning and social skills during the COVID-19 pandemic causes a decrease in personal development (PD) among adolescents. Thus, we developed The RIGHT Model based on Cognitive Behavioral Theory and PD theories, as a PD tool to improve adolescents\u2019 self efficacy(SEF), self esteem(SES) and regulatory focus(RF). A quasi experiment design was used to study the effectiveness of The RIGHT Model towards SEF, SES and RF. A sample of 124 adolescent participants was divided into control and experiment groups. Adolescents\u2019 SEF, SES and RF levels in both groups were evaluated by self report using the General Self-Efficacy Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Regulatory Focus Questionnaire 3 times: pretest, posttest and 2 months follow-up. A repeated measures ANOVA analysis showed that experimental group\u2019s mean differed significantly between time points. SEF [F(1.362,70.838)=19.903, p<.001], SES [F(1.567, 81.500)=21.618, p<.001], promotion focus (PMF) [F(1.484,77.169)=4.01, p=.033] and prevention focus (PVF) [F(1.924, 100.062)=62.634,p=<0.001]. Post hoc tests using the Bonferroni correction revealed that SEF mean increased by .194 between pretest and posttest (p<.001) and then increased .25 between posttest and follow up (p=.017). A significant difference in the SES mean between pretest and posttest (.316), p<.001, but no significant difference between the posttest and follow up (p=.688). Post hoc tests also indicated a significant difference in the PMF mean (.211) between pretest and posttest (p=.014) then increased .094 between posttest and follow-up (p=1.00) while PVF was tested significantly different .509 between pretest and posttest (p<.001) and decreased .490 between posttest and follow-up (p<.001). In conclusion, The RIGHT Model significantly improved the adolescents' SEF, SES and RF. Therefore, it is viable to utilize The RIGHT Model as an effective PD tool on improving adolescents' psychological well-being.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/beha028t-the-right-model\", \"title\": \"BEHA028T - The RIGHT Model\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712849316192_BEHA028T_The_RIGHT_Model_Video__thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BEHA028T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BEHA032\", \"title\": \"Prevention of Gun Violence Through the Buffering Effects of Intellectual Humility in Traumatized Psychopaths\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BEHA\", \"award\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development: Second Award Education and Youth\", \"finalists\": [\"Shah, Maya\"], \"school\": \"Martin STEM School\", \"abstract\": \"Gun violence has become a threatening phenomenon that has been affecting the lives of Americans nationwide. Two main traits that show a predisposition towards gun violence are psychopathy and trauma. I focused on the interaction between childhood trauma and psychopathy, and I analyzed how intellectual humility affects this relationship. When looking at the relationship between these two traits, I found that psychopathy had a positive relationship with trauma (r  = 0.75,  p < 0.001).  This means that there is a highly reactive at-risk population (traumatized psychopaths) that is more likely to use guns for violent purposes. Additionally, a moderation analysis showed that the relationship between trauma and psychopathy was moderated by intellectual humility F(3, 157) = 74.16, p < 0.001. So, systematically teaching the concepts associated with intellectual humility in schools could decrease the likelihood of traumatized psychopaths committing an act of violence. Additionally, a subscale of intellectual humility had a positive relationship with psychopathy (r  = 0.38, p < 0.001). This means that psychopathic individuals are more likely to change their minds. This indicates that persuasive methods may be used to reason with psychopaths and prevent them from pursuing gun violence. This study utilizes novel relationships to help understand and address those who are prone to gun violence and outlines a proof of concept tool to mitigate gun violence predispositions in at-risk populations.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/beha032-prevention-of-gun-violence\", \"title\": \"BEHA032 - Prevention of Gun Violence\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712792487838_IMG_0851_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BEHA032 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BEHA048\", \"title\": \"The Recursive Relationship Between Personalized Music Choice and Adolescent Mental Wellness: An Empirical Study\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BEHA\", \"award\": \"American Psychological Association: Complimentary student affiliate memberships\", \"finalists\": [\"Gupta, Aanya\"], \"school\": \"Horace Mann School\", \"abstract\": \"Music streaming has enabled music choice to transition from a collective social listening experience to a personalized one. This research, for the first time, relates the two facets of music choice when in a specific mental wellness state with the impact of music chosen on mental wellness. Adolescents (N = 80) were asked the kind of music they would choose when in specific mental wellness states. They were also asked about the impact different types of music had on them. It was found that there is a recursive relationship between music choice and music impact in various mental wellness states. For example, in a sad/hurt state, listeners choose to listen to slow and soft music, which in turn makes them sadder; in a happy/excited state listeners choose to listen to loud and fast music, which increases excitement. This recursive relationship reinforced by the trend towards music personalization may exacerbate mood volatility with the possibility of pushing the listener to become excessively happy (leading to risky decisions, such as substance abuse) or excessively sad (with mental health challenges like depression).  Future research to develop a user-centered adaptive mobile health app that technologically augments the listener's chosen music in each mental state, with other songs from their library can be an effective mood regulation strategy. Given the ready availability of music streaming on mobile phones, and with self-recorded mental wellness data now available in iOS17, this strategy can become an essential continuous mental health intervention strategy to support adolescent mental health.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.08.25.746820\", \"title\": \"An Open Benchmark for Systems Vaccinology: Insights from the CMI-PB Challenges\", \"snippet\": \"Abstract Systems vaccinology approaches have identified factors affecting vaccine responses in multiple studies, but the ability of computational models to generalize these findings to unseen data remains unclear. We established a community resource to create and compare models predicting B. pertussis booster vaccination responses and put such modeling approaches to the test. We compiled multi-modal experimental training data from three independent cohorts (n=117 individuals), and asked investigators to predict vaccine responses in a cohort of 54 newly recruited individuals using only their pre-booster vaccination data. We benchmarked a total of 107 computational models. Top-performing models were characterized by workflows that prioritized rigorous data preprocessing, robust imputation of missing data, and the use of multi-omics integration or non-linear machine learning. We identified pre-existing antigen-specific antibody titers and baseline monocyte frequencies as the most consistent predictors of post-vaccination immunity, highlighting the dominant role of individual immune setpoints. We established the resulting datasets and evaluation framework as a community resource to advance predictive immunology and facilitate personalized vaccination strategies.\", \"found_via\": \"openalex\", \"kind\": \"paper\", \"authors\": [\"Pramod Shinde\", \"Lisa Willemsen\", \"Jiyeun Lee\", \"Shelby Orfield\", \"Ziyuan Ren\", \"Minori Aoki\", \"Nicola Thrupp\", \"Aanya Gupta\", \"Cheng-Chang Wu\", \"Liran Mao\", \"Chuxuan Li\", \"Yuhao Tan\", \"Tram Anh Nguyen\", \"Nou Chang\", \"Philipp S. L. Sch\u00e4fer\", \"Jian Xing\", \"Cemil Can Ali Marandi\", \"Burhan Sabuwala\", \"CMI-PB Challenge Contestants\", \"Joaquin Reyna\", \"Jeremy P. Gygi\", \"Brendan Ha\", \"James A. Overton\", \"Tal Einav\", \"Jason Greenbaum\", \"Leying Guan\", \"Mari Kojima\", \"Ferhat Ay\", \"Barry J. Grant\", \"Steven H. Kleinstein\", \"Bjoern Peters\"], \"year\": 2026, \"score\": 63, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"author_full_name\", \"trusted_domain:doi.org\", \"rescored\"], \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/beha048-music-streaming-and-adolescent-mental-wellness\", \"title\": \"BEHA048 - Music Streaming and Adolescent Mental Wellness\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713707030065_Gupta_Aanya_ISEF_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BEHA048 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BEHA054\", \"title\": \"A Review of the Use and Promotability of Mental Health Apps by Teenagers\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BEHA\", \"award\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development: Third Award Education and Youth\", \"finalists\": [\"Goyal, Nira\"], \"school\": \"Martin County High School\", \"abstract\": \"Suicide is the second leading cause of death in teens and young adults, emphasizing the urgent need for effective adolescent mental health care. Three hundred seventy-four teenagers assessed the Rose Mental Health app. In addition to providing demographic information, participants rated their likelihood of using and recommending the app on a 1-10 scale, with ten being the highest. The net promoter score based on the results of the survey was 16.04. The likelihood of personal app use significantly influenced the likelihood of recommending it (p = 2.09 x 10^-32). Teens who had previously used a mental health app were more likely to recommend the app to a friend (p = 1.59 x 10^-5). Gender also played a role, such that females and non-binary individuals were more likely to recommend the app (p = 0.003585). Race was not found to be a statistically significant factor regarding how likely teenagers were to recommend the app to a friend or use the app's features, suggesting that mental health app companies do not need to target different racial groups with different techniques. The study highlighted specific features, including mental health articles, personalized content, daily journaling, and questionnaires, to be helpful to teens and drive their preferences. Demonstration of mental health apps increased the likelihood of adoption. These insights underscore the importance of targeted strategies for promoting mental health awareness and care among teens.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/beha054-use-of-mental-health-apps-by-teenagers\", \"title\": \"BEHA054 - Use of Mental Health Apps by Teenagers\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714341637562_Movie_on_4_28_24_at_5.49_PM_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BEHA054 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED003\", \"title\": \"E-cadherin Expression as a Predictor of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Early Onset Colorectal Cancer\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"NC State College of Engineering: Alternates (not read aloud)\", \"finalists\": [\"Bhandare, Anika\"], \"school\": \"Sebring High School\", \"abstract\": \"Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death. This is because during early stages, CRC is difficult to catch, which means that treatment can only be offered after the cancer has progressed. Usually, people over the age of 50 have to worry about CRC. However, data has been showing that cases of Early Onset CRC are becoming significantly more frequent. In order to solve this, E-cadherin, a protein meant to support cell structure, was studied. This experiment tested whether E-cadherin expression could be used as a predictor of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), which is a process that heavily contributes to cancer metastasis. For this experiment, tissue sections of various cancer stages underwent a rehydration process, an antigen retrieval process, fluorescence-linked immunoassay, and exposure to primary and secondary antibodies. All of these steps were meant to stain the E-cadherin within the tissue, so that after it had been processed, you could visualize how E-cadherin expression changed based on cancer progression. After analyzing the data, it's safe to say E-cadherin expression can be used to predict EMT, as the photos taken of the slides support that hypothesis. They depict how the E-cadherin expression decreased as the cancer metastasized. This data is vital for patients because their E-cadherin can tell them how advanced their cancer is, and make getting treatment easier. While there isn't a cure for cancer yet, this experiment will allow for efficient diagnosis and treatment for the cancer that no one should have.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed003-e-cadherin-as-a-predictor-of-colorectal-cancer\", \"title\": \"BMED003 - E-cadherin as a Predictor of Colorectal Cancer\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711816747846_IMG_3259_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BMED003 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED019\", \"title\": \"Accelerating Breast Cancer Diagnoses: Leveraging Machine Learning to Accurately Predict Breast Cancer Presence and Growth With Hormonal Data\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"NC State College of Engineering: Scholarship to attend NC State Engineering Summer Camp\", \"finalists\": [\"Kim, Joshua\"], \"school\": \"McCallie School\", \"abstract\": \"Mammography, currently the primary method implemented for breast cancer screening/detection, often produces false negatives (1 in 8). Additionally, there exist prolonged delays during diagnosis (median 61 days from first symptoms to diagnosis). These two setbacks allow for cancers to spread, enabling a Stage 1 tumor with a 99% 5-year survival rate to quickly metastasize into Stage 4 cancer with a 30% 5-year survival rate. The underlying objective of this research was to determine the feasibility of developing a more accurate, alternative detection method: a machine-learning model able to predict tumor status (tumor presence binary prediction) and stage (per AJCC guidelines) of breast cancer using hormonal data. Implementing patient case datasets from the NCI GDC Data Portal, the researcher developed models from various machine-learning algorithms, of which the Random Forest Classifier (RFC) and the Histogram-based Gradient Boosting Classifier (HGBC) performed best, each displaying 96.00% tumor status prediction accuracy. Compared to 1 out of 8 cancer-containing mammograms that produce false negatives, the RFC model displayed only 1 out of 67 false negatives. The models could not as effectively predict tumor stage, however, with the best model (RFC) displaying a mere 66.03% accuracy. The results not only provide novel insight into the correlation of female-specific hormones with the metastasis of breast cancer but also offer significant evidence for a more accurate, alternative method for breast cancer detection. The researcher anticipates in vitro validations to test the machine-learning models\u2019 applicability to real cancer tissue, marking a significant step toward clinical implementation.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed019-hormonal-approach-to-early-breast-cancer-detection\", \"title\": \"BMED019 - Hormonal Approach to Early Breast Cancer Detection\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711899778458_ISEF_2024_Video_Final_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BMED019 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED020\", \"title\": \"Early Detection of Ankylosing Spondylitis Using Analysis of Breathing Patterns With Neural Networks\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society: Second Award of $500\", \"finalists\": [\"Kochhar, Jayveer\"], \"school\": \"Jamnabai Narsee International School\", \"abstract\": \"Ankylosing Spondylitis a type of rheumatic autoimmune disorders where normal body cells attack musculoskeletal cells, making bones' weak joints unstable and prone to fractures. This can cause congestion in the rib cage area, changing breathing patterns, and chest expansions in different areas of the torso. The prototype uses 5 internal measurement units around the chest to map chest movement and expansion in all dimensions. The data is used to determine the displacement and angular change of the chest. The IMU data is then transferred wirelessly using wifi for further data processing. To calculate distance traveled/chest expansion, the second integral of acceleration is used, and it is calculated using the trapezoidal integration method twice. The angular velocity data provided by the IMU is also integrated using trapezoidal integration to find the euler angles which are converted to quaternions to avoid gimbal lock. The linear acceleration vector provided by the IMU is rotated to align with the global frame using quaternion multiplication and calibration quaternions, and the angle of rotation is determined by aligning the relative gravity vector with the absolute z axis The aligned quaternion is then obtained and any angular changes in the IMU are also compensated for by rotating the acceleration vector accordingly. After putting the data through a Kalman filter, an LSTM model is trained for early detection of seronegative spondyloarthropathies with the accuracy of approximately 95%.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed020-detecting-ankylosing-spondylitis-using-breathing\", \"title\": \"BMED020 - Detecting Ankylosing Spondylitis Using Breathing\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713984608006_ISEF_video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BMED020 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED029\", \"title\": \"Unraveling the Achilles' Heel of Human Tumors: Moving Towards Inducing Mutational Meltdown by Deciphering the Most Deleterious Mutational Processes\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\", \"finalists\": [\"Shil, Auhona\"], \"school\": \"University High School\", \"abstract\": \"Although previous research has studied the subfields of cancer genomics and population genetics separately, they have rarely merged. This study combines the knowledge of mutational signatures (used within oncology research), distribution of fitness effects, DFE (used within population genetics), and EXchangeability (EX) scores (used within biochemistry). This novel crossover between statistics and biochemistry into cancer research allows potential therapeutic strategies to be introduced to induce the most harmful mutational processes in tumor cells to ultimately achieve a mutational meltdown of the tumor population. This research investigates the mean deleterious effect of known somatic mutational processes in humans. For the first time, the DFE of each mutational process found in human tumors is constructed. The project was conducted by downloading data from the 1000 Genomes Project and splitting the polymorphism data by their 3mer mutation class. The diffusion method dadi was used to infer the distribution of fitness effects of new non-synonymous 3mer mutation types in a large sample of 100 Yoruba individuals. SBS90 and SBS22 were found to be the most deleterious somatic mutational signatures. We validated DFE inferences using an orthogonal measure based on deep mutational scanning. Close examination of the mutational spectra for both signatures revealed predominantly T>A mutations. This study has implications towards inducing mutational meltdown in specific tumor populations.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed029-deciphering-the-most-deleterious-mutations\", \"title\": \"BMED029 - Deciphering the Most Deleterious Mutations\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/taql6_MsCVY?si=j_qj8KogBCT4DOy6\", \"title\": \"BMED029 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED040\", \"title\": \"The Effect of Sugar Substitutes on Amyloid-BETA Plaque Aggregation: A Novel Link Between Type 2 Diabetes and Alzheimer's Disease\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council: The  Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Counil awards will recognize 10 projects in the following categories: &#x0D\", \"finalists\": [\"Hinkle, Paige\"], \"school\": \"Wilson High School\", \"abstract\": \"Amyloid-beta is a protein that can misfold into pathological fibril aggregations and lead to the formation of plaques in the brain\u2014one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer\u2019s disease (AD). While the causes of AD are not well understood, there exists strong evidence for a correlation between type 2 diabetes and AD. Researchers at the University of Paris found that individuals who had type 2 diabetes for over 10 years were more than twice as likely to also have AD at age 70, hazard ratio (HR) of 2.1.\\nWhile the connection between diabetes and Alzheimer\u2019s is strong, the link may not be direct causality; underlying factors could explain the correlation. Individuals with diabetes often consume artificial sweeteners as an alternative to natural sugars. The Framingham study found a link between artificial sweeteners and AD. They reported that daily consumption of artificial sweeteners almost tripled the risk of AD (HR 2.9).\\nMy research explores a potential mechanism underlying the correlation between type 2 diabetes and AD by comparing the effect of artificial sugar substitutes to natural sugar (glucose) on amyloid-beta aggregation. A Thioflavin T assay was used to measure fibril formation. Data was collected and analyzed using a multimode microplate reader.\\nAmyloid-beta plaque aggregation was found to be significantly higher in the presence of artificial sugar substitutes compared to the glucose control. My research suggests a potential dietary linkage underlying the correlation between type 2 diabetes and AD, and it provides evidence of a novel mechanism by which artificial sugar substitutes could contribute to Alzheimer\u2019s pathology.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed040-sugar-substitutes-and-amyloid-b-plaque-aggregation\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"Sugar Substitutes & Amyloid-\u03b2 Plaque Aggregation\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Amyloid-beta is a protein that can misfold into pathological fibril aggregations and lead to the formation of plaques in the brain\u2014one of the hallmarks of\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/npIUJjtDidY\", \"title\": \"BMED040 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"BMED082\", \"title\": \"Obesity and Fresh Food Access: New Evidence and Solutions From Geospatial Data\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"BMED\", \"award\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology: Summer Camp scholarships (camp tuition and travel expenses, valued at up to $1,500)\", \"finalists\": [\"Tripathi, Saswat\"], \"school\": \"Parkway West High School\", \"abstract\": \"Background\\nObesity is generally modeled as a problem associated with socioeconomic (income, education, etc.) and genetic (age, race, etc.) factors. This study shows that, after controlling for these known covariates, (lack of) access to fresh foods has significant additional power to explain obesity rates.\\nMethods\\nI merge data from several sources. This allows me to present results from multivariate regressions to estimate the explanatory power of the usual socioeconomic and genetic factors in modeling obesity rates, and then examine if access to fresh food has any incremental power to explain obesity rates. I then provide some direction on how geospatially-weighted regressions can be used to identify and optimally locate mobile food-pantries to tackle the food access issue as well as low-income issues.\\nResults\\nOverall, I find that while the known socio-economic and genetic covariates have the expected explanatory power, access to fresh food is a separate, incremental, and important factor that explains obesity. The effect of low access to fresh food on obesity is not just evident in racial minorities and poor populations, indicating that this is a pervasive factor that increases obesity. Notably, within Black populations, the effect of fresh food access on obesity is stronger than that of poverty.\\nConclusion\\nAfter controlling for the known factors that affect obesity rates, I find an additional explanatory power of access to fresh foods on obesity. Public policies to reduce or eliminate food deserts can not only tackle nutritional deficiency but also impact the growing rates of obesity in the U.S. My estimates show that there is room to improve the optimal locations of mobile-pantry efforts organized by local food banks and the Feed America program.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/bmed082-obesity-and-fresh-food-access\", \"title\": \"BMED082 - Obesity and Fresh Food Access\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713840442876_ISEF_video_Saswat_Tripathi_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"BMED082 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CBIO010\", \"title\": \"Using Machine Learning to Detect Sequential Patterns in the Temporal Ordering of Dynamic States as Candidate Biomarkers for Parkinson's Disease\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\", \"category_code\": \"CBIO\", \"award\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\", \"finalists\": [\"Younus, Yahya\"], \"school\": \"Little Rock Central High School\", \"abstract\": \"This study investigates the relationship between the sequential organization of the brain, measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans, and both rest and task-based differences in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. The project uses an artificial neural network trained on sequences of repeating states of dynamic functional connectivity among neural networks to match pairs of different event vectors from subjects. The potential significance of this research is that it could provide evidence for the effectiveness of fMRI tools such as GIFT and FSL in analyzing resting state networks along with dynamic networks and could be used to approach bigger problems, such as diseases like Parkinson's, from a new perspective. The study used a cohort of patients with Parkinson\u2019s imaged at UAMS, which includes data from over 12 subjects with 2 task and resting state scans, and utilized ICA-AROMA to reduce motion artifacts. The hypothesis is that if the accuracy of the trained classifier is greater than chance, it will support the idea that the sequential organization of brain states could be further mapped to find possible biomarkers. The classifiers in this experiment were able to match individuals across resting and non-resting pairs based on the sequential organization of resting state and dynamic networks with an accuracy well over chance. These results provide statistical evidence to support the notion that patterns in the sequential organization of dynamic functional connectivity in the brain can be reliably measured across resting and task conditions. This novel approach could be used to identify candidate biomarkers in the dynamic expression of brain states that would assist researchers in understanding the biological bases of Parkinson's disease.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cbio010-ml-application-of-fmri-sequential-patterns\", \"title\": \"CBIO010 - ML Application of fMRI Sequential Patterns\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/xgByeNmzfhs\", \"title\": \"CBIO010 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CBIO012\", \"title\": \"A-BiRD: Automated Bird Recognition Device \u2014 Revolutionizing Ornithological Research for Global Bird Conservation\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\", \"category_code\": \"CBIO\", \"award\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\", \"finalists\": [\"McGill, Finnegan\"], \"school\": \"Tanque Verde High School\", \"abstract\": \"The global bird population decline due to climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction is a critical challenge. Addressing this global issue is vital for biodiversity preservation and understanding environmental changes. Reliance on inconsistent, often citizen-sourced data hinders accurate tracking of avian declines. The presence of humans collecting data directly affects bird behavior and produces data of variable quality.\\nA-BiRD addresses these challenges. It\u2019s data and analysis yields insights into species preferences, habitats, and bird migration patterns without human intervention. It employs Cornell University\u2019s BirdNET-Analyzer for identification and cueing, its own algorithm for direction finding, and pandas for data processing, graphing, and analysis.\\nIn a Tucson field study from 09/2023 to 01/2024, two A-BiRD devices successfully collected unbiased data, revealing insights into bird diversity and behaviors during Fall Migration. Accurate species identification and triangulation occurred even with multiple simultaneous bird songs. A total of 98 different bird species and 21,131 combined birdsong events were identified. The study's conclusions highlight changing migration patterns, peak activity periods, and shifts in daily bird species dominance.\\nOngoing research and testing are shaping A-BiRD into a practical tool. This positions it as an innovative device that unites communities in safeguarding global bird diversity. Leveraging Arizona's diverse ecosystems, A-BiRD presently contributes locally with immediate impacts on avian research in Southern Arizona. Looking forward, A-BiRD devices hold the potential to address broader environmental challenges, making a significant impact on both local and global bird conservation efforts.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cbio012-a-bird-revolutionizing-ornithological-research\", \"title\": \"CBIO012 - A-BiRD: Revolutionizing Ornithological Research\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713150952530_ISEF_Finnegan_McGill_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CBIO012 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CBIO013\", \"title\": \"Atomically Yours: Novel DeepGraphDTI Takes Fight Against Future Pandemics to the Next Level\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\", \"category_code\": \"CBIO\", \"award\": \"Non-Trivial: 10 scholarships for Non-trivial\", \"finalists\": [\"Lim, Wan Qin\"], \"school\": \"Hwa Chong Institution\", \"abstract\": \"The World Health Organisation\u2019s Blueprint Priority Disease Nipah henipavirus\u2019 (NiV) deadly pandemic potential has been evidenced by outbreaks across the world. High mortality rates of up to 91% across countries such as India, Malaysia and Philippines renders it distressing as no approved vaccines and therapeutics exist to this date. Current in silico methods to discover a cure rely on molecular docking and dynamics which are computationally intensive and time-consuming. Hence, deep learning Drug-Target-Affinity (DTA) models, able to predict drug-target interactions within seconds, present an attractively accelerated approach to circumvent tedious protein and chemical environment preparations required for simulations. Present DTA architectures encode protein residues for learning, often using Convolutional Neural Networks that neglect structural information. To greatly enhance the predictive prowess of DTA models, this study curates novel Graph Neural Network model DeepGraphDTI, which builds graph representations of proteins from atomic-level properties by converting protein sequences into Simplified Molecular-Input Line-Entry System strings, allowing high-resolution structural attributes to be extracted. DeepGraphDTI surpassed performances of existing state-of-the-art models, proving itself a potent tool for diverse applications in drug discovery such as unearthing novel drugs against emerging pathogens. In this study, DeepGraphDTI identified potential inhibitors against the NiV attachment and fusion glycoproteins from 1,040 drugs in the Global Health Priority Box, Pandemic Response Box and Pathogen Box, which were further verified by molecular docking. 7 promising drugs were thus selected for future in vitro and vivo experimental evaluation.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cbio013-fighting-future-pandemics-with-novel-deepgraphdti\", \"title\": \"CBIO013 - Fighting Future Pandemics with Novel DeepGraphDTI\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711821956589_Project_video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CBIO013 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CBIO016\", \"title\": \"Combating the Drug Epidemic: A Machine-Learning Framework to Predict Novel Drug-Drug Interaction Risks of Illicit Drug Abuse\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\", \"category_code\": \"CBIO\", \"award\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\", \"finalists\": [\"Wang, Dean\"], \"school\": \"Century High School\", \"abstract\": \"Each year, the escalating drug epidemic causes over 100,000 deaths in the US. 80% of these mortalities result from multiple drug use toxicity, which yields unpredictable and potentially fatal drug-drug interactions (DDIs). Thus, it is imperative to discover and prevent DDIs responsible for severe adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Five major drugs\u2014Methamphetamine, Heroin, Cocaine, Oxycodone, and Fentanyl\u2014are responsible for 95% of all overdoses. To discover interactions, I used machine-learning to analyze the ADRs and pharmacological profiles of all 13,117 FDA-approved and 2421 illicit drugs, including their targets, transporters, and enzymes extracted from SIDER and DrugBank. The similarity of drug profiles provides the molecular basis for DDIs, computed with the Jaccard Index. DDI predictions were performed using two machine-learning models: elastic-net logistic regression (GLMnet) and extreme-gradient boosting (XGBoost). In total, I discovered 2746 total interactions, including 841 novel ones. Novel DDIs and severe ADRs were individually found for methamphetamine (novel:199, severe:41), heroin (novel:75, severe:8), cocaine (novel:273, severe:131), oxycodone (novel:116, severe:42), and fentanyl (novel:178, severe:75). GLMnet and XGBoost achieved excellent AUC accuracies at 0.89 (95% CI:0.88-0.90) and 0.93 (95% CI:0.92-0.94), respectively. Further validation was completed with FAERS, a repository of reported ADRs. Overall, this innovative framework predicts novel DDIs and derives a severity spectrum for the world\u2019s five deadliest drugs\u2014critical for combating the drug epidemic. Moreover, this algorithm is readily applicable to other prescription and nonprescription drugs, enhancing drug safety and efficacy.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cbio016-an-ai-model-to-discover-illicit-drug-interactions\", \"title\": \"CBIO016 - An AI Model to Discover Illicit Drug Interactions\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/gEKmqou4i5g\", \"title\": \"CBIO016 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CBIO033\", \"title\": \"A Deep Semi-Supervised Domain Generalization Approach for Epileptic Seizure Prediction Using Electroencephalography (EEG)\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\", \"category_code\": \"CBIO\", \"award\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence: Honorable Mention (do not read aloud). Winners receive a student level membership. Information is included separately in the SAO Portal.\", \"finalists\": [\"An, Sunwoo (Ria)\"], \"school\": \"Loomis Chaffee School\", \"abstract\": \"According to the WHO, nearly 50 million people suffer from epilepsy, one of the most common neurological diseases. Deaths caused by epilepsy have doubled over the past decade. Epilepsy is characterized by abnormal brain activity, leading to recurrent seizures. Each seizure manifests as sudden, uncontrolled bursts of electrical activity in the brain, and the injuries and restrictions on daily life underscores the urgency of finding effective methods for epileptic seizure prediction. Electroencephalogram (EEG) devices that output brain activity as waves are used for detection. This project aims to use deep learning techniques for the early prediction of epileptic seizures, an unsolved problem. Previous models have two limitations: being biased on specific datasets and devices used for training, and being sensitive to noise. A semi-supervised-based domain generalization method was developed to create a seizure prediction model that solves these problems. It consists of two phases: representation learning and transfer learning phase. To achieve high precision, the proposed method utilizes a representation learning approach. Here, a feature-swapping mechanism that effectively disentangles seizure-related EEG features is introduced, proved by the t-SNE feature maps visualization. During transfer learning, the pre-trained network is trained to output the probability if the input EEG indicates a seizure.  The proposed model achieves exceptional performance, with an accuracy of 90.53% and 94.88% on the NICU and Epileptic Seizure Recognition datasets respectively in within-dataset evaluations. It outperforms the previous methods on average by 19.35% in cross-dataset evaluations. This robust improvement opens up promising possibilities for real-world clinical applications.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713978133288_ISEF_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CBIO033 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CBIO036\", \"title\": \"A Lens Into Vision: Modeling the Stimuli-Driven Differential Responses of Lobula Columnar Cells in Drosophila\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\", \"category_code\": \"CBIO\", \"award\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\", \"finalists\": [\"Wong, Erin\"], \"school\": \"William A. Shine Great Neck South High School\", \"abstract\": \"Vision is a critical mode of perception that guides behavioral responses in many organisms. It is loosely grouped into two stages, sensing by photoreceptors and processing, further divided into levels ranging from low to high depending on the nature of the information being processed. Currently, while the functions of certain types of neurons are known for processing at a lower level, a comprehensive understanding of the exact mechanisms for processing at all levels is lacking. As testing using parameterized stimuli has proven to be insufficient for discovering which characteristics drive responses, the focus turns to the use of computational methods like deep learning to simulate neuronal activity. In this study, the Drosophila visual system was chosen for both its simpler anatomical structure and conserved mechanisms with higher organisms. To build interpretable models capable of simulating lobula columnar (LC) cells in the fruit fly brain, nineteen models, each corresponding to one LC cell type, were trained on a self-compiled dataset of over 300 dynamic stimuli paired with neuronal responses. An average correlation coefficient of 0.54 was found, indicating a moderate to strong correlation between predicted and ground truth responses. Upon plotting heatmaps of linear filter weights for each model, the mechanisms, scope, and level of processing behind each LC's computations could be interpreted. Collectively, these can help identify possible sequential interactions between different LC types. Further analysis also revealed these heatmaps' utility for identifying neuron types likely to be a part of the same functional group. By balancing complexity and interpretability, these models allow for more efficient investigations into the mechanisms behind visual processing.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cbio036-modeling-drosophila-lobula-columnar-cell-responses\", \"title\": \"CBIO036 - Modeling Drosophila Lobula Columnar Cell Responses\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713496526198_ISEF_2024_project_video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CBIO036 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CBIO057\", \"title\": \"Gut Microbiome-Cardiometabolic Disease Spectrum Association Analysis Using Machine Learning\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\", \"category_code\": \"CBIO\", \"award\": \"Fondazione Bruno Kessler: Award to participate in summer school \\\"Web Valley\\\"\", \"finalists\": [\"Ramot, Gil\"], \"school\": \"Ilan Ramon\", \"abstract\": \"The human microbiome is a term for the community of microorganisms living in the human body. The composition of the microbiome has the ability to influence the expression of various diseases in humans, and this phenomenon is often studied by analyzing it. In this study we sought to examine whether machine learning is a reliable tool for predicting the state of various cardiometabolic diseases based only on the gut microbiome. The research compared between the predictive abilities of different models on a dataset containing sequenced & assembled microbiomial data, and analyzed the bacteria that influence these models the most. In the research, it was found that some models can be used as effective diagnosis tools for some diseases. In addition, specific correlations were found between the presence of specific bacteria and diseases, such as E. coli and Type 2 Diabetes, Streptococcus bacteria and Coronary Artery Disease and many more. These findings show that machine learning can be an accurate, efficient and cheap solution for diagnosing various diseases, and that the gut microbiome has  substantial influence on these diseases. Future studies may use the approaches developed in this project for further analysis of microbiomial data. The code developed for this research has been published as open source software, and despite it having some research specific optimizations, it can be implemented on any dataset, not necessarily microbiome-related.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cbio057-cardiometabolic-diseases-analysis-by-microbiome\", \"title\": \"CBIO057 - Cardiometabolic Diseases Analysis by Microbiome\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714511334065_Gil_Ramot_1__thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CBIO057 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CELL018T\", \"title\": \"Modeling the Possible Connection Between the Variation of Homozygous Birc6 Gene and the Premature Ovarian Insufficiency on Zebrafish (Danio rerio)\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\", \"category_code\": \"CELL\", \"award\": \"The Scientific and Technological Research Council of T\u00fcrkiye  TUBITAK: 1st Prize Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Unuvar, Deren\", \"Ovul, Zeren\"], \"school\": \"Izmir Ozel Ege Lisesi\", \"abstract\": \"200 million of the human population is affected by infertility\u2014a disease that can develop in both men and women due to various reasons\u2014which causes a decrease in the individuals reproductive capacity. Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) is a type of infertility occurring in women. It may occur due to various external factors as well as a result of genetic variations. After analyzing Whole Exon Sequencing (WES) of a family, a rare homozygous variation was detected in the BIRC6 gene which is an apoptotic inhibitor. This variation was observed in female members only and these individuals have been diagnosed with POI. This has led us to a hypothesis framing a possible connection between POI and BIRC6 gene. In our project, we used the CRISPR/Cas9 method to create a variation in the birc6 gene according to the detected variant. A gRNA targeting the variation region was synthesized and injected to single-cell stage zebrafish embryos along with recombinant Cas9 protein using the microinjection method. For the verification of our knock-out model, HRM Analysis was executed. Subsequently, by Sanger sequencing in F0 generation mutant embryos, crispants, the success of the variation was evaluated. The morphologies of the crispants, observed with a light microscope for 5 days, were examined. The expression of the BIRC6 gene and the anti-apoptotic genes presumed to be connected was evaluated by qPCR analysis. It was observed that the expression of all anti-apoptotic genes was reduced in crispants, strengthening our hypotheses. The success of the knock-out model encouraged us to broaden the scope of our study with a knock-in model. We believe that our model will contribute to therapeutic approaches and drug studies to be developed against infertility.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cell018t-zebrafish-model-of-premature-ovarian-insufficiency\", \"title\": \"CELL018T - Zebrafish Model of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711829009555_videoo_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CELL018T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CELL020\", \"title\": \"Investigating the Impact of Parasitic Worm-Induced Secretions on Anaphylaxis\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\", \"category_code\": \"CELL\", \"award\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\", \"finalists\": [\"Ririe, Ethan\"], \"school\": \"Blacksburg High School\", \"abstract\": \"A sharp rise in food allergies during the last century has left millions with this chronic, often life-threatening condition. In fact, nearly all known autoimmune diseases are being diagnosed at higher rates than ever before, even after accounting for improvements in diagnosis techniques. Leading theories attribute this rise in immune disorders to a lack of exposure to \u201cOld Friend\u201d pathogens that evolved alongside humans for millennia. This study attempts to prove the veracity of the \u201cOld Friends\u201d hypothesis by reintroducing human tissue to the conditions created by Necator Americanus infection, determining whether the presence of N. Americanus is able to \u201cundo\u201d existing autoimmune disorders. This study simulated N. Americanus infection using the two major secretory products of the helminth, cytokines IL-4 and IL-10. Americanus has been shown to be able to inhibit the anti-parasitic effects of the body\u2019s IgE antibody pathway through a complex mixture of molecules whose secretion from epithelial cells is induced by worm infection. Because IgE is also responsible for activating mast cells in chronic inflammatory disorders, it was theorized that parasitic worm-induced secretions would be able to alleviate inflammation through IgE inhibition. The cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 were administered to blood samples and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the presence of key inflammatory molecule tryptase. Optical density data gathered by microplate reader showed that there was a significant decrease in inflammation through IL-4 stimulation but not through IL-10 stimulation.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cell020-parasitic-worms-and-anaphylaxis\", \"title\": \"CELL020 - Parasitic Worms and Anaphylaxis\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712088647674_PXL_20240402_195013123_2_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CELL020 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CELL027\", \"title\": \"The Function of p53 in Intestinal Epithelium Wound Healing\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\", \"category_code\": \"CELL\", \"award\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\", \"finalists\": [\"Mallick, Sohini\"], \"school\": \"University High School\", \"abstract\": \"The intestines are a crucial part of the digestive system, aiding in digestion and nutrient absorption. They feature a columnar barrier of intestinal epithelial cells, called the intestinal epithelium, that is responsible for absorbing nutrients and defending against antigens. The barrier possesses unique regenerative processes that renew its lining every 3-5 days, whilst maintaining almost identical cell structure and cell type ratio. The intestinal epithelium is studied for its role in stem cell nodes and monolayer development regarding cell signaling and intestinal epithelial wound healing. The tumor suppressor gene, P53, has been linked with leader cell behavior during cell migration in MDCK monolayer development.\\nThrough study, we observed the function of p53 during intestinal epithelium wound healing, with the GiLA1 organoid line and p53-mNeonGreen and H2B/iRFP protein trackers. A live-cell imaging movie encapsulated the development of the organoid monolayer and was further analyzed through automated cell tracking. Immunofluorescent staining for Ki67 was used to compare the protein expressions within various cell types.\\nWe observed three transient and unique p53-positive cell types during wound healing. One of these types displayed a canonical p53 response, suggesting a different role for the other subtypes. We identified p53WAR (Wound Associated Repair) cells as essential leaders of collective cell migration during wound healing. We further discovered localized p53 in Ki67 high cells originating from the stem cell nodes. Lastly, most Wound Associated Epithelial (WAE) cells were p53-negative, but showed a transient increase in p53 after wound closure, suggesting a role for p53 in re-differentiation.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cell027-p53-in-intestinal-epithelium-wound-healing\", \"title\": \"CELL027 - p53 in Intestinal Epithelium Wound Healing\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713072369028_IMG_7447_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CELL027 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CELL033\", \"title\": \"Rock the Metals! Investigating Manganese as a Trigger of Malignancy and Metal Transporters as Targets in Cancer Treatment\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\", \"category_code\": \"CELL\", \"award\": \"Drug, Chemical &amp\", \"finalists\": [\"de Araujo Pereira da Silva, Carolina\"], \"school\": \"Instituto Federal de Educacao Ciencia e Tecnologia do Rio de Janeiro\", \"abstract\": \"Metals and their transporters influence cell behavior in cancer, and previous research demonstrated that manganese promotes malignancy. Therefore, if metal transporters are essential in maintaining the metallome, do variations in extracellular Mn alter transporters\u2019 expression? To model tumor microenvironment metallome dynamics, lung carcinoma (LLC) cells were incubated in high-Mn culture medium for 24 h, followed by 48 h of recovery in standard medium. Real time-PCR and ICP-OES techniques were applied to analyze cells and medium, respectively. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism 5 software. Data obtained are in accordance with previous work, confirming DMT1 transporter\u2019s negative regulation in high-Mn medium. It was observed that such regulation negatively correlates with Mn concentration, increasing at low-Mn and decreasing at high-Mn. Other transporters (ZIP8, ZnT1 and FPN1) also showed changes, an interesting finding, since not all are direct Mn transporters. Also, cells previously exposed to Mn-rich environment showed they are capable of secreting this element back into the medium upon return to standard conditions. These data demonstrate that tumor cells oscillate between Mn uptake and secretion, perpetuating a Mn-rich tumor microenvironment that promotes a complex and regulated network. Future experiments will involve cell migration to evaluate the impact of cell-secreted microenvironmental Mn on tumor cell invasion, and analysis of X-ray fluorescence data obtained by the group to unveil Mn subcellular distribution in LLC cells. DMT1 inhibitors will also be tested regarding efficiency in reversing Mn-promoted malignancy. This innovative project presents great potential to the development of new therapeutic targets in cancer treatment.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cell033-tumor-metallomics-as-a-target-in-cancer-treatment\", \"title\": \"CELL033 - Tumor Metallomics as a Target in Cancer Treatment\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35kWO63YoU4\", \"title\": \"CELL033 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CELL043\", \"title\": \"Dissecting Glioblastoma: CRISPR Knockout of Hif-1ALPHA Disrupts Downstream Targets\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\", \"category_code\": \"CELL\", \"award\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\", \"finalists\": [\"Bawden, Neve\"], \"school\": \"Bountiful High School\", \"abstract\": \"Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 Alpha (Hif1a) contributes to cancer growth in most solid tumors. Because normal cells do not generally require HIF1, it is a potential target. How cancer will adapt to inactivation is unknown. Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) in conjunction with Cas-9, has previously been used to inactivate HIF1a in the glioblastoma cell line U251. DNA sequencing showed genome editing did occur in three of the U251 cell clones: CR2, CR5, and CR6. Hypoxic whole cell lysate was prepared and used in the enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to measure HIF1a and its target proteins GLUT1, VEGF and PDK1. Nuclear extract was used to measure HIF1/DNA binding. The ELISA and DNA binding showed that CR2 and CR6 are not producing HIF1a but CR5 is, and it binds DNA. CR5 sequencing showed that the gene was edited. However, previous research showed that CR5 had no active HIF1a. Surprisingly, the GLUT1 assay showed that CR2 and CR6 make the same amount of GLUT1 as the control. CR5 is producing less GLUT1, but is still showing to be active. VEGF results mirror the results of HIF1a, as expected, while PDK1 shows no difference in any clones. Others have shown GLUT1 and PDK1 are regulated by HIF1a. This shows that cells can adapt to HIF1a inactivation and regulate them through alternate pathways. This indicates CRISPR can be used to knock out Hif1a effectively to create cell lines for detailed study of HIF1a in glioblastoma.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/cell012-hif1a-in-glioblastoma-in-vitro-and-in-vivo\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 18, \"status\": \"needs_review\", \"signals\": [\"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"llm:related:0.72\"], \"title\": \"CELL012 - Hif1a in Glioblastoma: In vitro and in vivo\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"CRISPR-mediated Hif1a knockout directly impedes glioblastoma progression within the brain, underscoring the therapeutic potential of Hif1a targeting.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713315087061_IMG_2222_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CELL043 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM015T\", \"title\": \"Natural Eutectogels as a Novel Material for Green Wearable Electronics\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\", \"finalists\": [\"Huang, Claire\", \"Zhang, Sophia\"], \"school\": \"Fairview High School\", \"abstract\": \"The rapidly growing field of wearable electronics faces a critical challenge: the development of materials that are compatible with human tissue. Traditional materials such as hydrogels and ionogels have a lack of tolerance and often result in rigidity, discomfort, and potential biological hazards. Our project introduces a transformative solution: a eutectogel-based artificial ionic skin that is sustainable, low cost, non-toxic, and readily accessible.\\nEutectogels are formed by the polymerization of a deep eutectic solvent (DES) and are an innovative material constructed from hydrogen bond donors (HBD) and acceptors (HBA). Our unique contributions are the incorporation of natural derivatives into the HBD and HBA selection and the integration of cellulose-based derivatives such as cotton, which enhance the mechanical properties of the gel. Through extensive testing, we have identified an optimal combination and ratio of DES components, resulting in an eutectogel that improves upon previous versions in many properties such as adhesion, flexibility, stability and motion sensitivity.\\nThese enhancements not only allow for the production of thinner, sensitive interfaces capable of effectively capturing and transmitting biopotential signals but also ensures excellent adhesion and stability for a wider range of applications. Our work represents a development towards more sustainable and reliable biopotential monitoring for patients.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/chem015t-green-electronic-skin\", \"title\": \"CHEM015T - Green Electronic Skin\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/7bePheGND3M\", \"title\": \"CHEM015T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM035\", \"title\": \"Novel TMOS-Dependent Synthesis of Water-Stable CsPbBr3-SiO2 Nanoparticles for Bioimaging Applications\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"American Chemical Society: Third Award of $2,000\", \"finalists\": [\"Lam, Katherine\"], \"school\": \"University High School\", \"abstract\": \"Perovskite nanocrystals carry significant promise in the field of intracellular sensing. When in proximity with radiolabeled analytes, fluorescent nanoparticles emit photoluminescent signatures that can be used to quantify and locate intracellular species, whilst minimally disrupting the structure and/or function of these target molecules. However, existing perovskite nanosynthesis methods have been hampered by high reagent costs, the consumption of large quantities of toxic organic solvents, and rapid particle degradation in aqueous environments, such as those encountered within living cells. Here, the reagent tetramethylorthosilicate (TMOS)  is investigated as a means to enhance the aqueous stability and optic properties of CsPbBr3 perovskite nanoparticles, compared to traditional, more costly fluorocarbon reagents (such as 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyldimethylchlorosilane). The ability of TMOS to preserve and increase perovskite signal intensity through a proposed CsPbBr3-SiO2 core-shell mechanism suggests new opportunities for the use of nanocrystal biosensors in cost-efficient, multiplexed analysis of small-molecule signaling cascades, potentially offering unique spatiotemporal insights into the in vivo origins of known pathological phenotypes.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/chem035-tmos-dependent-cspbbr3-nanoparticle-stabilization\", \"title\": \"CHEM035 - TMOS-Dependent CsPbBr3 Nanoparticle Stabilization \", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/PyTthcCNLVw\", \"title\": \"CHEM035 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM039\", \"title\": \"External Magnetic Field Enhanced Plasmonic Au-WO3 Thin Films for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\", \"finalists\": [\"Alangari, Saleh\"], \"school\": \"Riyadh School for Boys and Girls\", \"abstract\": \"In the evolving world of sustainable energy, hydrogen production by photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting stands out as a highly promising approach. Yet, challenges like limited light absorption and complex electron flow management often prevent achieving maximum efficiency. In this study, these challenges are addressed through two key aspects. The first is the plasmonic phenomenon, which significantly enhances light absorption by localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). This electromagnetic mode arises from the interaction between the free electrons of gold and light photons, forming an efficient light-harvesting mechanism. Furthermore, a crucial element is applying an external magnetic field that exerts a substantial influence on the behavior of electrons. The magnetic field applies the Lorentz force, which organizes the electron spin and significantly reduces recombination rates. The hypothesis of this research is that integrating an external magnetic field with the plasmonic effects in PEC systems will significantly enhance light absorption, optimize electron spin, and consequently elevate hydrogen production. Experiments were conducted on two sets of FTO glass substrates: one with WO3 deposited first, then gold nanoparticles coated on top, and the other in reverse order. Significantly, in comparison with pure WO3, the Tauc plot confirmed a decreased band gap in WO3-Au thin films, from 2.75 eV to 2.59 eV, markedly enhancing light absorption capabilities. When subjected to a magnetic field, LSV measurements demonstrated that the stable WO3-Au thin films exhibited double the efficiency compared to pure WO3. This approach aims to overcome existing barriers and boost the efficiency of PEC systems.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/chem039-magnetic-field-enhanced-plasmon-in-water-splitting\", \"title\": \"CHEM039 - Magnetic Field Enhanced Plasmon in Water Splitting\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713073510225_ISEF_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CHEM039 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM045\", \"title\": \"Evaluation of Antimalarial Activity of Artemisinin Derivatives by the Reaction with Fe(II) Ion in Micelles\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"Drug, Chemical &amp\", \"finalists\": [\"Tsukai, Yumi\"], \"school\": \"Tokushima Municipal High School\", \"abstract\": \"Artemisinin, a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from a plant, is currently used as a superior antimalarial agent. Because of a recent discovery of artemisinin-resistant parasites, there is an urgent demand for further studies on artemisinin. The purpose of this research is to prepare novel artemisinin derivatives and to develop a simple method to evaluate their antimalarial activity. First, I focused on two novel artemisinin derivatives having an arylamino group at C-10 and methyl artesunate, and achieved their syntheses successfully. The structure of these new products was identified by the analyses of IR, \u00b9H- and \u00b9\u00b3C-NMR spectra. Second, based on the generally accepted mechanism of antimalarial activity of artemisinin, I investigated reactivities of artemisinin and its derivatives with Fe(II) using micelles as a reaction field. The reactivities with Fe(II) were examined by the following two methods: measurement of a decrease in Fe(II) concentration with UV-vis spectra and measurement of oxygen consumption in a lipid peroxidation induced by the reaction of artemisinin derivatives with Fe(II). The results obtained by both methods demonstrated higher reactivities of the new derivatives compared to artemisinin. Moreover, the relative order of the reactivities of artemisinin and its derivatives was roughly coincident with that of their antimalarial activity against malaria parasites. Thus, it is revealed that the measurements of reactivities of artemisinin derivatives with Fe(II) in micelles established in this research can be employed as a simple screening method to evaluate their antimalarial activity.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/chem045-evaluation-of-antimalarial-activity-of-artemisinin\", \"title\": \"CHEM045 - Evaluation of Antimalarial Activity of Artemisinin\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714551000140_Video_Yumi_Tsukai_1080_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CHEM045 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM046T\", \"title\": \"Dyes Adsorption Using Activated Carbon From Coffee Capsule Grounds\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"American Chemical Society: Diploma of Recognition and $100 gift card\", \"finalists\": [\"da Costa Franca, Alana Carolina\", \"Kanashiro da Hora, Emily\", \"Nunes Santana, Caio\"], \"school\": \"Instituto Federal da Bahia (IFBA) - Campus Camacari\", \"abstract\": \"Brazil is a world leader in coffee production and is the second-largest consumer. As a result, over 1,000,000 t of coffee grounds accumulate in landfills yearly and decompose, releasing greenhouse gasses. An option to reuse grounds is as an adsorbent to treat textile effluents, which contain dyes harmful to water and the earth. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the composition, structure, properties, and dye adsorption capacity of activated carbon obtained from coffee capsule grounds using different chemical activator agents. During preparation, grounds were collected from capsules, dried, macerated, sieved, and impregnated with phosphoric acid or zinc chloride before being pyrolyzed, washed, and dried. Solids were characterized by ash and moisture content, thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, specific area, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Removal activity was evaluated by carbon contact with methylene blue solution during defined time intervals. Concentration after adsorption was determined by visible spectroscopy. Results showed that coffee grounds had low moisture (6.5%) and ash (1.8%) content, favorable to adsorption. Pyrolysis temperature was adequate to obtain carbons with different surface functional groups, and solids morphology changed with the activators employed. Adsorption tests indicated that activated carbons were efficient in removing dye from water (98-100%), and the best activator was phosphoric acid, which sample presented the highest carbon content and specific area (789 m\u00b2/g). Therefore,  activated carbons from coffee capsule grounds are an economical and sustainable way to remove dyes from textile effluents and prevent damage caused by inadequate residue disposal.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/chem046t-activated-carbon-from-coffee-capsule-grounds\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.62\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"CHEM046T - Activated Carbon From Coffee Capsule Grounds\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.62, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Adsorption tests indicated that activated carbons were efficient in removing dye from water (98-100%), and the best activator was phosphoric acid, which sample\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713482193768_V_deo_ISEF_2024_Som_corrigido_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CHEM046T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM049\", \"title\": \"Quantifying Live Cell Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation Condensates\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"YM American Academy: Third Award of $500.00\", \"finalists\": [\"Gan, Lilian\"], \"school\": \"University High School\", \"abstract\": \"Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is the formation of biomolecular condensates that house various chemical reactions. The dysregulation of LLPS has been linked to tumorigenesis and neurodegenerative diseases. LLPS is quantified by the frequency of condensates, size, shape, and a condensate\u2019s specific role. The methods used to count the number of condensates vary so a standard approach to quantify condensates that will enhance reproducibility and enrich acquired data is needed.\\nThis program was created by testing procedures to segment the cells, bring out the condensates, and then actually count up the condensates in each cell for every slice slice in an image. Every step was combined into one program that runs in about 1.5 minutes for 60 images. The program was tested by using images where LLPS can be observed.\\nResults of the counts obtained from the program showed an overall constant trend as expected from cells with no outside interference, other than the addition of salt at one point, where changes did occur. There was not a clear way to analyze for accuracy of the program because of the nature of this program, which was to create a standard.\\nBecause the results mostly follow expected trends, this solution can be validated as a preliminary step. The next step would be to get ground truth datasets using high resolution microscopy to quantitatively define if condensates are in or out of plane. After refinement of procedures, this program could be utilized in medical research.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/chem049-quantifying-liquid-liquid-phase-separation\", \"title\": \"CHEM049 - Quantifying Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/uj7Uf9aM-3o?si=lMLc81KmSR5Az3I4\", \"title\": \"CHEM049 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM061\", \"title\": \"Obtaining a Polyadsorbent From the Natural Diatomite to Purify Wastewater From the Ions of Heavy Metals\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\", \"finalists\": [\"Zhaksygaliyeva, Sayazhan\"], \"school\": \"Miras International School\", \"abstract\": \"Highly toxic heavy metals find their way to living organisms through water and air. Emission of wastewater to water resources only proliferate the harm and health implications of exposure to heavy metals.\\nApplication of diatomite, which is a highly porous siliceous rock, to clear wastewaters is an economically viable solution. Nonetheless, in its natural form, such material lacks the sufficient sorptive properties. The research aimed to investigate means to enhance adsorptive properties of the modified diatomite to extract ions of heavy metals: cadmium, lead, zinc, and copper. In this study, diatomite was activated through two phases: first ion-exchanging metals on the surface were removed and replaced with H+ by using aqueous HCl solution; next, making use of NH4OH solution, protons of H were replaced with OH- . Subsequently, adsorption in static conditions was conducted for 0,25- 5 hours and sorbent\u2019s composition was analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The results showed that over 95% of Cu2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Zn2+ adhered to diatomite at an optimal time of 60 minutes. The adsorbed diatomite was also successfully desorbed with 1 mol of HCl solution and washed with distilled water.  Repeated activation allowed desorbed diatomite to perform as an adsorbent again. Hence, it was proved that diatomite could act as a reusable adsorbent, a polyadsorbent in other words.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/chem061-diatomite-as-a-reusable-purifier-from-heavy-metals\", \"title\": \"CHEM061 - Diatomite as a Reusable Purifier From Heavy Metals\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713636606290_28B3D029_24EC_4F74_BC75_AB99198E333F_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CHEM061 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM064\", \"title\": \"Unveiling New Horizons in 2D Materials: Computational Discovery of a Metallic Boron Nitride Monolayer\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"YM American Academy: First Award of $3,000\", \"finalists\": [\"Chen, Jerry\"], \"school\": \"Saint John's School\", \"abstract\": \"The hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) monolayer, sharing the same crystalline structure and isoelectronic properties with graphene, is well-recognized for its wide band gap semiconductor nature (~6 eV) attributed to the predominantly ionic BN bonds. Addressing the diverse requirements of applications has driven the exploration for stable boron nitride configurations featuring considerably reduced band gaps, particularly those with metallic characteristics. Herein, using density functional theory (DFT) computations and inspired by our discovery of the highly aromatic (BNN)6 molecular structure, which can serve as building blocks, we theoretically designed a novel two-dimensional (2D) boron nitride material that exhibits metallic behavior driven by the intriguing phenomenon of electron conjugation. Our computations showed that this new BN monolayer is kinetically stable and has decent thermodynamic, mechanic, and thermal stabilities, indicating its high feasibility for experimental realization. This work unveils a hitherto unexplored 2D BN material distinguished by its unique geometric configuration, metallic attributes, and the high likelihood of successful experimental production. It is another example to vividly demonstrate the importance of chemical concepts in rational materials design, and further extensions likely result in other novel 2D materials with exceptional properties.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/chem064-novel-metallic-boron-nitride-monolayer\", \"title\": \"CHEM064 - Novel Metallic Boron Nitride Monolayer\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/gaN9_r_z2gA\", \"title\": \"CHEM064 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"CHEM067\", \"title\": \"The Ultimate Plant-Powered Bike Lube\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Chemistry\", \"category_code\": \"CHEM\", \"award\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\", \"finalists\": [\"Dunn, Brandon\"], \"school\": \"Fremont High School\", \"abstract\": \"The project aims to explore the use of plant corrosion inhibitors compared to toxic bike chain lubricants on carbon steel bike chains. Current bike maintenance companies use petroleum and toxic chemicals which are both toxic to the environment and for the user as well. A series of tests were conducted to identify the most efficient plant-corrosion inhibitor solutions for carbon steel. The most efficient solution was found to be MCT Oil, Oreganum Vulgare, Wormwood Oil, Pine Needle, and Tea Tree Oil, outperforming Rock N Roll Gold, the leading bike lubricant brand. The project suggests that using plant-based lubricants for bike chains could reduce environmental impact and potentially have applications in various industries, including military, automotive, aerospace, manufacturing technology, construction, and oil recovery.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/chem067-the-ultimate-plant-powered-bike-lube\", \"title\": \"CHEM067 - The Ultimate Plant-Powered Bike Lube\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714515719276_IMG_0681_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"CHEM067 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV003\", \"title\": \"Tree Rings as a Potential Monitoring Tool for Saltwater Intrusion\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"Florida Institute of Technology: Full Tuition Presidential Scholarship\", \"finalists\": [\"McBride, Alynza\"], \"school\": \"South Sumter High School\", \"abstract\": \"This project assessed whether slash pine tree (Pinus elliottii) ring growth could be used to track rates of saltwater intrusion. If ring growth of non-halophytic pine trees is impacted by saltwater, then tree rings could be used to track saltwater intrusion since they would have smaller rings.\\nTree cores were collected at eight sites along a coast-to-inland transect near the Lower Suwannee River. The independent variable was sample site distance from the Gulf of Mexico. The dependent variable was tree ring width. The control group consisted of duplicate cores collected from one tree at each site to determine if ring growth was consistent within individual trees.\\nTree cores were collected using an increment tree borer, stored and dried in paper straws, mounted on wooden bases, and sanded to increase ring visibility. The cores were scanned, and ring widths were measured using photo-analysis software. The tree ring widths were compared between sites and to extreme high tide events.\\nThe hypothesis was supported because tree ring growth declined following extreme high tide events, demonstrating that trees are useful for saltwater intrusion monitoring. After extreme high tide events, ring growth rates declined by more than 40% compared to the average growth of the prior four years. Declines persisted for up to four years. After Hurricane Dennis in 2005, site ring width averages decreased by 46% to 60%. Saltwater intrusion impacts extended 25.6 kilometers inland from the coast. Rainfall was not a statistically significant driver of growth at six of the seven impacted sites.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/eaev003-tree-rings-as-saltwater-intrusion-monitoring-tool\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.75\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"EAEV003 - Tree Rings as Saltwater Intrusion Monitoring Tool\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.75, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This project assessed whether slash pine tree (Pinus elliottii) ring growth could be used to track rates of saltwater intrusion.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711948490823_Alynza_McBride_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EAEV003 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV031\", \"title\": \"Ferrofluid Extraction of Microplastics\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\", \"finalists\": [\"Gavin, Juliannah\"], \"school\": \"Veritas Christian Community School\", \"abstract\": \"Overwhelming research shows microplastics are found in the environment, as well as in the majority of American fish, water, and even meats. While its long-term effects on humans and environments are not clearly known, it is imperative to test water sources, as water is critical to life. The hypothesis was if the ferrofluid extraction method was used to test local waters, microplastics will be extracted.\\nA control sample was established by combining homemade microplastics and water. Local waters from the San Pedro River, Parker Canyon Lake, and Patagonia Lake were tested to extract microplastics with ferrofluid and magnets, and the solution was examined under the microscope.\\nIn the control sample where microplastics were added, microplastics were detected in the ferrofluid. However, microplastics were not detected in the local water samples tested.\\nThe hypothesis was confirmed. The known microplastics were extracted with the ferrofluid from the control sample, and identifiable traits of the microplastics were not detected in the lake and river test samples. The results showed microplastics are able to be extracted using the ferrofluid extraction method. In addition to preventing plastic from being disposed of into oceans, this method should be considered to be used to clean ocean waters since approximately 12.7 million metric tons (MT) of plastic are being dumped into the oceans per year. Microplastics are known as a foreign substance to the human body and environment, thus there is a critical need to test if they are reaching local waters.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/eaev031-ferrofluid-extraction-of-microplastics\", \"title\": \"EAEV031 - Ferrofluid Extraction of Microplastics\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsapzX5hW7M\", \"title\": \"EAEV031 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV058\", \"title\": \"Forecasting Post-Wildfire Vegetation Recovery in California Using a Convolutional Long Short-Term Memory Tensor Regression Network\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"National Geographic Society: Excellence in Geography and Geospatial Science Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Liu, Jiahe\"], \"school\": \"Edgemont High School\", \"abstract\": \"The increasing wildfire frequency and size have posed growing challenges for re-establishing plants after wildfires, making the study of post-wildfire plant regrowth essential for creating effective plans to recover ecosystems. Previous research has predominantly focused on unraveling and analyzing the key ecological and biogeographical factors that influence post-fire succession. This research proposes a novel approach for predicting and analyzing post-fire plant recovery. Using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) as our metric to quantify vegetation, we develop a Convolutional Long Short-Term Memory Tensor Regression (ConvLSTMTR) network that predicts future NDVI based on short-term plant growth data after fire containment. The model is trained and tested on 104 major wildfires in California from 2013 to 2020 with burn areas larger than 3000 acres. The integration of ConvLSTM with tensor regression enables the calculation of an overall logistic growth rate k using our model's predicted NDVI time series. Overall, our k-value predictions demonstrate impressive performance, with 50% of predictions exhibiting an absolute error of 0.12 or less, and 75% having an error of 0.24 or less. Finally, we employ Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) and K-nearest neighbor (KNN) clustering to determine trends in similar post-wildfire recovery, providing valuable insight into areas of high and low recovery rates. Our study pioneers the combined use of tensor regression and the ConvLSTM, and introduces the application of UMAP for clustering similar wildfires. Taken together, this study contributes to the advancement of predictive ecological modeling and holds the potential to inform future post-fire vegetation management strategies.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://arxiv.org/abs/2311.02492\", \"kind\": \"paper\", \"found_via\": \"arxiv\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_exact:1.00\", \"trusted_domain:arxiv.org\"], \"title\": \"Forecasting Post-Wildfire Vegetation Recovery in California using a Convolutional Long Short-Term Memory Tensor Regression Network\", \"source_domain\": \"arxiv.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\", \"search_provider\": \"arxiv\", \"match_reason\": \"title_exact:1.00, trusted_domain:arxiv.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"The study of post-wildfire plant regrowth is essential for developing successful ecosystem recovery strategies. Prior research mainly examines key ecological and biogeographical factors influencing post-fire succession. This research proposes a novel approach for predicting and analyzing post-fire plant recovery. We develop a Convolutional Long Short-Term Memory Tensor Regression (ConvLSTMTR) network that predicts future Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) based on short-term plant gro\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/eaev058-forecasting-post-fire-vegetation-recovery\", \"title\": \"EAEV058 - Forecasting Post-Fire Vegetation Recovery\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/FmDkaVks6jc\", \"title\": \"EAEV058 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV070\", \"title\": \"Forward Modelling of Climate Change-Induced Sedimentation and Effects on Coastal Ecosystems\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council: The  Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Counil awards will recognize 10 projects in the following categories: &#x0D\", \"finalists\": [\"Hao, Kevin\"], \"school\": \"Knox Grammar School\", \"abstract\": \"Future climate trends threaten to disrupt sedimentation processes through changing precipitation patterns, affecting river discharge and sediment loads, and sediment runoff to coastal regions. This presents emerging risks to anthropogenic environments and coastal ecosystems such as coral reefs, wetlands and seagrass meadows, potentially impacted by sedimentation through ecological degradation and decreased biodiversity. Current research highlights the need of incorporating sedimentation processes\u2019 potential effects on ecosystems in developing conservation management strategies. The project created a hundred-year simulation of future sediment erosion/deposition for the Burdekin region, in tropical Queensland, Australia adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef, as a \u2018proof of concept\u2019 for the process to be applied elsewhere in aiding conservation. Precipitation and other data were based on future climate change projections, Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), developed by the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6). The project used Badlands, a surface process model which simulates sediment erosion/deposition and stream discharge. Results corroborated with the hypothesis of the positive effect of discharge on sedimentation (geometric mean p-value of 0.0498). Simulations also highlighted areas of the Burdekin region susceptible to elevated coastal sediment erosion/deposition such as Ingham and Magnetic Island (cumulative sediment deposition > 9m). Particularly, the research provided an open-source framework to analyse sedimentation patterns using freely accessible software, documentation and data. This promotes open science, allowing for conservation management strategies formulated by stakeholders or academics with limited technical abilities or access to research capital.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713923786670_ISEF_Presentation_Video_Final_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EAEV070 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV079\", \"title\": \"Flood Mitigation of Tarlac City Through 3D Simulation of Groundwater Discharge to Flood Inundation Using Rainfall Prediction and Integration of Spatio-Temporal GIS in Hydrodynamic Models\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"National Geographic Society: Excellence in Geography and Geospatial Science Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Guinto, Arnon Yzabel\"], \"school\": \"Tarlac National High School\", \"abstract\": \"The Philippines, ranking as the third most vulnerable nation to natural disasters on a global scale, faces escalating danger posed by typhoons and floods, resulting in significant human casualties, property destruction, and economic repercussions. Among the regions susceptible to such hydrological threats, Tarlac City stands out as particularly prone to inundation. This research aims to address this challenge by proposing the development of a 3D spatio-temporal Geographic Information System (GIS) along with a hydrodynamic model, specifically designed to replicate flood inundation induced by rainfall, groundwater discharge dynamics, and surface flooding occurrences in Tarlac City. It emphasizes its proficient application of advanced methodologies for flood prediction and risk assessment within Tarlac City. Results showed that the Long- Short Term Memory Neural Network effectively anticipates rainfall patterns, while hydrological data facilitated the development of a 3D digital elevation map. The elevation of the areas ranges from 44.69 ft to 57.55 ft, while the low-lying area, Amucao, has an elevation of 24.38 ft to 32.5 ft. This information supplements groundwater discharge data to create a flood inundation model, enabling the identification of flood-prone regions. Moreover, areas in San Vicente, San Roque, Part San Sebastian, San Isidro, Maliwalo, Matatalaib, Tibag, F. Ta\u00f1edo were prone to minimal to severe risks of flooding. In conclusion, this research augments the disaster preparedness within barangays in Tarlac City susceptible to flooding, contributing significantly to risk mitigation.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/eaev079-3d-groundwater-flooding-simulation-of-tarlac-city\", \"title\": \"EAEV079 - 3D Groundwater Flooding Simulation of Tarlac City\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714034534113_REVISED_VIDEO_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EAEV079 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EAEV086\", \"title\": \"Aquatic Toxicity of Sunscreen Ingredients in Freshwater Ecosystems\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"EAEV\", \"award\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\", \"finalists\": [\"Sinha, Mallika\"], \"school\": \"BASIS Peoria\", \"abstract\": \"The impact of the main inactive ingredient in sunscreens was tested on freshwater ecosystems using Daphnia magna as a model species. My previous experiments (2023) showed that \\\"reef-friendly\\\" non-nano zinc oxide caused the most detriment to Daphnia magna, and further experimentation has been done to understand the impact of active versus main inactive sunscreen ingredients on the results. In this year's experiment, four non-nano zinc oxide sunscreens were tested, three water-based, one alcohol-based, and pure zinc oxide powder at concentrations of 1 and 2 mg/L. Five daphnia were added to each solution in three replicates. I hypothesized that the non-nano zinc oxide powder would have the least detrimental effects to the daphnia due to the lack of inactive ingredient, while the alcohol-based sunscreen would be the most harmful, due to the presence of alcohol as main inactive ingredient. The mortality of the Daphnia magna was recorded and contrary to my hypothesis, the results revealed that solubility of the sunscreen was the main factor contributing to mortality, regardless of the main inactive ingredient. In addition, the zinc oxide powder proved itself to be harmful, exposing the harm of the substance on freshwater environments. The supposed \\\"environmentally friendly\\\" UV filter was not safe to Daphnia magna and advertising regarding sunscreens can be misleading as the full scope of the toxicity of zinc oxide beyond coral reefs is neglected. Marketing as \\\"environmentally friendly\\\" should be regulated further to improve awareness of the consumer's impact on the natural world.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/eaev086-sunscreen-toxicity-in-freshwater-ecosystems\", \"title\": \"EAEV086 - Sunscreen Toxicity in Freshwater Ecosystems\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713828785557_How_Does_Sunscreen_Affect_The_Environment_vid_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EAEV086 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EBED003\", \"title\": \"Terahertz Gap Communication Using Black Body Radiation\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\", \"category_code\": \"EBED\", \"award\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate : Second Place Award \u201cPrinciples of Security and Privacy\u201d\", \"finalists\": [\"Dorminy, Jonathan\"], \"school\": \"Sola Fide Home School\", \"abstract\": \"The most significant remaining frontier of radio encompasses the band of frequencies from 300 GHz to above 30 THz, known as the terahertz (THz) gap. This range is too high to generate with semiconductors and too low to generate with optics. The best THz signal generation method uses black body radiators; any object with greater than zero Kelvin temperature emits electromagnetic radiation. Current black body radiation based THz communication devices transmit information extremely slowly; this project aims to reach data rates faster than current devices.\\nThe transmitter uses a metal ceramic heater (MCH) at 570 K, emitting around 30 THz peak. Electrical modulation is impossible because black body radiators are heaters with significant rise and fall time. Instead, mechanical modulation (MM) uses a motor to move an opaque object into the beam to control data transmission. The receiver uses a pyroelectric sensor to detect incoming data, while a high-density polyethylene filter reduces incoming noise. A microcontroller regulates the modulator and logs receiver data.\\nAt one meter, Stage 1 achieved a data rate of .5 bps, three times that of any previous black body radiator device, and a signal-to-noise ratio of 11 dB. Stage 2 increased the modulator speed and receiver sample rate and can achieve 10 bps, 20 times that of Stage 1. Future work includes replacing the receiving sensor for a higher sample rate and adding a field-of-view limiter to reduce noise. This device provides a basis for further experimentation in the THz gap.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/ebed003-thz-gap-communication-using-black-body-radiation\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.80\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"THz Gap Communication Using Black Body Radiation\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.80, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"The best THz signal generation method uses black body radiators; any object with greater than zero Kelvin temperature emits electromagnetic radiation.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/CCc45iuysbA\", \"title\": \"EBED003 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EBED006T\", \"title\": \"A Mesh Network-Integrated Multi-Robot Team With Electronic Nose for Human Detection Under Rubble in Post-Disaster Scenarios\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\", \"category_code\": \"EBED\", \"award\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development: Second Award Working in Crisis and Conflict\", \"finalists\": [\"Ozcan, Muhammet Basar\", \"Demir, Burak Eren\", \"Celik, Salih\"], \"school\": \"Ataturk High School of Science\", \"abstract\": \"Catastrophic natural phenomena like earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis have\\ncaused widespread devastation, resulting in significant loss of life and property damage. In 2023, during the Turkey-Syria Earthquake and Marrakesh-Safi Earthquake, nearly 210.000 people were injured and 65.000 people lost their lives due to the inability to be detected in time under the rubble. Search and rescue teams currently use accosting listening devices and radar units. But these technologies are immobile and difficult to reach because of their high cost. We observed these issues leading to fatalities as individuals. This inspired us to work on this problem. Our project aims to develop a heterogeneous robot team that collaborates to detect people under the rubble in post-disaster scenarios. Each robot type in our team is designed to meet the harsh conditions of the wreckage. We\u2019ve developed a \u201cstation robot\u201d to move on the rubble and carry our operation robots, and smaller robots called \u201coperation robots\u201d to move under the rubble and detect people. Operation robots have microphones to listen to sounds and an \u201celectronic nose\u201d that includes sensor arrays to detect human odors and other metabolic tracers during their biological activities. We\u2019ve trained a machine-learning model to detect and track these tracers. Also communication and coordination are major problems in search and rescue operations. We\u2019ve used mesh network topology for continuous and long range communication between our robots. We\u2019ve developed a desktop application to display data of robots and detected human information to the search and rescue teams. We\u2019ve tested our project in a real-like debris field. Overall, our project offers a low-cost and innovative solution for search and rescue operations.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/ebed006t-a-multi-robot-team-with-electronic-nose\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"EBED006T - A Multi-Robot Team With Electronic Nose | Regeneron ISEF 2025\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"EBED006T - A Multi-Robot Team With Electronic Nose. Catastrophic natural phenomena like earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis have \\\\ncaused widespread devastation, resulting in significant loss of life and property damage. In 2023, during the Turkey-Syria Earthquake and Marrakesh-Safi Earthquake, nearly 210.000 people were injured and 65.000 people lost their lives due to the inability to be detected in time under the rubble. Search and rescue teams currently use accosting listening devices and \"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712084562994_ISEFVIDEOfinal_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EBED006T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712078124014_DEMONSTRATION_1__thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EBED006T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EBED010T\", \"title\": \"Real-Time Refractive Visual Aberration Correction Display Using Dynamic Point Spread Function-Based Deconvolution\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\", \"category_code\": \"EBED\", \"award\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\", \"finalists\": [\"Balaji, Akhilesh\", \"Ramu, Dhruv\"], \"school\": \"Neev Academy\", \"abstract\": \"The use of contact lenses or glasses as vision correction for optical defocus is unwieldy in many scenarios, such as virtual reality or viewing digital displays in vehicles. These inconveniences are solved for refractive visual aberrations by means of so-called computational \u201con-screen glasses\u201d which make displays appear clear to those suffering from myopia, hyperopia, and higher-order aberrations (through a generalized method) without the need to wear glasses. We present the framework for creating a live vision correcting display (VCD) by employing the existing method of deconvolving the on-screen image with a point spread function (PSF) associated with the eye. We present unique contributions in terms of a) reduction of ringing artifacts through masking the pre-filtered image, b) increase of contrast and reduction of colour distortion by changing the image colour space to YUV/YCbCr (operation solely on luma channel), and c) calculating a real-time PSF by which to deconvolve the screen given spherical coordinates with respect to the image, based on distance from the screen and angular deviation; this is necessary so that the PSF does not appear distorted from non-normal angles of view relative to the screen.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/ebed010t-live-vision-correcting-display\", \"title\": \"EBED010T - Live Vision Correcting Display\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/v5Cs7Io097Y\", \"title\": \"EBED010T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EBED021T\", \"title\": \"A Comprehensive Assistive System for Enhancing Independence in Individuals with Quadriplegia\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\", \"category_code\": \"EBED\", \"award\": \"Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council: The  Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Counil awards will recognize 10 projects in the following categories: &#x0D\", \"finalists\": [\"Al-Malki, Sultan\", \"Ghanem, Talal\"], \"school\": \"Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School for Boys\", \"abstract\": \"This project introduces an innovative assistive technology designed to significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with quadriplegia. It presents a unified technology platform that integrates essential daily functions\u2014communication, entertainment, mobility, and environmental control\u2014into a single, user-friendly system. This unified system is navigated effortlessly through a face-controlled mouse, allowing users to direct the cursor with nose movements and perform clicking actions effortlessly using lips movements. Despite potential variations in the range of head movements among individuals with quadriplegia, the system effectively leverages even limited movement to facilitate interaction and control tasks efficiently. Furthermore, voice commands along with customizable facial gestures tailored to the user's needs can be incorporated for enhanced usability, where applicable. The system offers an advanced communication suite, featuring adaptable text-to-speech functionalities seamlessly integrated with the WhatsApp messaging application, ensuring a dependable communication channel. Entertainment options are readily available, including user-friendly media playback, and specially designed video games. Furthermore, the system introduces cutting-edge mobility solutions, allowing for accurate navigation of wheelchairs in any direction. It also includes comprehensive environmental control capabilities, enabling users to adjust various elements of their surroundings, such as lighting, with ease. Leveraging a pre-trained AI model for facial detection and tracking, the project ensures precise interaction and usability. The entire system operates on a laptop, foregoing the need for specialized equipment and thereby extending its accessibility to a broader audience.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/ebed021t-quadriplegic-assist-system\", \"title\": \"EBED021T - Quadriplegic Assist System\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712526117667_lv_0_20240408002049_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EBED021T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EBED024\", \"title\": \"Development of a Multi-Sensor System to Prevent Child Vehicular Heatstroke\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\", \"category_code\": \"EBED\", \"award\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\", \"finalists\": [\"Kerr, Clara\"], \"school\": \"The Athenian School\", \"abstract\": \"Purpose: Children mistakenly left and trapped in cars can be victims of heatstroke, sometimes resulting in hospitalization, injury, and death. From 1990-2023, the average child vehicular heatstroke deaths per year was 38, one every nine days. I wanted to become part of the solution to protect children and help prevent future deaths by developing a multi-sensor alert system for when children are left in a hot car.\\nProcedure: This project builds upon two prior years when I integrated a micro-controller, infrared camera, temperature algorithm, and an optical camera machine-learning model to manually determine a baby alert. This year's project added a Tensor Flow Lite model that ran an image recognition locally and autonomously on a Raspberry Pi 4 computer and automatically sent a text when a child in danger was determined. I added image recognition for the infrared camera by training on the infrared data. I then developed a code which automatically read data from the infrared camera, transformed the 64-pixel data into an image, and sent this image through the trained model. I also wrote a code that integrated calls to the Tensor Flow Lite codes, compared sensor results to check several different/redundant alarm cases, and sent a text through the Raspberry Pi computer 4G Hat on alarm.\\nResults: I ran multiple trials to test different plausible scenarios: different car temperature, baby presence/absence, and different skin tones of baby dolls. The results correctly identified all alarm/non-alarm scenarios with little false positives/negatives.\\nConclusions: By analyzing data collected, I concluded that I successfully created a system that identifies and alerts for a baby in danger in a hot car. I hope this system can contribute to ending child vehicular heatstroke deaths.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/ebed024-multi-sensor-to-prevent-child-vehicular-heatstroke\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.83\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"Multi-Sensor to Prevent Child Vehicular Heatstroke\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.83, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Purpose: Children mistakenly left and trapped in cars can be victims of heatstroke, sometimes resulting in hospitalization, injury, and death.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712556177132_Multi_Sensor_to_Prevent_Child_Vehicular_Heatstroke_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EBED024 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EBED027\", \"title\": \"Detecting Forest Fires and Park Visitors in Distress Using Radio Systems\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\", \"category_code\": \"EBED\", \"award\": \"K. Soumyanath Memorial Award: First Award of $3,000\", \"finalists\": [\"Parsons, John\"], \"school\": \"Auburn High School\", \"abstract\": \"The purpose of this project was to develop a minimally intrusive system to monitor forests and visitors well being. The process I went about to create this system involved research, designing, coding, troubleshooting, then testing. My research primarily involved researching component compatibility, radio frequency regulations, and ArduinoCode Documentation. To design the wiring and code I watched some basic Arduino tutorials and EdrawMax to make a schematic. Coding and troubleshooting involved testing code segments and having the components work properly. Once the device worked I tested the GPS by standing in various positions and comparing the GPS readings on Google Maps to my actual position. The GPS had an accuracy of + or - 3 meters. Then I went to Town Creek Park to test the range. Every 10 meters I tested the signal by sending five signals and counting how many the receiver received. The devices were able to communicate up to 60 meters away from each other. Further research will involve testing 915 mhz transceivers that can transmit up to 500 meters because their wavelength. All this system needs is a little weather protection and then it could be effective in the field.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/ebed027-light-radio-forest-monitoring-system\", \"title\": \"EBED027 - Light Radio Forest Monitoring System\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712724820657_20240409_215401_1_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EBED027 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EGSD020\", \"title\": \"Efficiency of a 3D-Printed Pico-Hydroelectric Generation System Using a Fused Deposition Modeling Printer\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\", \"category_code\": \"EGSD\", \"award\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology: $2,000 tuition scholarship (renewable for up to 4 years)\", \"finalists\": [\"Wibbenmeyer, Simon\"], \"school\": \"Perryville Senior High School\", \"abstract\": \"Several studies have shown that hydroelectric generation systems using an undershot water wheel can reach an efficiency of around 65%; however, making these generation systems out of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) polymers has yet to be accomplished. This paper aims to report if a 3D printed hydroelectric generation system produced on a very small, or pico-, scale is able to be compared to current-day systems made of more traditional materials. This will be tested by first creating a 3D model of all system components, including the water wheel, enclosure, and gearing. During the creation process of the 3D models, previous research done throughout the scientific community will guide the design to theoretically maximize efficiency. After the creation of the models, they will be printed out, assembled, and then tested. If efficiency is the same as systems made of traditional materials, 3D-printed FDM polymers could become a new material that is worthwhile to utilize in pico-hydroelectric generation systems. At the date of submission, several tests have been completed that show an average system efficiency from the tested flow rates range of upwards of 57.6%.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/egsd020-hydroelectric-generation-system-made-of-polymer\", \"title\": \"EGSD020 - Hydroelectric Generation System Made of Polymer\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711555134539_IMG_2047_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EGSD020 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EGSD030\", \"title\": \"A Self-Adjusting Resonating Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Collector Based on a Cantilever Structure\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\", \"category_code\": \"EGSD\", \"award\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\", \"finalists\": [\"Wang, Jiayang\"], \"school\": \"Menaul School\", \"abstract\": \"While our modern society has successfully electrified the majority of the globe, there remain areas where geography and terrain significantly hinder the installation of conventional electricity infrastructure, making access to electricity challenging. This abstract introduces an innovative approach to localized electricity generation through a Self-Adjusting Resonating Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Collector. This design targets the omnipresent but underutilized vibration energy from human activities to natural occurrences. By incorporating a cantilever and sliding mass structure with customized spring steel and friction control module, the device intelligently self-adjusts to resonance, thereby enhancing energy efficiency, according to simulation experiments, by 464.6% on average. Preliminary experiments and statistical analysis have also been conducted on the piezoelectric plates to identify the most effective amplitude and frequency parameters, aiming to maximize power output.\\nFurthermore, the research applies this novel approach to real life. A wearable device is designed for walking or running conditions. Noticing that the vibration from walking exists not only in the vertical degree of freedom, this research designs another structure targeting horizontal vibrations and maintaining the self-adjusting resonating feature. Besides, another device for biking has been built. Each power-generating module generates around 1J every 5 minutes of walking, while several modules could be easily installed together due to the simplicity of the structure.\\nThis research not only proposes a sustainable method to extend electricity access to remote areas but also contributes to the broader application of renewable energy in overcoming geographical and infrastructural barriers.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/egsd030-a-self-adjusting-vibration-energy-collector\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"EGSD030 - A Self-Adjusting Vibration Energy Collector\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This abstract introduces an innovative approach to localized electricity generation through a Self-Adjusting Resonating Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Collector\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713770211354_ISEF_Video_Introduction_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EGSD030 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EGSD031\", \"title\": \"Harvesting Energy at Your Fingertips: Harnessing Mechanical Energy from Typing for Sustainable Power Generation\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\", \"category_code\": \"EGSD\", \"award\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\", \"finalists\": [\"Giuseppi , Sienna\"], \"school\": \"Pelham Memorial High School\", \"abstract\": \"Electricity production is one of the greatest contributors to CO2 emissions, with its utilizations ranging from the heating of households to the charging of electronic devices. Piezoelectricity is the phenomenon in which electrical charge is accumulated in response to applied mechanical stress.  While piezoelectric technology is widely recognized for its energy conversion capabilities, its integration in small-scale energy harvesting remains relatively unexplored. An application within computer keys is investigated in this study. A prototype for a singular computer key optimized for piezoelectric energy harvesting was designed, constructed, and tested. The average force exerted on a computer key was determined to be 1.6N through testing with a force probe. Potential differences of hard and soft piezoelectric plates in response to said force were compared, but found to have no significant difference in ability to produce voltage. A computer key was constructed incorporating one of the PZT plates, and was tested over a period of 10 seconds, yielding a peak of 0.403V per keystroke when subjected to 1.6N of force. This study provides evidence that this piezoelectric key design can effectively generate electricity through typing, and is the first to successfully integrate piezoelectric energy harvesting material into an everyday appliance. This design offers a clean and more sustainable power source for laptops, thus contributing to reducing our carbon footprint and dependence on non-renewable energy sources through renewable small-scale energy generation technology.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/egsd031-harnessing-mechanical-energy-from-typing\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"EGSD031 - Harnessing Mechanical Energy from Typing\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This study provides evidence that this piezoelectric key design can effectively generate electricity through typing, and is the first to successfully integrate\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713905814325_IMG_0425_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EGSD031 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EGSD041\", \"title\": \"Exploring the Use of Leaf Biomimicry and Electromagnetic Induction for Electricity Production\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\", \"category_code\": \"EGSD\", \"award\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology: $2,000 tuition scholarship (renewable for up to 4 years)\", \"finalists\": [\"Echevarria Rivera, Grace\"], \"school\": \"Escuela Bilingue Especializada en Ciencias y Matematicas Papa Juan XXIII Secundaria\", \"abstract\": \"This project aims to maximize electricity production from wind energy, which is limited in\\ncities due to space constraints. The prototype, with its green wall design, uses channelling winds\\naround buildings and leaf biomimicry to generate electricity in a reduced space using\\nelectromagnetic induction. To build the small-scale prototype, a frame was constructed, an\\nelectromagnetic field was generated, artificial leaves were installed, and a circuit was created.\\nCircuit tests were conducted to determine the voltage and electrical power generated by the\\nprototype. Other tests included decorative vs. 3D-printed leaves to determine which were more\\neffective at capturing wind and converting it into electricity. As a result, the prototype generated\\nan average final voltage of 4.0 mV at speed level 1, 4.2 mV at speed level 2, and 4.9 mV at speed\\nlevel 3, indicating that the prototype can generate electricity regardless of wind speed. This\\nindicates a direct proportionality, as a higher wind speed generates a higher voltage. In addition,\\nthe 3D printed leaves produced higher voltage at higher wind speeds, while the decorative leaves\\nwere effective at producing higher vibration at lower wind speeds. With the improvements of\\nconverting the prototype to full-scale, it will be possible to maximize the production of electricity\\nand meet the needs of buildings. Therefore, the project can use leaf biomimicry and\\nelectromagnetic induction to capture high and low wind speeds and convert them into electricity.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/egsd041-new-electricity-production\", \"title\": \"EGSD041 - New Electricity Production\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713616569036_Video_ISEF_Grace_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EGSD041 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EGSD047\", \"title\": \"Waste to Watts: Converting Locally Sourced Organic Waste Material Into Activated Carbon Based Supercapacitors\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\", \"category_code\": \"EGSD\", \"award\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\", \"finalists\": [\"Rohilla, Shrey\"], \"school\": \"The Classical Academy - North\", \"abstract\": \"The world's increasing demand for energy and concerns over the environmental impacts of current battery production methods highlight the need for more sustainable energy storage solutions. Supercapacitors (SCs) are one such energy storage solution as they store energy electrostatically, eliminating the need for environmentally harmful materials like those used in batteries. Thus, in this project, I created an activated carbon (AC) based SC out of AC processed from renewable waste material like brewer\u2019s spent grain (BSG), a common organic waste byproduct of the brewing process, and saltwater (SW).\\nThe BSG AC was produced as environmentally friendly as possible, through the activation of carbonized BSG via superheated steam during pyrolysis. An iodine absorbance test showed that the BSG AC absorbed 972.06 mg of iodine per gram, 870% more than regular carbon and only 4% less than commercial AC, confirming successful activation.\\nThe BSG AC was then used to create an SC with a SW electrolyte, chosen for its relatively low environmental impact compared to other popular electrolytes. This SC was tested against a supercapacitor of identical construction made using commercial AC.\\nTesting revealed that the BSG AC SC could achieve a maximum voltage of 1.2V, capacitance of 158.64 F, specific capacitance of 453.26 F/g, energy density of 5.2 mWh/g, and a power density of 0.2654 W/g.  Although the commercial AC SC showed a 20% increase in performance in most areas, the results were promising. They demonstrated the potential for supercapacitors made from low-value waste materials like BSG and SW to be viable, environmentally friendly, and renewable energy storage solutions that can pave the way for the future of clean energy storage devices the world desperately needs.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/egsd047-waste-to-watts\", \"title\": \"EGSD047 - Waste to Watts\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714018349985_IMG_5291_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EGSD047 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714019647637_Untitled_video_Made_with_Clipchamp_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EGSD047 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"EGSD048\", \"title\": \"Renewable Energy Using Peltier Tiles\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\", \"category_code\": \"EGSD\", \"award\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology: Summer Camp scholarships (camp tuition and travel expenses, valued at up to $1,500)\", \"finalists\": [\"Castro, Jessica\"], \"school\": \"Saint Pius X High School\", \"abstract\": \"This science fair project is about Peltier tiles and determining if the heating and cooling of this device is an ample form of electricity. Peltier tiles will be used to harness energy to produce a temperature difference from the heat of the sunlight and cooling of an ice pack by using the Thermoelectric effect. The difference in temperature between the sun and the cold plate on the Peltier tile will produce a voltage. Data and calculations of voltage and current passing through the circuit need to be gathered.\\nThe Thermoelectric effect is the direct conversation of temperature difference to electric voltage. Peltier tiles can be used in any application where a temperature difference is involved to create energy. A series circuit of Peltier tiles will create a temperature difference by heating one side of the Peltier tile and the cool plate creates the cold side of the Peltier tile to create the voltage. Four varying resistors will be placed across the circuit to compare voltage output and current flow. Measuring the voltage output will determine if the thermoelectric device can serve as an efficient renewable energy source. Testing the efficiency of Peltier Tiles as a renewable energy source can provide less developed areas with electricity for societal applications.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/egsd048-renewable-energy-using-peltier-tiles\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.80\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"EGSD048 - Renewable Energy Using Peltier Tiles\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.80, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Peltier tiles will be used to harness energy to produce a temperature difference from the heat of the sunlight and cooling of an ice pack by using the\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/egsd043-peltier-tiles-and-piezo-harvesters\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 18, \"status\": \"needs_review\", \"signals\": [\"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"llm:related:0.72\"], \"title\": \"EGSD043 - Peltier Tiles and Piezo-Harvesters\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Peltier tiles will be used to harness energy to produce a temperature difference using a temperature difference from the heat of the sun and coolness of an ice\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713586333720_WIN_20240419_21_44_30_Pro_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"EGSD048 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM001\", \"title\": \"Tableware Jitter Elimination Technology for Parkinson's Patients\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE: Certificate of Honorable Mention, a 1-year free student membership to the INCOSE, and free virtual admission to the 2022 International Symposium of the INCOSE\", \"finalists\": [\"Yuan, Susie\"], \"school\": \"Dulwich College Beijing\", \"abstract\": \"The neurological condition of Parkinson's disease causes involuntary shaking of the hands and body, leading to frustration with eating. Current tableware with jitter elimination technology on the market is extremely expensive, such as Gyenno Spoon, 299 USD, and Liftware Steady, 195 USD. They also cannot complete the detection and diagnosis of patients\u2019 conditions. Through engineering design and technological innovation, this project developed a low-cost jitter elimination technology that is applied to IoT and minimizes the impact of tremors during eating. It uses artificial intelligence to adapt tableware to various jitter records of the patient's condition and provides a diagnosis. The prototype uses the ESP32 development board as the main control, an MPU6050 gyroscope for motion attitude detection, and a MacBook as the server. The system completes the information transmission between the prototype and the server through the MQTT protocol. It can store the data in the cloud, use the PID algorithm and MLP algorithm for motion control, and use an AI model to diagnose the disease according to the data stored in the server. A 54% decrease in food spilled using the technology was shown, and medical experts on Parkinson's disease also look forward to the product. Additionally, it only costs about 5% of Gyenno Spoon and 7% of Liftware Steady. This technology demonstrates the potential of computerized motor control and artificial intelligence in the medical field, providing new solutions to problems in specific groups.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm001-tableware-jitter-elimination-technology-for-pd\", \"title\": \"ENBM001 - Tableware Jitter Elimination Technology for PD\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712807084688_RE_Video_final_04.11_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENBM001 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM017\", \"title\": \"GlaucoScreen: A Novel Deep Learning-Based System for Glaucoma Detection and Progression Monitoring\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\", \"finalists\": [\"Milkuri, Siddhartha\"], \"school\": \"Bentonville High School\", \"abstract\": \"Glaucoma, an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve, is the second-leading cause of blindness worldwide. Swift diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma is crucial to prevent any glaucoma-induced vision loss; however, this is not usually achievable in developing countries due to their lack of medical personnel and resources. This research aims to solve this through GlaucoScreen, an inexpensive, accessible system for both reliable glaucoma detection and accurate real-time progression monitoring. The first component of the GlaucoScreen system is the smartphone attachment. This attachment allows for the cheap and precise capture of a retinal fundus. The retinal fundus image (RFI) is then uploaded onto the mobile application to be processed by three different deep learning models. First, in order to reduce the computation needed by subsequent models and emphasize diagnostic features, the optic disk region of the RFI is localized and segmented out by the optic disk segmentation model. This model, employing the U-Net architecture, has an intersection-over-union score of 95.11%. The segmented optic disk image is then analyzed by the glaucoma detection model, which has an accuracy of 98.68%, and finally the progression categorization model, which has an accuracy of 95.88%. The glaucoma detection model utilizes a novel convolutional neural network architecture, while the progression categorization model utilizes the InceptionV3 architecture. GlaucoScreen is unique in that it monitors the progression state of glaucoma, which is crucial for its treatment, while also providing a cost-effective method of retrieving RFIs. Through GlaucoScreen, anyone from anywhere around the world will have access to quality glaucoma care.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://doi.org/10.46609/ijsser.2024.v09i10.025\", \"title\": \"GlaucoScreen: A Novel Deep Learning-Based System for Glaucoma Detection and Progression Monitoring\", \"snippet\": \"Glaucoma, an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve, is the second-leading cause of blindness worldwide. Swift diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma is crucial to prevent any glaucoma-induced vision loss; however, this is not usually achievable in developing countries due to their lack of medical personnel and resources. This research aims to solve this through GlaucoScreen, an inexpensive, accessible system for both reliable glaucoma detection and accurate real-time progression monitoring. The first component of the GlaucoScreen system is the smartphone attachment. This attachment allows for the cheap and precise capture of a retinal fundus. The retinal fundus image (RFI) is then uploaded onto the mobile application to be processed by three different deep learning models. First, in order to reduce the computation needed by subsequent models and emphasize diagnostic features, the optic disk region of the RFI is localized and segmented out by the optic disk segmentation model. This model, employing the U-Net architecture, has an intersection-over-union score of 95.11%. The segmented optic disk image is then analyzed by the glaucoma detection model, which has an accuracy of 98.68%, and finally the progression categorization model, which has an accuracy of 95.88%. The glaucoma detection model utilizes a novel convolutional neural network architecture, while the progression categorization model utilizes the InceptionV3 architecture. GlaucoScreen is unique in that it monitors the progression state of glaucoma, which is crucial for its treatment, while also providing a cost-effective method of retrieving RFIs. Through GlaucoScreen, anyone from anywhere around the world will have access to quality glaucoma care.\", \"found_via\": \"openalex\", \"kind\": \"paper\", \"authors\": [\"Siddhartha Milkuri\"], \"year\": 2024, \"score\": 113, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"author_full_name\", \"title_exact:1.00\", \"trusted_domain:doi.org\", \"rescored\"], \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm017-glaucoma-detection-and-progression-monitoring\", \"title\": \"ENBM017 - Glaucoma Detection and Progression Monitoring\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712451226638_Untitled_video_Made_with_Clipchamp_1__thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENBM017 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM025\", \"title\": \"Developing Optimal Fused Deposition Modeling Surfaces for Cell Growth in Lab-On-A-Chip Applications\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"National Anti-Vivisection Society: Awards of $3,000\", \"finalists\": [\"Dixit, Suraj\"], \"school\": \"Kalamazoo Area Mathematics and Science Center\", \"abstract\": \"Lab-on-chip (LOC) technology is a developing nanotechnology that has promising applications in cell and tissue engineering. These devices must be hydrophilic, non-toxic, and inexpensive. Current LOC devices are fabricated using resin-based Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printers. SLA resins have significant drawbacks, such as cytotoxicity, limited selection, inaccessibility, and high costs.  Conversely,  Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing opens doors to more biocompatible materials such as ABS and PLA at a fraction of the cost. This design project aims to determine the viability of FDM-printed chips as cell growth surfaces by developing and optimizing a hydrophilic prototype surface. The research follows a rapid prototyping process whose aim is to lower the water contact angle, a key indicator of hydrophilicity. The prototype demonstrates strong cell adhesion characteristics and low water contact angle, which confirms its biocompatibility.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm025-optimizing-fdm-surfaces-for-lab-on-a-chip\", \"title\": \"ENBM025 - Optimizing FDM Surfaces for Lab-On-A-Chip\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCVs45COB-0\", \"title\": \"ENBM025 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM041\", \"title\": \"NeuroHAT: Democratizing Brain-Wellness Monitoring \\r\\nDeveloping  A Wearable System with fNIRs & EEG Multimodality Classification Engine & Miniaturized Device\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE: Certificate of Honorable Mention, a 1-year free student membership to the INCOSE, and free virtual admission to the 2022 International Symposium of the INCOSE\", \"finalists\": [\"Liang, Jingjing\"], \"school\": \"The Harker School\", \"abstract\": \"The human brain is one of the most unknown yet essential parts where many life threatening diseases such as strokes, Alzheimer's Disease (AD), and Parkinson's Disease (PD) begin silently. Brain signals have long been used to diagnose brain dysfunctions. However, most methods require in-clinic, expensive, stationary, and diagnosis-focused brain imaging after symptoms surface and damage occurs. NeuroHAT aims to fill the gap in a safe, affordable method for routine brain-wellness monitoring that detects brain dysfunctions and provides insights on naturalistic state. NeuroHAT is a two-part system: First, EEG and fNIRs cross-informed data preprocessing for artifact removal and XGB and CNN dual detection engine. Second, a miniaturized helmet with 16 EEG and 16 fNIRs channels on a 10-10 Modified Combinatorial Nomenclature (MCN) system to collect concurrent EEG and fNIRs data. Wearability and channel allocation were both optimized following a Human-centered AI-driven Technology (HAT) principle. Data is transferred from the all-in-one helmet to the detection engine on a computer through WiFi and Bluetooth. The prototype device costs < $300. In detecting AD and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), NeuroHAT system achieved an accuracy of 93.1%, outperforming the existing EEG-fNIRs combined in-lab research accuracy by 12.8%. The breath-holding, finger-tapping, and sleep-learning validation tests all reached 85%+ accuracy. To my knowledge, NeuroHAT is the first system with EEG-fNIRs multimodality signals, cross-informed data preprocessing algorithm, XGB-CNN dual detection engine, and all-in-one device to achieve lab-equivalent results. It paves the path towards democratizing brain-wellness monitoring with safety, wearability, high spatial and temporal resolution, and affordability.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://doi.org/10.1109/icsece61636.2024.10729318\", \"title\": \"Developing a Wearable System with fNIRs & EEG Multimodality Classification Engine & Miniaturized Device\", \"snippet\": \"The human brain is one of the most unknown yet essential organs where many life threatening diseases such as strokes, Alzheimer's Disease (AD), and Parkinson's Disease (PD) begin silently. Brain signals have long been used to diagnose brain dysfunctions. However, most methods require in-clinic, expensive, stationary, and diagnosis-focused brain imaging after symptoms surface and damage occurs. NeuroHAT aims to fill the gap in a safe, affordable method for routine brain-wellness monitoring that detects brain dysfunctions and provides insights on naturalistic states. NeuroHAT has a two-part system: First, EEG and fNIRs cross-informed data preprocessing for artifacts removal and XGB and CNN dual detection engine. Second, a miniaturized helmet with 16 EEG and 16 pairs of fNIRs channels on a 10\u201310 Modified Combinatorial Nomenclature (MCN) system to collect concurrent EEG and fNIRs data. Wearability and channel allocation were both optimized following a Human-centered AI-driven Technology (HAT) principle. Data is transferred from the all-in-one helmet to the detection engine on a computer for data preprocessing and classification through WiFi and Bluetooth. The prototype device costs$< \\\\$ 300$. In detecting AD and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), NeuroHAT system achieved an accuracy of 93.1%, outperforming the existing EEG-fNIRs combined in-lab research accuracy by 12%. The breath-holding, finger-tapping, and sleep-learning validation tests all reached 85% + accuracy or correlation, respectively. To my knowledge, NeuroHAT is the first system with EEG-fNIRs multimodality signals, cross-informed data preprocessing algorithm, XGB-CNN dual detection engine, and all-in-one device to achieve lab-equivalent results. It paves the path towards democratizing brain-wellness monitoring with safety, wearability, high spatial and temporal resolution, and affordability.\", \"found_via\": \"openalex\", \"kind\": \"paper\", \"authors\": [\"Jing Liang\"], \"year\": 2024, \"score\": 35, \"status\": \"needs_review\", \"signals\": [\"school_match\", \"title_strong:0.69\", \"trusted_domain:doi.org\", \"llm:related:0.75\", \"rescored\"], \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm041-neurohat-democratizing-brain-wellness-monitoring\", \"title\": \"ENBM041 - NeuroHAT: Democratizing Brain-Wellness Monitoring\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFoLU0lN_XA\", \"title\": \"ENBM041 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM-fZTdwCA0\", \"title\": \"ENBM041 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM042T\", \"title\": \"A Deep Learning-Base Approach for Ovarian Cancer Subtype Classification\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\", \"finalists\": [\"Naser, Ahmed\", \"Abdou, Ahmed\"], \"school\": \"Kafr EL-Sheikh STEM School\", \"abstract\": \"Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women worldwide. This high mortality rate is largely due to late-stage diagnosis, which is a significant challenge given the often vague and inconsistent initial symptoms. Traditional diagnostic methods, reliant on histopathology image analysis by pathologists using microscopic examination, face complexity, and inconsistency; leading to moderate agreement among specialists. This study introduces a histotype-based ovarian cancer subtype classification framework employing multiple Instance learning and deep learning algorithms on histopathology images. The proposed approach aims to classify the ovarian cancer subtypes accurately detecting outliers and segmenting each image into tumor, healthy cell, or dead cell categories aiding pathologists in diagnostics. Various models were trained to automatically classify hematoxylin and eosin-stained whole slide images and tissue microarrays yielding promising results. Performance was assessed based on a cross-validation split of the training data and 206 external slides from another source. The best-performing model utilized an ensemble technique averaging the best six transformer models to achieve a state-of-the-art balanced accuracy of 98%; showcasing the potential for an improved diagnostic precision. Moreover, segmentation enabled the model to label each slide with a tricolored theme, where each color corresponds to a specific tissue category. Red signifies the presence of a tumor; green indicates stroma; and blue represents necrosis, which denotes dead non-cancerous tissue. In conclusion, the performance characteristics of the classifiers indicate a promising avenue for improved diagnostic performance if used as an adjunct to conventional histopathology.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://doi.org/10.1145/3706890.3706985\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 20, \"status\": \"needs_review\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.71\", \"trusted_domain:doi.org\", \"llm:related:0.85\"], \"title\": \"Ovarian cancer subtype classification based on deep learning models on ...\", \"source_domain\": \"doi.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.71, trusted_domain:doi.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"There are five common subtypes of ovarian cancer[4]: high-grade serous ovarian cancer, clear cell ovarian cancer, endometrioid carcinoma, low-\"}, {\"url\": \"https://publishing.emanresearch.org/Journal/abstract/angiotherapy-889898\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 12, \"status\": \"needs_review\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.71\", \"llm:related:0.85\"], \"title\": \"Deep Learning-Based Ovarian Cancer Subtype Classification ...\", \"source_domain\": \"publishing.emanresearch.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.71\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This study aimed to develop a deep learning (DL) model to enhance ovarian cancer subtype classification using histopathological images.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm042t-ovacare-ai\", \"title\": \"ENBM042T - OvaCare AI \", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713126231185_final_3_28_3_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENBM042T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713128176097_prototype_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENBM042T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM047\", \"title\": \"Micro RNA223-Biomarker Based Exponential Rolling Circle Amplification CRISPR -Cas12a System for Disease Detection and COPD Diagnostics\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE: INCOSE Best Use of Systems Engineering Award* of $1,500 and free registration and Exhibitor Booth at a future INCOSE Symposium\", \"finalists\": [\"Dao, Robin\"], \"school\": \"Phillips Exeter Academy\", \"abstract\": \"This project implements a novel detection system based on Rolling Circle Amplification (RCA) and Cas12a for miRNA biomarkers, and provides an efficient and cost-effective approach for the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reactions (RT-qPCR) were performed as a basis for comparison. A proof-of-concept process was then provided, followed by characterization and calibration of the novel detection system. The sequence of characterization experiments demonstrate the optimality, specificity and sensitivity of the system. The reaction time is reduced to under 20 minutes, while the reagent cost per reaction is $0.6. The system responds to sequential changes of one base pair, is able to detect down to the femtomolar (fM) range, and has a more significant difference in average fluorescence compared to RT-qPCR, the standard miRNA detection method (demonstrating sensitivity). Furthermore, a Visual Based Disease Detection Device (VBD3) was created as a portable fluorescent quantifier that performs analysis and quantification on the fluorescent signals generated. In addition, the discussion section discusses the adaptability of the project for miRNA biomarker-based detection of other diseases, as well as the potential of multiplexes to ensure more comprehensive diagnosis and complementary hardware to quantify the fluorescent signal.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm047-microrna-based-crispr-cas12a-diagnosis\", \"title\": \"ENBM047 - MicroRNA-Based CRISPR-cas12a Diagnosis\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713389784697_ISEF_MBERC2_Intro_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENBM047 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM050\", \"title\": \"Like Trying To Find a Needle in a Blood Sac: Novel Hemostatic Gelatin Microneedle Adhesive (Gel MNA) Polymerized With Commercial Coagulation Agents Achieves Accessible Hemorrhage Treatment\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\", \"finalists\": [\"Arreola-Lucio, Fernanda\"], \"school\": \"Minnetonka High School\", \"abstract\": \"Hemorrhage, excessive loss of blood that is expressed through eventual shock and death, is one of the leading killers worldwide. Current methods of preventing hemorrhage have many side effects and expend resources many do not have. By using a pre-existing gelatin microneedle array model with the polymerization of zeolite, fibrinogen, and methacrylic anhydride found in other commercial gauzes, the experimenter engineered a new prototype and tested the hypothesis that an engineered gelatin microneedle adhesives (Gel MNA) will lead to more effective clots. The gelatin microneedles prototypes were first engineered using porcine gelatin and additional biocompatible coagulation agents and tested by using drawn blood in well plate assays testing the prototypes against commercial products. Plates were tested for blood sorption time, clot mass, and clot perfusion and lysis. Image J was used to help analyze data. A t-test was used to process data. Compared to the non-needles and pure blood and plasma groups, Gel MNA prototypes with methacrylic anhydride, zeolite, and fibrinogen separately saw clot time reduced by nearly 40% on average.  On bloodsorption, the percentage absorbed significantly increased with microneedles and added polymerized chemicals. Perfusion in samples with methacrylic anhydride increased with fibrinogen, yet clot mass nearly doubled, and with zeolite perfusion increased, clot mass increased likewise. This study has begun to show the potential polymerized, \\\"hard\\\" gel can have on hemorrhage control and in different clinical settings. The low-price, accessible, and highly vascular clots formed thus far in various studies and runs have a large potential to transform how we view blood loss control. Future tests will clarify blood clot adhesion and lysis.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm050-microneedle-adhesive-for-improved-hemorrhage-care\", \"title\": \"ENBM050 - Microneedle Adhesive for Improved Hemorrhage Care\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aOQGV4iBlg\", \"title\": \"ENBM050 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM059\", \"title\": \"DengueScreen: A Novel Computer Vision-Based Diagnostic Alternative for Dengue Fever Prioritizing Efficiency, Cost-Effectiveness, and Accuracy\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"Non-Trivial: 10 scholarships for Non-trivial\", \"finalists\": [\"Wilson, Jackson\"], \"school\": \"Highlands High School\", \"abstract\": \"Dengue (break-bone fever) is an endemic viral infection in more than 100 countries. Each year, approximately 3.9 billion people are at risk. Dengue fever infects 100-400 million of them. It is extremely difficult to diagnose dengue fever in an accurate, low-cost, and efficient manner. Because of this, the number of clinically manifested cases (96 million) is significantly less than the projected 390 million per year. This difference is a strong indication of frequent undiagnosed infections. There is a demonstrable need for additional improved diagnostic tools to fill these gaps. Artificial intelligence-based tools are a powerful alternative, capable of combining the predictive accuracy, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of the traditional best tools. Specifically, machine learning has been effectively applied to dermatological identification problems, achieving above 99% accuracy in several cases. This study was designed to transfer these effective techniques to a similarly high-performing tool for dengue diagnosis that analyzes smartphone images of cutaneous rashes. Therefore, the researcher evaluated the diagnostic performance of modified ResNet-50, ResNet-18, GoogLeNet, ShuffleNet, and RegNet architectures on a balanced dataset of 300 dermatological images. Performance metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall/sensitivity, specificity, and AUC were analyzed. The highest accuracy was 99.62%, a tie between the ResNet-50 and RegNet architectures. These results demonstrate that neural networks such as the above models can accurately identify dengue fever with a novel combination of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and distributability. These models have the potential to revolutionize dengue identification, as they can be deployed on a variety of accessible devices.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm059-denguescreen-a-novel-ai-based-diagnostic-tool\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"ENBM059 - DengueScreen: A Novel AI-Based Diagnostic Tool\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Artificial intelligence-based tools are a powerful alternative, similarly high-performing tool for dengue diagnosis that analyzes smartphone images of\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713653060392_Final_Final_Jack_Dengue_Proj_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENBM059 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM066T\", \"title\": \"PoDE - A Platform Leveraging Characteristic Time Series Patterns of Oculomotor Control Attributable to Cholinergic Neuron Destruction in the Parietal Lobe, Indicating Early Alzheimer's Disease Utilizing the PoDE Neural Network\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence: Honorable Mention (do not read aloud). Winners receive a student level membership. Information is included separately in the SAO Portal.\", \"finalists\": [\"Thomas, Lenny\", \"Thongbai, Tanyada\", \"Potikanond, Tin\"], \"school\": \"The Prince Royal's College\", \"abstract\": \"Late-stage diagnosis in over 90% Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients worldwide often occurs at the 5th stage, significantly reducing life expectancy to an average of 5-6 years. Current screening methods are limited to urban hospitals, depending on human interventions by neurologists (1:37,000 at-risk population). Notably, AD primarily affects \\\"Cholinergic Neurons\\\" in the Parietal lobe, impairing oculomotor control which can serve as a potential early biomarker for AD. To improve accessibility and early-stage recognition, we developed a cutting-edge self-rapid AI platform, PoDE-NN, for screening early-stage AD. This platform uses an eye-tracking system to collect eye-characteristic time series data (position, height, gaze-position) during 5 eye assessments. It incorporates an Undetected Variance Minimizing algorithm to enhance self-collected data and PARNN for data augmentation, addressing imbalanced datasets. PoDE-NN's novel architecture combines Transformer Encoder, CNN for feature extraction, and ANN for data flattening and analysis, by integrating time series algorithmic components of each AI above to configure eye-characteristic data enhancing processing performance. This configuration achieved 95.33% accuracy and a 95.39% F1 score. Validated through a retrospective clinical trial, PoDE-NN demonstrated 93% accuracy, was nine times faster than existing method, and capable of detecting AD from its 3rd stage, potentially reducing progression by sevenfold. This system reduces costs and screening delays while increasing speed and capability, ensuring timely prevention for patients. PoDE-NN exemplifies a bench-to-bedside approach, offering remote access and serving as a pioneering prototype for diverse time series analysis in medical fields and far-reaching implications.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://www.societyforscience.org/press-release/regeneron-isef-2024-special-awards-winners\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 103, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"full_name\", \"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:www.societyforscience.org\"], \"title\": \"Regeneron ISEF 2024 Society for Science Special Awards Winners Announced - Society for Science\", \"source_domain\": \"www.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"full_name, booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:www.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Sunwoo (Ria) An, Loomis Chaffee School, Windsor, CT, United States of America ENBM066T \u2014 PoDE \u2013 A Platform Leveraging Characteristic Time Series Patterns of Oculomotor Control Attributable to Cholinergic Neuron Destruction in the Parietal Lobe, Indicating Early Alzheimer\u2019s Disease Utilizing the PoDE Neural Network [...] Sunwoo (Ria) An, Loomis Chaffee School, Windsor, CT, United States of America ENBM066T \u2014 PoDE \u2013 A Platform Leveraging Characteristic Time Series Patterns of Oculomotor Control At\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm066t-pode-early-alzheimers-screening-by-pode-nn\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"Early Alzheimer's Screening by PoDE-NN\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This platform uses an eye-tracking system to collect eye-characteristic time series data (position, height, gaze-position) during 5 eye assessments.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/5XhzlH_Cb7k\", \"title\": \"ENBM066T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM082\", \"title\": \"AquaGuard: A Device for Real-Time Drowning Detection in Swimming Pools Utilizing Visual-Spatial Perception With Deep Encoder-Decoder Neural Networks\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society: Second Award of $500\", \"finalists\": [\"Deshmukh, Aadi\"], \"school\": \"Moravian Academy\", \"abstract\": \"Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death worldwide. In the United States, drowning remains a significant public health concern, leading to preventable deaths and injuries, particularly in swimming pools. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury death in the U.S., with an average of 4,000 fatalities annually. While traditional drowning prevention methods like lifeguards and surveillance cameras are often cost-prohibitive or ineffective in many contexts, there is a pressing need for more accessible solutions.\\nThis engineering project introduces an innovative, cost-effective drowning detection system utilizing advanced deep-learning models for single-pass object detection, multiple object tracking, and pose estimation. These deep learning models are trained on an extensive dataset comprising 19,166 videos of individuals swimming and instances of near-drowning and drowning. The system is built around a Raspberry Pi single-board computer with a camera module.\\nThe core of this system is a custom-designed algorithm that analyzes video frames with deep-learning models to monitor swimmers in real time. It tracks their movements and identifies any signs of drowning within seconds. The evaluations in a controlled environment demonstrated that the device accurately detects drowning incidents with 88.60% accuracy, 96.13% sensitivity, 84.61% specificity, and 93.10% mAP.\\nDue to its affordability and ease of implementation, this device offers significant potential for widespread use in various aquatic environments. It represents a scalable and efficient tool that could substantially enhance community safety by preventing drowning incidents.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm082-aquaguard-a-real-time-drowning-detection-device\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"AquaGuard: A Real-Time Drowning Detection Device\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"The evaluations in a controlled environment demonstrated that the device accurately detects drowning incidents with 88.60% accuracy, 96.13% sensitivity, 84.61%\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714617034657_ENMB082_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENBM082 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENBM083\", \"title\": \"BrainStorm: Reconstructing Natural Vision from fMRI Using Generative Models for Communication and Covert Awareness in Neurological States\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENBM\", \"award\": \"Long Island University: Presidential Scholarships\", \"finalists\": [\"Sabharwal , Yashvir\"], \"school\": \"Battlefield High School\", \"abstract\": \"With an estimated 60,000,000+ individuals worldwide suffering from disabilities such as mutism and over 850,000 coma patients in the United States each year, enhancing communication capacities and deciphering internal cognitive processes becomes paramount to health. BrainStorm aims to reconstruct natural images and videos from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signals with a large-scale 7-tesla dataset by harnessing generative models to translate neural activity from the striate, prestriate, and V3 areas of the brain into visual representations. BrainStorm's techniques facilitate real-time visualization of these processes, aiding comatose stage classification and treatment: a vital step towards understanding neurological functions in decades. BrainStorm also facilitates mental health investigation by elucidating the neural correlates associated with suicidal ideation and reconstructions of negative, salient images. The ability to reconstruct images and videos from fMRI using these methods\u2014which integrates novel techniques such as mapping to latent space via CLIP and employing cosine similarity\u2014provides a powerful tool for addressing these matters. Decoding visual stimuli from fMRI signals, however, presents unique challenges including low temporal resolution, high noise, and intricate nonlinear mappings of the data. This study uses a diffusion prior within the generative model to overcome these obstacles. Further, a secondary image and brain retrieval pipeline is integrated alongside stimuli reconstruction, achieving top metrics such as 0.456 PixCorr, 0.493 SSIM, and a 142.4% improvement in real-world expression. This positions BrainStorm as state-of-the-art research that has momentous implications for medical imaging, communication, and neuroscience.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enbm083-brainstorm-reconstructing-natural-vision-via-fmri\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"BrainStorm: Reconstructing Natural Vision via fMRI\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"BrainStorm aims to reconstruct natural images and videos from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signals with a large-scale 7-tesla dataset\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/vxIcleMWmo0\", \"title\": \"ENBM083 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV002T\", \"title\": \"Autonomous Ecosystem Surveillance Vehicle: An Autonomous Aquatic Environmental Patrol Boat Aimed at Reducing Current Capability Gaps in Aquatic Bio-Security Sector by Realtime Data Transmission\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"Shanghai Science Association for Young Talents: Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Han, Pok Man\", \"Lei, Wang Hei\", \"Lao , Chit Bryan\"], \"school\": \"Pui Ching Middle School\", \"abstract\": \"The US Corps of Engineers completed an electric fish barrier in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in 2002 to prevent the invasive Asian carp from moving into the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes provide an ideal habitat for the carp to proliferate, which could lead to an ecological disaster by choking out native fish species.\\nThis incident highlights a problem: while current methods of preserving biosecurity and biodiversity are sufficient on land, there is a lack of water-body monitoring methods. Testing water samples takes an extensive amount of time due to transportation to laboratories being required for an accurate result.\\nTo address this problem, we have engineered a boat equipped with a mobile platform capable of lowering into different depths to improve current aquatic biosecurity methods in three aspects: aquatic species, water quality, and seabed monitoring.\\nBy utilizing this platform, cameras in all four directions constantly survey the underwater environment for invasive fish by extracting features of detected fish from different depths underwater. Moreover, we have engineered a rotating spectrometer that analyses water samples collected by the platform, which also has various water quality sensors and outputs the concentration of chemical properties.\\nLastly, the cameras were utilized to survey and map litter underwater. This data can be compiled and sent to authorities by automatically monitoring the water body over time, providing valuable information on the underwater status.\\nBy combining these methods, we can minimize the current lack of aquatic biosecurity monitoring methods, providing a better environment in areas such as reservoirs that contribute to a greater living space for all.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev002t-autonomous-ecosystem-surveillance-vehicle\", \"title\": \"ENEV002T - Autonomous Ecosystem Surveillance Vehicle\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712700580467_1523_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENEV002T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV004T\", \"title\": \"Leveraging Electrochemistry and Light Scattering to Improve Air Quality Detection\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development: Third Award Climate and Environmental Protection\", \"finalists\": [\"Masood, Haaris\", \"Kim, Haon\"], \"school\": \"Scarsdale International School\", \"abstract\": \"With an estimated 6.7 million people dying from air pollution annually, and millions of others suffering from illnesses that are either caused or exacerbated by this epidemic, the AQI has become an integral part of our lives, especially for low-income communities that are disproportionately targeted by suboptimal air quality. Yet, with the AQI using 24-hour long averages, distilling too much information into one datapoint, leaving out CO2 concentrations, and not providing actionable advice, much is left to be desired. The project caters to these shortcomings by instituting the MG-811 sensor, which uses electrochemistry to detect CO2 concentrations, and the PMS5003, which uses light scattering and is able to differentiate between PM1, PM2.5, and PM10. The sensors are interfaced through the Arduino MEGA board, and an integrated algorithm asks the user two questions. The first one asks the user if they have any respiratory complications, which automatically lowers the thresholds for the values\u2019 interpretations; and the second question, which asks the user if they're indoors or outdoors, allows for precision in interpreting CO2 values. (It is common for CO2 values to be higher indoors than outdoors). Moreover, AQI monitoring stations are expensive, with some going up to $10,000. Using Arduino circuitry, the project manages to bring the cost down to $85, a massive cost reduction, even when compared to the relatively cost-effective Temtop M2000.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://github.com/HaarisMasood09/Leveraging-Electrochemistry-and-Light-Scattering-to-Improve-Air-Quality-Detection\", \"kind\": \"github\", \"found_via\": \"github_api\", \"score\": 45, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"owner_full_name\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"HaarisMasood09/Leveraging-Electrochemistry-and-Light-Scattering-to-Improve-Air-Quality-Detection\", \"source_domain\": \"github.com\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\", \"search_provider\": \"github_api\", \"match_reason\": \"owner_full_name\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"A low-cost, portable Arduino-based air quality monitor using PMS5003 light scattering and an MG-811 electrochemical CO\u2082 sensor to measure pollutants in real time and provide context-aware, actionable health guidance.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev004t-novel-versatile-approach-to-air-quality-detection\", \"title\": \"ENEV004T - Novel, Versatile Approach to Air Quality Detection\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711984384634_IMG_1261_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENEV004T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV035\", \"title\": \"The Homemade Integration of Biodegradable Materials Into Hydroponics: Using Sawdust and Tannins to Detoxify Greywater\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"Long Island University: Presidential Scholarships\", \"finalists\": [\"Lentz, Ian\"], \"school\": \"Camp Hill High School\", \"abstract\": \"No practical method of treating greywater has been integrated into agriculture. The purpose of this research was to develop a hydroponic filter that increases the ecological sustainability of greywater. Construction of PVC hydroponics systems and tannin-sawdust filters was the initial part of the investigation. Of the three systems compared in plant growth, the system circulating tap water was the control. Two experimental greywater-based hydroponic systems were used, and one utilized the filter. Designing a filter consisting of biodegradable materials that could still positively impact plant growth was the crux of this experiment. The data affirmed how greywater use lowers the health safety of the hydroponic systems and proved that tannin filtration lowers greywater's negative impact on the systems. For hydroponics system analysis, Daphnia magna and organic Ocimum basilcum were used. Daphnia magna are small crustacean-organisms that exhibit high sensitivity to water quality. Ocimum basilcum was analyzed to demonstrate the plant growth that resulted from each system's conditions. Observation scales took multiple aspects of each organism's health into account and were used to determine the viability of each system. General composite scores were calculated each day to translate the conditions of each system. Because the filtered greywater system yielded similar scores to the control tap water system, the filter can hypothetically be utilized in regions of the world without access to filtered or tap water.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev035-a-green-solution-to-greywater\", \"title\": \"ENEV035 - A Green Solution to Greywater\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712618373054_ISEF_Vid_2024_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENEV035 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV039\", \"title\": \"From Trash to Treasure: Fighting Desertification With Sustainable Soil Amending Hydrogels Synthesized\\r\\nFrom Food Waste\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"United States Environmental Protection Agency: Honorable Mention (DO NOT READ: This  finalist will receive mentoring with an EPA researcher with expertise relevant to their project.)\", \"finalists\": [\"Gao, Sarah\"], \"school\": \"Canyon Crest Academy\", \"abstract\": \"National Geographic reports that desertification threatens the well-being of billions of people, as four million square kilometers of fertile land are degraded annually. Exacerbated by climate change, the problem is worsening. To mitigate desertification, water-absorbing hydrogels can be added to soil, bolstering water retention. However, these hydrogels are made from unsustainable synthetic superabsorbent polymers (SAPs). Previously, orange peels have been identified as sustainable alternatives thanks to abundant hydrogel-forming pectin. However, oranges are not grown in many desertification-affected regions, so I sought to find alternative pectin-rich plants to make hydrogels from. I used bioinformatics tools (BLASTp, AlphaFold) to identify plants with enzymes that were highly similar to orange pectin biosynthesis enzymes. Based on the results, I extracted pectin from three new plants\u2019 peels (apple, mango, pomegranate), synthesized hydrogels, and monitored their ability to retain soil moisture compared to a commercial SAP and orange peel hydrogels. Using an Arduino sensor, I observed that the pomegranate hydrogel and apple hydrogel respectively retained 75.3% and 73.0% of moisture over seven days with 24/7 exposure to heat. The pomegranate hydrogel retained significantly more moisture than the commercial SAP hydrogel (p=0.0021, two-tailed t-test). Mathematical modeling revealed that initial moisture loss closely follows an exponential decay pattern. Finally, to help stakeholders monitor soil moisture over large areas through remote sensing, I trained machine learning models to predict soil moisture from hyperspectral data (R2=0.92). My research provides a novel, low-cost, and sustainable solution for agricultural and natural land threatened by desertification.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev039-food-waste-hydrogels-for-soil-water-retention\", \"title\": \"ENEV039 - Food Waste Hydrogels for Soil Water Retention\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/DyuJXB4mjJ4\", \"title\": \"ENEV039 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV043\", \"title\": \"Developing a New Alkaline-Activated Cement Based on Carbonation Process to Reduce CO2 Emissions\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"China Association for Science and Technology (CAST): Award of $1,200\", \"finalists\": [\"Alshakhs, Fatimah\"], \"school\": \"Alanjal Private School\", \"abstract\": \"Cement production contributes approximately 8% to global CO2 emissions. Researchers are exploring alternatives such as alkaline-activated cement (AACs), that utilize industrial by-products like ground granulated blast furnace slag and cement kiln dust (CKD). However, challenges arise from freshwater usage and the costly, toxic nature of alkaline solutions. Carbonation has emerged as a potential alternative, utilizing CO2 to cure cement instead of water. This study proposes a novel AAC product by combining Slag and CKD, employing carbonation, and incorporating biochar, lime, and Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to enhance the process. The aim is developing a sustainable cement mixture and improving CO2 absorption and strength. The methodology involved mixing slag and CKD with water in a ratio of 0.45. The experiments encompassed variations in slag and CKD ratio, atmosphere and CO2 curing, and the addition of biochar and lime. Two batches, \\\"S60+CKD40\\\" and \\\"S40+CKD60,\\\" exhibited the highest strength. They were further characterized for physicochemical properties. FT-IR revealed the presence of C=O bonds (calcite) formed from CO2 and O-H bond (portlandite) reactions. XRD confirmed the presence of calcite and quartz. TGA demonstrated that the CO2 uptake percentage doubled after adding biochar, also showed the formation of C-S-H (calcium silicate hydrate), indicating a stable cementitious phase. Samples containing CNTs exhibited the best mechanical performance (17.5 MPa), showing formation of higher carbonate phases, and after adding lime, the strength was enhanced by 51%. In conclusion, carbonation showed potential in fabricating AACs. This research contributes to sustainable cement production and CO2 sequestration in building materials.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev043-a-new-carbonated-cement-to-reduce-co2-emissions\", \"title\": \"ENEV043 - A New Carbonated Cement to Reduce CO2 Emissions\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712975004071_ISEF_Video_6_Made_with_Clipchamp_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENEV043 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV044\", \"title\": \"CarboFlux Network: Novel Sensor Node Design for Enhanced CO2 Flux Measurement and Global Ecosystem Monitoring\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"IEEE  Foundation: Second Place Award of $600\", \"finalists\": [\"Bulusu, Sahiti\"], \"school\": \"BASIS Independent Fremont\", \"abstract\": \"Recognizing CO2\u2019s pivotal role in climate change, and soil carbon as the major active pool of terrestrial carbon, Carboflux introduces a novel method to quantify soil carbon flux, which measures the CO2 exchange rate between soil and atmosphere. Traditional approaches suffer from high costs, low spatial and temporal resolution, and regional silos. By innovatively integrating Gradient and Chamber methods in a single node, Carboflux offers a comprehensive solution for continuous monitoring of CO2 flux across various soil depths. Further, the capability to network these nodes allows for scaling on a global level. Comprised of three subunits \u2013 a microcontroller unit to sequence measurements, sub-soil sensors for CO2 and environmental variables\u2019 measurements, and a low-cost flux chamber \u2013 the nodes are part of a global network for data collection and cloud-based analysis. Results revealed depth-dependent soil respiration rates, validated by stable and accurate sensor readings corroborated with gas chromatograph calibration. A mean flux value of 2.1007 \u00b5mol m-2 s-1 was measured (by chamber at surface), 2.0516 \u00b5mol m-2 s-1 (at 5 cm) and 1.8395 \u00b5mol m-2 s-1 at (10 cm). Diurnal CO2 flux variations were observed, increasing post-precipitation, highlighting the ability to capture responses of soil carbon to environmental stimuli. This innovative approach offers scalable and cost-effective soil respiration monitoring, pivotal for validating climate models, enhancing agricultural sustainability and assessing ecosystem biodiversity. CarboFlux has the potential to generate novel datasets that can contribute vital insights for global carbon cycle modeling and be used in international climate change mitigation policy.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev044-carboflux-co2-flux-monitoring-network\", \"title\": \"ENEV044 - CarboFlux: CO2 Flux Monitoring Network\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712551062857_ISEF_Video_Carboflux_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENEV044 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV051\", \"title\": \"Revision in Airfoil Design to Increase Fuel Efficiency in Commercial Aircraft\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\", \"finalists\": [\"Lee, Sungwon\"], \"school\": \"Troy High School\", \"abstract\": \"As demand for aviation rapidly grows with both the increasing population of humanity and the globalization of the world, the environmental effects that aviation contributes to climate change such as contrails and jet exhaust are increasingly garnering attention. Thus, this airfoil modification will increase overall lift-to-drag ratio (LDR) in common airfoils that will aid in leading to improved fuel economy in modern airplanes. A 3D-printed design of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) 22112 and the supercritical phase 2 [SC(2)-0714] airfoils were tested in a wind tunnel through a 0\u00b0 angle of attack (AOA) and verified through a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation, in which there was a control and the attachment for each of the NACA and SC(2) airfoils. The drag and lift coefficients were then calculated, with an overall increase in both the drag and lift coefficients. However, there was a 6.5% increase in LDR in the SC(2) \u2013 0714 airfoils in the CFD and an 8.2% increase in LDR in the tunnel. Similarly, a 0.3% increase in LDR in the CFD simulation and a 3.4% increase in LDR in the tunnel occurred for the NACA airfoils. The results approximate around 6-8% fuel efficiency for airliners utilizing the SC airfoils and 0-3% fuel efficiency for airliners with the NACA airfoils.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev051-airfoil-revision-commercial-aircraft\", \"title\": \"ENEV051 - Airfoil Revision Commercial Aircraft\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713142958837_trimea5d5258_98e4_45ce_9ece_1aa8f385a14c_cjSfEpKU_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENEV051 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV052T\", \"title\": \"Robee: A Novel Autonomous Pollinator\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\", \"finalists\": [\"Aysa-Lastra, Isabel\", \"Syed, Danial\"], \"school\": \"Hayfield Secondary School\", \"abstract\": \"The world is currently facing a significant ecological challenge - the rapid decline of bee populations. Bees, one of the most pivotal insects in our ecosystem, are responsible for pollinating approximately one-third of the world\u2019s food supply, posing a serious threat to global food production. In response to this pressing crisis, this project introduces \\\"Robee,\\\" a technological innovation that harnesses the power of artificial intelligence, to complement bees' natural pollination processes. Robee is an autonomous, intelligent drone, designed to augment the pollination behavior of bees and serves as a testament to the potential of machine learning and robotics in addressing pressing environmental issues. In this first year of design, we achieved three major milestones: 1) proof-of-concept of Robee\u2019s manual pollination technique; 2) training of a machine learning model to recognize flowers to pollinate; and 3) development of a low-cost Robee prototype that achieved flight. To demonstrate proof-of-concept, a preliminary experiment was conducted in which various low-cost manual pollination methods were used to pollinate radish plants. The average pollination efficiency for plants exposed to manual pollination was higher than the control group, confirming that Robee\u2019s proposed mechanism of action is feasible. A convolutional neural network was then trained on experimental images to allow Robee to recognize flowers to pollinate with 77% accuracy. The Phase I Robee underwent approximately twenty major iterations before achieving flight. During this process, a gyroscope was carefully calibrated to ensure stable flight. The current prototype costs less than $25, providing an inexpensive and effective method for machine-assisted pollination.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev052t-robee-a-novel-autonomous-pollinator\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.75\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"ENEV052T - Robee: A Novel Autonomous Pollinator\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.75, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Robee is an autonomous, intelligent drone, designed to augment the pollination behavior of bees and serves as a testament to the potential of machine learning\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712670261659_vcompress_2_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENEV052T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV066\", \"title\": \"Microplastic Flotation: A Novel Method to Analyze and Remove Microplastics\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - NOAA: Judges' Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Barnes, Elizabeth\"], \"school\": \"Shawnee Mission West High School\", \"abstract\": \"The ocean receives a large amount of pollution each year with plastics accounting for eighty percent. Plastics break down from sun, wind, and water exposure and cause microplastic pollution. Microplastics are defined as plastics that are under five millimeters in size. There is a large knowledge gap regarding microplastics in sand with the majority of microplastic research focusing on soil and water. Sand is essential to daily life; it is the third most used natural resource after air and water. To address microplastic pollution, I created a method to optimize quantification of microplastics in sand and then developed a novel technique to effectively remove them. Using Nile Red staining and ImageJ analysis, I was able to quantify microplastics in sand from various locations. Analysis of five independent trials from five locations across the United States revealed key findings, including the observation that sand from Ventura, California contained the highest amount of contamination (561 microplastics per 5 grams of sand). In contrast, the location with the lowest pollution was in John Bond Town, North Carolina with an average of 48 microplastics per 5 grams. I quantified the microplastics in the sand samples and removed up to 98% of them. This data reveals that all sand samples have microplastic contamination and the method that I developed can remove a significant amount of this contaminant. Overall, this study demonstrates the importance of using beach sand as a measure of microplastic contamination from regions that have previously remained under studied.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev066-microplastic-flotation-for-removal\", \"title\": \"ENEV066 - Microplastic Flotation for Removal\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oy_VjZV5IA\", \"title\": \"ENEV066 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV069T\", \"title\": \"Eco-Friendly Fabric: Use of Algae and Seagrass in Paper Production\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society: Second Physical Science Award of $800\", \"finalists\": [\"Stella Nieves, Martin\", \"Pena, Patrick\"], \"school\": \"Colegio Bautista de Caguas\", \"abstract\": \"The purpose of this study was to evaluate algae and seagrass as potential alternatives to wood in paper production, considering its high cellulose content. This topic was chosen as an alternative solution to reduce deforestation, since over 40% of the total global industrial wood harvest is used to make paper (DoSign, 2021). Also, to reduce the overpopulation and decomposition of sargassum and seagrass present in beaches all over the Caribbean, which disrupts communities and touristic economy. A species of brown algae, Sargassum sp., and a species of dried and beached seagrass, Syringodium filiforme, were selected for testing purposes. As part of the experiment, several methods and variables were tested. These were combined to produce paper with similar texture, consistency, and durability, to that of recycled paper used as the control\\nvariable. After six (6) weeks of experimentation, we were able to produce a sheet of paper using Syringodium filiforme. This sample resulted with texture, consistency, durability and color\\nresembling paper products. Additional studies and improved equipment are recommended to further optimize the process and use algae and seagrass as viable alternatives to wood in the paper production industry, while reducing deforestation and cleaning the environment. Also, it has the potential to expand in other areas such as the medical, construction and textiles industries.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev069t-eco-friendly-paper\", \"title\": \"ENEV069T - Eco-Friendly Paper\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713398163071_video_feria_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENEV069T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV077\", \"title\": \"Development of Oil Collecting Submarine Using AI and Hydro-Filter Solution\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE: Certificate of Honorable Mention, a 1-year free student membership to the INCOSE, and free virtual admission to the 2022 International Symposium of the INCOSE\", \"finalists\": [\"Bouker, Ayhem\"], \"school\": \"Lycee Privee des Elites 2\", \"abstract\": \"Catastrophic oil spills inflict severe harm on marine ecosystems. Conventional cleanup approaches are often inefficient, some resulting in further pollution. In response, I devised a highly efficient method to clean oil spills.\\nA drone submarine equipped with a top-mounted camera was engineered to navigate freely underwater. This innovative design incorporates a detection AI model capable of identifying oil spills, coupled with a specialized filter designed to separate oil from water.\\nThis project presents the performance of an AI model trained with YOLOv8 algorithm using an augmented dataset for real-time detection of underwater oil spills.  Also it introduces a novel filter designed to isolate oil droplets from water. The filter, constructed from hydrophobic and superoleophilic materials, effectively separates oil from water upon entry, directing the water out while retaining the oil.\\nThis project utilized an AI model for real-time detection of underwater oil spills and a filter for separating oil from water. Ensuring a new efficient method to clean oil spills.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/enev077-oil-collecting-submarine\", \"title\": \"ENEV077 - Oil Collecting Submarine\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714503206366_oil_collecting_submarine_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ENEV077 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ENEV080\", \"title\": \"Year II: Resistant Electromagnet Propulsion for Petroleum Removal Employing Biocompatible Magnetorheological Fluid in Oil Spill Applications\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\", \"category_code\": \"ENEV\", \"award\": \"National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - NOAA: Taking the Pulse of the Planet First Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Gay, Tiffani\"], \"school\": \"Orlando Science Schools\", \"abstract\": \"Crude oil spills destroy shorelines, imbalance ecosystems, and have detrimental economic impacts. Though damage from these spills has been established in literature, there is limited research on non-visible crude oil separation methods. This research investigated propulsive electromagnetic technology to regulate the removal of non-surface crude oil in oceans using Magnetorheological Fluid (MRF).  A novel prototype was developed to investigate separation methods in this study. The system connected an oil/water solution to an electromagnetic field (EMF) separation tube. A propulsive effect was evident when EMF coils were discharged, resulting in the separation of oil and water.\\nA specialized MRF containing Fe3O4 microspheres in Oleic Acid was synthesized in this study. The viscoelastic fluid exhibited super lipophilicity and hydrophobicity. The MRF was added to the petroleum/water solution for magnetic properties in EMF removal. The results indicated that the EMF system was most effective at 14 minutes, removing 88.5% of the oil. There was not a significant relation between the type of water used in the experiment (Sea, distilled). The MRF was most effective at high concentrations (1:4) in a distilled water environment ~ 92.8% of the oil was removed. This research has several applications in pollution control, including polyatomic hydrocarbons, micro plastics, and organic pharmaceutical removal. The system can be implemented on the shoreline with a connection tube or at deep sea with a buoy collection mechanism. A deep learning model based on fluorescence imaging is being investigated to quantify pollution levels for targeted use of the system. The device successfully met engineering goals by introducing a novel method of oil spill removal using electromagnetics.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": []}, {\"booth_id\": \"ETSD003\", \"title\": \"Elastic Waves: Applications of Elastic Wave Propagation in the Recovery of Depleted Oil Patches\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\", \"category_code\": \"ETSD\", \"award\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\", \"finalists\": [\"Stan, Ionut\"], \"school\": \"Liceul Teoretic International de Informatica Bucuresti\", \"abstract\": \"Currently, the average global efficiency of oil extraction is around 35%, leaving almost two thirds of the initial reserve unexploited. Using a theoretical modeling of a magnetostrictive actuator and a scaled down model, we tested the feasibility of using Mechanical Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR) techniques, focusing on elastic wave propagation to increase the rate at which we extract petrol form the ground.\\nA theoretical model for a magnetostrictive actuator was developed, addressing it from three critical perspectives: optimal physical dimensions of the coil and core, premagnetization of the core and mechanically pre-stressing the core. The feasibility of this actuator was tested on a miniature scale, with a container of sand, a patch of raw petroleum and a piezoelectric crystal connected to an alternative current source for the wave generator.\\nThe study's findings reveal that for an length-to-diameter ratio of 5 for the coil, the coil must extend to at least 115% the length of the core to ensure that the magnetic field is at least 90% of its maximum value across the entire core length. Furthermore, a pre-stressing force between 500N and 600N was determined to be critical for achieving optimal core displacement. For the small-scale model, the application of vibrations from the piezoelectric crystal resulted in a significant increase in the displacement of the oil patch, jumping from 0.7 cm to 1.1 cm. This represents a 57% increase in relative displacement.\\nThe research showed the ideal dimensions and characteristics for a magnetostrictive actuator are and that the MEOR techniques for enhancing oil recovery are promising. Further research is needed to determine the results for a full-scale application of the project.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/etsd003-elastic-wave-applications-in-depleted-oil-recovery\", \"title\": \"ETSD003 - Elastic Wave Applications in Depleted Oil Recovery\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711820281213_Movie_on_30.03.2024_at_19.29_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ETSD003 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ETSD007T\", \"title\": \"Enhancing Bobsleigh Performance Through Biomimetic Design Inspired by the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) and Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\", \"category_code\": \"ETSD\", \"award\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\", \"finalists\": [\"Sader, Zaahid (School: UJ Academy Maths, Science &amp\", \"ICT School of Specialisation)\", \"Zhang, Nicholas (School: UJ Academy Maths, Science &amp\", \"ICT School of Specialisation)\"], \"school\": null, \"abstract\": \"The project explored biomimicry to optimize bobsleigh design. This was motivated by the sustainable development culture under SDG 13 for taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts through decarbonization. The bobsleigh as a sport qualifies as a clean sport and passes leisure requirements.\\nThe designs were inspired by two birds, the Peregrine Falcon, and the Common Kingfisher. Hand sketching was initially used to conceptualize the design of the bobsleighs. This was followed by Computer-Aided Design (CAD) modelling, which was guided by allometrics. The CAD models were then used to conduct Computational Fluid Dynamic simulations to test for the aerodynamic behaviour and compute the aerodynamic drag coefficients of the bobsleighs. The visual and computed data generated from the desktop simulations were analyzed, and existing literature was referred in order to interpret and validate the consistency of the results. Finally, to further validate the findings of the desktop simulations, Wind Tunnel testing was conducted.\\nThe results of the CFD analysis provided the drag coefficients for three different types of bobsleighs: the standard, falcon-inspired and kingfisher-inspired bobsleighs. The drag coefficients for each were found to be 0.35, 0.260, and 0.263, respectively. The visual and calculated outputs were consistent, and the drag coefficients fell within the range of those found in existing literature and proven wind tunnel testing.\\nThe study demonstrated an improved performance of the two new designs, compared to the standard bobsleigh.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/etsd007t-design-optimization-of-bobsleighs-using-biomimicry\", \"title\": \"ETSD007T - Design Optimization of Bobsleighs Using Biomimicry\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711999972622_Project_video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ETSD007T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ETSD008\", \"title\": \"Modelling Lunar Drivetrain Technology Through the Design of a Differential Swerve Drive\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\", \"category_code\": \"ETSD\", \"award\": \"NASA: 3rd Prize\", \"finalists\": [\"Subramanian, Sumana\"], \"school\": \"Clear Brook High School\", \"abstract\": \"This study aimed to develop a differential swerve module which imitated the drivetrain of future NASA Lunar Rovers, effectively exploring the usage of a four-wheeled drive system with two independent actuators on each wheel. The Space Exploration Vehicle (SEV) was the first human-supporting NASA space rover designed for the South Pole of the Moon that used a, \\\"swerve drive,\\\" or highly maneuverable drivetrain powered by two motors per wheel that separately control the drive and steer. The SEV's chassis can be represented by standard swerve drive modules found in FIRST Robotics. While revolutionary in the usage of this drivetrain, future missions are attempting to implement a variable of swerve drive that can use the power of both motors to control drive or steer- differential swerve drive. In this model created in 3D computer-aided design software, PTC Creo Parametric, a design is proposed in which materials typically used in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) demonstrate efficiency, speed, weight, and voltage drawn from the power distribution hub.\\nThe data found from the tested CAD model can be compared to the standard swerve drive module found in FRC, which will allow a statistical comparison between the two variants. With an overall driven gear ratio of 5.73:1 for the differential design, the model showed an increase in efficiency by 11% and a speed increase of 42.78%, with only a .55% increase in weight. The model was then physically tested, using 3D-printed carbon-fiber in place of aluminum parts. The physical differential swerve module allowed the motion to be proven- specifically utilizing a differential gearing such that both motors can power the drive ratio and the steering ratio.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/etsd008-differential-swerve-drive-for-lunar-rovers\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"ETSD008 - Differential Swerve Drive for Lunar Rovers\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This study aimed to develop a differential swerve module which imitated the drivetrain of future NASA Lunar Rovers, effectively exploring the usage of a\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/kj3O-O-I1Js?si=IpHdfWk6h-5UcDl9\", \"title\": \"ETSD008 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ETSD009\", \"title\": \"Novel Approach to Calculation of Bike Route Distance Using Concept of Fractal Dimension\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\", \"category_code\": \"ETSD\", \"award\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\", \"finalists\": [\"Abraimov, Mikhail\"], \"school\": \"Lawton Chiles High School\", \"abstract\": \"Fractals, known for their non-integer dimensions, help describe intricate natural phenomena, like the coastline paradox. These principles may be applied to human-made processes like bike routes, where GPS faces challenges due to meandering routes and signal noise. This research aims to improve bike route distance calculations using fractal concepts in GPS data. Equipped with an odometer and GPS, a cyclist navigated diverse meandering routes, yielding 81,705 GPS points. The total distance for each route was calculated using different scales. Examining length-scale dependencies determined fractal dimensions for different meandering levels. While a highly meandering route had a fractal dimension of 1.23, a lesser meandering had 1.08. Then, distances were extrapolated to smaller scales toward true lengths based on scale and fractal dimension dependencies. For 32 bike routes, the GPS mean error relative to odometer distance was 7.2% (max 20.2%, SD 4.6%), whereas the fractal approach showed a mean error of only 0.4% (SD 2.3%). This indicates a more precise and accurate process than existing GPS applications. This research introduces a novel fractal approach for GPS distance tracking with broader implications beyond cycling because the algorithm can use noisy signal data to find accurate distance values. By using the fractal-like qualities inherent in large-scale inaccurate data, the algorithm extrapolates more accurate distances. Industries such as aerospace, defense, and logistics, which heavily depend on accurate distance tracking in the presence of signal noise, can benefit significantly. This method not only enhances distance tracking for cyclists but also offers a promising solution for various applications grappling with GPS signal-based distance measurement challenges.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/etsd009-bike-distance-calculated-with-fractal-concept\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"ETSD009 - Bike Distance Calculated With Fractal Concept\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This research aims to improve bike route distance calculations using fractal concepts in GPS data. Equipped with an odometer and GPS, a cyclist navigated\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/soft005-novel-fractal-algorithm-for-bike-route-distance\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 18, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"SOFT005 - Novel Fractal Algorithm for Bike Route Distance\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This research aims to improve bike route distance calculations using hybrid-fractal concepts in GPS data. Equipped with an odometer and GPS, a cyclist navigated\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712032618182_2min_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ETSD009 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ETSD025\", \"title\": \"How Magnetically Suspended Tires Utilizing High-Temperature Superconductivity and Electromagnetism Creates the Most Eco-Friendly Vehicle\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\", \"category_code\": \"ETSD\", \"award\": \"Office of Naval Research on behalf of the United States Navy and Marine Corps: The Chief of Naval Research Scholarship Award of $15,000\", \"finalists\": [\"Pinto, Isabella\"], \"school\": \"Hanford High School\", \"abstract\": \"Global warming is a significant threat to the environment. Increased pollution and fossil fuels are being released into the environment, and one of the main culprits is cars. Both gasoline cars and electric cars threaten the environment. This project proposes a new type of car that is more sustainable, efficient, fast, smooth, and eco-friendly to decrease global warming. The car is built upon the principles of high-temperature superconductivity suspension based on the tires. The tires are entirely isolated from the car and make no contact with it during operation, yet they are responsible for its motion. The tires magnetically levitate around a high-temperature superconductor stator for frictionless movement, and electromagnets are also employed as a second stator, which rotates the tire. The models for this project were built to demonstrate how the superconducting tire system works. One model demonstrates magnetic levitation suspension by having permanent magnets lined in the interior of the rotor (demonstrated as the tire) and the exterior of the stator (demonstrated as the superconductor stator). The other model demonstrates rotation by placing electromagnets (demonstrated as the electromagnet stator) on either side of a steel ball (demonstrated as the rotor of the first model) to pulse in a sequence that attracts the ball forward. Based on the models, several relationships were calculated and graphed. Because the model worked, this project goes on to design the entire car from a theoretical standpoint using the Stirling Cryocooler RS100-77K, solar panels, YBCO superconductors, electromagnets, and sodium-ion batteries.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/etsd025-eco-friendly-car-with-magnetic-suspension-tires\", \"title\": \"ETSD025 - Eco-Friendly Car With Magnetic Suspension Tires\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CejjrCEPkhI\", \"title\": \"ETSD025 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ETSD065\", \"title\": \"Re-Shaping an Airplane's Wings to Improve Aerodynamic Efficiency\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\", \"category_code\": \"ETSD\", \"award\": \"Florida Institute of Technology: Full Tuition Presidential Scholarship\", \"finalists\": [\"Andino -Serrano, Fernando\"], \"school\": \"The San Juan Math, Science and Technology Center\", \"abstract\": \"Humans have always been fascinated by the idea of flight. From as far back as Leonardo Da Vinci and his famous sketch of a parachute, humans have been enamored by the idea of flight and have aimed to achieve it and make it better. The Wright Brothers, of course, made everyone's dream a reality and their legacy of scientific observation, meticulous testing, and insatiable curiosity can be traced directly to SpaceX as it readies itself to take us to the moon in reusable rockets. The Wright brothers are famous because they succeeded to make a man-made object fly, but what most people don't know is that they revolutionized the world of aviation by their ability to question everything around them. This project follows in their footsteps and seeks to study, just like they did, the issue of air pressure. Research shows that slightly tilting an airplane's wings upward will positively impact flow and wind pressure measurements during flight. Could we further curve the wings to improve their relationship to the air around them while a plane is in flight? Would this make a plane more efficient??This project specifically asks: Does curving a wing upward positively impact the flow and air pressure measurements that are experienced during flight? By using a virtual wind tunnel software, this project evaluated how the changes of a wing's curvature affected aerodynamic effectiveness. 3D modeling, 3D printing, and digital simulations were the tools of the project, which facilitate the creation of prototypes and provided the scenario for viable testing. Results showed that adding a slight curving to the design of the wing's profile did not improve its behavior in a wind tunnel simulation, not affecting its aerodynamic efficiency.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/etsd065-re-shaping-an-airplanes-wings-for-efficiency\", \"title\": \"ETSD065 - Re-Shaping an Airplane's Wings for Efficiency\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713632455677_VID_20240420_WA0021_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ETSD065 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATH006\", \"title\": \"Euler-phi Partitions, p-Euler-phi Partitions, Inverse-p-Euler-phi Partitions and Their Generating Functions\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Mathematics\", \"category_code\": \"MATH\", \"award\": \"Mu Alpha Theta, National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society: Second Award of $1,000\", \"finalists\": [\"Ozcelebi, Arda\"], \"school\": \"Izmir Ozel Ege Lisesi\", \"abstract\": \"Partitions of integers n are different representations of n as a sum of positive integers. They have applications in a variety of maths and physics topics including distribution problems and statistical mechanics.\\nIn this project, Euler-phi partitions, p-Euler-phi partitions and Inverse-p-Euler-phi partitions are introduced as new partition definitions. Let n and p positive integers. Different representations of the number n as the sum of positive integers that are relatively prime to p are defined to be p-Euler-phi partitions of n. For p=n, these partitions are also called Euler-phi partitions. Different representations of the number n as the sum of positive integers that are not relatively prime to p are defined to be Inverse-p-Euler-phi partitions of n.\\nIn order to determine these partitions and compute their counts for relatively large numbers, several Python codes were written. These were used to check our insights about theorems before proving them.\\nAdditionally, over 40 generating functions were obtained for the partitions that were introduced in this project. These were then used to obtain asymptotic formulas which can be used to determine the leading term and pave the path for further studies.\\nFurthermore, numerous theorems for particular cases of p and positive integer n were proved. Some of these are as follows:\\n* When p is a power of an odd prime number, exact formulas for the number of p-Euler-phi partitions of n into 2 or 3 parts were obtained.\\n* When p is a prime number, it has been shown that the number of Inverse-p-Euler-phi partitions of np is equal to the number of partitions of n.\\nMoreover, a theorem that connects p-Euler-phi partitions and Inverse-p-Euler-phi partitions was proved by generating functions and Cauchy product.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/math006-p-euler-phi-partitions-and-their-properties\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"MATH006 - p-Euler-phi Partitions and Their Properties\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Euler-phi partitions, p-Euler-phi partitions and Inverse-p-Euler-phi partitions are introduced as new partition definitions. Let n and p positive integers\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712059083022_IMG_3218_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATH006 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATH008\", \"title\": \"Injective Chromatic Index of Packet Radio Networks: Improved Upper Bounds\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Mathematics\", \"category_code\": \"MATH\", \"award\": \"Mu Alpha Theta, National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society: First Award of $ 1,500\", \"finalists\": [\"Luo, Austin\"], \"school\": \"Morgantown High School\", \"abstract\": \"This project focuses on Packet Radio Networks (PRN), represented as a graph G = (V,E) with V and E as its vertex and edge sets respectively. The vertices represent the set of stations, and two vertices are joined by an edge if the corresponding stations can hear each other's transmissions. The primary objective is to determine the injective chromatic index of PRNs, a measure that involves assigning frequencies to edges to prevent secondary interference which occurs when stations sharing a frequency with their respective neighbors experience interference. We would like to decrease this to maximize the efficiency of the PRN. This concept, introduced in 2015, presents an optimization problem: determining the minimum number of frequencies required for a given PRN G=(V,E) \u2013 the injective chromatic index of G. The challenge lies in the computational complexity of pinpointing the exact injective chromatic indices. In this project, using the coloring extension and the discharging methods, I improve existing upper bounds of injective chromatic indices of sparse graphs with small maximum degrees. Additionally, I extend these improvements to sparse graphs with arbitrary maximum degrees. Notably, I rectify an incomplete proof from prior research, providing a validated proof for the result in question. The findings contribute to advancing our understanding of injective chromatic indices, with potential applications in more efficient channel assignments in Packet Radio Networks.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/math008-injective-chromatic-index-of-packet-radio-networks\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.67\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"Injective Chromatic Index of Packet Radio Networks\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.67, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This project focuses on Packet Radio Networks (PRN), represented as a graph G = (V,E) with V and E as its vertex and edge sets respectively.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711678415246_ISEF_VIDEO_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATH008 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATH010\", \"title\": \"Detecting Causality in 2+1 Dimension Spacetimes Using Symplectic Quandles\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Mathematics\", \"category_code\": \"MATH\", \"award\": \"American Mathematical Society: Honorable Mention and One-Year Membership to AMS (for 5 projects with up to 3 team members per project)\", \"finalists\": [\"Jain, Ayush\"], \"school\": \"Shri Ram School - Aravali Campus\", \"abstract\": \"Spacetime is a mathematical model of our universe based on the general relativity theory.  Our observable world in this spacetime is represented by causally related points, defined as points that a single light ray can traverse.  Scientists use 3D Knots (or links) to study causally related points. Alexander-Conway polynomial is a commonly used invariant to distinguish such links from links of causally unrelated points. However, Allen and Swenberg identified an infinite series of potential sky-links, the only known counterexample that this polynomial cannot distinguish from the connected sum of Hopf links, a link of causally unrelated points. This project demonstrates that a symplectic quandle can distinguish all links in Allen-Swenberg series from the connected sum of Hopf links, demonstrating its capability to detect causality in conjunction with Alexander-Conway polynomial.  Due to its connectedness property, a symplectic quandle offers additional information in the set of homomorphism from quandle to the knot; however, computing this set has been challenging as it requires solving a system of non-linear equations with a large solution space. This project develops an algorithm that solves this system in polynomial time. It also employs enhanced quandle counting polynomial that separately counts the cardinality of the image of each homomorphism to extract finer details. Further, it provides a combinatorial proof that if a symplectic quandle distinguishes the first Allen-Swenberg link then it can distinguish all links in the series. Our result will enable us to map our observable world in 2+1 dimension spacetime. This has the potential to extend to higher dimensions as the current research involving 3+1 dimension manifolds uses symplectic forms.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/math010-detecting-causality-using-symplectic-quandles\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.57\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"MATH010 - Detecting Causality Using Symplectic Quandles\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.57, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This project demonstrates that a symplectic quandle can distinguish all links in Allen-Swenberg series from the connected sum of Hopf links,\"}, {\"url\": \"https://arxiv.org/abs/2310.06853\", \"kind\": \"paper\", \"found_via\": \"arxiv\", \"score\": 20, \"status\": \"needs_review\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.67\", \"trusted_domain:arxiv.org\", \"llm:related:0.85\"], \"title\": \"Detecting Causality with Symplectic Quandles\", \"source_domain\": \"arxiv.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\", \"search_provider\": \"arxiv\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.67, trusted_domain:arxiv.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"We investigate the capability of Symplectic quandles to detect causality for (2+1)-dimensional globally hyperbolic spacetimes (X). Allen and Swenberg showed that Alexander-Conway polynomial is insufficient to distinguish connected sum of two Hopf links from the links in the family of Allen-Swenberg 2-sky like links, suggesting that it can not always detect causality in X. We find that symplectic quandles, combined with Alexander-Conway polynomial, can distinguish these two type of links, thereby\"}, {\"url\": \"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11005-024-01808-w\", \"title\": \"Detecting causality with symplectic quandles\", \"snippet\": null, \"found_via\": \"openalex\", \"kind\": \"paper\", \"authors\": [\"Ayush Jain\"], \"year\": 2024, \"score\": 75, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"author_full_name\", \"title_strong:0.67\", \"trusted_domain:doi.org\", \"llm:own:0.95\", \"rescored\"], \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712074537441_ISEF_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATH010 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATH012\", \"title\": \"Integration of Sequences\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Mathematics\", \"category_code\": \"MATH\", \"award\": \"Mu Alpha Theta, National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society: First Award of $ 1,500\", \"finalists\": [\"Rueter, Emma\"], \"school\": \"Leibniz-Gymnasium Berlin\", \"abstract\": \"In my research project I want to generalise the well-known concept of Riemann integration of functions on sequences in order to obtain a new tool for the investigation of sequences.\\nTo do this, I define an integral for sequences based on the Riemann integral and then investigate which sequences are integrable. I prove necessary and sufficient conditions for sequence integrability. It turns out that integrability for a sequence is a stronger condition than ces\u00e0ro-convergence: Every integrable sequence is ces\u00e0ro-convergent, but not every ces\u00e0ro-convergent sequence is also integrable. As a sufficient criterion for integrability, we find a condition that ressembles to Lebesgue integration: If suitable preimages under the sequence are \\\"measurable\\\", meaning that we can assign them a kind of length, the sequence is integrable. For sequences with finitely many accumulation points, we prove that this criterion is also necessary.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/math012-integration-of-sequences\", \"title\": \"MATH012 - Integration of Sequences\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711403450180_ProjectVideo_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATH012 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATH013\", \"title\": \"A Study on Arc Index of Theta Curves\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Mathematics\", \"category_code\": \"MATH\", \"award\": \"American Mathematical Society: One-Year Membership to American Mathematical Society to each winner (7 winning projects, up to 3 team members per project)\", \"finalists\": [\"Lee, Yoonsang\"], \"school\": \"Korea Science Academy of KAIST\", \"abstract\": \"This study explored various general properties related to the theta curve\u2019s arc index. The arc index not only serves to classify spatial graphs but also plays a crucial role in computing a significant topological invariant called floer homology for knots. Therefore, the investigation of the theta curve\u2019s arc index is expected to greatly benefit future research related to theta curves. I first derived two lower bounds for the theta curve\u2019s arc index using the arc index of constituent knots, and also determined a lower bound in terms of crossing number by using a loop-link diagram, one of the representations of the arc presentation. Furthermore, by identifying the relationship between the Yamada polynomial and the number of caps and crossings in stacked tangles, I obtained a lower bound in terms of the highest and lowest degrees of the Yamada polynomial. This addresses the shortcomings of non-sharp bounds for cases such as Brunian theta curve.  For the upper bound, I derived by proving the existence of an arc presentation with the number of half-planes equal to the crossing number plus 4. The spoking algorithm and a graph-theoretical lemma were used to justify its existence. Using the obtained bounds and the binding circle method, I determined the ranges of the arc index of pretzel theta curve and Kinoshita-Wolcott theta curve. Additionally, for all theta curves with crossing numbers of 7 or less, I computed the values of each bound, confirming that the newly derived bounds in the study are tight and thus meaningful.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/math013-a-study-on-arc-index-of-theta-curves\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"MATH013 - A Study on Arc Index of Theta Curves | Regeneron ISEF 2026\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This study explored various general properties related to the theta curve's arc index. The arc index not only serves to classify spatial graphs but also plays\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712503345777_A_Study_on_Arc_Index_of_Theta_Curves_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATH013 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATH016\", \"title\": \"Fibonacci Analogues of Legendre's Formula and Fine's Theorem\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Mathematics\", \"category_code\": \"MATH\", \"award\": \"American Mathematical Society: Honorable Mention and One-Year Membership to AMS (for 5 projects with up to 3 team members per project)\", \"finalists\": [\"Chand, Arav\"], \"school\": \"Half Hollow Hills High School West\", \"abstract\": \"Legendre's Formula and Fine's Theorem use number theory to analyze combinatorics functions. Legendre's formula finds the exponent of a prime (p) dividing the factorial of any integer (n); Fine's Theorem quickly finds the number of binomial coefficients on row n of Pascal's Triangle that are not divisible by a prime p. Investigating the Fibonorial, a generalized form of the factorial based on the Fibonacci sequence, this research derives Fibonacci-analogues of Legendre's Formula and Fine's Theorem for Fibonorial/Fibonomial coefficients, which previously only analyzed the factorial/binomial coefficients. The study builds on Lengyel's Theorem regarding the relationship between the exponent of prime p dividing an integer n and dividing the nth Fibonacci number. A novel Fibonorial Legendre's Formula for the exponent of p dividing the nth Fibonorial was thus developed and proved. Additionally, employing the computational software system Mathematica, programs were designed for brute-force generation of the values of the analogous Fine's theorem. Identifying patterns within the lists of values generated, a conjectured Fibonomial Fine's Theorem was proposed and subsequently proven using a correspondence argument and the developed analogous Fibonorial Legendre's Formula. The research successfully derived a formula for the exponent of p dividing the nth Fibonorial and a validated formula for Fibonomial coefficients, expanding upon existing mathematical frameworks. This study contributes to understanding Fibonorial structures and their mathematical properties. Future work may extend to other factorial generalizations, related combinatorial problems, and explore broader applications in the increased computational efficiency of my formulae, tilings, and findings in nature.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/math016-proofs-of-fibonacci-analogues-of-two-theorems\", \"title\": \"MATH016 - Proofs of Fibonacci Analogues of Two Theorems\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/KZviMj5s5cg\", \"title\": \"MATH016 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATH018\", \"title\": \"On an Approximation of Divisor Sum Functions With Bernoulli Polynomials and the Hardy Littlewood Function\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Mathematics\", \"category_code\": \"MATH\", \"award\": \"Mu Alpha Theta, National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society: Second Award of $1,000\", \"finalists\": [\"Tran, Quang (School: Patrick F. Taylor Science &amp\", \"Technology Academy)\"], \"school\": null, \"abstract\": \"Is a Bessel representation of exponential sums corresponding to divisors obtainable, and if so, viable? In an original expression I derived relating the divisor functions at individual points and their averages by exploiting the periodicity of roots of unity, in a sense inverting it, there is an exponential sum called the Hardy Littlewood function. Moreover, Voronoi uses a generating function transform using complex analytical tools to describe the error between the average of the divisor function and its asymptotic main terms. With both in mind, I similarly used a complex analytical generating function transform. To get an exact representation of the sum, I changed the contour from a circle to a keyhole. The result of this procedure is a conversion between any exponential sum and a Hankel transform. To fully express the exponential sum in terms of a Hankel Transform, a subset of the geometric series that\u2019s related to the amplitude function of the exponential sum must be studied. Also, I expressed the Hankel Transform in terms of the FHA cycle, and showed a correlation between an oscillatory integral and exponential sum: similar objects with different measures. The literature shows that both of these can be studied: with methods from Mackinnon\u2019s paper on asymptotic expansions of Hankel Transforms and the saddle point method. These results open up a new gap for sums involving subsets of the geometric series by creating context for them, and different methods besides the Van Der Corput processes A and B are discovered.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/math018-divisors\", \"title\": \"MATH018 - Divisors\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uf8u2hBZu3w\", \"title\": \"MATH018 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATH022\", \"title\": \"Factorization Properties of Puiseux Monoids\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Mathematics\", \"category_code\": \"MATH\", \"award\": \"Mu Alpha Theta, National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society: Second Award of $1,000\", \"finalists\": [\"Mao, Jason (School: The Academy for Mathematics, Science &amp\", \"Engineering)\"], \"school\": null, \"abstract\": \"As factorization theory of rings is already well-studied, it is natural to generalize the scope of factorization theory from rings to monoids.  Puiseux monoids (i.e. additive monoids over a subset of the positive rationals) fundamentally serve as a simple context under which crucial factorization properties such as the ACCP (ascending chain condition of principal ideals) and atomicity conditions in factorization theory may be analyzed. This paper accomplishes two goals in the study of factorization in Puiseux monoids: we prove that the nearly ACCP condition does not extend from Puiseux monoids to their respective monoid algebras, and we explore various examples and theorems regarding the Betti elements and Betti graphs of various Puiseux monoids. The former result is surprising, as many conditions such as the ACCP condition have been observed to extend from Puiseux monoids to their respective monoid algebras, whereas we present a counterexample to such an extension in the case of the nearly ACCP condition. We also explore Betti elements and Betti graphs through a variety of angles, touching upon the notions of atomization and connected components of Betti graphs. These results may help guide future research of factorization of Puiseux monoids and their respective monoid algebras, while also providing a clearer and more intuitive understanding of Betti elements and Betti graphs of Puiseux monoids.  Ultimately, a broadened understanding of factorization properties and objects in Puiseux monoids may inspire future progress in the field of factorization theory of monoids as a whole.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/math022-factorization-properties-of-puiseux-monoids\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.80\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"MATH022 - Factorization Properties of Puiseux Monoids\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.80, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"As factorization theory of rings is already well-studied, it is natural to generalize the scope of factorization theory from rings to monoids. Puiseux\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713487639474_Factorization_Properties_of_Puiseux_Monoids_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATH022 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATH023\", \"title\": \"Along the Path of the Great Kaprekar: A-Function, Repunits and Their Properties\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Mathematics\", \"category_code\": \"MATH\", \"award\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\", \"finalists\": [\"Zharbolov, Alikhan\"], \"school\": \"National Physics and Mathematics School\", \"abstract\": \"Inspired by the famous function of the D.Kaprekar  K(n)=n+S(n),  I invented and investigated various properties of a new function  A(n)=(n-S(n))/9  where  S(n)   is the sum of digits of the natural number  n  in decimal notation.\\nThe values of the function  A(n)  are called  a-generated numbers and for the given value  m=A(n) the argument  n  is called its  a-generator. If a number  p  has no a-generators, then  p  is called an  a-self number. The rank r(n)=u of a number  n  is the smallest number  u such that  A(A(\u2026A(n)))= A^((u))(n)=0.  Repunits are numbers whose decimal notation consists of only units.\\nThe connection between  A(n)  and repunits is established. Two new formulas for the class of repunit numbers are proved. Non-decreasing of the function  A(n)  and its other properties are proved. It is established that every  a-generated number has exactly 10  a-generators. The infinity of  a-self numbers is proved. It is shown, that fraction of  a-self numbers within all numbers with given number of digits is one tenth. Formulas for \\\"neighboring\\\" (sequence of consecutive)  a-self numbers with sequence lengths 1 and 2 are found. A pattern and a hypothesis for the distribution of \\\"neighboring\\\" a-self numbers with any other sequence lengths are formulated. The equations  K(n)=q\u00d7A(n)  and  A(qn)=q\u00d7A(n)   are completely solved. It is proved that the function  r(n)  is non-decreasing.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://doi.org/10.47533/2024.1606-146x.16\", \"title\": \"Along the path of the great Kaprekar: A-function, repunits and their properties\", \"snippet\": \"Following the famous Indian mathematician D. Kaprekar, in the paper[5], the author presented a new method for obtaining integers ????(????) = \u2151 (???? \u2212 ????(????)) where S(n) is the sum of digits of the number n In decimal notation. This A-function turned out to be related to a remarkable class of numbers the class of integers Rn repunit. In the paper, new properties are found Rn. The properties A-function. It is proved that the set of a-self numbers is infinite and each a-self number has exactly 10 generators. The hypothesis about the distribution of a-self numbers is justified and formulated. The hypothesis about the distribution of the number of chains of \u00abneighboring\u00bb a-self numbers is justified and formulated and the complete consistency of the two hypotheses is proved. Formulas for the chains of \u00abneighboring\u00bb a-self numbers are found. The multiple relations between the Kaprekar function K(n) and the function introduced by us A(n). We studied and found all solutions of the functional equation A(qn) = qA(n).\", \"found_via\": \"openalex\", \"kind\": \"paper\", \"authors\": [\"A. Zharbolov\"], \"year\": 2024, \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"needs_review\", \"signals\": [\"title_exact:1.00\", \"trusted_domain:doi.org\", \"repair:authors_without_student\", \"rescored\"], \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/math023-a-function-and-its-properties-in-number-theory\", \"title\": \"MATH023 - A-Function and Its Properties in Number Theory\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712918604939_2024_04_09_17_44_48_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATH023 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATH027\", \"title\": \"Enhancing Federated Learning Using Mathematical Theorems and Coding Technologies\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Mathematics\", \"category_code\": \"MATH\", \"award\": \"American Mathematical Society: Honorable Mention and One-Year Membership to AMS (for 5 projects with up to 3 team members per project)\", \"finalists\": [\"Lu, Sarah\"], \"school\": \"Centro Residencial de Oportunidades Educativas de Mayaguez\", \"abstract\": \"Federated learning is a new and exciting field of topic that has arisen in the world of machine learning. This field is new and exciting because it offers innovative solutions that address many issues users have had. By enabling the sharing of model parameters without the need to share original data, federated learning offers solutions to data and privacy concerns. However, federated learning is still quite novel, and some issues have yet to be solved, particularly in the case of training complicated machine learning models on resource-limited devices as they are insufficient in speed and power (e.g. Raspberry Pi). This research investigates three coding techniques\u2014One-hot encoding, Random Fourier Features, and Random Generator\u2014which were used to not only solve said issues on resource-limited devices but also issues regarding privacy and security. Specifically, by using matrix calculus, two novel secure and privacy preserving schemes have been developed for gradient descent in federated learning. Extensive numerical experiments demonstrate promising outcomes such as input-output linearity, improved accuracy and privacy, and consistent high performance. The results and findings of this research indicate many promising features of federated learning and make contributions toward its enhancement.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/math027-enhancing-federated-learning-using-math-and-coding\", \"title\": \"MATH027 - Enhancing Federated Learning Using Math and Coding\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713831020920_Enhancing_FL_vid_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATH027 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATH032\", \"title\": \"The Classification and the Hilbert Polynomials of the Coloring of Quandles With Size 6\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Mathematics\", \"category_code\": \"MATH\", \"award\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\", \"finalists\": [\"Kim, Aaron\"], \"school\": \"Bronx High School of Science\", \"abstract\": \"Knot theory, counting a knot invariant for a knot L has been long studied. Using an algebraic structure called quandle, we calculate the knot invariant, in other words coloring of the knot. Schlank and Davis showed that by converting the knots to the closed braid s \u00af of n strings through Alexander\u2019s theorem, it is possible to compute the expected number of the coloring of the quandle Q through the Hilbert Polynomial PQ(x). We first identify the unknown quandle of size 4, J2, and compute the associated Hilbert Polynomial. Furthermore, we introduce two new methods to decompose a quandle, which are fiber product and twisted disjoint union. These 2 categorical acts allow a unique mapping so that it may be used in multiple mapping for the same two quandles. Finally, by these methods and known results by Schlank and Davis, we classified all the quandles of size 6 and computed the Hilbert Polynomial of a selected few.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/math032-the-hilbert-polynomials-of-quandles-with-size-6\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.57\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"MATH032 - The Hilbert Polynomials of Quandles With Size 6\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.57, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Using an algebraic structure called quandle, we calculate the knot invariant, in other words coloring of the knot. Schlank and Davis showed that by converting\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714006559934_ISEF_2024_video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATH032 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATH036\", \"title\": \"Data-Driven Predictive Mathematical Model of Fish Population Dynamics\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Mathematics\", \"category_code\": \"MATH\", \"award\": \"NC State College of Engineering: Scholarship to attend NC State Engineering Summer Camp\", \"finalists\": [\"Rossi, Eleanor\"], \"school\": \"Jamestown High School\", \"abstract\": \"Studying population dynamics is key to protecting vital aquatic ecosystems and the economic activities they support, such as those of the Chesapeake Bay. Mathematics is a powerful tool that can be used to better understand intrinsic interactions between species and forecast their future population trends. This study leveraged multi-species mathematical models alongside the gauseR package in R to fit a predator-prey model to real-time data of fish species found in the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States. After deriving the model's ecological parameters, including growth and predation rates, from the real time series data, the model was employed to project the future population dynamics of these fish populations over an extended timeframe. Climate change is impacting aquatic life in many ways and it is imperative to begin to understand the long term effects it will have on fish populations. The model was also used to assess some of the potential effects of escalating seawater temperatures on fish growth and predation rates on their long term sustainability. This study stands out for its innovative utilization of multi-species dynamical systems and real observation data, offering a nuanced perspective on the intricate interplay among environmental factors, climate variables, and species viability. By providing valuable insights into the long-term sustainability of these ecologically and economically significant fish populations in the Chesapeake Bay area, this project paves the way for more informed conservation and management strategies (such as fishing regulations, that are currently based on singular species population models).\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/math036-mathematical-model-of-fish-population-dynamics\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"MATH036 - Mathematical Model of Fish Population Dynamics | Regeneron ISEF 2025\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"MATH036 - Mathematical Model of Fish Population Dynamics. Studying population dynamics is key to protecting vital aquatic ecosystems and the economic activities they support, such as those of the Chesapeake Bay. Mathematics is a powerful tool that can be used to better understand intrinsic interactions between species and forecast their future population trends. This study leveraged multi-species mathematical models alongside the gauseR package in R to fit a predator-prey model to real-time data\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714248392285_IMG_5233_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATH036 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATH037\", \"title\": \"Simulation of Armed Conflict Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in Ground Combat Operations\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Mathematics\", \"category_code\": \"MATH\", \"award\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\", \"finalists\": [\"Borysenko , Volodymyr\"], \"school\": \"Cherkassy School Number 28\", \"abstract\": \"The modern world is on the threshold of a technological revolution in warfare, which requires a rethinking of the simulation of combat operations, considering the increasingly important role of robotics and UAVs. Stochastic models of armed conflict based on Lanchester's quadratic law are considered herein. These models assume the heterogeneity of armed forces and describe casualties in terms of a Poisson process, considering combat units as a single indivisible whole. For one of these models, the distribution of solutions was obtained using the Monte Carlo method, which ranged from the most unfavorable to the most favorable scenarios using two properties: the number of casualties of the winner at the end of the battle and the duration of the battle. Attacked targets are chosen randomly following the probability of attacking the first detected target. The obtained results are visualized in the form of a heat map. The model provides information in terms of the probability of success of military operations with given permissible losses. The second model, with cellular automata, considers information about the positioning of individual combat units on the plane, which can move one cell at a time or make fortifications per unit of time and interact with the enemy within the radius of fire damage as in the previous model. This model also considers modifications such as natural obstacles, physical maps, mined territory, and UAV drones, the range of which is significantly higher than the range of conventional forces weapons. The impact of UAVs on the battlefield situation is evaluated and indicates a significant advantage of such systems in the probability of victory. The results of modeling may be useful for tactical military planning, with the inclusion of UAVs and robotics.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/math037-uavs-in-ground-combat-stochastic-modelling\", \"title\": \"MATH037 - UAVs in Ground Combat: Stochastic Modelling\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714417785263_Borysenko_Volodymyr_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATH037 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATS001\", \"title\": \"A Self-Healing Flexible \\\"Jelly-like\\\" Zinc-Ion Battery: Empowering Wearable Devices and Safe Energy Storage\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Materials Science\", \"category_code\": \"MATS\", \"award\": \"The Scientific and Technological Research Council of T\u00fcrkiye  TUBITAK: 1st Prize Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Hu, Jonathan\"], \"school\": \"Shanghai High School International Division\", \"abstract\": \"The quest for low-cost, safe, and environmentally friendly rechargeable flexible batteries is crucial in propelling the next wave of energy-storage innovations, particularly for implementation in wearable electronics and biomedical devices. Current commercial Li-ion batteries face challenges concerning rigidity, safety, and scarcity of lithium resources. This study introduces a groundbreaking self-healing \\\"jelly-like\\\" capacitive battery, combining the high energy density of batteries with supercapacitor-like rapid charge-discharge capabilities and long lifespan while addressing safety concerns. Central to our innovative design is a non-toxic, eco-friendly, and ultra-strong viscoelastic PAM gel electrolyte, modified with additives such as ethylene glycol and chitosan through multiple trials to optimize its mechanical and electrochemical properties. Moreover, high-strength acid-treated carbon cloth cathode and abundant zinc anode are used, offering high storage capacity, extended cycle life, and enhanced safety. The acid-treated carbon cloth can also act as a high-performing porous flexible current collector and be coated with V-doped Manganese dioxide to exhibit a high specific capacity of 300mAh/g at 1A/g. Combining these elements, we produced a self-healing flexible battery that can withstand extreme conditions such as 180\u00b0 bending, puncturing, freezing, and cutting while maintaining normal functionality, exhibiting unparalleled mechanical and electrochemical performance. Seamlessly integrated into the strap of a smartwatch, this battery ensures uninterrupted functionality. This breakthrough provides a strategic solution to lithium safety and rigidity challenges, with potential applications spanning across the realms of biomedical devices and wearable electronics.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/mats001-self-healing-flexible-jelly-like-battery\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"MATS001 - Self-Healing Flexible \\\"Jelly-like\\\" Battery\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Current commercial Li-ion batteries face challenges concerning rigidity, safety, and scarcity of lithium resources. This study introduces a groundbreaking self\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712414563604_final_presentation_video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATS001 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/ExgFtBWpZq0\", \"title\": \"MATS001 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATS012\", \"title\": \"Biomimetic, Micro-Structured and Hydrophobic Surfaces for Blood-Repellent Medical Devices\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Materials Science\", \"category_code\": \"MATS\", \"award\": \"Alfred University: Full tuition scholarship\", \"finalists\": [\"Gambin, Madison\"], \"school\": \"Palos Verdes Peninsula High School\", \"abstract\": \"Blood clots compromise the efficacy of blood-contacting medical implants as well as the health of the patients whose lives they sustain. Commonly used antithrombotic drugs or coatings can cause severe bleeding and wear off over time. Without the use of drugs, hydrophobic surfaces exhibit blood-repellence. In this work, micro-structured biological surfaces are mimicked and investigated to provide sufficient hydrophobicity for reducing blood clots in implanted biomedical devices.\\nButterfly, beetle, and cicada wings, as well as the lotus-like Nasturtium leaf, were first imprinted into a negative mold using polydimethylsiloxane elastomer. Then positive surface replications were made of Carnauba Wax and SU-8 epoxy-based photoresist. Evaluations of water and blood repellency were conducted by contact angle and sliding angle tests over 5 trials.\\nFor all material types, the trichome-covered, ground-facing side of the leaf showed the greatest static hydrophobicity, with some trials measuring a contact angle greater than 150\u00b0, classified as super-hydrophobic. The SU-8 imprints were the most accurate leaf replications, exhibiting around 100% of the original contact angle. The results were compared to a commercial hydrophobic coating, which not only performed over 30% worse, but is not biocompatible.\\nThis study succeeded in replicating the hydrophobicity of natural surface structures, showing promise for blood-repellent materials inhibiting thrombus formation. Future research should utilize more advanced materials and replication methods to achieve super-hydrophobicity that can be tested against the surface adhesion of real blood. These findings pave the way for bioinspired, micro/nanostructured surfaces to make a life-saving impact in the medical field.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/mats012-bioinspired-hydrophobic-blood-repellent-surfaces\", \"title\": \"MATS012 - Bioinspired Hydrophobic Blood-Repellent Surfaces\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712011909719_Video_presentation_2_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATS012 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATS014\", \"title\": \"Novel Chemical Doping Strategy to Enhance N-Type Organic Electrochemical Transistors\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Materials Science\", \"category_code\": \"MATS\", \"award\": \"George D. Yancopoulos Innovator Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Sun, Grace\"], \"school\": \"Paul Laurence Dunbar High School\", \"abstract\": \"Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are among the most powerful transistors to date by combining both ionic and electronic conduction. This unique mechanism makes these devices desirable for implantable bioelectronics in the human body, particularly as biosensors, deep brain stimulators, pacemakers, and artificial muscles, reducing reliance on invasive medical procedures. However, electron-conducting (n-type) OECTs, suitable for bioelectronic applications, historically suffer from instability and low performance, limiting their practical application. Chemical doping was investigated as a novel and cost-effective method to enhance device performance, successfully identifying a new dopant and unique doping techniques. Various organic salts were explored as potential dopants because of their strong Lewis base makeup. Current-voltage tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy characterized and compared undoped and salt-doped n-type OECT performance. Doping with tetrabutylammonium chloride (Bu4NCl) salt improves the device\u2019s transconductance, mobility, signal-to-noise ratio, threshold signal, and capacitance. The Bu4NCl dopant\u2019s statistically significant improvements in metrics yield a 97% improvement in amplification and a 77% improvement in switching speed and charge storage. Doping with Bu4NCl is optimized at a concentration of 20 molar percentage and a solvent blend of chlorobenzene to chloroform at a 1:5 ratio, enabling the salt to promote charge transfer and delocalization in the polymer network. Bu4NCl is identified as a new dopant to fabricate n-type OECTs with high performance. This study is the first to explore dopants, doping concentration, and solvent design in conjunction, advancing chemical doping in tailoring OECTs to become commercially viable.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/mats014-doping-in-organic-electrochemical-transistors\", \"title\": \"MATS014 - Doping in Organic Electrochemical Transistors\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711994748078_Doping_in_OECTs_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATS014 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATS017\", \"title\": \"Colorimetric Smart Packaging System: A Carbohydrate-Based Plastic Alternative for Detecting Food Spoilage\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Materials Science\", \"category_code\": \"MATS\", \"award\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\", \"finalists\": [\"Zamora, Cuauhtemoc\"], \"school\": \"Veterans Memorial High School\", \"abstract\": \"Food safety is one of the most important components of human life. The World Health Organization estimates that foodborne contamination kills 420,000 people per year worldwide. To combat this problem, early detection of contaminated food is essential. To address this issue, a smart packaging system was developed using a pH-sensitive, carbohydrate-based film that changes color when food begins to spoil, and is also biodegradable. The film was developed by crosslinking guar-gum and chitosan, then adding a pH indicator made of bromocresol green and anthocyanins to the hydro-film, giving it the ability to change color. As food spoils, it releases compounds called amines, which have a high pH value. As the amines accumulate, the anthocyanins in the smart film change color, indicating food spoilage. The smart film was tested for its stability, ability to absorb water, and pH range. Its ability to detect food spoilage was tested by placing it in a petri dish with a fish sample and observing color change over the course of 10 days. Data collected from the tests showed that not only was the smart film able to change color in response to food spoilage, but it was also able to go 10 days submerged in water before showing signs of deterioration. The results indicate that this smart film could potentially be used as a visual indicator for food freshness. However, it is believed that its most promising application is in its ability to perform as an alternative to petroleum-based plastics for specific food-based usage.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/mats017-colorimetric-smart-film\", \"title\": \"MATS017 - Colorimetric Smart Film\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712114240917_State_Science_Fair_Video_1__thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATS017 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATS024\", \"title\": \"When the Paint's On, the Heat's Gone\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Materials Science\", \"category_code\": \"MATS\", \"award\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\", \"finalists\": [\"Shi, Sophie\"], \"school\": \"Middleton High School\", \"abstract\": \"Playing sports such as soccer, baseball, or football on a hot and sunny day is always dreaded, especially when playing on synthetic turf. In August, turf temperatures in Madison, WI can be above 50\u00b0C, roughly 20\u00b0C hotter than grass. For players, the heat is especially prevalent in the feet and can cause health concerns such as, heatstroke and blisters, as well as physical concerns like melting shoes and harsher turf burns[1]. Ideas on replacing turf infill and shoe insoles have all been evaluated, but they are costly and not very effective. Instead we propose a low-cost strategy, targeting the heat before it enters the shoe. We hypothesize that applying a reflective layer to the bottom of the shoe will allow the heat to reflect off the shoe, allowing for more heat resistance compared to products currently on the market. After multiple experiments, the interior temperature of the reflective shoe demonstrated a notable 5.5\u00b0C decrease compared to control shoe after 90 minutes (the typical length of a professional soccer match). Whereas, the Blusol shoe (Blusol, the only commercially available insole for heat resistance) was only 2.6\u00b0C cooler than the control shoe. We conclude that the greater heat resistance of the reflective layer and its cost-effective nature provides a better option than the currently available insole.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/mats024-a-novel-way-to-reduce-shoe-temperatures-on-turf\", \"title\": \"MATS024 - A Novel Way to Reduce Shoe Temperatures on Turf\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711846566194_IMG_4553_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATS024 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATS030T\", \"title\": \"Engineering a Greener Future: A Novel, Biodegradable, Self-Powered, Chitosan-Based Food Packaging Material\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Materials Science\", \"category_code\": \"MATS\", \"award\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate : First Place Award \u201cMaterial Science\u201d\", \"finalists\": [\"D'Souza, Nikita\", \"Yuan, Grace\"], \"school\": \"College Park High School\", \"abstract\": \"Since the discovery of synthetic petroleum-based plastics, humanity has increased its production exponentially at the cost of our planet's health. This traditional plastic takes millions of years to degrade and pollutes our Earth during every step of production, causing a global climate crisis. With an increasingly burdensome amount of plastic waste generated each year combined with the industry's unsustainable practices, an alternative and environmentally-friendly material is crucial. This research created a sustainable food packaging system by exploring the versatile applications of chitosan, a biodegradable polymer derived from crustacean shells and fungal cell walls. The researchers used mushroom-derived chitosan with graphene oxide nanofiller and conducted five tests to analyze and compare the quality of this material: loss tangent/permittivity, biodegradability, mechanical properties, film thickness, and shelf life. Results demonstrated the efficacy of the chitosan-based packaging, exhibiting a dielectric constant of 4.75, a tensile strength of 50.36 MPa, biodegradation within 28 days, and extended shelf life\u2014outperforming conventional plastics. Furthermore, a self-powered humidity sensor, correlating color changes with relative humidity, was integrated into the packaging to monitor moisture levels, providing a sustainable method for assessing food contamination risk without electronic waste or energy consumption. By integrating the two applications - the chitosan packaging and humidity sensor-, an innovative and intelligent food packaging system was created that offers a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics, alleviating the amount of plastic waste generated each year, increasing the shelf life of produce, and guaranteeing a greener future for all.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/mats030t-engineering-a-greener-future\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"MATS030T - Engineering a Greener Future\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"chitosan, a biodegradable polymer derived from crustacean shells and fungal cell walls.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712527994044_IMG_9089_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATS030T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATS033\", \"title\": \"Development of Electrolyte Additive for Self-Corrosion Control of Aluminum Air Battery Electrodes\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Materials Science\", \"category_code\": \"MATS\", \"award\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\", \"finalists\": [\"Al Logmani, Jamal\"], \"school\": \"King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) Boys High School\", \"abstract\": \"The growing demand for energy sparked the transition from fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change, to sustainable solutions, by storing renewable energy in batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are widely used, but their viability has been questioned due to their low-energy density, high-cost, safety concerns, and contribution to water contamination. A proposed solution lies in aluminium-air batteries (AAB), which address these limitations.  Nonetheless, AABs are limited by a self-parasitic reaction which diminishes effectiveness and shortens lifespan. The introduction of additives to the electrolyte has been proposed as one of the solutions to address this challenge. This project aims to develop hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) as a novel anti-corrosive electrolyte additive and study the effect of its concentration on the corrosion rate of the anodic Al electrode, battery performance and hydrogen evolution reaction of the cathodic electrode using NaOH as the electrolyte. Weight-loss, potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), and linear polarization resistance (LPR) tests were conducted to assess HEC\u2019s effectiveness. Additionally, the synergistic effect of dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt (DOS) was also explored. The results show that increasing the concentration of HEC improved the effectiveness of the additive. Electrochemical data show an increase in inhibition efficiency (82% at optimum concentration) upon the addition of DOS whilst not altering HEC\u2019s inhibition mechanism. Surface analysis using 3D optical profilometry coupled with FTIR showed that the corrosion inhibition mechanism of HEC occurs by adsorption of HEC molecules on the Al surface.  In conclusion, the utilization of the developed additives addresses the challenges of AABs, expanding their applicability.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/mats033-anti-corrosive-electrolyte-additive-for-aabs\", \"title\": \"MATS033 - Anti-Corrosive Electrolyte Additive for AABs\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713146900095_Jamal_Mohammed_Allo_gmani_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATS033 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATS036\", \"title\": \"Development of Anti-Dust Nanostructured Silicon Dioxide Coating for Solar Cells\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Materials Science\", \"category_code\": \"MATS\", \"award\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\", \"finalists\": [\"Alqarni, Areej\"], \"school\": \"Al-Batool International School\", \"abstract\": \"Driven by the effects of global warming and environmental pollution from fossil fuel use, the transition towards renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, is gaining momentum. Yet, photovoltaic systems encounter critical issues, primarily due to soiling or dust accumulation, which can diminish power efficiency by 20-40% and raise maintenance expenses. Therefore, this study aims to develop a durable, transparent, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective anti-dust coating for photovoltaics, evaluating its potential to maintain PV power performance under harsh environmental conditions. The coating was applied using the dip-coating method, followed by heat curing to improve adhesion. Microstructural analysis using XRD, SEM, and EDS showed that the coating consists of SiO2 nanograins. The one month current-voltage (I-V) measurement test showed that coated samples had a higher Maximum Power Point by 8.7% and Open Circuit Voltage by 5.3% than uncoated ones. Transmittance evaluations over seven months showed that coated samples maintained a high level of transparency at 94% under clean conditions. Coating durability was confirmed through abrasion tests, where the coating withstood 30 cycles, a figure among the highest recorded for silicon dioxide coatings. The UV resistance and chemical stability tests further demonstrated robustness against environmental stressors. Additionally, a notable increase in cost efficiency ($1.5/kg) over conventional cleaning methods was observed, attributed to the coating's low-maintenance nature. In conclusion, this coating significantly benefits the solar energy industry by maintaining photovoltaic panel efficiency and substantially reducing cleaning costs, bridging the gap between innovative research and practical applications.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/mats036-anti-dust-coating-for-solar-cells\", \"title\": \"MATS036 - Anti-Dust Coating for Solar Cells\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713448647959_MATS036_Overview_Video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATS036 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713229101806_Demonstration_of_Anti_Dust_Properties_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATS036 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATS037\", \"title\": \"3D Bioprinting Soft Microrobotic \\\"Niches\\\" for Stem Cell Delivery\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Materials Science\", \"category_code\": \"MATS\", \"award\": \"China Association for Science and Technology (CAST): Award of $1,200\", \"finalists\": [\"Cheng, Cindy\"], \"school\": \"Laurel Heights Secondary School\", \"abstract\": \"Stem cell therapy holds tremendous promise for treating illnesses by regenerating damaged body tissues. However, no stem cell treatments for cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, or orthopedic diseases have obtained FDA approval due to the lack of safe and efficient delivery methods. To address these limitations, the Soft MicroRobotic \u201cnichE\u201d (SMORE) system was developed. This novel approach employs soft motile microbots that mimic the body\u2019s stem cell reservoirs, known as stem cell niches, to precisely deliver high quantities of encapsulated stem cells while promoting cell survival and proper integration into host tissues without adverse effects. SMOREs were 3D-bioprinted from cell-laden ink containing a biocompatible polymer, photoinitiator, magnetic nanoparticles, stem cells, and niche components. Magnetometry determined that the nanoparticles had strong superparamagnetism. Scanning electron microscopy and uniaxial compression tests revealed suitable porosity and mechanical stiffness for supporting stem cells. Cell viability assays showed that both the SMORE material and the bioprinting process are biocompatible. Finally, SMOREs demonstrated injectability and responsivity in navigating through a real-size degenerated intervertebral disc model following external magnetic control. These capabilities allow successful delivery of stem cells to target sites, while the SMOREs\u2019 porosity, elasticity, niche mimicry, and biocompatibility permit improved control over stem cell integration, proliferation, and differentiation. As such, the SMORE system exhibits significant potential for overcoming the primary obstacles to efficient cell delivery, offering a pathway towards highly effective stem cell therapies that can ultimately transform the treatment of countless diseases.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/mats037-3d-printed-niche-microbots-for-stem-cell-delivery\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"MATS037 - 3D-Printed Niche Microbots for Stem Cell Delivery\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This novel approach employs soft motile microbots that mimic the body's stem cell reservoirs, known as stem cell niches, to precisely deliver high quantities of\"}, {\"url\": \"https://partner.projectboard.world/ysc/project/3d-bioprinting-soft-microrobotic-niches-for-stem-cell-delivery\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 50, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_exact:1.00\"], \"title\": \"3D Bioprinting Soft Microrobotic Niches for Stem Cell Delivery\", \"source_domain\": \"partner.projectboard.world\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_exact:1.00\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"To address this, the Soft MicroRobotic \u201cnichE\u201d (SMORE) system was developed, which employs soft microrobots that mimic the body's stem cell reservoirs to\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/4EPXyIlL35s\", \"title\": \"MATS037 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/8poGRFPPQp4\", \"title\": \"MATS037 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATS042T\", \"title\": \"Alternative Organic  Sanitary Pads From Plant Fibers Enhanced with Gooseberry Extract Coating\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Materials Science\", \"category_code\": \"MATS\", \"award\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development: Second Award Global Health and Nutrition\", \"finalists\": [\"Panturaporn, Siriarpha\", \"Panturaporn, Siripapha\"], \"school\": \"Montfort College\", \"abstract\": \"Sanitary pads are critical for effective menstruation management, especially in developing countries where access to high-quality menstrual hygiene products is commonly limited. In these areas, the use of inferior sanitary products frequently leads to health problems, such as vaginal infections. Additionally, most available options are made from synthetic polymers that are non-biodegradable and detrimental to the environment. To tackle these challenges, we developed organic sanitary pads using fermented plant fibers derived from pineapple leaves (Ananas comosus L.), banana sheaths (Musa sapientum L.), hemp stems (Cannabis sativa L.), and paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera L.). These fibers are treated with Actinomycetes and Aspergillus sp. to facilitate the degradation of recalcitrant lignocellulose through the action of lignocellulolytic enzymes.\\nPost-treatment analysis revealed that banana and paper mulberry fibers demonstrated favorable physical and mechanical properties for fluid absorption. To produce organic sanitary pads, we incorporated a crude gooseberry extract as a top coating on a 0.20 mm thick woven layer of banana fiber, which effectively inhibited Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, common pathogens responsible for vaginal infections. The middle layer of the pad features a 0.60 mm thick absorbent core made from paper mulberry sheets, and the base layer is waterproof bioplastic. Furthermore, our organic sanitary pads meet the ISO standards for sanitary napkins, achieving an optimal absorbent capacity, absorption time, and pH level. This development provides a sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic products, potentially expanding to broader applications and offering an environmentally friendly solution with widespread usability.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/mats042t-organic-sanitary-pads-with-gooseberry-extract\", \"title\": \"MATS042T - Organic Sanitary Pads With Gooseberry Extract\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713633769685_video_output_CCB08EA6_595F_4265_9E83_E0AE3360D043_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MATS042T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MATS048T\", \"title\": \"Enhancing Tea-Waste Based Biopolymer Nanocomposite Performance Through a Biomimetic Cuticular Hydrocarbon Coating: A Sustainable Packaging Alternative\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Materials Science\", \"category_code\": \"MATS\", \"award\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\", \"finalists\": [\"Fayad, Amal\", \"Poddar, Siyaa\"], \"school\": \"Arizona College Prep High School\", \"abstract\": \"Detrimental environmental effects of packaging waste have given rise to a shift towards eco-friendly packaging materials. A recent alternative employed are biopolymer nanocomposites, due to their feasible and biodegradable nature. The biopolymer nanocomposite under investigation is PVA@WTR-CDs, which incorporates carbon-dots derived from waste-tea-residue (WTR-CDs) as nanocomposites with the biopolymer 5wt% polyvinyl alcohol. A criticism of biopolymer nanocomposites is reduced tensile strength and decreased hydrophobicity. To address this, our investigation synthesizes a surface coating similar to cuticular hydrocarbons, a protective layer on social insects. Novel synthetic cuticular hydrocarbons were developed through the transesterification of carnauba wax, utilizing tert-butanol as an alkylating-agent and p-toluenesulfonic acid as a catalyst. The ratio of wax to alkylating-agent varied (1:0.25, 1:0.5, 1:0.75, and 1:1) with a control film containing no hydrocarbon-bilayer. Characterization of the films included testing tensile strength (N), hydrophobicity (contact-angle of water droplets), and UV absorption (Abs). Testing revealed that as the ratio increases, there is a concurrent rise in tensile strength, hydrophobicity, and UV absorption, with the 1:1 ratio obtaining the highest average tensile strength recorded at 25 newtons and a contact angle of 100.6\u00b0 indicating immense hydrophobicity. Additionally, the 1:1 film also had the greatest UV absorption, with its highest absorbance occurring during the 350-400nm range. Thus, testing has revealed that the integration of a hydrocarbon bilayer with a 1:1 ratio of wax-base to alkylating-agent elevates the usage of biopolymer nanocomposites as a sustainable and effective packaging alternative.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/mats048t-enhanced-biomimetic-plastic-packaging-alternative\", \"title\": \"MATS048T - Enhanced Biomimetic Plastic Packaging Alternative\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/d4b9u7AZqrY?si=mBX-VStLdzU1fBTP\", \"title\": \"MATS048T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MCRO006\", \"title\": \"Year 2: A Novel Biodegradable Sorbent for Oil Spills\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Microbiology\", \"category_code\": \"MCRO\", \"award\": \"NC State College of Engineering: Scholarship to attend NC State Engineering Summer Camp\", \"finalists\": [\"Patil, Mahie\"], \"school\": \"Orlando Science Schools\", \"abstract\": \"In response to the escalating environmental concerns of oil spills, this project investigates banana bark as a potential oil sorbent that can naturally degrade the absorbed oil. This study explores the potential of lipase-producing bacterial cultures isolated from banana bark as agents for oil degradation. The investigation involves controlled experiments that simulate freshwater and saltwater oil spills, with consistent inoculation densities across all cultures. Remarkably, all tested cultures exhibited substantial oil degradation within 24 hours, emphasizing the rapid efficacy of the banana bark\u2019s lipase-producing microbial flora regarding natural oil breakdown. The observed decrease in degradation rates beyond this point is likely due to nutrient limitations and the accumulation of metabolic by-products affecting the lipase enzyme's activity. Furthermore, distinct differences emerged in the response of these cultures to saltwater conditions, indicating that salt plays an inhibitory role on lipase activity. However, culture #6 demonstrated higher oil degradation abilities in saltwater and freshwater at equal rates, suggesting its potential as a versatile and effective resource for oil spill mitigation in diverse marine environments. Moreover, this study's innovative aspects lie in modeling the collective impact of lipase-producing microbial flora, predicting a relative complete degradation of absorbed oil within 2.6 days in freshwater and 5 days in saltwater. As we navigate the imperative shift toward sustainable environmental practices, these findings offer a promising foundation for developing eco-friendly oil spill response strategies, emphasizing the need for further exploration and validation in practical settings.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/mcro006-a-novel-biodegradable-sorbent-for-oil-spills\", \"title\": \"MCRO006 - A Novel Biodegradable Sorbent for Oil Spills\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1711298451079_Mahie_Patil_Project_video_ISEF_2024_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MCRO006 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MCRO018\", \"title\": \"Bioinspired Materials to Reduce Infective Endocarditis in Artificial Heart Valves\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Microbiology\", \"category_code\": \"MCRO\", \"award\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\", \"finalists\": [\"Whitt, Megan\"], \"school\": \"Wilsonville High School\", \"abstract\": \"Infective endocarditis (IE) is an infection caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream, settle in different parts of the heart, and, specifically for this project, attach to artificial heart valves and develop biofilm. New research for IE is more recently being developed, hoping to create new diagnostic strategies, largely through the application of bioinspired materials in the construction of artificial cardiac valves and the idea that they can yield improved properties. The theory of this project is that by using bioinspired materials, the bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis, a common bacteria seen with infective endocarditis, will have reduced biofilm growth. Two bioinspired materials were researched: a nano-infused antibacterial PLA filament and hydrogel contact lenses. 36 wells in well plates were inoculated with 5 mL of nutrient media and 5 uL of rehydrated S. epidermidis, then coverslips or material samples were inserted, 12 wells for each sample. After 24 hours of incubation, the samples and coverslips were analyzed with a crystal violet stain and photographed. The experiment was successful in demonstrating that these materials reduce biofilm growth. The control samples had an average of 38% biofilm accumulation, the filament had an average of 10.75% accumulation, and the lenses had an average of 11% accumulation. After running an ANOVA test and t-tests for comparison of the individual samples, the p-value was below 0.05 when comparing the lenses and the filament to the control, demonstrating further statistical success of the individual samples completing the hypothesis and exemplifying the future of implantable devices.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/mcro018-bioinspired-materials-and-infective-endocarditis\", \"title\": \"MCRO018 - Bioinspired Materials and Infective Endocarditis\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqXKaMVjczs\", \"title\": \"MCRO018 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MCRO019\", \"title\": \"The Antibacterial Effect of Allium sativum on Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria Phase II\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Microbiology\", \"category_code\": \"MCRO\", \"award\": \"Drug, Chemical &amp\", \"finalists\": [\"Sharma, Antariksha\"], \"school\": \"Maharishi School\", \"abstract\": \"In 2019, bacterial infections were estimated to be the second leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for every one in eight global deaths. More than half of these were caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus Pneumonia, E.Coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Although antibiotics are effective against these infections, inadequate access, resistant strains, and differing immune systems cause challenges. To combat this global health issue, I expanded my Phase 1 investigation on the antibacterial properties of Allium Sativum (garlic) by observing its inhibitory properties against ten different strains of gram-positive and negative bacteria, as well as its strength when combined with various kinds of honey. Garlic was tested in extract and pure Allicin form, and in combination with honey from Iowa, India, and New Zealand (Manuka). The experimental results showed that a combination of garlic extract and Manuka honey was the most effective against strains of Pseudomonas, E.Coli, and Staph aureus. The inhibition zones of this garlic extract and Manuka honey mixture were comparable to typical inhibition zones displayed by regular antibiotic treatments for these bacteria. These results indicate that garlic and honey can be used as alternatives to antibiotics for certain respiratory bacterial infections which would be life-changing for those who are immuno-compromised, allergic, do not have access to antibiotics, or can not afford them. To make this effective treatment more accessible, I developed both a candy and a pill formulation from garlic extract and Manuka honey. This dual-delivery approach offers a tangible solution for individuals struggling with respiratory bacterial infections, providing a convenient and affordable alternative to antibiotics.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/mcro019-antimicrobial-effect-of-garlic-and-honey\", \"title\": \"MCRO019 - Antimicrobial Effect of Garlic and Honey\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/IefEkp4EQAo\", \"title\": \"MCRO019 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MCRO032T\", \"title\": \"Bacterial Acoustic: Investigating the Impact of White Noise on the Growth of E. coli\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Microbiology\", \"category_code\": \"MCRO\", \"award\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\", \"finalists\": [\"Ananya Betancourt, Andrea\", \"Navarro Ruiz , Diana\", \"Ladino, Diane\"], \"school\": \"Harvest Preparatory Academy\", \"abstract\": \"This research project investigates the influence of white noise frequencies on the growth of E. coli bacteria within the audible range of 14,500-15,000 Hertz (Hz). White noise, characterized by uniform intensity across all frequencies between 20-20,000 Hz, is known to mask disruptive environmental sounds. However, its potential impact on biological systems, particularly bacterial growth, remains an unexplored area. The experimental procedures involved the construction of a soundproof foam box housing a Bluetooth speaker. E. coli K12 bacterial dilution was prepared using a 0.9 saline solution, following the 0.5 McFarland standard. Colonies of E. coli were combined with 2 mL of saline solution, and 20 micro-liters of the resulting bacterial dilution were plated onto Mueller-Hinton agar. The agar plates with microorganisms were placed inside the soundproof box and exposed to white noise frequencies for 20 minutes and 24 hours at 37\u00b0C in an incubator. The results, quantified and analyzed using the ImageJ program, revealed a negative correlation between white noise frequency and E. coli growth inhibition. The higher the white sound frequency the lower the number of E. coli colonies. These findings contribute to the understanding of the impact of sound frequencies on microbial growth, opening avenues for further exploration in the fields of environmental microbiology and noise pollution studies.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/mcro032t-impact-of-white-noise-against-e-coli\", \"title\": \"MCRO032T - Impact of White Noise Against E.coli\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714591500765_Diana_Diane_Andrea_3__thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MCRO032T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"MCRO038T\", \"title\": \"Combating Superbugs: Using Natural Compounds as Down-Regulators of Biofilms Formation in ESKAPE Pathogens (An in silico Study)\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Microbiology\", \"category_code\": \"MCRO\", \"award\": \"Drug, Chemical &amp\", \"finalists\": [\"Gupta, Jai\", \"Gupta, Avi\"], \"school\": \"Seminole High School\", \"abstract\": \"Biofilm is the consortia of sessile groups of microbial colonies that adhere on biotic and abiotic surfaces with the help of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and glycocalyx. ESKAPE bacteria are the most common types of nosocomial disease-causing organisms and are considered to be the model biofilm-forming organisms. The biofilm formed by ESKAPE pathogens prevents penetration of conventional antibiotics due to the presence of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) thereby creating multi-drug or antibiotic resistance. Natural therapeutics have been chosen due to their potential to disrupt biofilms. The in silico studies performed on biofilm-forming bacterial proteins of ESKAPE pathogens revealed the role of various known bioactive compounds. This study investigates twenty-three natural compounds for their drug-like properties for fighting against antibiotic-resistant biofilms. The overall safety and efficiency of oral drug reception are maintained, emphasizing their potential for further drug development. Molecular docking analysis employing SwissDock was used to evaluate the binding affinities of these ligands to key biofilm-forming genes and membrane proteins in ESKAPE pathogens. The results show specific ligands, such as Baicalin, Curcumin, etc., demonstrating high binding affinities against biofilm-associated proteins that we studied. The selected ligands were thoroughly observed for their molecular electrostatic properties and protein-ligand interactions. It was further observed that the newly designed compounds shared all drug-like properties and showed maximum interaction with the biofilm-forming protein. Thus, this study provides a new dimension of antibiofilm compound (drug) which possesses a maximum potency of eradicating biofilms and AMR bacteria.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/mcro038t-disrupt-superbugs-biofilm-with-natural-compounds\", \"title\": \"MCRO038T - Disrupt Superbugs' Biofilm With Natural Compounds\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714444295386_ISEF_Video_Final_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"MCRO038T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PHYS002\", \"title\": \"Analysis of Optimal Rotor Shape: Year 3\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\", \"category_code\": \"PHYS\", \"award\": \"Florida Institute of Technology: Full Tuition Presidential Scholarship\", \"finalists\": [\"Carvajal-Beltran, Jose\"], \"school\": \"Wildwood High School\", \"abstract\": \"For many years, there has been research conducted by organizations such as NASA on the possibility of having a space capsule utilize rotors. However, what areas of research tend to lack is an evaluation of the exact build of the capsule, namely, the rotors. Thus, the idea that rotor adjustments played a huge part in the descent of a space capsule was tested with the hypothesis being that a larger chord length resulted in better flight.\\nFirst, a CFD simulation of the airfoil NACA 4412 was carried out to understand the pressures and the factors taken into account with a helicopter rotor. Following this, a momentum theory approach was taken to further explain, mathematically, how autorotation would work in an idealized case. A Reynolds number was also taken using assumptions of the Momentum Theory\\nTo differentiate potentially different rotors, a Blade Element Momentum simulation was taken that showed an efficiency curve that was wider in a shorter chord length than a wider chord length. Before this, two examinations of heat on the capsule were taken and showed similar results.\\nThe data and calculations imply that a rotor-based space capsule is may be possible with thinner, yet still strong rotors, the calculated Reynolds shows a very turbulent flight. This coupled with the Blade Element Momentum Theory and the heat flux show expectations of flight, what is expected to further predict is an engineering goal of constructing the capsule using a specific rotor setup, most likely coaxial.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/phys002-dynamics-of-space-capsule-with-rotors\", \"title\": \"PHYS002 - Dynamics of Space Capsule With Rotors\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVIY8ALeQEw\", \"title\": \"PHYS002 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PHYS008\", \"title\": \"Dust-Repellent and Self-Cleaning Coatings for Solar Panels on Earth, the Moon and Mars (Year Two)\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\", \"category_code\": \"PHYS\", \"award\": \"China Association for Science and Technology (CAST): Award of $1,200\", \"finalists\": [\"Vaidyanathan, Arvid\"], \"school\": \"Winter Springs High School\", \"abstract\": \"Solar energy is one of the most prominent sustainable sources of global energy while also powering space exploration. However, the efficiency of solar panels is undermined by the accumulation of charged dust particles. This project aims to reduce this issue by developing a long-term, self-cleaning coating that can be applied to solar panels to prevent dust from accumulating on the surface while maintaining transparent and anti-reflective properties. Based on last year's research, indium tin oxide (ITO) proved to be an effective coating due to its conductive properties, proving the concept of dust-repellent coatings. Building on these results, I explored a new transparent coating, spin-coated octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS), which creates a hydrophobic yet conductive surface. Due to the lotus leaf effect, the hydrophobic and conductive coating causes water droplets to roll off with the remaining dust particles when it rains. Additionally, I improved both a chamber that blew Martian, Lunar, and Terrestrial dust simulants onto the coated sheets, simulating wind conditions, and a Python code that analyzed the coated sheets to estimate the dust coverage. Using a goniometer, I measured the static and dynamic contact angles of the coatings. The OTS-ITO coated sheet successfully prevented dust buildup, while being self-cleaning and maintaining the efficiency of the solar panel by avoiding light reflection. In addition to helping improve solar panels on the Earth, Mars, and the Moon this novel coating can also be applied to other surfaces such as windows, glasses, and screens to create dust-free and self-cleaning surfaces.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/phys008-dust-repellent-and-self-cleaning-solar-panel-coating\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"Dust-Repellent & Self-Cleaning Solar Panel Coating\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This project aims to reduce this issue by developing a long-term, self-cleaning coating that can be applied to solar panels to prevent dust from accumulating on\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712044219061_AVaidyanathanVideoISEF_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PHYS008 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PHYS011\", \"title\": \"Investigating the Use of Parallel Computing With Quantum Computers\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\", \"category_code\": \"PHYS\", \"award\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\", \"finalists\": [\"Miller, Jesse\"], \"school\": \"College Park High School\", \"abstract\": \"Quantum computers are integral to progress in computational capability but are limited by\\ndecoherence. This research investigated characteristics of qubit decoherence in systems of\\nparallel quantum computers and evaluated the extent to which parallel processing affects the\\nefficiency and stability of the quantum system. Three different tests were run to characterize\\ndecoherence as a function of the number of computers run in parallel. The first experiment\\nmeasured the dependence of the decay rate of a quantum system based on T 1 \u00a0decoherence\\nand the number of computers run in parallel. Testing showed that T 1 decoherence was only\\nmarginally affected by the use of multi-computer processing. The second test, a T 2 \u00a0Hahn test,\\nshowed the effect of increasing the number of computers run in parallel on the overall decay of\\na qubit from an excited state. This test was conducted with up to eight computers run in parallel.\\nAs the number of computers run in parallel increased, the decay rate of the qubit decreased,\\nwith the maximum difference achieved when four computers were used. The benefit margin was\\nmuch less for more than four computers run. The third test performed was a T 2 \u00a0Ramsey test\\nwhich investigated the resulting oscillations of the qubit after it failed to land in a perfect excited\\nstate. The use of parallel computing significantly decreased the T 2\u00a0 Ramsey decoherence, with\\nthe greatest reduction achieved when three computers were run in parallel. Statistical tests\\nindicated that the use of parallel computing led to a significant reduction in the decay rate for\\nT 2 \u00a0Hahn and T 2 \u00a0Ramsey for all parallel circuits tested. The reduction of T 1 \u00a0decoherence was less effective, requiring at least 4 computers run in parallel to be significant.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/phys011-increasing-quantum-computers-to-decreasing-noise\", \"title\": \"PHYS011 - Increasing  Quantum Computers to Decreasing Noise\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/AJN2zdi8obw\", \"title\": \"PHYS011 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PHYS014\", \"title\": \"Reinforcement Learning Based Kinematic Controller and Proportional-Integrative-Derivative Based Dynamic Controller for Soft Robots\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\", \"category_code\": \"PHYS\", \"award\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\", \"finalists\": [\"Mazumder, Anirudh\"], \"school\": \"Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science\", \"abstract\": \"Soft robotics has immense potential to transform fields like healthcare and exploration due to the superior adaptability of soft robots compared to traditional rigid robots. Their inherently flexible nature enables soft robots to navigate diverse environments and spaces effectively. However, controlling soft robots also presents significant challenges due to their lack of joints and rigidity. This research aimed to develop an advanced kinematic controller using Reinforcement Learning (RL) to direct the movement of a continuum-arm soft robot within an unknown environment. The hypothesis was that an RL-based controller could effectively guide the continuum arm to accurately reach target destinations by learning from feedback on its performance. The study successfully implemented an RL control algorithm to maneuver the continuum arm and achieve end-effector positioning within 0.0001 meters of the specified target position. The outcome proved the hypothesis.\\nThis research also sought to create an even more advanced controller that could dictate where a continuum-arm soft robot would go in an unknown environment and where its mobility was affected by external forces. The hypothesis was that a dynamic controller utilizing a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control strategy could accurately navigate the continuum arm to the target location even amid outside pressures and disturbances. A PID controller was implemented to control a continuum arm affected by external pressures in an unknown environment to test the hypothesis. The results showed that the end-effector position of the continuum arm powered by the dynamic controller was 3.09 \u00d710^(-6) meters from the target end-effector position, proving the second hypothesis.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/phys014-novel-ai-based-controllers-to-power-soft-robots\", \"title\": \"PHYS014 - Novel AI Based Controllers to Power Soft Robots\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712636622498_Anirudh_Mazumder_ISEF_Video_vFinal_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PHYS014 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PHYS031\", \"title\": \"A Novel System for Long-Range Wireless Power Transmission\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\", \"category_code\": \"PHYS\", \"award\": \"Qorvo: Qorvo Innovator Award - 1st Place\", \"finalists\": [\"Anand, Anish\"], \"school\": \"Palos Verdes Peninsula High School\", \"abstract\": \"Wired power transmission necessitates costly infrastructure. Wireless power transmission could be an alternative, but is limited by substantial energy loss. This project develops a novel Wireless Power Transmission system (WPTS).\\nThe WPTS was designed to deliver power wirelessly through 2.4GHz EM waves. Using a self-developed optimization algorithm in Excel, a novel Fresnel Lens with concentric rings and angles specific for EM was created to phase-align and collimate waves into a beam, maximizing energy transmission. A Phased Array Transmitter (TX) was added to magnify and beam-steer the EM waves to the Fresnel Lens. Finally, the Rectenna Receiver converted the EM waves back into DC power.\\nThe new WPTS was simulated with HFSS software (EM field-simulator). After designing the components in HFSS, energy outputs were compared.\\nA WPTS prototype was built from scratch to validate HFSS simulation data in real-world conditions. The prototype consists of a self-designed Phased Array Transmitter (Printed Circuit Board), 3D-printed Fresnel Lenses, and hand-made Rectennas.\\nSimulations show the new WPTS transmits potential energy over 10m, with minimal loss. The WPTS prototype validated simulation results by providing a 31dBm increase in power, versus a single antenna. Furthermore, the novel Fresnel lens collimates EM waves, leading to more efficient energy transmission. Adding the Fresnel Lens leads to greater power transmission efficiency, showing a 9X power increase vs a single antenna and a 21X increase vs a phased array. Overall, the new system successfully transmits power wirelessly as EM radio-waves, an important first step in harvesting clean energy from distant sources.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714494518221_VIDEOFINAL_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PHYS031 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PHYS054\", \"title\": \"Beyond the Star: A Data-Driven Approach to Exoplanet Classification\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\", \"category_code\": \"PHYS\", \"award\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\", \"finalists\": [\"Chauhan, Prithika\"], \"school\": \"Hamilton High School\", \"abstract\": \"Exoplanet detection improves the current understanding of planet formation and provides the possibility for the discovery of new habitable worlds. However, teams of astronomers and astrophysicists have traditionally been the only ones capable of identifying exoplanets. Using traditional techniques such as the Transit Method, Gravitational Microlensing, Direct Imaging, Polarimetry, Astrometry, and Radial Velocity, researchers have attempted to identify exoplanets in the past, but manual processing is difficult and time-consuming. An advanced approach to detecting exoplanets in space is by utilizing artificial intelligence to solve this problem.  In this study, hybrid approaches with an optimized elastic-net-based driven model were developed to effectively detect exoplanets. The standard planet dataset was collected and pre-processed to eliminate unnecessary components that can affect the prediction accuracy. The quality of the dataset was enhanced by the suggested framework's use of two distinct pre-processing techniques, including mass imputation and median and median absolute deviation-based normalization.  To forecast the exoplanet, the pre-data was further analyzed using a feature selection procedure. The optimized elastic net was used to carry out the feature selection. These features were then further processed for prediction using a hybrid Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Units and Support Vector Machine (BiGRU-SVM) classifier. For evaluating the proposed model, the performance metrics such as accuracy, error, TNR, and F1-score are evaluated.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/phys054-machine-learning-on-exoplanet-classification\", \"title\": \"PHYS054 - Machine Learning on Exoplanet Classification \", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714004635626_20240424_165933_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PHYS054 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PHYS066\", \"title\": \"Optimizing the Laser Alignment Process: Automated Alignment for Enhanced Efficiency in Magneto-Optical Trap Calibration\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\", \"category_code\": \"PHYS\", \"award\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\", \"finalists\": [\"McVay, Tatyana\"], \"school\": \"Paul Duke STEM High School\", \"abstract\": \"Magneto-optical traps (MOTs) stand out as essential tools in the field of Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics (AMO), enabling physicists to trap and manipulate atoms through the use of optical components and laser light. Currently, the calibration time needed for these experiments is significant, demanding hours of manual adjustments to optimize setup parameters. This project aims to reduce the calibration time necessary for these experiments through automating the laser alignment process. The setup utilized in this experiment involves four adjustable mirrors attached to servo motors, controlling the direction and angle of light from a <5mW red laser, allowing for four degrees of freedom. The laser light is guided by these adjustable mirrors to the end of a fiber optic cable, connected to a photosensor. Throughout the experiment, the intensity values of the detected light are printed to a console log and recorded alongside time changes. Various scanning algorithms, including circular, plane, and spiral scans, were tested in the experiment. Each scan comprised an xy-plane movement function and an angle scan function. During 20 trials of 2-minute scans, the spiral scan, executing a spiral movement on the xy-plane and performing an angle scan at the designated points, consistently produced the highest maximum sensor value. On average, it recorded approximately 2304 units on the photosensor, surpassing half of the maximum possible sensor value. The change in the maximum sensor value throughout the duration of the experiment was more gradual in the spiral and plane scans in contrast to the circular scan. These findings highlight the potential of achieving a high sensor value rapidly, demonstrating a significant enhancement in the efficiency of laser alignment processes.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/phys066-the-development-of-an-automatic-laser-beam-aligner\", \"title\": \"PHYS066 - The Development of an Automatic Laser Beam Aligner\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714615468003_ISEF_FINAL_VIDEO_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PHYS066 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PLNT012\", \"title\": \"The Growth of Spinach in Vertical and Horizontal Hydroponics\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"PLNT\", \"award\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\", \"finalists\": [\"Johnson, Lauren\"], \"school\": \"Mililani High School\", \"abstract\": \"The escalating costs of traditional farming has spurred interest in investigating alternative cultivation methods, such as hydroponics. My project aims to compare the efficiency of horizontal and vertical bamboo hydroponic systems of Manoa Lettuce while considering sustainability. Manoa lettuce was chosen because of it's ability to endure Hawaii's year round humidity and heat. Each system was created using the Nutrient Film Technique, where shallow streams of water pass through the roots to provide nutrients and increase growth. Bamboo poles and buckets were used as a structure for the plants to grow in as a more environmentally-friendly and cost effective approach. The growth parameters, including plant length and overall health were closely monitored throughout the experiment. The plants in the vertical structure were found to have significant growth compared to the horizontal structure. The data determined vertical bamboo hydroponics resulted in an increased growth rate. While our world experiences concerns about sustainability and rising prices, these results have a huge impact on those looking to adopt efficient methods of food production.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf/24614\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 20, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.80\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"llm:own:0.90\"], \"title\": \"The Growth of Spinach in Vertical and Horizontal ...\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.80, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"The plants in the vertical structure were found to have significant growth compared to the horizontal structure.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/plnt012-manoa-lettuce-growth-in-bamboo-hydroponic-gardens\", \"title\": \"PLNT012 - Manoa Lettuce Growth in Bamboo Hydroponic Gardens\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712042112425_Hydroponics_1__thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PLNT012 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PLNT020\", \"title\": \"Mars or Bust! A Method to Build a Martian Regolith-Based Substrate for Sustainable Agriculture on Mars\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"PLNT\", \"award\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\", \"finalists\": [\"Hughes, Quinn\"], \"school\": \"Minnetonka High School\", \"abstract\": \"To establish long-term human presence on Mars, a method for sustainable agriculture utilizing in-situ resources and minimal fostering materials from Earth must be developed. This study aimed to grow Trifolium repens in a Mars Global (Regolith) Simulant, or MGS-1, substrate that yields dry plant biomass statistically non-inferior to control plants grown in Earth soil. Previous research has established that growing plants in 100% MGS-1 is not possible. Previous studies combining regolith simulant with mixtures of 50% soil or more have produced plant biomass inferior to control biomass. Pre-experimental analysis of the chemical and physical properties of MGS-1 indicated that a variety of augmentation is needed to support agriculture in Martian regolith including acidification, nitrogen fortification, microbe introduction, humus creation and drainage. This experiment tested different methods including mixing MGS-1 with highly-expandable coco-coir (coconut waste) and minimal Earth soil as well as integration of plant biomass as biofertilizer for subsequent crops after each of four 12-week growth cycles. After growth cycle 1 (G1), fewer than half of the treatments survived and all were statistically lower in average dry biomass than the control (p<0.01). After G2, plant biomass increased significantly (>2X). After G3, one treatment combination surpassed the control in average dry biomass and the null hypothesis was rejected. This novel approach using just 4% Earth soil and a waste product is the first method to successfully grow plants in augmented MGS-1 non-inferior to Earth-grown crops. This ongoing research has applications on Earth to support declining ecosystems and mining restoration.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/plnt020-sustainable-in-situ-agriculture-on-mars\", \"title\": \"PLNT020 - Sustainable in situ Agriculture on Mars\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUAavKAe9nM\", \"title\": \"PLNT020 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PLNT035T\", \"title\": \"Pest Buster! Pests Repelling Biodegradable Weed Barrier Infused with Grape Skin and Turmeric Extracts: Year 2 Study\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"PLNT\", \"award\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\", \"finalists\": [\"Castro, Michael\", \"Gil Villalobos, Humberto\"], \"school\": \"Harvest Preparatory Academy\", \"abstract\": \"Over the years, around 20% to 40% of global crop production has been lost because of pests and bioactivity. At the same time, the weed barriers had caused the soil to be unsuitable for plant growth. To address this issue, this study investigated the efficiency of an engineered biodegradable weed barrier that can repel agricultural pests.\\nThis project was conducted using the following methods: Both grape skin and turmeric were soaked in ethanol. After a 3-week period, the pure extract was collected using a rotary evaporator ran at 100 rpm at 60oC. The peels were then dehydrated in a digital incubator. The weed barrier was engineered by mixing starch, glycerin, vinegar, distilled water and sodium alginate on a hot plate. Next, the weed barrier was placed under food sources inside a container filled with pests (fruit flies, termites, and pill bugs). The pests were observed for 30 minutes and pest preference was recorded. The barrier was also tested for antifungal properties using Aspergillus niger. Lastly, the weed barriers were buried in garden soil for a month for a biodegradation test.\\nThe results showed that the biodegradable weed barrier had a significant effect on repelling the pest (p-value<0.5, Chi-square). The weed barrier also showed significant biodegradation rate (Grape peels= 74.8%, Turmeric= 64.4%) with p-values <0.05 (T-test). Lastly, the weed barriers also exhibited antifungal effects against A. niger with all zones of inhibition higher than 15mm.\\nThis research demonstrates pest repellant applications for farming agencies to utilize instead of harmful pesticides.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/plnt035t-pest-repelling-biodegradable-weed-barrier\", \"title\": \"PLNT035T - Pest Repelling Biodegradable Weed Barrier\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713586031523_Humberto_Gil_Michael_Castro_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PLNT035T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"PLNT058\", \"title\": \"A Prickly Project: Extracting and Quantifying Oxalate Concentrations in Opuntia engelmannii\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\", \"category_code\": \"PLNT\", \"award\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\", \"finalists\": [\"Walsh, Ella\"], \"school\": \"University High School\", \"abstract\": \"The unique carbon fixation and CAM photosynthesis process of Tucson, Arizona\u2019s Opuntia\\nengelmannii (Texas prickly pear) offers reduction to the ever-rising carbon dioxide atmospheric\\nlevels; however, the variability among prickly pears\u2019 CO2 fixation capabilities remains unknown.\\nSince the oxalate (C2O42-) reserves in Opuntia engelmannii are directly converted from CO2\\nextracted from the atmosphere, the goal of this research was to construct a reproducible assay to\\nquantify the amount of oxalate in prickly pear paddles (cladodes) and by extension quantify the\\nlevel of carbon fixation within each cladode. As a result of intense experimentation and\\noptimization to the overall assay and individual steps within it, an assay with 8 core steps \u2014\\nincluding manual extraction of calcium oxalate from cladodes, chemical isolation of oxalic acid,\\nand an oxalic acid-sodium hydroxide titration \u2014 was developed from scratch. The effectiveness\\nof the assay was confirmed by the results of Sample 2, Sample 1\u2019, and Sample 2\u2019: 0.106%,\\n0.102%, and 0.132% respectively. Although all 3 samples measured similar percentages, the data\\nset was too small to draw conclusions about true oxalate variability, so the real significance of\\nthese results were reflected by their completion and dual-equivalence titration curves which\\nserved as a proof of concept. In conclusion, this assay provides a great foundation for future\\ninvestigation of a possible correlation between environmental conditions and oxalate\\nconcentrations in texas prickly pear. Certain environmental conditions can then be fostered by\\nindividuals to allow prickly pear to maximize oxalate concentrations and by extension maximize\\nCO2 fixation.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf/25842\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"full_name\", \"title_strong:0.62\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\"], \"title\": \"Extracting and Quantifying Oxalate Concentrations in Opuntia ...\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"full_name, title_strong:0.62, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"A Prickly Project: Extracting and Quantifying Oxalate. Concentrations in Opuntia engelmannii \u200b. Walsh, Ella (School: University High School). The unique carbon\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/plnt058-a-prickly-project\", \"title\": \"PLNT058 - A Prickly Project\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714008951309_Movie_on_4_24_24_at_6.29_PM_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"PLNT058 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO007T\", \"title\": \"Advancing Pet Face Recognition: A Deep Learning Approach With a Large-Scale Dataset\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence: Honorable Mention (do not read aloud). Winners receive a student level membership. Information is included separately in the SAO Portal.\", \"finalists\": [\"Lau, Nok Him Isaac\", \"Lin, Hiu Yan\"], \"school\": \"Kao Yip Middle School\", \"abstract\": \"Every year in the U.S., millions of cats and dogs go missing, but only a few are reunited with their owners. To address this issue, our study proposes a deep learning approach for matching lost and found pets by using the SOTA face recognition model. One of the main challenges in this field is the lack of large-scale pet face recognition datasets for achieving high-performance models, primarily due to the difficulty in collecting multiple photos of the same pet. In response to this problem, our study proposes an algorithm to collect a pet face recognition dataset and use it to train a face recognition model. We have constructed a large-scale pet face dataset containing 550K photos, averaging 33 photos per ID. Considering real-world applications, lost or found pet posts typically contain 2 to 3 photos. We additionally collected a test set with an average of 2.7 photos per ID. The pet face recognition model achieves a Top-1 Accuracy of 90.7%, a Top-5 Accuracy of 92.5%, and a Top-10 Accuracy of 94.5% on the test set. Our model also assists the local university in a project related to the welfare of stray cats. Volunteers are organized to photograph stray cats regularly, and our model is employed for effective detection, recognition, and establishment of a database that assigns unique IDs to each stray cat, facilitating tracking and reidentification. The project aims to estimate the population of stray cats and actively share information, stories, and promotions on various social platforms, advocating for adoption over purchase.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo007t-pet-face-recognition-with-a-large-scale-dataset\", \"title\": \"ROBO007T - Pet Face Recognition With a Large-Scale Dataset\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDQkEEQTdM0\", \"title\": \"ROBO007T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO039\", \"title\": \"Scents and Sensibility: Investigating the Influence of Visual Cues on Olfactory Perception of Humans and Building an AI-based Electronic Nose to Compare the Two\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"Fondazione Bruno Kessler: Award to participate in summer school \\\"Web Valley\\\"\", \"finalists\": [\"Anand, John\"], \"school\": \"Anand Homeschool Academy\", \"abstract\": \"This study investigated the hypothesis that visual stimuli can significantly influence olfactory perception, potentially altering or enhancing the actual scent experience.  By building an AI based electronic nose and comparing with human perception, a more objective and accurate assessment of scents, especially in environments challenging for humans.\\nMethods and Procedures:\\n- Electronic Nose: Researched and built an e-nose using Raspberry Pi, ESP Microcontroller and an environmental sensor, exposed scents and built classification-based AI models, and tested its ability to recognize and classify scents.\\n- Participants: Adult volunteers were divided into two groups for a controlled study to measure their scent perception.\\n- Scents Selection: Four identifiable scents: popcorn, amber moss, tide laundry detergent and ocean breeze were utilized.\\n- Visual Stimuli: Two rooms were set up with images and objects, one congruent (matching with the scent) and the other incongruent (not matching) with the scent.\\n- Experimental Design: Participants recorded a questionnaire assessing scent perception in each room:\\n- Room 1:  Exposed to scents paired with congruent images.\\n- Room 2: Exposed to scents paired with incongruent images.\\n- Data Collection: Data analyzed comparing the responses from humans and the electronic nose's scent identifications compared to the participants' responses to assess  accuracy and reliability.\\nConclusion:\\n- Proved that Visual stimuli does affect olfaction in humans. Participants were 2.6 times more likely to get the scent wrong with visual incongruence.\\n- Humans were incorrect more than 50% of the time in identifying scents in either scenario.\\n- The AI-powered electronic nose able to accurately identify the scents 98.47% of the time.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712595730991_AI_powered_e_Nose_John_Anand_ISEF_2024_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ROBO039 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO043\", \"title\": \"Urban Slum Detection and Mapping: Semantic Segmentation on VHR Satellite Imagery\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"National Geographic Society: Excellence in Geography and Geospatial Science Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Nair, Meenakshi\"], \"school\": \"Mission San Jose High School\", \"abstract\": \"Approximately 1.1 billion people live in slums worldwide today with the number expected to grow by 2 billion in the next 30 years. Slum rehabilitation efforts rely heavily on slum mapping and monitoring. The dynamic nature of slum growth and rapid changes in population emphasize the need for an automated system. Traditional mapping methods are manual and time-consuming. The goal is to contribute to slum rehabilitation by providing a robust segmentation tool for policymakers and urban planners. Existing AI models for slum segmentation are restricted by their lack of interpretability and limited generalization across diverse urban contexts. Feature analysis involving interpretable models like SVM, revealed crucial features in slum areas like diverse textures, lack of vegetation, and irregular patterns. I developed a deep learning model using a U-Net architecture and fine tuned the Segment Anything Model (SAM), on over 10,000 slum satellite images and their masks. The U-Net model demonstrated promising performance in both Karachi and Tanzania slums, while the fine-tuned SAM model outperforms U-Net, emphasizing the potential of advanced pre-trained models in addressing the dynamic challenges of urban mapping applications. Results showcase improved precision in slum segmentation with a pixel accuracy of 90.7% (+31.3% from baseline SAM) and 87.1% (+35.9% from baseline SAM) for Karachi and Tanzania respectively with the fine-tuned SAM model. Ultimately, my research provides a crucial tool for informed decision-making in waste management, disaster planning, health initiatives, and other challenges faced by millions living in informal settlements.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo043-slum-mapping-using-satellite-imagery\", \"title\": \"ROBO043 - Slum Mapping Using Satellite Imagery\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13xu3ecZTGA\", \"title\": \"ROBO043 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO046\", \"title\": \"Home Occupancy Simulation Using Machine Learning\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"Long Island University: Presidential Scholarships\", \"finalists\": [\"Al-Shami, Humam\"], \"school\": \"Arkansas Connections Academy\", \"abstract\": \"Property theft is a prevalent social issue that plagues countless communities around the world. In 2022, over 6,500,000 cases of property crime nationwide were recorded, a 7.1% increase compared to 2021. This research is aimed at finding a smart solution to property theft using a Machine Learning (ML) algorithm that simulates and predicts home activity and occupancy by learning IoT devices' usage patterns in a building. Existing solutions are non-dynamic, relying on user-set automation schedules (Presence Simulator); time-consuming to create and difficult for users to employ; or may incite suspicion to anyone monitoring the home or building due to relying on randomized scheduling (OccuSim). However, this article proposes a Machine Learning based solution capable of simulating occupancy within a home or building using actual learned usage patterns normally present, recorded during the normal, day-to-day usage of a home. A custom Home Assistant build is used to manage IoT devices. Furthermore, Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) is used as the ML model to learn the IoT devices' behavior patterns and forecast them in the future due to the robustness of the algorithm as well as its efficiency and scalability. The system can currently work with various types of IoT devices such as LED Lights and smart TVs with relatively strong performance. By harnessing the power of ML and IoT, a well-performing property theft deterring system has been devised to contribute to the creation of safer communities and more secure living environments.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo046-ai-occupancy-simulator\", \"title\": \"ROBO046 - AI Occupancy Simulator\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713119331131_Output_compressed_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ROBO046 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO057\", \"title\": \"AdvMed: Detecting Adversarial Attacks in Medical Deep Learning Systems\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"Non-Trivial: 10 scholarships for Non-trivial\", \"finalists\": [\"Mehrotra, Ayushi\"], \"school\": \"Troy High School\", \"abstract\": \"Deep neural networks are used in the medical industry as tools to diagnose skin cancer from photographic images and detect the severity of diabetic retinopathy. Alongside these steps in medical deep learning, adversarial attacks emerge as a threat, characterized by images minutely altered to produce misclassification while the perturbations are imperceptible to the human eye. Medical images have distinct characteristics, making adversarial examples more effective with less alteration. We propose to solely use the gradient of the medical image and the output of the deep learning model ResNet50 to detect adversarial examples. We develop four novel gradient-based functions, along with their proofs, as our detection methods. We test our detection methods against three different attacks on datasets of skin lesions and diabetic retinopathy on Amazon Sagemaker. Moreover, we attack our detection methods using the state-of-the-art attack called ??????2, which tries to mimic the gradient of a benign image while producing misclassification. We show through experiments that our\\ndefense is robust against this attack. Finally, we compare our collection of detection methods against Feature Squeeze, the currently accepted detection method, and show that our defenses outperform the state-of-the-art by over 300%.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://github.com/ayushimehrotra/advmed\", \"kind\": \"github\", \"found_via\": \"github_api\", \"score\": 45, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"owner_full_name\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"ayushimehrotra/advmed\", \"source_domain\": \"github.com\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\", \"search_provider\": \"github_api\", \"match_reason\": \"owner_full_name\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Repository for AdvMed: Detecting Adversarial Attacks in Medical Imaging, accepted to the International Symposium on Biomedical Imaging (ISBI) 2024\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo057-detecting-attacks-in-medical-deep-learning\", \"title\": \"ROBO057 - Detecting Attacks in Medical Deep Learning\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/3FIrg24psgM\", \"title\": \"ROBO057 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO059\", \"title\": \"Democratizing Multi-Species Object Detection in Drone Imagery for Cost-Effective Population Monitoring of Endangered Animals\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"National Anti-Vivisection Society: Awards of $3,000\", \"finalists\": [\"Sankaran, Sowmya\"], \"school\": \"Albuquerque Academy\", \"abstract\": \"Animal populations worldwide are rapidly declining, and a low-cost, efficient technology that can accurately count endangered species could be vital for monitoring population changes over many years. This research had three main contributions: training a foundation model on drone images, creating a workflow that can be generalized for a wide range of species and models, and a low-cost hardware solution for parks worldwide. Developing a novel foundation model required following the entire machine learning workflow, from data collection, preparation, and augmentation to training, fine-tuning, and evaluating the models. Thousands of images taken using a Bwine F7 drone and large, openly available drone image datasets, with a wide variety of species such as cranes, zebras, dogs, and impalas, were used to train and fine-tune several machine learning models with a baseline YOLOv8 architecture. We demonstrate our workflow by training 30 different models, with the largest having 43.7 million parameters and 365 layers. We also used hyperparameter tuning and data augmentation techniques to improve accuracy. The workflow uses Pytorch in Google Colab on NVIDIA V100 and A100 GPUs, and a comprehensive testing process helped identify the best models and evaluate the workflow for easy and efficient use. The foundation model created using our workflow has high accuracy (up to 98.2%) on multi-species drone images, while the state-of-the-art YOLOv8 architecture had only 4% accuracy. Finally, a hardware solution was implemented on the Jetson Orin Nano for use in real-time species detection for park rangers. This study presents a workflow that is a low-cost, low-power, fast, and effective way for non-machine learning experts to create and deploy robust models in low-resource environments.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://arxiv.org/abs/2407.00127\", \"kind\": \"paper\", \"found_via\": \"arxiv\", \"score\": 20, \"status\": \"needs_review\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.82\", \"trusted_domain:arxiv.org\", \"llm:related:0.85\"], \"title\": \"Multi-Species Object Detection in Drone Imagery for Population Monitoring of Endangered Animals\", \"source_domain\": \"arxiv.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\", \"search_provider\": \"arxiv\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.82, trusted_domain:arxiv.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Animal populations worldwide are rapidly declining, and a technology that can accurately count endangered species could be vital for monitoring population changes over several years. This research focused on fine-tuning object detection models for drone images to create accurate counts of animal species. Hundreds of images taken using a drone and large, openly available drone-image datasets were used to fine-tune machine learning models with the baseline YOLOv8 architecture. We trained 30 differ\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo059-monitoring-endangered-species-populations-using-ml\", \"title\": \"ROBO059 - Monitoring Endangered Species Populations Using ML\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714003319059_IMG_0821_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ROBO059 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO061T\", \"title\": \"Smart Device for the Visually Impaired\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\", \"finalists\": [\"Munoz, Priscilla\", \"Figueroa, Danaya\"], \"school\": \"Grand Terrace High School\", \"abstract\": \"Over 300 million people around the world are color blind and at least 2.2 billion have a visual impairment. Which is why this project aims to help the visually impaired so individuals can not only recognize colors but objects easily. Studies have shown that 1 out of 4 individuals who suffer from any type of vision loss are diagnosed with anxiety or depression due to a variety of social and psychological factors. Danaya\u2019s brother, Sony, who is color blind found out very quickly that with this impairment he wasn\u2019t going to have the same opportunity as others around him. The goal of the Smart Device is to help people like Sony identify colors and objects independently. The Smart Device helps identify colors or objects with voice activation by Alexa. First, the students coded a program on an Arduino UNO board to serve as the project\u2019s brain. Second, with a color sensor, the sensor detects light frequencies. After the sensor determines the color, the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) prints the name of the color. Third, the students attached a Respeaker Pi HAT to a Raspberry Pi 3.  The Re-speaker speaks out the color of the object the user wants to be identified through the Raspberry Pi 3, you can ask Alexa to help you identify the color that the sensor is picking up; along with every other feature an Alexa has. The glove will identify color by touch, with voice activation by Alexa. All this is programmed by Arduino, adding the Alexa coding into the color sensor code with adjustments as well. This device will help the user identify the colors of the objects they are using. The students then coded a sensor that detects not just color but objects as well. It can work with the help of AI and OpenCV it can detect objects and be typed out on the LCD.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo061t-smart-device-for-the-visually-impaired\", \"title\": \"ROBO061T - Smart Device for the Visually Impaired \", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq7muAn8J4w&t=15s\", \"title\": \"ROBO061T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO063\", \"title\": \"Bias in Large Language Models (LLMs); Paving the Way for an Equitable Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"Non-Trivial: 10 scholarships for Non-trivial\", \"finalists\": [\"Kotani, Rihito\"], \"school\": \"Tokyo Gakugei University International Secondary School\", \"abstract\": \"This study focuses on the fundamental aspects of LLMs (Large Language Models) such as GPT, Bard, Llama 2, Claude, and more, particularly their inherent biases. These models, some engaging over 18 million daily users, have significant and inescapable social impact. At the same time, they are known to have some biases that are irrational, and stereotypical, influencing societal perceptions. Unlike prior research, only quantifying shallow and superficial biases (e.g. text being positive/negative, etc.), we tried to clarify the concrete structure of bias.\\nThe study adopts a rubric of 5 bias aspects with 5 scales (0-4) \u2014 Relevance, Representation Bias, Stereotyping, Neutrality, and Assumptions \u2014 from a psychological perspective to evaluate bias objectively. It adopts a human-aligned approach to understanding bias, utilizing a global crowdsourcing method with over 6000 responses to dissect and understand biases through a detailed lens, utilizing statistical tools such as Combined Error Variance (CEV) and Symmetric Distance Error (SDE) to ensure precision in analysis. The findings suggest LLMs develop personality-like characteristics in biases, influenced by their unique algorithms and data handling processes. Some features include LLMs developed by the same developer showing similar characteristics (GPT3.5 and GPT4), and anticipated models such as Llama 2 and Gemini-Pro both have a structure of non-stereotypical but non-neutral.\\nThrough its novel approach and methodology, this study not only advances our understanding of LLM biases but also reevaluates the desirable structure for the upcoming Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) systems.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo063-bias-in-llms-for-the-equitable-agi\", \"title\": \"ROBO063 - Bias in LLMs; For the Equitable AGI \", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713680438917_2024_04_21_15_14_34_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ROBO063 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO066\", \"title\": \"Optimizing Lip Reading Using Convoluted Neural Networks\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology: $2,000 tuition scholarship (renewable for up to 4 years)\", \"finalists\": [\"Nkunga, Daniel\"], \"school\": \"Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts\", \"abstract\": \"The intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and lip reading presents a promising avenue in communication technology, particularly for enhancing accessibility and human-computer interaction. This paper investigates the potential of AI-driven lip reading using convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Leveraging advances in machine learning and computer vision, the study explores the multifaceted benefits of AI-powered lip reading, ranging from aiding the hearing-impaired to facilitating communication in noisy environments. Experimental procedures involve facial landmark detection using Google's MediaPipe and training AI models with TensorFlow. Results indicate that models trained exclusively on lip features exhibit superior accuracy compared to those incorporating additional facial landmarks. Furthermore, refocusing techniques enhance accuracy, albeit at the cost of increased processing time. The study underscores the potential for optimizing real-time lip reading applications by training models on critical data points essential for human speech comprehension. Overall, this research contributes to the growing field of AI-driven lip reading, emphasizing its role in revolutionizing communication paradigms and addressing challenges in diverse real-world scenarios.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo066-optimizing-lip-reading-using-neural-networks\", \"title\": \"ROBO066 - Optimizing Lip Reading Using Neural Networks\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/3KH4Sz8uKuo\", \"title\": \"ROBO066 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO077\", \"title\": \"Renovation of Olive Cultivation Sector Using AI\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\", \"finalists\": [\"Bouhaouel, Ala\"], \"school\": \"Lyc\u00e9e 2 Mars 1934\", \"abstract\": \"Thomas Jefferson once said: 'The olive tree is surely the richest gift of heaven.'\\nHowever, despite their economic significance, olive crops remain vulnerable to diseases, resulting in farmers losing their yield and leaving them struggling to sustain themselves as their crops succumb to illness.\\nThe developing world has a significant lack of information regarding olive tree diseases, contributing to costly and time-intensive treatment approaches.\\nUsing Artificial Intelligence, olive diseases can be detected in fraction of seconds, making it 99.1% quicker and easier.  Employing a special drone equipped with an autonomous navigation system for diseased trees treatement.\\nOLIVY is a multi-platform system that uses different trained AI models for tree health analysing using the leaf of the tree , it supports the planning of olive disease management in developing countries by automatically collecting coordinates of infected areas and storing them in a substantial database, which holds immense potential for countries striving to access such crucial information.Furthermore, OLIVY incorporates a drone that is automatically activated when the trees are not healthy. It autonomously flies to the targeted tree, detects its trunk, and sprays liquid fungicides to help treat the disease.\\nOLIVY revolutionizes olive crop management through an AI-based multi-platform system for precise solutions for disease control and crop disease treatement.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/robo077-renovation-of-olive-cultivation-sector-using-ai\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.67\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"ROBO077 - Renovation of Olive Cultivation Sector Using AI - ISEF\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.67, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"ROBO077 - Renovation of Olive Cultivation Sector Using AI. Thomas Jefferson once said: 'The olive tree is surely the richest gift of heaven.' However\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713992901484_440358055_7020908724679851_2362290036116688630_n_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"ROBO077 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"ROBO084T\", \"title\": \"Smart Power Grid Control: Artificial Intelligence-Based Fault Detection in Power Transmission Systems\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\", \"category_code\": \"ROBO\", \"award\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\", \"finalists\": [\"Taghizade, Nijat\", \"Huseynov, Khazar\"], \"school\": \"Dunya School\", \"abstract\": \"Modern electrical systems rely heavily on sensors and relays for fault detection in three-phase transmission lines and distribution transformers. However, these devices often suffer from high time complexity and are prone to false alarms, struggling to differentiate between actual faults and erroneous signals. This research addresses these limitations by developing a deep learning model aimed at enhancing fault prediction capabilities. The study utilized a simulated dataset representing a three-phase transmission line to enrich training data for a neural network. The methodology involved constructing and training a deep learning model to accurately predict faults, contrasting its performance against traditional sensors and relays. The findings indicate that the neural network achieved higher accuracy in fault detection compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, the integration of machine learning algorithms into electrical systems promises a more robust and reliable fault detection mechanism, reducing false alarms and improving operational efficiency. This study underscores the potential of machine learning technologies to transform fault diagnostics in electrical power systems, paving the way for more advanced monitoring solutions.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": []}, {\"booth_id\": \"SOFT008\", \"title\": \"Revolutionizing CVD Prevention and Management: A Comprehensive AI-Powered Solution\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Systems Software\", \"category_code\": \"SOFT\", \"award\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society: Second Award of $500\", \"finalists\": [\"ALHOURANI, ADI\"], \"school\": \"Islamic Educational College - Jubeiha\", \"abstract\": \"Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) cast a long shadow over humanity, claiming an estimated 17.9 million lives globally each year. This silent epidemic encompasses a range of heart and blood vessel disorders, with coronary heart disease and stroke reigning as the deadliest culprits. More alarmingly, one third of these deaths occur prematurely, before individuals reach the age of 70, robbing them of precious years and leaving scars on families and communities.\\nThis project aims to develop an integrated AI-powered system that combines a mobile companion app for continuous monitoring, an AI doctor's software for real-time diagnosis, and a patient location tracking system for emergency response, all combined to predict heart attacks from (CVDs) with 15 minutes ahead time. This comprehensive solution addresses the challenges of early detection, timely intervention, and access to emergency care for individuals with (CVDs). While the concept of using AI for CVD monitoring and diagnosis is not entirely new, the specific implementation and integration of AI into a companion app and an AI doctor\u2019s software is a novel approach. The combination of real-time monitoring, AI-powered diagnosis, and predictive risk assessment using patient medical profiles and genetic information makes this project stand out from previous attempts. The project also addresses the limitations of existing solutions by providing a comprehensive and personalized healthcare solution for CVD prevention and management.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/soft008-revolutionizing-cvd-prevention-and-management\", \"title\": \"SOFT008 - Revolutionizing CVD Prevention and Management\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712362511945_ISEF_VIDEO_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"SOFT008 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"SOFT010\", \"title\": \"Help! I Need Somebody: An Assistive Device That Notifies Emergency Services Once a Fall Has Been Detected\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Systems Software\", \"category_code\": \"SOFT\", \"award\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\", \"finalists\": [\"Sears, Maria\"], \"school\": \"Monte Vista High School\", \"abstract\": \"36 million falls are recorded every year among the elderly population. 35,000 of those falls result in death. There are fall detection devices already available, but they are expensive and only detect falls 85% of the time. Those fall detection devices use an accelerometer and gyroscope to measure if a fall has occurred, rather than using vitals. They also do not directly call emergency services or emergency contact. Instead, they notify a 24/7 monitoring center and they make the call. I developed a device that utilizes two modules, an accelerometer and pulse oximeter. With these modules I set constraints that when exceeded a timer would countdown from 20 seconds. The user would have 20 seconds to press a button that would tell the timer to shut off and reset the device. If the button is not pressed within 20 seconds, a pre-recorded message is sent to the attached Bluetooth device through a Bluetooth module. The pre-recorded message would include information that might affect patient care, like the user's location, list of pre-existing conditions and medicines, and any allergies that could put the user at risk. By using data from a pulse oximeter and accelerometer modules, the device was able to accurately detect if a fall had occurred. The device looked for an extreme increase in heart rate and zero movement to detect a fall. This device could be utilized by older adults that are at risk of falling and still want to live independently.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/soft010-a-device-that-notifies-emergency-services\", \"title\": \"SOFT010 - A Device That Notifies Emergency Services\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712081461669_IMG_4173_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"SOFT010 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"SOFT019\", \"title\": \"Back Propagation Neural Network Based Framework for Unknown Malware Detection\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Systems Software\", \"category_code\": \"SOFT\", \"award\": \"Non-Trivial: 10 scholarships for Non-trivial\", \"finalists\": [\"Chen, Yi-Jhe\"], \"school\": \"The Affiliated Senior High School of National Taiwan Normal University\", \"abstract\": \"This project explores the application of language models in creating backpropagation-based neural networks for the detection of known and unknown malware. A representation learning model (RPLM) is proposed in this research.  The detection framework involves three key steps: (1) disassembly of executable samples into assembly code, (2) extraction of assembly text to form representation vector using the proposed RPLM language models, and (3) classification of the representation vectors by a fully-connected neural network to detect presence of malware.\\nExperiments on malware collected from 2012 through 2023 showed a 98.28% accuracy.  Furthermore, experiments on unknown family of malware achieved 97.25% average detection rate.  Finally, experiments on training model with known malware up to year N for detection of unknown malware in future years, showed that this framework can maintain 95.63% and 93.01% detection rates in year N+1 and N+2, respectively.\\nAn ensembled model was also proposed to enhance the robustness of the detector.  Combining features extracted from different language models using fusion techniques could enhance the robustness of the malware detection framework.  Experiments shown that fusion can improve known and unknown malware detection rate to 99.39 % and 96.16%, respectively.\\nThis research demonstrates feasibility of leveraging natural language models for the detection of malware from low-level assembly code. In comparison to signature-based anti-virus software, the proposed natural language based neural network, by having high and reliable detection rate for known and unknown malwares, is a robust new way to safeguard system security.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/soft019-neural-network-for-unknown-malware-detection\", \"title\": \"SOFT019 - Neural Network for Unknown Malware Detection\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/VnYk6gQBvMo\", \"title\": \"SOFT019 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"SOFT024\", \"title\": \"Engineering a WebAssembly-Based Shell\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Systems Software\", \"category_code\": \"SOFT\", \"award\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate : Second Place Award \u201cCybersecurity\u201d\", \"finalists\": [\"Frias, Diego\"], \"school\": \"Oregon Episcopal School\", \"abstract\": \"This project creates a POSIX-style shell that runs WebAssembly, allowing programs to be shared between developers without safety issues, platform incompatibilities, determinism problems, or complex build processes, while also innovating a whole new way to interact with such programs. The core of the project is the virtual machine, which can execute programs compiled to WebAssembly, a binary instruction format that is targetable by all major compilers. The shell provides standard features, such as pipes, redirections, and programmability, but more importantly, acts as an environment for the virtual machine. Because the shell can configure the machine, the user of the shell can control the execution of programs on their system to a greater degree. To eliminate the risk of an unreproducible binary from destroying important data, programs are isolated from the file system by default, unless allowed by the programmer on a per-directory basis. Furthermore, specific functions can be dynamically loaded from the program into the shell environment, as regular shell commands. This allows certain functions to be tested, benchmarked, or used ad-hoc, from the command line. The shell also comes equipped with an in-memory file system, in which the side effects of an executable can be incrementally viewed and applied via a file system that does not exist on disk. In summary, this project innovates a new way for developers to run programs in deterministic, reproducible environments in which they may have full control over the side effects of a program.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/soft024-engineering-a-webassembly-based-shell\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isef_mention\", \"title_strong:0.75\", \"trusted_domain:isef.net\"], \"title\": \"SOFT024 - Engineering a WebAssembly-Based Shell\", \"source_domain\": \"isef.net\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"booth_id, isef_mention, title_strong:0.75, trusted_domain:isef.net\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This project creates a POSIX-style shell that runs WebAssembly, allowing programs to be shared between developers without safety issues,\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712421202313_IMG_0752_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"SOFT024 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"SOFT032\", \"title\": \"Developing a Novel Paradigm for the Distributed Storage of Digital Information\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Systems Software\", \"category_code\": \"SOFT\", \"award\": \"Association for Computing Machinery: Second Award of $3,000\", \"finalists\": [\"Algrafi, Lianne\"], \"school\": \"Dar AlFikr Schools\", \"abstract\": \"In today's data-driven world, where 2.5 quintillion bytes are generated every day, reliably storing and accessing vital information is crucial. However, as technologies evolve, traditional methods struggle to effectively counter threats such as cyberattacks, data breaches, and system failures. This research introduced the novel concept of \\\"infinite redundancy\\\" using the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) to map data throughout a finite physical memory. Despite arbitrary corruption, the data could be reconstructed from only one uncorrupted memory subset by analyzing frequency spectrum patterns, much like a full holographic image could be reproduced from just a fragment of a holographic film. The proposed model demonstrated remarkable fault tolerance compared to traditional redundancy models, being able to reconstruct up to 89% data corruption with 98% accuracy through the software-based techniques. This comes with a tradeoff of 3.55x storage usage compared to the 3x storage overhead of the state-of-the-art triple-modular redundancy, while traditional methods cannot withstand more than 50% corruption. The proposed model aims to revolutionize data storage, providing novel approaches to handle the increasing importance of data in the modern world. This includes applications like enabling long-term deep space probes to survive without failure in the harsh radiation environment. By pushing the boundaries of data storage, new possibilities can be unlocked enabling transformative advancements in how data is perceived, utilized, and benefited from.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/soft032-transform-based-paradigm-for-distributed-storage\", \"title\": \"SOFT032 - Transform-Based Paradigm for Distributed Storage\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713302222595_isef_final_Made_with_Clipchamp_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"SOFT032 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"SOFT036\", \"title\": \"Unmasking Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities in Direct and Transitive OSS Dependencies\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Systems Software\", \"category_code\": \"SOFT\", \"award\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate : Third Place Award \u201cCybersecurity\u201d\", \"finalists\": [\"Alexis, Sebastian\"], \"school\": \"Northwood High School\", \"abstract\": \"Open-source software(OSS) is free and widely used in software development, from video games to systems that run critical infrastructure such as power plants. However, most OSS libraries are built upon a chain of other dependent OSS libraries known as transitive dependencies. Often, software developers may not be aware of whether the OSS they use contains vulnerable, dependent libraries, which could potentially be exploited by cybercriminals.\\nI developed SecureOSS, a multi-modular cybersecurity product that interfaces with the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) to identify vulnerabilities in both direct and transitive OSS dependencies. The workflow starts with the Dependency Parser, which uses a novel version of the Depth First Search Algorithm to traverse the project's dependency tree. As it parses, it generates the Software Bill of Materials(SBOM) in CycloneDX format which catalogs the project's direct and transitive dependencies.\\nIt also generates a supplemental report of Community Health Analytics, including Open Source Software (CHAOSS) metrics which enriches the SBOM by offering insights into the activity and responsiveness of OSS projects. For the identified dependencies, the Concurrency Manager efficiently orchestrates parallel queries, leveraging the NVD API Interface to search for Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures(CVE). The Cache Manager stores frequently accessed dependencies, reducing redundant API calls while the Rate Limiter ensures adherence to NVD's request policies.\\nUsing NVD\u2019s Common Vulnerability Scoring System(CVSS) scores, the vulnerabilities' impact is found. My product successfully identified significant vulnerabilities, including the Log4j issue (CVE-2021-44228), with a high accuracy rate of 95% and a minimal error rate of 2%\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf/25468\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 20, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.67\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"Unmasking Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities in Direct and ...\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.67, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"cybersecurity product that interfaces with the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) to identify vulnerabilities in both direct and transitive OSS dependencies.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/soft036-unmasking-vulnerabilities-in-oss-dependencies\", \"title\": \"SOFT036 - Unmasking Vulnerabilities in OSS Dependencies\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713514867708_Video_Final_2_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"SOFT036 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"SOFT037\", \"title\": \"Automating Quantum Efficiency: An Algorithm for Gate-Based Optimization of Quantum Circuits\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Systems Software\", \"category_code\": \"SOFT\", \"award\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\", \"finalists\": [\"Rakhmettulayev, Abilmansur\"], \"school\": \"Haileybury Astana School\", \"abstract\": \"Quantum Computers hold immense potential for solving complex problems beyond the capabilities of classical computers. However, their potential is limited by challenges such as decoherence. Decoherence necessitates quantum circuits to be reduced as much as possible, a task often achieved through manual, time-consuming optimization techniques. This study investigated the potential of automating a technique called gate merging to significantly reduce optimization time, improve the performance of quantum computers and potentially accelerate research.\\nThe proposed algorithm works based on two principles: gate merging and gate commutativity. It addresses circuit optimization in a step-by-step manner. First, gates are categorized based on their corresponding qubits. Then, all potential pairs for merging identified and established commutativity rules are utilized to bring them closer within the circuit. The algorithm then searches for redundant gate pairs and removes them from the circuit. Finally, the algorithm prioritizes and merges the remaining pairs.\\nThe effectiveness of the algorithm was validated on around 100 benchmark reversible quantum circuits  obtained from online databases, such as RevLib and tweedledum databases. While the exact optimization value varied between algorithms, the average improvement based on the tests reached approximately 6.25%, and the time spent on optimization was significantly reduced.\\nThis project demonstrates the potential of automated optimization for improving quantum circuit efficiency and accelerating the development of quantum algorithms. The findings suggest that further advancements in this area can significantly reduce the time and resources required for creating and running quantum algorithms.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/soft037-automated-optimization-of-quantum-circuits\", \"title\": \"SOFT037 - Automated Optimization of Quantum Circuits\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712850341554_isef_ver_4_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"SOFT037 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"SOFT040\", \"title\": \"A Novel Approach to Detecting Academic Dishonesty Involving Artificial Intelligence\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Systems Software\", \"category_code\": \"SOFT\", \"award\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate : Third Place Award \u201cCybersecurity\u201d\", \"finalists\": [\"Jang, Jun\"], \"school\": \"Oxford High School\", \"abstract\": \"The rapid emergence of generative AI, particularly large-language-model-based conversational chatbots like ChatGPT, has spurred significant advancements. However, this progress has brought pressing concerns about unethical use in an academic space. In response,  there have been several developments in AI-generated text detection tools that can effectively detect whether a text is generated by machines or written by humans. However, these current models of GPT detectors determine their results by only analyzing one text. This project aims to provide a novel comparative approach to detecting unethical AI use by utilizing well-known metrics while also introducing new text metrics such as vocabulary levels. The key distinguishing feature of this project is its comparative approach: rather than assessing individual texts to detect AI usage like typical GPT detectors, this project compares metrics between two distinct pieces of text\u2013 a known human written sample and a suspected AI-generated text. Following the comparisons, statistical techniques were utilized to determine whether the two pieces originated from humans. If the disparity reached a certain level, it suggested the involvement of AI in generating the text. By providing a novel comparative approach, this research serves as a tool to assist teachers to discern potential unethical uses of AI in an academic setting.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://iscap.us/proceedings/2023/pdf/5957.pdf\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 12, \"status\": \"needs_review\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.57\", \"llm:related:0.85\"], \"title\": \"[PDF] The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Academic Dishonesty: Ethical ...\", \"source_domain\": \"iscap.us\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.57\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"the current state of AI technology and its applications in detecting academic dishonesty, such as plagiarism, cheating, and misinformation. However, the study emphasizes the importance of balancing the benefits of AI with the potential drawbacks, such as invasion of privacy, false positives, and the dangers of over-reliance on technology. Overall, the study suggests that while AI has enormous potential to address academic dishonesty, it must be used responsibly and ethically to ensure fairness [\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/soft040-detecting-academic-dishonesty-involving-ai\", \"title\": \"SOFT040 - Detecting Academic Dishonesty Involving AI\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1714428775675_Jun_s_ISEF_video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"SOFT040 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"SOFT052\", \"title\": \"Developing a Novel Holistic, Personalized Dementia Risk Prediction Model via Integration of Machine Learning and Network Systems Biology Approaches\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Systems Software\", \"category_code\": \"SOFT\", \"award\": \"Association for Computing Machinery: Third Award of  $1,500\", \"finalists\": [\"Mamidala, Srilekha\"], \"school\": \"Garnet Valley High School\", \"abstract\": \"The prevalence of dementia has increased over time as global life expectancy improves and populations age. An individual's risk of developing dementia is influenced by various genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors, among others. Predicting dementia risk may enable individuals to employ mitigation strategies or lifestyle changes to delay dementia onset. Current computational approaches to dementia prediction only return risk upon narrow categories of variables and do not account for interactions between different risk variables. The proposed framework utilizes a novel holistic approach to dementia risk prediction and is the first to incorporate various sources of tabular environmental pollution and lifestyle factor data with network systems biology-based genetic data. LightGBM gradient boosting was employed to ensure validity of included factors.This approach successfully models interactions between variables through an original weighted integration method coined Sysable. Multiple machine learning models trained the algorithm to reduce reliance on a single model. The developed approach surpassed all existing dementia risk prediction approaches, with a sensitivity of 85%, specificity of 99%, geometric accuracy of 92%, and AUROC of 91.7%. A transfer learning model was also implemented. De-biasing algorithms were run on the model via the AI Fairness 360 Library. Effects of demographic disparities on dementia prevalence were analyzed to potentially highlight areas in need and promote equitable and accessible care. The resulting model was additionally integrated into a user-friendly app providing holistic predictions and personalized risk mitigation strategies. The developed model successfully employs holistic computational dementia risk prediction for clinical use.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://arxiv.org/abs/2311.09229\", \"kind\": \"paper\", \"found_via\": \"arxiv\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_exact:1.00\", \"trusted_domain:arxiv.org\"], \"title\": \"Developing a Novel Holistic, Personalized Dementia Risk Prediction Model via Integration of Machine Learning and Network Systems Biology Approaches\", \"source_domain\": \"arxiv.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\", \"search_provider\": \"arxiv\", \"match_reason\": \"title_exact:1.00, trusted_domain:arxiv.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"The prevalence of dementia has increased over time as global life expectancy improves and populations age. An individual's risk of developing dementia is influenced by various genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors, among others. Predicting dementia risk may enable individuals to employ mitigation strategies or lifestyle changes to delay dementia onset. Current computational approaches to dementia prediction only return risk upon narrow categories of variables and do not account for inter\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/soft052-ios-powered-holistic-dementia-risk-prediction\", \"title\": \"SOFT052 - iOS-Powered Holistic Dementia Risk Prediction\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/yOQrPOMA8iI\", \"title\": \"SOFT052 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"SOFT058\", \"title\": \"Securing Global Food: Biopolymers, Cryptography, and Visual Transformers for Affordable Anti-Counterfeit Seed Protection\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Systems Software\", \"category_code\": \"SOFT\", \"award\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE: INCOSE Bill Ewald Socio-Technical Systems Engineering Award of $1000, a 1-year free student membership to INCOSE, and free virtual admission to the 2022 International Symposium of the INCOSE\", \"finalists\": [\"Martynova, Diana\"], \"school\": \"Los Gatos High School\", \"abstract\": \"According to the World Bank, ~50% of the seeds sold in Africa are counterfeit. Exhibiting lower germination rates, fake seeds cost farmers up to two-thirds of their crops, and, exacerbated by climate change, lead to global food shortages, starvation, and political unrest. The issue stems from the inability to trace seed distribution chains and differentiate genuine seeds from counterfeit ones. A promising new idea suggests marking seeds with biopolymer tags, but their verification requires a costly Raman spectrometer and an Internet connection, posing obvious obstacles for smallholder farmers.\\nThis project proposes an affordable anti-counterfeit seed protection system combining biopolymer tags, cryptography, and visual transformers. The system aims to provide cost-effective counterfeit detection for farmers and seed manufacturers, ensuring that the verification process is swift and reliable, and tolerates intermittent Internet access.\\nThe system consists of three components: identification of a unique, unclonable biopolymer tag by a novel algorithm (Visual Transformer), verification with a cryptographic signature, and a public blockchain to trace ownership-changing transactions. All steps can be done on a smartphone or another inexpensive computing device.\\nI have built a prototype with Raspberry Pi. With my original pre-training method, the algorithm reached 100% accuracy in identifying biopolymer tags. According to my statistical analysis, the approach reduces the share of counterfeit seeds from 50% to 6.6% if only 5 seeds per bag are checked, and to 3.5%, with 10 seeds. Adding the blockchain further reduces the expected share of undetected counterfeit seeds to 0.05% or 0.005%, respectively.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": []}, {\"booth_id\": \"TECA004T\", \"title\": \"Revolutionizing Language Learning With Connexelerator: An AI-Powered Approach\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Technology Enhances the Arts\", \"category_code\": \"TECA\", \"award\": \"Shanghai Science Association for Young Talents: Award\", \"finalists\": [\"Lim, Jared\", \"Snow, Ethan\"], \"school\": \"Liberty High School\", \"abstract\": \"Connexelerator is an innovative AI-powered language learning tool designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of language acquisition. Leveraging the combined benefits of advanced AI models and proven educational theories, Connexelerator aims to accelerate language acquisition by offering dynamic, context-rich learning experiences. The application integrates multiple cutting-edge features, including language flexibility, dynamic AI-generated flashcards, a Spaced Repetition System, a comprehensive word bank, and Response Naturalness Evaluation (RNE), all accessible via a single web application.\\nThe genesis of Connexelerator was inspired by the limitations of traditional language learning tools, such as the inefficiency of static flashcards, the organization of learned information, and the challenges of maintaining consistent study habits. Connexelerator generates unique sentences for each new word or grammar rule, incorporating previously learned terms to reinforce memory and understanding. This approach, grounded in constructivist learning theory, facilitates deeper learning by embedding new knowledge within a familiar context. The dynamic flashcard system adapts to individual learning patterns, building upon Ebbinghaus\u2019 theory of the forgetting curve and the efforts of modern Spaced Repetition Systems (SRSs).\\nOngoing developments include image input capabilities for immersive real-world learning and further enhancements to the RNE model for more detailed feedback.\\nConnexelerator represents a significant advancement in educational technology, promising a more engaging and effective path to language mastery by leveraging the latest in AI capabilities.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/teca004t-ai-powered-language-learning-aid\", \"title\": \"TECA004T - AI-Powered Language Learning Aid\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713014167440_isefTrailer_1__thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"TECA004T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TMED002\", \"title\": \"Disinfectant Properties of Nuphar advena: An Ethnopharmaceutical Approach\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\", \"category_code\": \"TMED\", \"award\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\", \"finalists\": [\"Bernu, Johanna\"], \"school\": \"Cloquet Senior High School\", \"abstract\": \"Commonly known as the yellow water lily root or kaandoosh in Ojibwe language, the rhizome of Nuphar advena is utilized by Indigenous communities for treating bacterial overgrowth. This study aims to investigate the impact of Nuphar advena rhizome on Lactobacillus isolated from yogurt and Micrococcus luteus, keeping emphasis on Ojibwe teachings around efficacy and focus on the impacts of impaired water systems on human health. Using the disc diffusion method, this study shows that Nuphar advena rhizome produces a measurable independent zone diameter when applied to Micrococcus luteus regardless of shelf time and does not impact Lactobacillus. Results further show that Nuphar advena rhizome concentrations are most effective after sitting reconstituted for one week and produce larger independent zone diameters when harvested from spring fed water sources. These results contribute to the ethnopharmacological knowledge and reappraisal of Ojibwe medicinal teachings. Data is analyzed using SPSS Software and Microsoft Excel.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=23422\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_exact:1.00\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\"], \"title\": \"Disinfectant Properties of Nuphar advena: An Ethnopharmaceutical ...\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_exact:1.00, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Study compares sustainability of traditionally prepared Nuphar advena rhizomes to environmentally hazardous antibacterials like chlorhexidine.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=22226\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_exact:1.00\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\"], \"title\": \"[PDF] Disinfectant Properties of Nuphar advena: An Ethnopharmaceutical ...\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_exact:1.00, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"This study tests the efficacy of Nuphar advena dried in the sun, shade, and mechanically and diluted to various concentrations against Micrococcus luteus\"}, {\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf/24663\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 58, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_exact:1.00\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\"], \"title\": \"[PDF] Disinfectant Properties of Nuphar advena: An Ethnopharmaceutical ...\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_exact:1.00, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Commonly known as the yellow water lily root or kaandoosh in Ojibwe language, the rhizome of Nuphar advena is utilized by.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/tmed002-use-of-yellow-water-lilies-as-disinfectant\", \"title\": \"TMED002 - Use of Yellow Water Lilies as Disinfectant\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/8VLS7u03Lfo\", \"title\": \"TMED002 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TMED007\", \"title\": \"Utilizing Indocyanine Green and Sodium Alginate With Microsphere Drug Delivery and Infrared Imaging: A Model to Create More Accessible Therapeutic and Diagnostic Tools for Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\", \"category_code\": \"TMED\", \"award\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\", \"finalists\": [\"Basu, Rashmi\"], \"school\": \"Keystone School\", \"abstract\": \"Each year, cardiovascular disease(CVD) and cancer account for about 17,900,000 and 10,000,000 mortalities, respectively, worldwide. Both CVD and cancer involve invasive, costly, and dangerous forms of diagnosis and treatment that discourage patients from seeking healthcare. This project focuses on drug delivery and the use of benign/inexpensive materials to create healthcare options that prioritize accessibility and patient safety. Through extensive trial-and-error, the researcher developed a protocol for creating microspheres using a hydrogel, using Indocyanine-green(ICG), with diagnostic and therapeutic applications unique to this study. Experiments show that the microspheres can hold liposomes to deliver drugs to localized sites (tumors), while reducing toxic side-effects and reducing frequency of doses needed. A homemade imaging system was used to detect fluorescence of the microspheres through ex-vivo renal tissue, showing that the microspheres can be used for diagnosis through fluorescence imaging. In-vivo tests with D. melanogaster flies with upregulated cholesterol levels showed that the hydrogel significantly improved response to cardiac stress, suggesting that the hydrogel can be used as a noninvasive treatment for patients with coronary artery disease. In vitro tests show that photothermal therapy with the hydrogel and recycled parts of the imaging system have tumoricidal effects in MFM223 breast cancer cells, such as reducing cell viability and colony formation while promoting apoptosis. These findings suggest that the hydrogel/spheres created by the researcher have diagnostic and therapeutic abilities for the two deadliest diseases in our world, using inexpensive and benign materials to prioritize accessibility and safety unlike current healthcare options.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/tmed007-accessible-cancer-and-heart-disease-modalities\", \"title\": \"TMED007 - Accessible Cancer and Heart Disease Modalities\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713485652974_Editted_video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"TMED007 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TMED014\", \"title\": \"Wound Simulator: An in vitro Study of a Novel Biological Growth Factor Concentrate on Oral Mucositis\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\", \"category_code\": \"TMED\", \"award\": \"National Anti-Vivisection Society: Awards of $3,000\", \"finalists\": [\"Rajesh, Keerthana\"], \"school\": \"Greenwood High International School Bangalore\", \"abstract\": \"Oral mucositis is a common and debilitating side effect of cancer treatment occurring in 90% of head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation, 40% of patients with solid tumours receiving chemotherapy, and 76% of bone marrow transplant patients. It is relevant to India due to the high prevalence of head and neck cancer, particularly oral cancer (30% of global cases) which is intensified by lifestyle and socio-economic factors. Though treatment options like basic oral hygiene, chemoprotective agents, and cryotherapy are available, they are not uniformly effective, and not viable with 23.6% of the global population below the poverty line. In this research I aim to study the anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties of a biological growth factor concentrate in correlation to expression of gene markers like COX-2(Cyclooxygenase-2), MMP-1(Matrix Metalloproteinase-1), TIMP-1(Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases). For the study I used a biological concentrate (PLAY) as a natural and holistic intervention to treat oral mucositis. It is rich in cytokines, growth factors and bioactive modulators and shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. In my study, I observed its effect on an in-vitro chronic wound simulation: MCF-7 (breast cancer cells) treated with 5-fluorouracil (2 \u00b5g/ml) and Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (3.048 ng/ml), and quantified gene expression using a semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Data analysis for 4 independent sets was done using ImageJ software and normalized with GAPDH. My results concluded decreased expression of pro-inflammatory markers such as COX-2 and MMP-1 that allude to an anti-inflammatory and wound healing effect.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/tmed014-in-vitro-study-on-bio-conc-for-oral-mucositis\", \"title\": \"TMED014 - In vitro Study on Bio Conc. for Oral Mucositis\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDBTQfMfAFw\", \"title\": \"TMED014 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TMED028T\", \"title\": \"Revolutionizing Non-Invasive Skin Cancer Detection Through a Novel Vision Transformer Application\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\", \"category_code\": \"TMED\", \"award\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology: Summer Camp scholarships (camp tuition and travel expenses, valued at up to $1,500)\", \"finalists\": [\"Mishra, Aryaman\", \"Shaye, Jason\"], \"school\": \"Kalamazoo Area Mathematics and Science Center\", \"abstract\": \"Every year, more people in the U.S are diagnosed with skin cancer than all other cancers combined. Early detection of these cancers can tremendously increase the 5-year survival rate. Current methods involve self skin examination (SSE), leading to professional screening from dermatologists. However, SSE can miss important lesions, which can cause development of cancer. To help aid in SSE and professional screening, efforts have been made towards the use of AI through Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN). However, these networks struggle to achieve high enough precision and sensitivity preventing them from adequate use. This research proposes a Vision Transformer (ViT) model to increase these metrics of skin cancer detection and its applicability. Through the ViT model\u2019s multi-head attention layer, the model serves to be more suitable for skin cancer classification than the CNN's Conv2d layer. Our ViT model was trained and evaluated on a dataset gathered from the International Skin Imaging Collaboration (ISIC), which was then fine tuned and augmented to improve its training behavior. Our transformer model was then compared to a standard CNN model and further implemented into a Windows application. The resulting model shows an ability to detect skin cancers at a 95.4% accuracy, outperforming the standard CNN model by over 8%. These findings support the potential for the implementation of ViT models in a clinical setting due to the high accuracy shown combined with the accessibility of the model through the Windows application.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf/25253\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 20, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"title_strong:0.56\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"llm:own:0.95\"], \"title\": \"Revolutionizing Non-Invasive Skin Cancer Detection ...\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"title_strong:0.56, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"The resulting model shows an ability to detect skin cancers at a 95.4% accuracy, outperforming the standard CNN model by over 8%.\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/tmed028t-skin-cancer-detection-using-a-transformer-network\", \"title\": \"TMED028T - Skin Cancer Detection Using a Transformer Network\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712365687487_ISEF_Video_2024_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"TMED028T project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TMED042\", \"title\": \"An Investigation of the Combination of Y15 and Metformin for the Treatment of Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\", \"category_code\": \"TMED\", \"award\": \"Long Island University: Presidential Scholarships\", \"finalists\": [\"Mendez, Isabela\"], \"school\": \"Brownsville Early College High School\", \"abstract\": \"The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Metformin, the effect of Y15, and the combinational effect of Y15 and Metformin for the treatment of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC). The results of this study demonstrated that both Metformin and Y15 have dose-dependent effects on cell viability, and IC50 for Metformin is much higher than Y15, suggesting that Y15 is more effective in inhibiting cell viability. The combination treatment significantly reduced cell viability in PROC OVCAR 3 cells. These findings offer promising insights into exploring this drug combination for the treatment of PROC.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://doi.org/10.1158/1538-7445.am2024-954\", \"title\": \"Abstract 954: An evaluation of the combination of metformin and Y15 for the treatment of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer\", \"snippet\": \"Abstract Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer mortality among women. This high mortality rate is linked to the development of resistance to first-line chemotherapy with platinum compounds which has been attributed in part to increased activity of focal adhesion kinase (FAK). The anti-diabetic drug Metformin was previously shown to inhibit the proliferation and migration of ovarian cancer cells and thus, the combination of a FAK inhibitor, Y15, and Metformin may be a promising treatment for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC). The objective of this study was to evaluate the combination of Y15 and Metformin on PROC cell viability and the mechanism of cell death. An MTT assay was used to analyze cell viability in PROC OVCAR3 cells after 48 h of treatment by measuring the absorbance at 570 nm with a microplate reader. Western blot was used to determine the protein levels of the apoptosis marker cleaved PARP and the autophagy marker LC3B-II. The exposure of OVCAR3 platinum-resistant ovarian cancer cells to Metformin (4.5 mM) + Y15 (5.5 \u00b5M) resulted in a significantly enhanced cytotoxicity (32.6 \u00b1 1.8%) compared to single drug treatment with either Metformin (4.5 mM) (65.0 \u00b1 4.2%) or Y15 (5.5 \u00b5M) (66.0 \u00b1 4.8%). A combination of Metformin (7.8 mM) + Y15 (5.5 \u00b5M) also resulted in a significantly enhanced cytotoxicity (22.8 \u00b1 1.5%) compared to single drug treatment with either Metformin (7.8 mM) (50.7 \u00b1 3.7%) or Y15 (5.5 \u00b5M) (66.0 \u00b1 4.8%). Cells treated with the combination of Metformin and Y15 for 24, 48, and 72-hours showed an increase in cleaved PARP compared to the control, Metformin alone and Y15 alone. For Metformin alone, there was an increase in cleaved PARP compared to the control at all timepoints and increased from 24 hours to 72 hours. For Y15 alone, the amount of cleaved PARP was also higher compared to the control at all time points, however, decreased over time from 24 hours to 72 hours. Cells treated with Metformin, Y15, and a combination of Metformin and Y15 showed no conversion of LC3B-I to LC3B-II, which occurs during autophagy. Thus, it is concluded that the mechanism of cell death for both Metformin and Y15 is through apoptosis and not autophagy and apoptosis is enhanced with the combination of the drugs. The delivery of Metformin and Y15 can result in an additive effect on cell viability through apoptosis and can be further explored as a promising approach for the treatment of PROC. Citation Format: Manuel A. Duarte, Kristal Garcia, Marco A. Arriaga, Sue Anne Chew, Arkene S. Levy, Isabela Mendez. An evaluation of the combination of metformin and Y15 for the treatment of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 954.\", \"found_via\": \"openalex\", \"kind\": \"paper\", \"authors\": [\"Manuel A. Duarte\", \"Kristal Garcia\", \"Marco A. Arriaga\", \"Sue Anne Chew\", \"Arkene Levy\", \"Isabela Mendez\"], \"year\": 2024, \"score\": 120, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"author_full_name\", \"full_name\", \"title_strong:0.86\", \"trusted_domain:doi.org\", \"llm:related:0.85\", \"rescored\"], \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}, {\"url\": \"https://youtu.be/yfJrSgXjsGs?si=JycihnRbhg6VH29O\", \"title\": \"TMED042 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"api_only\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TMED044\", \"title\": \"MalaScope - A Low-Cost Deep Learning Sensor for Label-Free Detection of Malaria\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\", \"category_code\": \"TMED\", \"award\": \"Non-Trivial: 10 scholarships for Non-trivial\", \"finalists\": [\"Kaur, Gurnoor\"], \"school\": \"Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute\", \"abstract\": \"Malaria is a deadly disease that claims the lives of over 460,000 children annually. Current diagnostic methods use labor-intensive microscopy to image Giemsa-stained blood smears, limiting accessibility for resource-constrained communities. To address this challenge, MalaScope, a low-cost, portable sensor integrating lensless microscopes with deep learning, was developed. In Phase I, Giemsa-stained thin blood smears were shadow-imaged with a white light-emitting diode. The area of coverage was 25 mm2, 800 times larger than a standard microscope, requiring one image instead of one hundred. Pathologist-taken images of commercially bought slides were segmented using superpixels to create a balanced dataset of 24,000 images of infected and healthy red blood cells. Transfer learning on four convolutional neural networks was studied using 5-fold cross-validation. 98% accuracy, 97% recall, 98% specificity, 98% precision, and 0.998 area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) were demonstrated. The results were similar to standard microscopy models at 1/5th of the cost. In Phase II, whispering gallery modes were used to excite resonances in healthy red blood cells to differentiate them from infected cells, eliminating the need for staining. Fourier analysis was used to decompose measured diffraction patterns into plane waves at different spatial frequencies, and back-propagation of these waves was used to predict cell shapes. It was discovered that the ellipticity of healthy cells was higher than that of infected cells, resulting in a 91% accuracy and a 0.976 AUC. MalaScope can help diagnose malaria in rural areas, providing hope in our battle against this deadly disease.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/tmed044-sensor-for-malaria-detection\", \"title\": \"TMED044 - Sensor for Malaria Detection\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1712528142735_Malascope_video_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"TMED044 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}, {\"booth_id\": \"TMED048\", \"title\": \"Analyzing the Effects of Altretamine Chemotherapy Drug on Drosophila melanogaster Ocular Melanoma Models\", \"year\": 2024, \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\", \"category_code\": \"TMED\", \"award\": \"Serving Society Through Science: Second Award of $500\", \"finalists\": [\"Ghosh, Diya\"], \"school\": \"Academies of Loudoun\", \"abstract\": \"Ocular melanoma is one of the rarer types of aggressive cancer. The only option for someone with this cancer is to undergo radiation or surgery. In both cases, there is a high likelihood of vision being lost. However, most patients have no other option than to undergo one of the two treatments because ocular melanomas are aggressive and spread to other areas of the body, most often to the liver. Chemotherapy is the traditional treatment method if the cancer spreads, however, it is rarely used to only treat ocular melanomas.\\nAltretamine is a chemotherapy drug that is currently used to treat ovarian cancer and is untested for other cancers. This drug could allow patients a much brighter prognosis than current options. In this study, Drosophila melanogaster, commonly known as fruit flies, was chosen due to their similar organ structures to humans. The flies were bred to express eye cancer similar to ocular melanomas in humans. To study the change in eye tumors after administering altretamine, the Leica LAS EZ microscope software was used to take images and then analyzed using ImageJ software to measure changes in the eye tumor size and color. It was determined that the best efficiency dilution is 0.53 mM and 0.053 mM dilutions. Preliminary results show that the drug is reducing the tumor sizes of adult flies. Next steps include analyzing if growing larvae in the drug can also reduce tumor sizes compared to the control, once they are adults.\", \"competition\": \"isef\", \"candidates\": [{\"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf/25485\", \"kind\": \"web\", \"found_via\": \"tavily\", \"score\": 53, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"full_name\", \"trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\"], \"title\": \"[PDF] Analyzing the Effects of Altretamine Chemotherapy Drug on ...\", \"source_domain\": \"abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\", \"search_provider\": \"tavily\", \"match_reason\": \"full_name, trusted_domain:abstracts.societyforscience.org\", \"raw_text_excerpt\": \"Analyzing the Effects of Altretamine Chemotherapy Drug on Drosophila melanogaster Ocular Melanoma Models. Ghosh, Diya (School: Academies of Loudoun). Ocular\"}, {\"url\": \"https://isef.net/project/tmed048-effect-of-altretamine-drug-on-ocular-melanomas\", \"title\": \"TMED048 - Effect of Altretamine Drug on Ocular Melanomas\", \"kind\": \"isef_net\", \"found_via\": \"idscan\", \"score\": 70, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"idscan_identity\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"allowed\"}, {\"url\": \"https://dr9k8pcnfhrxt.cloudfront.net/1713966222561_Video_Presentation_TMED048_thumbnail.0000000.jpg\", \"title\": \"TMED048 project video\", \"kind\": \"video\", \"found_via\": \"isefnet\", \"score\": 65, \"status\": \"strong\", \"signals\": [\"booth_id\", \"isefnet_project_video\"], \"year\": 2024, \"robots_ok\": true, \"tos_ok\": true, \"tos_policy\": \"unknown\"}]}], \"meta\": {\"generated\": \"prod-isef-2024\", \"projects\": 513, \"loadable\": {\"strong\": 1098, \"needs_review\": 29}, \"by_kind\": {\"web\": 84, \"isef_net\": 492, \"video\": 522, \"paper\": 27, \"github\": 2}, \"projects_with_sources\": 506}}\n\n[\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ANIM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ANIM047\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"First Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"First Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Peggy Scripps Award for Science Communication\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Serving Society Through Science\",\n        \"raw\": \"Serving Society Through Science: Second Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society: Second Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Determining the Distribution of Arginine in Gracilaria salicornia and Codium edule and Fibropapillomatosis Rates in Chelonia mydas in Kane?ohe Bay\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Populations of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in Hawaii have become a source of concern over the past decade due to the tumor-causing disease fibropapillomatosis (FP), the number one cause of mortality in green sea turtles. FP forms internal or external tumors, inhibiting foraging, movement, and organ functions. Previous research suggests a possible cause of FP is elevated levels of the amino acid arginine in algae, their primary food source. Elevated levels of arginine have been associated with high levels of nitrogen in wastewater, as indicated by d15N. In this study, FP amongst the green sea turtle population in Kane?ohe Bay and two of their primary food sources, Gracilaria salicornia and Codium edule, were analyzed.  The objective of our research was to assess if there is a relationship between levels of d15N along the coast, rates of invasive, levels of arginine indicated by algae in the diet of green sea turtles and rates of FP in Kane?ohe Bay, Hawai?i. To do this, we surveyed turtles to estimate the distribution of FP and collected algae to analyze arginine and invasive algae. We found a significant relationship (*p<0.05, Fisher\u2019s exact test) between levels of FP in green sea turtles (n=35/87 with FP), raised invasive algae (range=37-98%)  d15N indicated arginine levels (n=60, range=0.20-0.38% mass) (*p<0.05, t-test) in algae. This suggests a link between wastewater, invasive algae, arginine and FP in endangered green sea turtles, providing further insight of the causes and distribution of FP and pollution in Kane?ohe Bay.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Springer , Maddux\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Iolani School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"HI\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25801\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:21:51.025651Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:719e6087a2240befeefd8c5f5dbabbbcd3c993293ab37611995c480de6123376\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25801\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:21:52.350777Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2427d719269869087d0f812b0a99158b597d5de98a1f128795db3280fc6ac1fd\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25801\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ANIM047-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2427d719269869087d0f812b0a99158b597d5de98a1f128795db3280fc6ac1fd\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25801\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:719e6087a2240befeefd8c5f5dbabbbcd3c993293ab37611995c480de6123376\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biochemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BCHM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BCHM022\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"First Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"First Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Novel Approach to Characterizing Pathogenicity of SLC25A13 Variants in Cancer\",\n    \"abstract\": \"A hallmark of cancer is the rewiring of cellular metabolism to meet proliferative needs. Citrin protein (transcribed from the human SLC25A13 gene) is a mitochondrial carrier involved in the malate aspartate shuttle, urea cycle, and pyrimidine synthesis-- multiple pathways contributing to tumorigenesis. Although Citrin variants have been well characterized in the context of inborn Citrin deficiency, a metabolic disease caused by its germline mutation, a limited amount of studies have examined Citrin in a cancer context. This study investigates Citrin\u2019s role in cancer patient prognosis and treatment. Analysis of publicly available cancer patient data revealed a striking correlation between Citrin mutations and increased cancer patient survival (p=0.0112). To analyze the functional impact of these mutations, deep-learning modeling was used to generate the first complete Citrin structural model which hasn\u2019t been resolved by conventional crystallographic methods. Substrate docking to and in silico mutagenesis of the model revealed Citrin\u2019s C-terminal domain\u2019s functional importance in substrate attraction and transmembrane passage regulation. The functional impact of mutations identified in cancer patients was analyzed with an evolutionary-conservation-based algorithm and physical analysis of variant residue interactions, stability, and movement, indicating a loss of Citrin function to correlate with increased patient survival. Docking of over 1600 ZINC20 ligands identified FDA-approved drugs capable of being repurposed as potent Citrin inhibitors. This study nominates Citrin as a novel therapeutic target for cancer treatment and also provides a basis for future Citrin-based pharmaceutical development through the creation of a comprehensive model and inhibitor identification.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Xiao, Amy\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Garden City High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25584\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:21:53.050098Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f77f61694401fea7827fc2b097c8f204e65258956fa4f202ae463d30f2ffd9f3\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25584\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:21:54.365325Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:045a92c11e359ea229f9e7f49498155782c500b2b0f7a226c2467534643c0e79\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25584\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BCHM022-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:045a92c11e359ea229f9e7f49498155782c500b2b0f7a226c2467534643c0e79\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25584\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:f77f61694401fea7827fc2b097c8f204e65258956fa4f202ae463d30f2ffd9f3\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BEHA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BEHA061\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"First Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"First Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Long Island University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Long Island University: Presidential Scholarships\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n        \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"GaitNet: A Medically Interpretable Video-Based System for Assessing Parkinsonian Gait Impairment Severity Using 2-Stream Spatiotemporal Neural Network\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Parkinson\u2019s disease (PD) affects millions of people worldwide and causes gait impairments like tremors. Accurate motor impairment assessment is critical for efficient PD management. The MDS-UPDRS rating scale is the gold standard for evaluating PD motor disorders in clinics, but its manual evaluations are subjective and sometimes ineffective. Alternative methods like wearable sensors are expensive. This research presents a groundbreaking framework for PD gait impairment severity assessment that is accurate, quantitative, and accessible. First, I developed a novel neural network that, for the first time, extracts spatiotemporal features from 3D skeletons and silhouettes to evaluate gait disorders, achieving 91% sensitivity and outperforming state-of-the-art models. To build trust with physicians, I am the first to derive saliency values to pinpoint body regions and joint points that account for model decisions. The highlighted areas correspond to clinical observations of regions most affected by PD, helping physicians identify subtle gait changes in patients. Furthermore, I comprehensively evaluated 21 specific gait attributes defined by the MDS-UPDRS standard and identified parameters, including step length asymmetry, that are statistically correlated with PD gait impairment. Continually measuring these attributes supplements the discrete MDS-UPDRS ratings, significantly improving physicians\u2019 abilities to achieve precise diagnoses. Finally, I created a low-cost web application that utilizes videos to generate PD gait impairment diagnosis results at home. This system bridges the gaps between AI methods and PD care by enabling PD early detection, personalizing treatment plans, and monitoring disease progression. It can easily extend to other gait disorder diseases.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Liang, Andrew\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The Harker School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25506\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:21:55.044973Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c390fd4b91cd725d63dc7a719080b089dff35abde0ca27de180def82de0443ed\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25506\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:21:56.375377Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5ea85a209d20aa83479d1a96dbf8992d8bc6dc0091f8278e7d1f34895e8b494d\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25506\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BEHA061-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5ea85a209d20aa83479d1a96dbf8992d8bc6dc0091f8278e7d1f34895e8b494d\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25506\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:c390fd4b91cd725d63dc7a719080b089dff35abde0ca27de180def82de0443ed\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED001\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"First Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"First Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Evolutionary Insights Into the Stemness Paradox of Human Germ Cells and Cancer Cells\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Primates had evolved an advanced spermatogonia stem cell (SSC) system that correlates with reduced germline mutations and longer lifespans, yet the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. This study probed the evolutionary underpinnings of stemness maintenance in human SSCs and cancer cells, with a focus on primate-specific cancer-testis-antigen (CTA) genes that have been known to be present in both human testes and cancer cells. Using bioinformatics, I traced the emergence of a panel of human CTA genes that evolved in the ancestor of anthropoids and coincided with the evolution of the advanced SSC system. My experiments involved knockdowns of these CTAs in both human SSCs and cancer cells. The analysis combined both bioinformatics and lab work, with a focus on understanding the functional significance of CTAs in contrasting physiological and pathological contexts. My results revealed that primate-specific CTAs are indispensable for clonal proliferation, a golden standard for high stemness, in both SSCs and cancer cells. Furthermore, my analysis showed that patients with higher level expressions of these CTAs had markedly poorer prognoses and shorter survival times. This research established a direct link among evolutionary biology, human reproductive biology, and cancer biology. It revealed the double-edged nature of CTAs: vital for germline cell maintenance and progeny persistence in humans, yet malignant when hijacked by cancer cells to sustain high stemness in tumors. This dual functionality of CTAs underscores their potential as novel targets for cancer therapy, offering insights into cancer biology and the evolutionary aspects of human physiology.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Lei, Kevin Xuan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Shanghai High School International Division\",\n        \"country\": \"China\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24707\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:21:57.065552Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:897ad8c5eb03342f34caea9f0bc53e248f49e2f6fcb17a8504ddb9f0ac994367\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24707\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:21:58.379764Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fb81b87e1b7b41cabca1b2ff4939c41cd9471388f3d76a8bd6b595d9eb373a85\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24707\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED001-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fb81b87e1b7b41cabca1b2ff4939c41cd9471388f3d76a8bd6b595d9eb373a85\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24707\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:897ad8c5eb03342f34caea9f0bc53e248f49e2f6fcb17a8504ddb9f0ac994367\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED033\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"First Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"First Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Dudley R. Herschbach SIYSS Award\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"The Relationship Between Tumor-Induced Osteoclastogenesis and Osteoprotegerin\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Osteosarcoma (OS), a primary bone tumor, arises from an imbalance in the bone remodeling pathway which fosters metastasis. In healthy bones, the microenvironment supports balanced remodeling, crucial during growth to bear the body's mechanical load. Bone remodeling has two competing cells: osteoclasts (OC) promote bone degradation and osteoblasts (OB) promote bone synthesis. This process is orchestrated by RANK receptors on OC and its ligand RANKL from OB to initiate pre-OC to OC differentiation. Osteoprotegerin (OPG), produced by OB, acts as a decoy receptor, regulating bone resorption. In OS, excess RANK/RANKL interaction induces osteoclastogenesis which weakens bone integrity and leads to tumor metastasis. To model this state in vitro, U2OS, a RANK/RANKL producing OS cell line, was treated with TNFa, a cytokine inducing osteoclastogenesis. Exogenous OPG (1-1000 ng/mL) administered to TNFa-treated U2OS suggests decreased osteoclastogenesis thus inhibiting this metastatic pathway. ELISA showed a significant decrease in RANK/RANKL production with OPG treatment, supporting a decrease in RANK/RANKL interaction. Gene expression analysis revealed an upregulation in genes responsible for OB production and bone integrity, as well as a downregulation of WNT6 and NPC2 - genes indicative of metastasis, all due to OPG treatment. Diminished metastatic capability was shown through TRAP (Tartrate Resistant Acid Phosphatase) staining which showed a profound decrease in cells with an OC phenotype, an invasion assay which demonstrated reduced migration of OPG treated cells, and an ELISA which showed a significant decrease in MMP9 expression. Based on this research, OPG may have therapeutic potential in controlling OS metastasis and bone degradation, alongside current therapies.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kamat, Ria\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Bergen County Academies\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NJ\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25423\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:21:59.155390Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0cae798c34027ba481571dbc4c94518fecd0cbbc542680f10b818b66d87b65b5\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25423\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:00.385777Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:23ef740d87e31f39491f575cf780cb4f5b269cc7d65248f3c70724216033dfca\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25423\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED033-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:23ef740d87e31f39491f575cf780cb4f5b269cc7d65248f3c70724216033dfca\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25423\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:0cae798c34027ba481571dbc4c94518fecd0cbbc542680f10b818b66d87b65b5\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CBIO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CBIO044\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"First Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"First Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Novel Drug Discovery Methodology Using Machine Learning for Gene Expression-Based Virtual Screening Predicts Novel Compounds To Reverse Alzheimer's Disease With Applications to Cancer and Longevity by Inhibiting CtBP2 Expression\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Alzheimer's Disease (AD) has neither satisfactory nor equitably accessible treatments. Current research emphasizes inflammation, notably age-related elevation of microglial TNF-a, in driving AD pathogenesis. Previous screens showed phenothiazines as protective drugs against A\u00df42-induced toxicity and neuroinflammation.\\nTo elucidate mechanisms mediating such protective effects and develop a general drug discovery method, I developed a target identification protocol which allowed rapid assessment of effects of drugs on gene expression in human cells. This revealed that inhibition of CtBP2 was one of the most robust molecular responses to phenothiazines. CtBP2 expression increases with age, in AD brain regions with specificity to microglia, and even in populations with certain types of cancer.\\nHowever, the complex and unstable structure of CtBP2 prevents development of high-affinity, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeable small molecules. Conventional drug discovery methods struggle in targeting \\\"undruggable\\\" proteins, or multiple pathways in complex diseases like AD.\\nHere, I shift paradigms from Structure-Based to Expression-Based Screening, targeting mRNA-based gene expression instead of physiochemical binding. To discover more effective small inhibitors of CtBP2 transcription, I created a new machine learning model that produces accurate predictions even in extremely imbalanced datasets, surpassing baseline metrics. Using this model, I identified novel compounds that transcriptionally inhibit CtBP2 outperforming phenothiazines to increase healthspan by abolishing microglial inflammation and C. elegans paralysis. I report a highly promising novel and general approach to drug discovery, applicable to any high-throughput assays for increased accessibility and efficacy.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Roh, Kun-Hyung\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Bronx High School of Science\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25810\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:01.064337Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c755c1cc879a5c9fbbcec394c67959a5ed4ad24d46f17aeba6ca044951d12bfa\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25810\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:02.403648Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:031f5f42b065bba2992eeaf81824c9bc3070ec5b3179e39add344208d8923995\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25810\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CBIO044-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:031f5f42b065bba2992eeaf81824c9bc3070ec5b3179e39add344208d8923995\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25810\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:c755c1cc879a5c9fbbcec394c67959a5ed4ad24d46f17aeba6ca044951d12bfa\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CELL\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CELL032T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"First Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"First Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council\",\n        \"raw\": \"Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council: The  Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Counil awards will recognize 10 projects in the following categories: &#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tAgriculture and Water Management&#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tPersonalized Healthcare&#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tClimate and Sustainability&#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tEmerging Information Technologies\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Decoding ASXL3: A Novel Biomarker for Neurodevelopmental Disorders\",\n    \"abstract\": \"In a recent study, 33% of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) carried mutations in ASXL3, whose function is unknown. To understand ASXL3\u2019s role in NDDs, we used CRISPR technology to engineer three H9 embryonic stem-cell lines with varying doses ASXL3 levels: wild-type (ASXL3 +/+), heterozygous (ASXL3 +/-), and homozygous knockout (ASXL3 -/-). PCR and DNA sequencing confirmed that CRISPR-CAS9 generated the intended cell lines. Using these newly engineered cell lines, we generated rosettes and organoids to track cell growth and characterize cell differentiation through imaging and RNA sequencing analysis. The ASXL3 -/- cell lines exhibited accelerated growth compared to ASXL3-/+ or ASXL3 +/+. Furthermore, ASXL3 -/- organoids had an increased percentage of proliferative cells, evidenced by increased number of Ki67 cells, leading to an increase of neural progenitor cells. However, ASXL3 -/- organoids had reduced neuronal differentiation and less layer 5 cortical neurons, characterized by fewer BCL11B cells. This revealed the novel function of ASXL3 as a neural cell gate control. Additionally, the less layer 5 neurons impair the layer 5 functions of communication and fine motor skills, which generates the phenotype of the NDD, showing that ASXL3 -/- is a novel biomarker for NDDs. This pattern of increased proliferation and reduced differentiation was independently verified by differential RNA sequencing analysis between ASXL3 +/+ and ASXL3 -/-. Finally, to rescue the defects observed in ASXL3 -/- cells, we treated them with fibroblast growth factors (FGF) at 10, 20, and 30 ng/ml concentrations and found that 30 ng/ml of FGF in an ASXL3 -/- promoted neuronal cell differentiation similar to ASXL3 +/+ in 92% of our cells and may alleviate the effects of NDDs.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Hammoud, Maya\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Detroit Country Day School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MI\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Hammoud, Lara\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Detroit Country Day School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MI\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25435\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:03.135365Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1cf1782433a168ebe23f3c4dcf856a15f52a27413dcde69f7fa527f573f6cfec\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25435\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:04.407522Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bcf9098d4fa6999a1457a1ff7d40b58c69f2243add582e8b92c9c9f272c43626\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25435\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CELL032T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bcf9098d4fa6999a1457a1ff7d40b58c69f2243add582e8b92c9c9f272c43626\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25435\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:1cf1782433a168ebe23f3c4dcf856a15f52a27413dcde69f7fa527f573f6cfec\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM052\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"First Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"First Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n        \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Analyzing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Through Atomistic Simulations\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of highly fluorinated hydrocarbons, pose global contamination and pollution concerns due to both their toxicity and their potential to increase risks of reproductive disorders, endocrine disruption, and cancer. The resistance of such substances to degradation in the environment has earned them the title of \u201cforever chemicals.\u201d Two of the most abundant PFAS species, Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS), have been associated with tens of thousands of deaths annually. Despite extensive recent efforts, analysis of the molecular-level behavior of PFOA and PFOS has remained elusive.\\nTo address this knowledge gap, we conduct extensive investigation of the properties of PFOA and PFOS through first-principles electronic structure and molecular mechanics calculations. Utilizing both classical Molecular Dynamics (MD) and quantum Density Functional Theory (DFT) techniques, we perform structural optimization of PFOA and PFOS molecules in simulation cells; such structures are utilized to characterize time-evolution of molecular systems. We also study chemical properties of PFOA and PFOS when placed in larger systems, such as diffusion in aqueous environments and hydrophobicity. Our MD and DFT results align closely with experimental results and contribute the first detailed atomic-level studies of PFAS substances. Moreover, we discover atomic-scale reductive defluorination of PFOA catalyzed by Cobalt-containing Vitamin B12 complexes, furthering our understanding of PFOA degradation mechanisms. Thus, our study provides a molecular-level basis for mitigating the toxic effects of PFAS substances, potentially offering protections for 200 million exposed individuals within the U.S. \u2013 and far more globally.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Sankaran, Akilan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Albuquerque Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NM\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25661\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:05.090429Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:706ea7c4f4f09a94f1ea25cd948ae5aa04be1bc6dd5e2459385903c00e9b304e\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25661\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:06.491603Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0000c620a525f0e7294860f78f8e45cde868c939962deaf573733121eb0fba79\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25661\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM052-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0000c620a525f0e7294860f78f8e45cde868c939962deaf573733121eb0fba79\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25661\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:706ea7c4f4f09a94f1ea25cd948ae5aa04be1bc6dd5e2459385903c00e9b304e\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM069T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"First Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"First Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Synthesis and Characterization of Property-Optimized Ionic Liquid for Post-Combustion Carbon Capture Discovered via Novel Deep Learning Model\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Post-Combustion Carbon Capture (PCC) aims to mitigate rising greenhouse gas emissions by sequestering CO2 from flue gas streams. Currently, PCC utilizes liquid amine solvents, such as monoethanolamine, which encounter various chemical drawbacks\u2014including corrosivity, volatility, flammability, and toxicity\u2014that hinder functional and economic efficiency. Ionic Liquids (ILs) have been identified as promising alternative solvents, possessing numerous properties ideal for the process. However, ILs face a comparatively smaller set of energy and efficiency-based challenges that must be overcome prior to PCC implementation. To address these issues, property-optimized ILs with minimal viscosity, minimal heat capacity, and maximal thermal conductivity were designed via a novel generative autoencoder-based deep learning framework in this study. These ILs were analyzed for synthetic cost and feasibility along with theoretical carbon dioxide uptake; an imidazolium-based IL emerged as an ideal compound matching all criteria. A cost and time-effective synthesis process was established, circumventing the inefficient ion-exchange metathesis step typical in IL synthesis. Experimental measurements of the aforementioned properties confirmed the novel IL compound to have substantial energy and efficiency-related improvements over all existing ILs for the PCC process. Moreover, carbon dioxide uptake was quantified, achieving a 1:0.39 molar ratio of solvent to carbon dioxide--a capture rate similar to industry-leading solvents. It was calculated that the optimal IL would reduce energy consumption and cost by at least 34%. These results prove the efficacy of the property-optimizing model and mark a significant leap toward feasible large-scale carbon capture implementation.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Malpani, Arjun\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Sunset High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"OR\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"D'costa, Siddharth\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Jesuit High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"OR\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25822\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:07.091378Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d49c94be385855226116d7b40a3059dd2ce609ade0fea0ee06993bebc0d3e2ea\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25822\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:08.665143Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:108123dfb65477c5b4b1e6b0ce9df44295ae1f30b4f979d1f3431b9cb1873318\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25822\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM069T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:108123dfb65477c5b4b1e6b0ce9df44295ae1f30b4f979d1f3431b9cb1873318\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25822\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:d49c94be385855226116d7b40a3059dd2ce609ade0fea0ee06993bebc0d3e2ea\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV019\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"First Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"First Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"EU Contest for Young Scientists Award\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"ANOMaLY: A Real-Time Globalized System for Effective Regional Mitigation of Agricultural Nitrous Oxide Emissions\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Nitrous oxide (N2O) is one of the largest contributors to the greenhouse effect (265x more greenhouse forcing than CO2) and is the largest contributor to ozone depletion in the 21st century. Over 70% of anthropogenic N2O is emitted directly from agriculture and soil management, and previous studies have observed that these emissions spike in localized spatiotemporal events. The system developed in this project identifies these events in real-time across the globe, allowing for fast and effective mitigation measures to be put in place to quickly reduce total emissions. Sentinel-2 imagery was correlated with soil chemical data gathered by the author from 7 farms across North Carolina over 6 months (1200+ samples taken) and used to extract novel spectral indices that approximate soil NH4+ and NO3- (R2 = 0.53, 0.46). Existing data was paired with soil chemical data using the new spectral indices and was used to build an informed model that integrated partial differential equations modeling microbial nitrogen kinetics into a neural network architecture. This informed model explained ~80% of variation in regional N2O a large improvement over previous models explaining only ~30% of variation. Due to this system using real-time satellite and climate data, localization of regional-scale flux hotspots can be achieved at nearly any place and time on Earth. At maximum capacity, this system can localize over 55% of total anthropogenic N2O emissions and is generalizable to various agricultural gas-based pollutants. Additionally, the world\u2019s first spatiotemporally linked soil nitrate and ammonium dataset was developed for this project.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Vemuri, Nikhil\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NC\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24808\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:09.253177Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7b675a336b4ba2fee68bf3bd9b73ce45c33898db71da4d674180b8ce89cea21c\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24808\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:10.582103Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ea0310a2b96a62bdec02066f50ea9d3a471861d96412e4955e19bce79b069986\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24808\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV019-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ea0310a2b96a62bdec02066f50ea9d3a471861d96412e4955e19bce79b069986\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24808\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:7b675a336b4ba2fee68bf3bd9b73ce45c33898db71da4d674180b8ce89cea21c\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV062T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"First Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"First Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Legacy of the Gordon E. Moore Awards\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - NOAA\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - NOAA: Taking the Pulse of the Planet First Award\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n        \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Acoustic Filtration: Harnessing Ultrasonic Technology for the Streamlined Removal of Microplastic Particles From Water Flow\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Microplastics have become a prevalent global environmental issue, with an estimated 75 trillion microplastics in the oceans today. MPs pose dangers to wildlife and cause serious health issues for humans. Existing microplastic removal methods are limited because of high expenses or potentially hazardous chemicals; consequently, a non-invasive, energy-efficient, and cost-effective solution is necessary. In this project, a novel ultrasound filtration system was constructed with piezoelectric transducers attached to steel tubes, which were connected with silicon tubing. When suspended microplastics were pushed through the device, the ultrasound\u2019s acoustic radiation force prevented particles from passing, producing microplastic-free water. One-stage filtration of polyethylene yielded efficiencies between 84-94% with water flowing at rates of 10, 20, and 40 mL/minute; two-stage produced 94-96% efficiencies for the same flow rates. Cross-comparison using polyurethane and polystyrene had similar results, producing efficiencies greater than 95%. Additionally, when compared to a one-stage system of bigger diameter, it was found that smaller tubes had better filtration. The device was also tested on its ability to handle laundry water rinsed with polyester fabric and microplastic build-up from highly concentrated or large volumes of water, which it successfully filtered. A CFD simulation was created to mimic real-life applications and verify results. While future refining is needed, this new acoustic filtering approach is the first-of-its-kind, safely and effectively filtering microplastics through ultrasonic technology. With its robust abilities of intercepting source pollution and cleaning contaminated waters, its application can be extended to remove other particle pollutants.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Huang, Justin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"College Park High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ou, Victoria\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"College Park High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25598\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:11.283409Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d54400533a0be0a5796e21214275306ed67838d5f04fabf6c05e4eae62c9b077\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25598\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:13.526848Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5b56157d1a4a03e1ded8207ae4f7a41354532eb4a5aa39ba398eb0746371b84f\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25598\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV062T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5b56157d1a4a03e1ded8207ae4f7a41354532eb4a5aa39ba398eb0746371b84f\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25598\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:d54400533a0be0a5796e21214275306ed67838d5f04fabf6c05e4eae62c9b077\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EBED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EBED031T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"First Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"First Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"The Digital Air Rifle Ballistic Measuring Device\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The 10m Air Rifle competition is an ISSF Summer Olympic sport where 1mm can make the\\ndifference between winning and losing. Over 57,000 cadets in Canada train with the 853C air\\nrifle in the 10m competition. Aging rifles and damaged components can make rifles inaccurate. To address this challenge, we created a ballistic pellet speed measuring device using a 3D printer, optical sensors, an ESP32, an LCD, a 3D gyro, a 3D accelerometer, and a lithium battery. We tested our device on 21 rifles, with over 2000 shots, in two squadrons, and identified 4 faulty and 4 leaking rifles. Additionally, we evaluated various manual rifle compression methods to determine optimal compression techniques. Using the 3D accelerometer/gyro, we created a marksman profile, logging 512 data points in 5 seconds, recording what the marksman did prior to, during, and after pulling the trigger. This data is incredibly detailed and can be uploaded to the cloud via WiFi for remote viewing. Furthermore, the data can also be downloaded directly via USB. This novel tracking system can efficiently identify good and poor marksmanship techniques and can be used to enhance marksmanship skills such as wobble, breathing, and follow-through. Our project resulted in the replacement of 3 faulty rifles in our squadron and enhanced training for our marksmen. The device fits snuggly on the barrel and doesn't obstruct any sights. Our fast and easy-to-use data can be visualized on a smartphone during training and competition. Overall, this unique, cost-effective device has the potential to be a game-changer for this Olympic sport.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Filion, Chloe\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Saint-Jean-de-Brebeuf\",\n        \"country\": \"Canada\",\n        \"state\": \"MT\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Filion, Sophie\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Ecole Secondaire Catholique Saint-Jean-de-Brebeuf\",\n        \"country\": \"Canada\",\n        \"state\": \"MT\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25566\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:14.188463Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:02878f9f87aa8dd6b363a812e2b24d39e88fc0b153b078ad3851c5d419ada675\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25566\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:15.559029Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d21cfa74c12ce94dbdac81fd29c72fe37604f651227a0a0d27fd7ae9fcdc2529\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25566\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EBED031T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d21cfa74c12ce94dbdac81fd29c72fe37604f651227a0a0d27fd7ae9fcdc2529\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25566\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:02878f9f87aa8dd6b363a812e2b24d39e88fc0b153b078ad3851c5d419ada675\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EGSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EGSD035\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"First Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"First Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Alfred University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Alfred University: Full tuition scholarship\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Redefining the Landscape of Hydrogen Safety Using Innovative Gasochromic Technology\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The increasing focus on decarbonization has brought hydrogen into the center role in the quest for sustainable solutions. As the hydrogen economy is expected to grow, new detection methods are required to improve safety during storage and usage. The objective of this innovative project is to develop and validate a new cost-effective and reliable hydrogen sensor using gasochromic materials, aiming to address safety concerns associated with hydrogen's expanding role. The gasochromic technology is a simple method to detect hydrogen and has many advantages over traditional sensors. It is a chemical reaction that triggers a colour change in response to the exposure of hydrogen. It requires no power to operate, has a quick response time, and it is reliable. The materials used to assemble the sensor are non-hazardous and environmentally friendly. Here in this project, the gasochromic technology was utilized to validate a new hydrogen detection system. The sensor architecture consists of a WO3-Pd (Tungsten Oxide-Palladium) thin film, photodiodes, a microcontroller, along with a small resistive gas sensor for redundancy and early warning.\\nThe scope of work includes assembling the prototype, coding, testing, validating and performing experiments to collect raw data for measuring the response time. The outcome of this project is a new innovative, fully functional, reliable, and cost-effective hydrogen detection sensor, capable of responding within 30 seconds. The concept of this novel prototype sensor holds significant promise for utilization across a spectrum of hydrogen applications. Harnessing the capabilities of gasochromic technology could contribute to advancing the safety infrastructure required to grow the hydrogen economy as a means to reduce emissions.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Wahban, Alia\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Hillfield Strathallan College\",\n        \"country\": \"Canada\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25686\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:16.156356Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0777d873562f927bc2a73e98141eec5e33d25fd779e62718b4a966e4820c34e2\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25686\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:17.603089Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:77ada8137d40210569d7d55c93c9cdefb441ceb8142512ba2ae57e1ee7bca152\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25686\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EGSD035-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:77ada8137d40210569d7d55c93c9cdefb441ceb8142512ba2ae57e1ee7bca152\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25686\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:0777d873562f927bc2a73e98141eec5e33d25fd779e62718b4a966e4820c34e2\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM012\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"First Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"First Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Electrogastrography and Personalized Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Noninvasive, Low-Cost Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastroparesis\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Gastroparesis, characterized by slowed or absent gastric contractions, affects 1.8% of the population, presents with severe nausea, abdominal pain, a high mortality rate, and incurs high treatment costs. Diagnostic and treatment challenges are significant, as current methods are costly and ineffective. This study introduces an approach that combines transcutaneous monitoring of gastric contractions using an electrogastrogram (EGG) with personalized transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to diagnose and treat gastroparesis. A dual-model approach customizes TENS parameters based on individual body mass indices (BMIs) for optimal gastric contraction stimulation, specifically targeting the PC6 forearm acupoint to enhance gastric motility. Using computational modeling, a COMSOL Multiphysics finite element model simulates the distribution of current in tissue following stimulation, and a NEURON Simulation Environment model assesses nerve activation based on this extracellular current distribution. Optimal parameters are the minimal intensity settings that activate 100% of nerve axons. To ensure precise adherence to model-identified parameters despite physiological fluctuations, the stimulation delivery device is optimized to incorporate a real-time feedback loop, dynamically adjusting these parameters based on skin conductance sensor data. The overall stimulation method was evaluated in an in vivo study with six participants. After treatment, as evidenced by EGG, gastric contraction frequency immediately rose by an average of 43.38% (p<0.01). Remarkably, a 36.63% increase in baseline contraction frequency was maintained 48 hours post-treatment (p<0.01). At $1123.49 this method offers an affordable, effective alternative for gastroparesis management.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Pai, Akash\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Sunset High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"OR\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25008\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:18.201295Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5cedb406c9fb3ce04f5a819501c6eecf97118461228663d721f8e681c20949ef\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25008\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:19.543888Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:987aeab88858e4a692d405be92de0b83ca6d05a4b2f0a372a11634f3501be4d6\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25008\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM012-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:987aeab88858e4a692d405be92de0b83ca6d05a4b2f0a372a11634f3501be4d6\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25008\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:5cedb406c9fb3ce04f5a819501c6eecf97118461228663d721f8e681c20949ef\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM039T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"First Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"First Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"OralAI: A Fluorescence Based Mobile System for Dental Disease Prevention\",\n    \"abstract\": \"45% of people today are affected by oral diseases such as periodontal (gum) disease and dental caries (cavities). These can lead to tooth loss and have been linked to fatal diseases like cancer and diabetes. Due to high costs and inaccessible technology, oral care resources are often not available for those who need them, especially in developing countries. To help solve this problem, we propose OralAI, a novel dental detection system for at-home monitoring of users\u2019 oral health. By creating a dataset of over 200 tooth images with a custom physical prototype and by utilizing a novel UV-A fluorescence biomarker, we trained two YOLOv8 models to annotate areas of the user\u2019s mouth on which dental biofilm is present. We also created a full stack mobile application to allow for the real-time use of our models. Our models achieved high accuracies with a precision of 98.4% for teeth extraction and 93.4% for plaque identification. The mobile app was also tested qualitatively and achieved the same level of accuracy as seen in the dataset. Our data shows that the development of an affordable RGB image based system is feasible and produces accurate results that can be used by individuals to improve their oral health. We also examine the future business prospects of OralAI on the market. OralAI marks a significant advancement in oral health monitoring and has the potential to help billions of people globally.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Garg, Ayush\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Dublin High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Motwani, Divij\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Palo Alto Senior High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25479\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:20.218664Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:153d1c617e0b73c66ba9f0551d593ff7f7cb659d3917fbb418cb421473daf41d\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25479\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:21.549123Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:305d90ac766e5972601835bef14856f270b08d3c6b2e425cd7d809925e205d28\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25479\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM039T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:305d90ac766e5972601835bef14856f270b08d3c6b2e425cd7d809925e205d28\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25479\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:153d1c617e0b73c66ba9f0551d593ff7f7cb659d3917fbb418cb421473daf41d\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV016\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"First Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"First Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"EU Contest for Young Scientists Award\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Global Carbon Sinks: Remote Sensing for Peatland Restoration\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Peatland ecosystems are the largest natural terrestrial carbon store on earth. Healthy peatlands act as carbon sinks, trapping atmospheric CO2 as soil organic matter. However, anthropogenic disturbances such as drainage and peat extraction have turned many peatlands into carbon sources. Worldwide efforts are needed to restore and rehabilitate peatlands to meet the challenges of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and tackling biodiversity loss. For such efforts to succeed a cost-effective, widescale approach for monitoring, reporting, and validation of peatland rehabilitation is needed. This study uses a novel open-source multi-sensor remote sensing (multispectral, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and Interferometric SAR) approach to monitor the effectiveness of peatland rehabilitation in Ireland. Multi-sensor observations from six pilot sites were examined, representing a range from heavily degraded to largely intact sites. Multispectral analysis, through supervised classification, identified vegetation and moisture content changes in both restored and degraded sites but was limited by cloud cover. SAR analysis successfully showed changes in soil moisture and waterlogging, key factors for successful rehabilitation. The surface motion detectable from InSAR provided a valuable insight into rehabilitation effectiveness, such as reduced subsidence rates and positive ground elevation changes. The study demonstrates multi-sensor remote sensing has the potential to provide cost-effective monitoring for peatland rehabilitation and restoration at a local, regional and global scale. This approach supports nations in meeting their Paris Agreement and 2030 Climate and Energy Framework commitments by providing comprehensive insights into restoration progress and carbon sequestration.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Shannon, Jack\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Clongowes Wood College SJ\",\n        \"country\": \"Ireland\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24920\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:22.234328Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:464edf3820fc3c24864d657f17cdb926bccb7cd48575d496beafc7f4a5bf3aa0\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24920\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:23.616753Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6e736ed01c33e9c3c04f7f8ca1da5a7f329b606a2d0b1b630ac2e48faa7847d7\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24920\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV016-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6e736ed01c33e9c3c04f7f8ca1da5a7f329b606a2d0b1b630ac2e48faa7847d7\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24920\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:464edf3820fc3c24864d657f17cdb926bccb7cd48575d496beafc7f4a5bf3aa0\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ETSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ETSD020\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"First Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"First Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: NOT TO BE READ -- $200 cash prize for each Enrichment award recipient\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: Mawhiba Universal Enrichment Program awards (and a $200 cash prize)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Origami Chair: Always Accessible to Everyone, Everywhere\",\n    \"abstract\": \"As the global population continues to increase and natural calamities grow more severe, the pressing issue of inadequate seating in educational institutions poses a significant obstacle to students' learning experiences. To address this, I decided to develop a cost-effective solution aimed at facilitating the creation of robust and comfortable chairs accessible to all, thereby fostering enhanced educational outcomes and overall quality of life. Employing cardboard boxes as the primary material, I devised a straightforward manufacturing process inspired by principles of origami engineering and biomimetics.\\nMy initial focus centered on the prism shape, renowned for its ability to fold from one side while maintaining structural integrity from another. Subsequently, I explored minimalist configurations derived from this fundamental shape. Through rigorous theoretical analysis and practical experimentation, I examined the buckling thresholds of various geometries, ultimately discerning that a \\\"ribbon-type\\\" structure offered the optimal blend of simplicity, durability, and foldability. Notably, this represents a pioneering approach to crafting foldable chairs from a single cardboard box, complete with backrests and arm supports. Comprehensive stability and strength assessments conducted on the seat and backrest confirmed compliance with ISO standards, demonstrating resilience in supporting loads exceeding 130 kg while weighing a mere 670 g. Consequently, the design facilitates effortless customization by individuals of varying skill levels. Moving forward, my aspirations include further refining this innovation to provide critical aid in disaster-stricken regions and alleviate educational resource deficiencies in impoverished school settings.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Nakatsuji, Chiyo\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Oin High School\",\n        \"country\": \"Japan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24837\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:24.315113Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:32fc44471d898132465e0a585977b76ee87f6f80b3bbc8ddb0105b2fa723a5f8\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24837\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:25.598969Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:88e581d99b076dce4c32c3f499285d3c82eb0e7c79583c8b42598ddbcc2da2af\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24837\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ETSD020-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:88e581d99b076dce4c32c3f499285d3c82eb0e7c79583c8b42598ddbcc2da2af\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24837\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:32fc44471d898132465e0a585977b76ee87f6f80b3bbc8ddb0105b2fa723a5f8\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ETSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ETSD071\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"First Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"First Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Taming the Oblique Wing: Improving Fuel Efficiency by Developing and Flight Testing an Oblique Wing Aircraft Utilizing a Novel Control Method\",\n    \"abstract\": \"By leveraging modern flight computer capabilities, I designed and flight tested an oblique wing aircraft (an efficient variable-sweep design where one wing sweeps forward and the other sweeps aft) capable of significantly reducing the aerodynamic coupling issue, an improvement over NASA\u2019s manually flown oblique wings. After designing the model using computer-aided design and applying sweep theory to optimize the oblique sweep angle, I conducted a computational fluid dynamics simulation to analyze its performance. Analysis revealed that the simulated full-sized oblique wing aircraft could reduce drag by 9.2% compared to conventional symmetric designs, saving up to 25 billion dollars in global fuel costs and 96 million tonnes of annual CO2 emissions, validating the design. After constructing the test model, I overcame aerodynamic coupling by programming a custom-designed flight computer with a novel anti-coupling flight code. Using regression analysis with preliminary data from the flight data recorder, I extracted the coupling behavior of the model, which I used to tune the software. After three prototypes and 450 seconds of final flight data, statistical analysis revealed reduced coupling in roll-pitch and pitch-yaw up to 99% and 45%, respectively, though yaw-roll was left coupled for coordinated turning. The data also showed increased pilot control authority in all axes by at least 34%, indicating increased safety. My research demonstrates that the oblique wing\u2019s coupling challenges can be significantly reduced, reviving this now-overlooked design as a promising candidate for the next generation of fuel-efficient aircraft and urging further exploration and adoption of the oblique wing.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Shen, Kevin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Olympia High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"WA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25916\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:26.605805Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:77fccb3c941f60a05016e0f580e5a614f2d521a444a2c12b8f051fce0858e648\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25916\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:27.559141Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e8eccc2f90f0bc56eb38a10f67aba48068a47fffb98319bc71de5ae0c0408149\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25916\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ETSD071-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e8eccc2f90f0bc56eb38a10f67aba48068a47fffb98319bc71de5ae0c0408149\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25916\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:77fccb3c941f60a05016e0f580e5a614f2d521a444a2c12b8f051fce0858e648\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Mathematics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATH\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATH002\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"First Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"First Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Dudley R. Herschbach SIYSS Award\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Mathematical Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Mathematical Society: One-Year Membership to American Mathematical Society to each winner (7 winning projects, up to 3 team members per project)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Mathematical Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Mathematical Society: Second Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n        \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Symmetry, Fixed Points and Quantum Billiards: A Confluence of Ideas\",\n    \"abstract\": \"A mathematical billiard system is one composed of a planar or multidimensional surface and a moving object whose trajectory is defined by its initial position and speed vector, along with some reflection law. The study of these systems has yielded applications in quantum computing and physical modeling. The purpose of this research was to study a novel reflection law for billiard systems of regular n-gons in which an object starting on one of the sides and moving with any given slope reflects from a limited reflection towards the interior with a prescribed constant angle. I constructed the map for the position of such an object as a function of the starting point and the slope in the case of a regular triangle and square. In both cases, I have proved that the object\u2019s path converges to a stable inner rectangle or triangle, for all initial conditions and all slopes, on a square or triangular billiards respectively. I have also constructed a numerical model for the object\u2019s trajectory and determined equations yielding the speed of the object\u2019s convergence to a stable path. I have performed relevant simulations and discussed the resulting data in the context of the proposed model. The analysis of these systems can be used to develop independent control mechanisms for ground robots in delivery missions working within contested environments or simpler and smaller microchips in the form of quantum billiards with correlated electrons without the necessity of perfectly elastic collisions, offering an innovative way to encode information.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Oliva, Anna\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Carnegie Vanguard High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24779\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:28.297815Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4e67384206faa41f0dc58c29c9819868d16cd4bdab4233b00a722817218856e9\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24779\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:29.589990Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b05adf3b670e3978fdc56056838cd44901ca5de937a9c71460169a3f826c76df\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24779\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATH002-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b05adf3b670e3978fdc56056838cd44901ca5de937a9c71460169a3f826c76df\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24779\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:4e67384206faa41f0dc58c29c9819868d16cd4bdab4233b00a722817218856e9\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Microbiology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MCRO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MCRO023\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"First Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"First Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Bioinformatic Analysis of Foliar Fungal Endophytes in Litter Decomposition\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Plant litter decomposition is a key ecological process that plays a vital role in the global carbon cycle. While the effect of soil microbes on decomposition has been well studied, the role of fungal microbes within the leaf, or foliar fungal endophytes, remains largely unclear despite their ubiquity in all species of land plants. In the present study, the relationship between endophyte abundance and litter mass loss was examined in the Torrey pine (Pinus torreyana). Total DNA and RNA was extracted, followed by next-generation sequencing and bioinformatic analysis to identify core endophyte species across geographic regions. Endophyte abundance was discovered to be positively correlated with mass loss, and fungal strains OTU4 and OTU211 were most prevalent throughout all samples. A Naive Bayes algorithm was developed to more effectively classify mycological genuses based on their ITS1 sequences. Optimizing for hyperparameters led to a model accuracy of 94.0% with an AUC value of 97.1% as well as identification of OTU4 and OTU211 as the species Salinomyces thailandica and Aulographina pinorum, respectively. With the high accuracy of the model and novel CTAB protocol, this work is the first of its kind in this field.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Chang, Matthew\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Woodbridge High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25549\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:30.353730Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:256bfb7ed083fb4990fbc92b6d2c63f5b6b45ac503fdf9aa834997810b3fd838\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25549\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:22:31.656936Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8ead9e0974ad55f28a7b9f98ead322f8a409b04b1d6d4ea6900b7dedcf8f9071\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25549\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MCRO023-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8ead9e0974ad55f28a7b9f98ead322f8a409b04b1d6d4ea6900b7dedcf8f9071\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25549\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:256bfb7ed083fb4990fbc92b6d2c63f5b6b45ac503fdf9aa834997810b3fd838\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PHYS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PHYS057\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"First Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"First Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"First Award of $5,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Dudley R. Herschbach SIYSS Award\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Shanghai Science Association for Young Talents\",\n        \"raw\": \"Shanghai Science Association for Young Talents: Award\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Novel Hadronization Model Explaining Charm-Quark Hadronization in Different Collision Systems Through Yet-Unobserved Excited States and Cluster Volume Dependence\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The study of hadronization, the process of quarks combined into hadrons, is pivotal for understanding the universe's formation, yet current theories inadequately explain this process.  This study investigated the recently observed anomaly in charm-quark hadronization\u2013an elevated baryon-to-meson ratio in pp collisions challenging the assumption of hadronization universality. // Starting from the hypothesis that possible production of yet-unobserved excited states causing the anomaly, 294 yet-unobserved excited states were incorporated into Statistical Hadronization Model calculation. Aiming to explain the full experimental picture of hadronization, the model underwent two significant refinements: the introduction of a cluster volume scheme and a rapidity dependence scheme. // The model accurately predicted the increase in charm baryon production, approaching the observed baryon-to-meson ratios with no more than 4% errors. The cluster volume dependence scheme extended the model\u2019s relevance, making it applicable to pp, ep, and e+e- collisions across all energy levels; the rapidity dependence scheme precisely described the charm hadron production in both mid-rapidity (|y|<0.5) and forward rapidity (2 0.9), construct validity (confirmatory factor analysis: CFI > 0.95, RMSEA < 0.05), and accuracy (area under the ROC curve > 0.9), confirming its effectiveness in identifying dyslexia risk.\\nArabLexify represents a groundbreaking advancement in Arabic dyslexia screening, offering a scientifically validated, accessible tool that addresses the unique linguistic challenges faced by Arabic-speaking children. Its integration into educational settings promises early identification, ultimately enhancing the academic and psychosocial outcomes for children with dyslexia in the Arab world.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Sakr, Mohamed\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Obour STEM School\",\n        \"country\": \"Egypt\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25634\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:02.696989Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:cbcf82de5dfd12b48ec7b51e8b05219c32251ca58abd522e0b68736965c75a8d\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25634\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:04.013505Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:83d8f67616e0823d6b53eb48069f6f71f91a556f746fdb6025cbd9c515356c42\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25634\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BEHA037-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:83d8f67616e0823d6b53eb48069f6f71f91a556f746fdb6025cbd9c515356c42\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25634\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:cbcf82de5dfd12b48ec7b51e8b05219c32251ca58abd522e0b68736965c75a8d\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BEHA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BEHA053\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Quantifying the Impact of Urban Form and Residential Zoning Law on the Housing Market\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The state of Hawai?i is facing a severe housing crisis, characterized by some of the highest housing costs in the nation and a growing exodus of residents. At the same time, cities across the US, particularly Honolulu, are grappling with a uniquely American urban planning crisis known as suburban sprawling\u2014when the urban environment is dominated by single use, single family housing development: the result of restrictive zoning law. The purpose of this research is to explore the role of such zoning law on the housing market by utilizing geospatial and econometric analysis to quantify the relationship between urban form and housing costs, and utilizing bivariate and multivariate regression models to predict how changes in zoning law will affect housing costs in a vacuum. The results of this research imply that the current legal framework for zoning has led to the domination of detached, single family housing while leaving little room for affordable development, and that that a higher share of mixed use, multifamily zoning will lead to more affordable housing.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Tarui, Chisato\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Iolani School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"HI\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25800\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:04.738227Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:257c159aa9be2ee34bd714c19172e405ea98dd83bb885a0b566cc4ad7c91983b\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25800\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:06.318863Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:609ab9be85d1ebd82b4d22b1e0ed63bb4c8346a920d942eda0bb63f6557c3bf9\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25800\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BEHA053-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:609ab9be85d1ebd82b4d22b1e0ed63bb4c8346a920d942eda0bb63f6557c3bf9\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25800\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:257c159aa9be2ee34bd714c19172e405ea98dd83bb885a0b566cc4ad7c91983b\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BEHA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BEHA059\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Identifying Underlying Brain Connections in Pediatric ADHD: A Pathway to Early Diagnosis and Reduced Secondary Effects\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition affecting millions worldwide. It's marked by difficulties in attention control and impulse management, impacting daily life and development. Despite its prevalence, diagnosing ADHD can be challenging, especially for certain groups like girls, as current methods rely heavily on observable behaviors and ineffective questionnaires. This project aimed to enhance our understanding of Pediatric ADHD by analyzing brain data (EEG, fMRI) of children through development. My investigation consisted of two objectives: identifying brain connectivity patterns linked to ADHD and exploring how the disorder develops over time. To do this, I utilized Deep Learning techniques to build custom \u201cdigital models\u201d of these brains. Then I applied feature extraction to these models to identify relationship and correlations with ADHD diagnosis. Results show that over time, brain activity in the frontopolar, parietal, occipital lobes are most telling of ADHD. Additionally, I also identified a unique relationship between the brain\u2019s frontal cortex and the centers responsible for information processing. This analysis lays the groundwork for novel applications, such as BrainSync, which is a novel diagnostic tool that uses cognitive tests for targeted assessment of the areas identified in my study. By applying these findings, we can improve ADHD diagnosis and develop tailored interventions for better outcomes.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Pappula, Medha\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"VA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25657\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:06.941947Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f19549e20d3d11e284a374bc9581c9ddc8859f01099ec2b54adb766fee82fc50\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25657\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:08.401897Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:86f0798817294a518d991a62eaac484bf03a8d6cb76d9b014d00a78def5b9162\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25657\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BEHA059-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:86f0798817294a518d991a62eaac484bf03a8d6cb76d9b014d00a78def5b9162\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25657\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:f19549e20d3d11e284a374bc9581c9ddc8859f01099ec2b54adb766fee82fc50\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED006\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Drug, Chemical &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Associated Technologies Association (DCAT)\",\n        \"raw\": \"Associated Technologies Association (DCAT): DCAT First Prize\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Preclinical Investigation to Develop Anti-Platelet and Cholesterol-Lowering Agent for Prevention and Treatment of Stroke\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Purpose of this investigation is to develop a new safe and effective therapy for stroke. Nearly a quarter of global deaths each year are caused by blood clotting. High cholesterol and platelet aggregation are the two major risk factors for stroke. Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) plays a major role in platelet aggregation and atherosclerotic plaque formation. Currently there are no approved small molecule inhibitors of PCSK9. It is hypothesized that if PCSK9 plays a key role in clot formation, and increases atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability, then PCSK9 inhibitors could be developed as new agents for prevention and treatment of stroke. The crystal structure of PCSK9 enzyme was obtained from the Protein Data Bank and the five molecules with high affinity to PCSK9 were selected using molecular docking mode. The selected molecules were screened for PCSK9 inhibitory activity using ELISA method. Anti-platelet activity (preventing clotting) of PAC was tested using platelet aggregometer. Proanthocyanidin (PAC) was determined to be the best PCSK9 inhibitor. PAC concentration vs PCSK9 inhibition activity appeared to be in sigmoid shape. PAC was found to be a potent platelet inhibitor and it reduced LDL-cholesterol levels. PAC inhibited PCSK9 in a concentration range of 100 to 1000 \u00b5M. PAC demonstrated remarkable antiplatelet activity compared to the control (p<0.001). As PAC is not water-soluble, a nanoemulsion with globule size of around 140 nm was prepared to make it suitable for oral administration.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Palakurthi, Sharmada\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"W.B. Ray High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24940\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:08.995761Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:94f09f8464fb97204ef1ff68b24a42e2d2a3de4b7d70b9d19b07cae74f25f73d\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24940\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:10.333260Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:62e2502a4839723ffdde2be546187e81df095da50b7d57afcc3fa3fa978a2b0f\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24940\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED006-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:62e2502a4839723ffdde2be546187e81df095da50b7d57afcc3fa3fa978a2b0f\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24940\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:94f09f8464fb97204ef1ff68b24a42e2d2a3de4b7d70b9d19b07cae74f25f73d\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED037\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Serving Society Through Science\",\n        \"raw\": \"Serving Society Through Science: First Award of $1000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Recasting an Anti-Psychotic as a Prevention for Multiple Arthritides: Discovery of a Novel Receptor and Mechanism of Action\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Gout is the most prevalent inflammatory joint disease, affecting 2-4% of the global population. It causes disability, reduced quality of life, and increased mortality as well as tens of billions of dollars annually in direct and indirect healthcare and economic costs. Current therapies for gout are suboptimal and often induce serious adverse events. Using three nationwide health insurance databases of over 200 million people, I identified a surprising association between the use of Haldol, which is FDA-approved for treating mental disorders, and a significant reduction in the risk of developing gout by employing Cox hazards regression models and Kaplan Meier survival analyses. I also discovered the Ragulator anchor protein as a novel receptor for Haldol using multiple protein-ligand interaction pulldown assays. I found that Haldol blocked the aggregation of NLRP3 with this anchor protein, thereby identifying a new mechanism of action for the anti-inflammatory activity of Haldol. Using computational modeling, I also developed structural insights into the interaction of Haldol with this novel receptor. These studies identify Haldol as a novel modulator of innate immunity that could potentially be repurposed for gout and other inflammatory arthritides, which cause profound disability in hundreds of millions of people worldwide.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ambati, Vidya\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Albemarle High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"VA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25636\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:11.029405Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:94a0e0f4b3b11923641b28313baf7f94bcb0f51a4ea8d612ee4e2ea1e493e95c\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25636\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:12.391474Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:57b95b4460699f24cdea46c38ebb4695968982fad7ca0d5e81d2d5b5baa98167\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25636\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED037-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:57b95b4460699f24cdea46c38ebb4695968982fad7ca0d5e81d2d5b5baa98167\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25636\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:94a0e0f4b3b11923641b28313baf7f94bcb0f51a4ea8d612ee4e2ea1e493e95c\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED054\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"STING-rich Ciliated Cells Protect the Fallopian Tube From Early Transformation in the Development of Ovarian Cancer\",\n    \"abstract\": \"High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) remains the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women. It has recently been demonstrated that stimulator-of-interferon genes (STING) is highly expressed in the fallopian tube epithelium (FTE), with its highest expression concentrated in ciliated cells; however, STING\u2019s expression is lost in HGSOC. It remains unknown at which stage along HGSOC\u2019s development STING is lost. Given STING\u2019s well-studied role as a sensor of genomic stress and the fact that in HGSOC, tumorigenesis is driven by the genomic stress of monthly ovulation, I hypothesized that loss of STING-expressing cells may permit the accumulation of genomic stress. I then assessed the tumor- suppressive role of STING through accumulation of DNA damage markers, p53 activity, and cell survival. I demonstrate that loss of STING activity is a driver of early-stage disease by permitting the accumulation of genomic instability. Despite evidence that STING-deficient cells acquire equal or higher DNA damage when challenged with an ovulation memetic, these cells are able to evade apoptosis resulting in unabated cell growth. This study also demonstrates that STING is lost in humans in the earliest known precursor lesions of the fallopian tube, p53 signatures, indicating that this event is an early and prevalent feature in the development of FTE-derived HGSOC. Taken together, these data indicate that loss of STING may permit a fertile ground for a pro-proliferative and mutagenic microenvironment in the fallopian tube, driving malignancy.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Baldassarre, Justin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Hastings High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25627\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:13.455459Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e5b94a4dea9397b41f7632d45e75046f454eedbc087830be9f8d0405be39a009\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25627\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:14.422863Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7ca3ee262d5feac1889541c15c3d3fe1a8dd578eeae70285495f8ff73c835977\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25627\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED054-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7ca3ee262d5feac1889541c15c3d3fe1a8dd578eeae70285495f8ff73c835977\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25627\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:e5b94a4dea9397b41f7632d45e75046f454eedbc087830be9f8d0405be39a009\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED057\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Unraveling the Complex Interplay Between Immune Cells and Cancer Progression Utilizing a Novel Application of an Artificial Neural Network\",\n    \"abstract\": \"1 in 5 people develop cancer in their lifetime. Due to treatment inefficiency, cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. Deciphering immune cell-cancer cell interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME) is paramount for developing effective cancer treatments. This research developed a novel artificial neural network (ANN) to successfully uncover the interplay between immune cells and cancer gene sets. It addressed hidden crosstalk among immune cells, tumor heterogeneity, and TME interconnection through its multi-layer model architecture, enabling simultaneous analysis of all components. Using data from 70 patients across six solid cancers, gene expression and bulk RNA-seq data were normalized in R programming. This selected 54,675 probes and 51,140 TPM values per sample for subsequent analysis. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was then conducted to gather normalized enrichment scores (NES) for five major gene sets. CIBERSORT was used for immune cell fractions, with feature selection choosing seven significant immune cell types. Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) augmented and generated 1,050 predictors and 750 responses for the ANN. The model was trained using TensorFlow's Sequential class, involving meticulous hyperparameter tuning and backpropagation. The model achieved 92% accuracy and an R-squared value of 0.93, effectively predicting the correlation between immune cells and cancer gene sets. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to reveal the impact of individual immune cell types. This model allows tailored treatments based on unique TME profiles, reducing treatment inefficiency, and revealing novel therapeutic targets. This model conducts years of lab research in mere hours with optimal accuracy.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Appala, Sreeja\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"South Iredell High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NC\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25500\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:15.217423Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7cad5b126cad34510d62995ff88b53d5468efc40b0befe13ab6ad396c541be09\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25500\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:16.448702Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:cf1fc6967c476bd4520b43a04b2a38e4830766e658dc9abeb6cfdcf2759b607c\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25500\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED057-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:cf1fc6967c476bd4520b43a04b2a38e4830766e658dc9abeb6cfdcf2759b607c\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25500\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:7cad5b126cad34510d62995ff88b53d5468efc40b0befe13ab6ad396c541be09\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED059\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Integrated Stress Response Activation Discovered to Be the Predominant Response to Mitochondrial Dysfunction: A Therapeutic Target Advancement\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Our bodies continually encounter genetic and developmental stresses, activating stress-responsive signaling pathways to promote proteostasis. However, when these stresses persist and signaling pathways malfunction, they contribute to pathogenesis. The lack of specific therapeutic targets has spurred interest in defining the molecular mechanisms regulating cellular proteostasis in response to pathological stress. The Unfolded Protein Response governs cellular physiology in reaction to endoplasmic reticulum stress. Similarly, the Integrated Stress Response also corrects pathogenesis, selectively phosphorylating eIF2-alpha kinases to activate transcription factors. Nonetheless,  the ISR's role in mitigating etiology remains unknown. Post-validation of our gene-set profiling approach using known UPR targets, we monitored the expression of genesets regulated downstream of signaling pathways with perturb-seq datasets from K562 cells CRISPRi-depleted of mitochondrial proteostasis factors. We observed ISR activation predominantly in response to broad-scale mitochondrial disruption, identifying promising therapeutic targets: IARS2, PRELID3B, SLC25A42, TIMM23B, and TOMM22. Gene Ontology revealed roles in mitochondrial protein processing and targeting among ISR target genes. These findings highlight the ISR as the primary stress-responsive pathway activated by mitochondrial proteotoxic stress, presenting a unique opportunity to target it for correcting mitochondrial dysfunction in diseases like diabetes, linked to beta-cell anomalies due to mitochondrial dysfunction. This novel gene-set profiling approach holds promise for identifying therapeutic targets and biomarkers across the proteome, advancing efforts to mitigate cancer, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Khattar, Zinia\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Del Norte High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25243\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:17.065727Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1fced1a7ee9b0ae3ed7daf501708897fe81d25fc279ad1ff964baffd3d29f041\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25243\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:18.414932Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:115ef61825feb3836a306f17a1b3213a81be4996fc07dc3c5dd79f63fad3fca7\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25243\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED059-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:115ef61825feb3836a306f17a1b3213a81be4996fc07dc3c5dd79f63fad3fca7\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25243\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:1fced1a7ee9b0ae3ed7daf501708897fe81d25fc279ad1ff964baffd3d29f041\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CBIO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CBIO023\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Chromoplexy Rearrangements: Investigating the Functional and Diagnostic Role of Novel Mutational Mechanisms Uncovered In Cancer Genomes\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Conventionally, tumorigenesis is understood as a gradual accumulation of genetic mutations. Yet, chromoplexy rearrangements (ChRs) are a mutational phenomenon characterized by highly complex, genomic rearrangements which rapidly fragment and restitch across a genome. Though these mutational mechanisms suggest a distinct form of cancer progression, ChRs lack comprehensive analysis across cancers due to their extremely complex, interchromosomal mechanisms genome-wide. These biological complexities drive genomic heterogeneity and instability, which in turn hinder the computational accuracy of deciphering these mechanisms. As a result, there exists no systematic analysis of the significance of this phenomenon in cancer pathogenesis. This research presents a novel computational paradigm towards unraveling complex, interchromosomal patterns of ChRs, revealing high fidelity in reconstructing and uncovering complex mutational patterns across cancer genomes. Using the models developed, 301 instances of ChRs were discovered across 23 cancers. To examine their significance as mutational mechanisms in genomes, ChRs were analyzed on a genetic, genomic, and clinical scale. Bioinformatics analyses revealed the pan-cancer significance of ChRs in driving oncogenic amplification, inactivation of tumor-suppressor genes, and genomic instability as well as significance in lower clinical survival, as observed in a case-study ChR. The interchromosomal, sporadic patterns of ChRs have hindered a comprehensive analysis of their significance in cancer genomes. Yet, this research reveals a novel computational framework for uncovering these mutational mechanisms as well as discovering the key genetic, genomic, and clinical significance of ChRs in cancer pathogenesis.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Sahota, Jaspreet\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Sanger West High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25251\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:19.069379Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bdb99fa72e3b7c39ce8e7a166bbd9f1eb37df2c2e553fa67c2974e6f8ed87a6b\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25251\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:20.411753Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:de8a26e51212dc4791cb8361c4725a66b288e0c9a818b2fd0e0374fc2aa566fe\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25251\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CBIO023-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:de8a26e51212dc4791cb8361c4725a66b288e0c9a818b2fd0e0374fc2aa566fe\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25251\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:bdb99fa72e3b7c39ce8e7a166bbd9f1eb37df2c2e553fa67c2974e6f8ed87a6b\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CBIO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CBIO043\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n        \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n        \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Elucidating RSV-Host Protein-Protein Interactions: Novel implementation of Graph Attention Networks (GAT) and Structural Visualization\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) poses significant health risks, especially to infants under six months and adults over 65. The objective of this study is to deepen the understanding of structural reasons behind the annual RSV's resurgence and its capability to evade immune responses. The novel solution employs a Graph Attention Network (GAT), end-to-end pipeline to elucidate RSV F-Fusion Protein-Host Interactions with Structural Visualizations. This innovative approach involves processing 136 RSV genomic strands, identifying affected peptides, and employing a multimodel-GAT trained on Protein-Protein Interactions (PPI) for interactions between the RSV Fusion proteins and ICAM-1 host protein. Remarkably, this model trained on 5600 viral and functional proteins, achieving 97% training accuracy and operates on Google Colab, making it accessible for research and clinical applications. The approach uses genomic sequence translations, 3D predictions with AlphaFold, predicts RSV Protein-to-Host Cell interaction probabilities using Graph Attention Network, spotlights peptides resistant to mutations across different RSV strains, and delves into the specific residues' roles in protein conformation, to offer an interaction probability metric to advance molecular understanding. In conclusion, the study reveals that Domain II of the RSV F Fusion protein is the most stable segment, incurring the least mutations (only two), earmarking it as an ideal candidate for neutralizing antibodies. In contrast, Domains III, IV, and I displayed progressively more mutations\u20148, 36, and 60 respectively\u2014underscoring their fluctuating stability. The solution provides critical insights for RSV intervention strategies, illustrating the impact of sophisticated computational models in medical research.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Lakshminarasimhan, Aditya\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"BASIS Scottsdale\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AZ\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25926\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:21.086369Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e6a467507faff5ff7c5e3a6d75950a92b8ac40df8a184e206c7a05e6aa728c9f\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25926\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:23.159225Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8077d29bfede708e35d9af33b72853b8780c9d5bf5e6f6a6338ca9a526ee0a61\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25926\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CBIO043-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8077d29bfede708e35d9af33b72853b8780c9d5bf5e6f6a6338ca9a526ee0a61\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25926\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:e6a467507faff5ff7c5e3a6d75950a92b8ac40df8a184e206c7a05e6aa728c9f\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CBIO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CBIO048\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"De Novo Drug Design as GPT Language Modeling: Large Chemistry Models With Supervised and Reinforcement Learning\",\n    \"abstract\": \"In recent years, generative machine learning algorithms have been successful in designing innovative drug-like molecules. SMILES is a sequence-like language used in most effective drug design models. Due to the data\u2019s sequential structure, models such as recurrent neural networks and transformers can design pharmacological compounds with optimized efficacy. Large language models have advanced recently, but their implications on drug design have not yet been explored. Although one study successfully pre-trained a large chemistry model (LCM), its application to specific tasks in drug discovery is unknown. In this study, the drug design task is modeled as a causal language modeling problem. Thus, the procedure of reward modeling, supervised fine-tuning, and proximal policy optimization was used to transfer the LCM to drug design, similar to Open AI's ChatGPT and InstructGPT procedures. By combining the SMILES sequence with chemical descriptors, the novel efficacy evaluation model exceeded its performance compared to previous studies. After proximal policy optimization, the drug design model generated molecules with 99.2% having efficacy pIC50 > 7 towards the amyloid precursor protein, with 100% of the generated molecules being valid and novel. This demonstrated the applicability of LCMs in drug discovery, with benefits including less data consumption while fine-tuning. The applicability of LCMs to drug discovery opens the door for larger studies involving reinforcement learning with human feedback, where chemists provide feedback to LCMs and generate higher-quality molecules. LCMs\u2019 ability to design similar molecules from datasets paves the way for more accessible, non-patented alternatives to drug molecules.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ye, Gavin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25995\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:23.774909Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:eed5e8d2657725872867fb81b9dd9ddba207b2f496d4594de638695b5db15f86\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25995\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:25.176146Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8a2919e3e18dd57a5231e718cacde275c1fdd972a9ded9018f8386492be6cd24\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25995\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CBIO048-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8a2919e3e18dd57a5231e718cacde275c1fdd972a9ded9018f8386492be6cd24\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25995\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:eed5e8d2657725872867fb81b9dd9ddba207b2f496d4594de638695b5db15f86\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CELL\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CELL012\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Selenoprotein O Protects Against Oxidative Stress and Incorporates Various Nucleotides in AMPylation\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Selenoprotein O (SelO) is a mitochondrial pseudokinase enzyme that AMPylates, or transfers an AMP molecule to, cellular proteins. However, SelO\u2019s role as an AMPylator in oxidative stress response is largely unknown. It was hypothesized that if SelO mitigates oxidative stress induced by diamide, a sulfhydryl oxidizer, and attenuates homeostatic dysfunction induced by metal deficiency by 2\u20192-dipridyl, then there will increased viability as compared to the knockout without SelO present. SelO conventionally utilizes ATP to conduct AMPylation. However, recent studies have shown that another known mammalian AMPylator, FicD, not only utilizes but also selectively prefers alternative nucleotides called diadenosine polyphosphates (ApnAs) for AMPylation. ApnAs, also termed alarmones, are structurally similar to ATP and are present in high concentrations during oxidative stress, signaling homeostatic imbalance. It was hypothesized that SelO can potentially utilize ApnAs in autoAMPylation. A nucleotide screening was conducted investigating Ap3A, Ap4A, Ap5A, ADP, AMP, and ATP in AMPylation assays with SelO, followed by visualization with Western Blotting. Viability assays were conducted by measuring optical density (OD600) at 30-minute increments to construct a growth curve. It was found that ATP was utilized most extensively as a cosubstrate by SelO, followed by Ap3A and ADP. Wild-type strains of E. coli with SelO presented increased viability in iron-deficient environments and under oxidative stress as compared to Knockout. These results highlight that SelO\u2019s function as an AMPylator also rescues the cell from oxidative stress and presents a potential avenue for further research into its overarching role in the cell.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Jaffery, Zehra\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Plano West Senior High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24879\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:26.361300Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:45eae0fa3814172f99ce8d7f139c6de3322e220d29f3e36f5c35526bb0a83618\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24879\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:27.498986Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:55980523a861d337bdec0320f029097e7f3258356c89c8b48be87389fa27a267\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24879\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CELL012-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:55980523a861d337bdec0320f029097e7f3258356c89c8b48be87389fa27a267\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24879\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:45eae0fa3814172f99ce8d7f139c6de3322e220d29f3e36f5c35526bb0a83618\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CELL\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CELL022\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Harnessing the Signalosome to Enhance Ex-Vivo Generation of Tumor Antigen-Specific T Cells\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The adoptive transfer of tumor antigen-specific T cells (ASTs) can serve as an effective immunotherapy against pediatric solid tumors of the central nervous system (CNS). However, current methods of T cell engineering are time-inefficient. With prolonged inactivity, tumoral diversification may occur, resulting in worsened medical outcomes. Understanding this, attempts were undergone at hastening cell therapy manufacturing techniques through signalosome ligands (SLs). It was anticipated that by providing correct stimuli to T cells, they may be developed as memory-trained, producing an immune response. CMV-pp65 was of focus. Donor-derived PBMCs of varying CMV serostatus were expanded with CMV-pp65 and SLs. Cells were stimulated in-vitro with subsequent analysis of IFN-y secretion. Short-term expansion of CMV seropositive cells with CCL21 resulted in CMV-ASTs. Short-term expansion with pp65/ICAM-1 and isolated pp65 additionally produced ASTs. Thus, time-based immunotherapeutic manufacturing efficiency increased significantly with SLs. Phenotypic characterization via flow cytometry revealed a relatively higher proportion of CD8 T cells in expanded CMV seropositive cells.\\nDemonstrating the ability to effectively stimulate ASTs in CMV, RNA-seq differential expression analysis was performed to determine antigens of interest, targeting CNS tumors. Data was stratified by tumor reference specificity to examine differential expression between tumor site-specific and generalized healthy tissue of the CNS. Predictive MHC-peptide bond strength analysis was subsequently undergone to determine respective magnitudes of immunogenicity in upregulated genes. TOP2A and CCNB2 were identified as promising antigens of interest in AST development for pediatric tumors of the CNS.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Bartrum, Olivia\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Wakefield High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"VA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25055\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:28.122089Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1b388851e1c551134d87887ca14203e2ad331a4414bd33f5dec28cbfeae34f32\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25055\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:29.844540Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:36b99498f82577d2d73ee4941efd0b5bb51ada9dd3c1edb8378169283111aa44\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25055\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CELL022-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:36b99498f82577d2d73ee4941efd0b5bb51ada9dd3c1edb8378169283111aa44\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25055\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:1b388851e1c551134d87887ca14203e2ad331a4414bd33f5dec28cbfeae34f32\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CELL\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CELL035\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Autophagy in Non-Cell Autonomous Regulation of Adipogenesis\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Age-related metabolic disorders often result from the dysfunction in adipose tissue, which is responsible for energy storage and mobilization. Formation of the adipose tissue or adipogenesis involves the differentiation of pre-adipocytes into adipocytes, which requires remodeling of the whole pool of cellular proteins (proteome). Chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) is a selective form of lysosomal protein degradation that degrades damaged proteins and remodels the functional proteome for regulatory purposes. CMA activity decreases with age, leading to the extracellular release of undegraded products. Here, I propose a model whereby CMA loss with age in pre-adipocytes leads to the extracellular release of undegraded products that may interfere with adipogenesis and contribute to adipose tissue malfunctioning in aging. I found that media collected from CMA-deficient mouse adipose progenitor cells, when added to differentiating normal pre-adipocytes in culture, increased intracellular lipid storage, suggesting upregulation of adipogenesis. To investigate if similar cell-extrinsic deregulation of adipogenesis occurs in vivo and if it could be driven by CMA blockage in distal tissues, I analyzed white adipose tissue from mice with CMA blockage in neurons and found increased expression of several adipocyte genes, indicating possible upregulation of adipogenesis. My results raise the possibility that decline in CMA with age promotes global changes in the extracellular environment that contribute to non-cell autonomous deregulation of distal organ function. The paracrine and endocrine consequences of CMA failure on adipogenesis identified in my work justify future efforts to restore CMA as a possible therapeutic intervention against the metabolic syndrome of aging.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Khitrov, Kevin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Ardsley High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25592\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:30.444272Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e25220f02f1c0c39fa6fafbe1c0cb38bf4d9f876aa95dd48feb1fed1d97785e9\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25592\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:32.030353Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b3b8fcb299e64d7b0a9a8c78b7251ee03ff77f601db9a074a523aec95ff8611b\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25592\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CELL035-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b3b8fcb299e64d7b0a9a8c78b7251ee03ff77f601db9a074a523aec95ff8611b\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25592\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:e25220f02f1c0c39fa6fafbe1c0cb38bf4d9f876aa95dd48feb1fed1d97785e9\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM019\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Development of a Photocaged Cathepsin B Inhibitor With Increased Lysosome Uptake and Light-activated Biological Functions\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Cathepsin B in lysosome is a cysteine protease that plays an important role in various pathological processes including many cancers. Therefore, it is a cancer protein biomarker. A method to control the activity of unregulated cathepsin B promotes the understanding of its role in various biological pathways. Eventually, it could lead to therpeutic solutions of cancer.\\nAc-LVK-CHO is a tripeptide inhibitor that can control cathepsin B activity. However, the aldehyde group of Ac-LVK-CHO is unstable, which hampers its applications. In order to address this problem, a photocaged 2-nitrobenzyl group is introduced to protect the aldehyde functional group. After entering the cell, the 2-nitrobenzyl group can be deprotected upon UV light irradiation, restoring the inhibition of Ac-LVK-CHO on cathepsin B. Moreover, a targeting group morpholine is also introduced on Ac-LVK-CHO to increase lysosome uptake of the inhibitor.\\nIn this study, I have synthesized the inhibitor Ac-LVK-CHO and modified it with the photocaged 2-nitrobenzyl group and the targeting group morpholine to form the dual caged inhibitor Ac-LVK(EMOR)-2NB. It is decomposed within 30 seconds, and fully converted into Ac-LVK-CHO after 2 minutes of irradiation. Ac-LVK(EMOR)-2NB is stable in pH 4 and pH 9 conditions without irradiation and inhibits cathepsin B after irradiation. Furthermore, in Hela cells, after irradiation, the dual caged inhibitor can inhibit cellular cathepsin B. In addition, the dual caged inhibitor can be better directed into lysosome.\\nThrough spatial and temporal control by irradiation, this dual caged inhibitor, Ac-LVK(EMOR)-2NB, can be used as a tool for investigating different scientific categories, such as cell heterogeneity and single-cell biology.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Lin, Jasmine\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Taipei First Girls High School\",\n        \"country\": \"Taiwan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24956\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:32.624175Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bb8c320aa6b07541cf3b02aae54642e7e1429112ee88d3606612182c52d5f381\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24956\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:34.272060Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9398a3620de739f8b1f805fd3a9e5963506b67ed58e669b62c83bfd394eedaac\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24956\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM019-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9398a3620de739f8b1f805fd3a9e5963506b67ed58e669b62c83bfd394eedaac\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24956\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:bb8c320aa6b07541cf3b02aae54642e7e1429112ee88d3606612182c52d5f381\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM036\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Chemical Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Chemical Society: Fourth Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Synergistic Development of Perovskite Oxide Electrocatalysts Through Metal-Organic Framework Precursors for Energy Conversion Applications\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The growing global energy demand and environmental concerns have highlighted green hydrogen as a promising solution due to its potential for clean energy production. Pursuing the exploration of new,  efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen production holds promise for sustainable and economical alternatives to noble metal-based counterparts. In this work, an innovative strategy that involves MOF precursors has been utilized for the fabrication of cost-effective perovskite oxides that enable high compositional flexibility. Compared to the traditional sol-gel technique for perovskite oxide synthesis, a novel one-pot method was employed. This involved the preparation of MIL-100(Fe) and ZIF-67 precursors, followed by calcination to successfully produce core-shell carbon-coated lanthanum-based perovskite oxides. Their characterization and formation were confirmed by PXRD and EDX. The developed MOF-derived perovskites displayed a higher specific surface area of 81.82 m2/g compared to 9.9 m2/g of the pristine perovskite. The electrocatalytic performance of the MOF-derived perovskites in LSV experiments surpassed that of the pristine perovskite by over 100%, even outperforming commercial IrO2 with an onset potential of 0.23 V at 10 mA/cm2. The electrochemical stability of the MOF-derived perovskites was tested for 7 hours, demonstrating excellent durability. This innovative synthesis methodology presents significant promise for the sustainable synthesis and development of various perovskite oxide electrocatalysts, addressing energy and environmental challenges.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Alyousef, Abeer\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Dohat Alibdaa International Schools\",\n        \"country\": \"Saudi Arabia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25324\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:34.871541Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:55e719a7e91e8b44f065c2da6d502bdcca960e99f62ca459fb01b1b9435bd54d\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25324\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:36.199953Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b7504624d8f0f4fea67c88f1985a00a38f351fbe89429ca3495aae10f1d34db8\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25324\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM036-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b7504624d8f0f4fea67c88f1985a00a38f351fbe89429ca3495aae10f1d34db8\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25324\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:55e719a7e91e8b44f065c2da6d502bdcca960e99f62ca459fb01b1b9435bd54d\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM051T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"From Crown to Current Year III: Engineering Cellulosic Fiber-Based Battery Cells - A Safe and Scalable Alternative to Lithium Technology\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Steadfast technological advancements have driven notable growth in the demand for efficient and affordable power sources, with production of the lithium-ion battery surging nearly 700% in the past 10 years. Unfortunately, the lithium-ion presents numerous detrimental effects which make its widespread usage concerning. From the release of hazardous chemicals to the use of expensive metals, lithium batteries are often rendered unsustainable and dangerous. This study focuses on producing a safe and scalable battery composition through the utilization of cellulosic waste materials, biochemical reactions between naturally-occurring cofactors and plant flavonoids, and a customized biopolymer structural system. Cellulosic material extracted from the pineapple crown leaf was implemented into the electrodes, coating, and supports as a biodegradable binding agent. Two metabolic supplements, riboflavin and quercetin, were employed to facilitate a reversible redox reaction alongside graphene for enhanced conductivity. To promote longevity and durability, a protective biopolymer coating was fabricated from cellulosic waste material. Noteworthy cell compositions produced statistically comparable electrochemical performance to the lithium composition, possess one-third the weight of the Li-ion, and are three times less expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, the electrode formulations within these cells demonstrate efficient redox activity through cyclic voltammetry, while EIS and galvanostatic testing depict promising interfacial relationships. With further development to minimize premature oxidation during the manufacturing process, this composition displays the potential to serve as an economical and biodegradable alternative to the traditional lithium battery composition.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Mundra, Shivani\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"College Park High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Puza, Madelyn\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"College Park High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25502\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:36.876599Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9ad916d2937860f496018176d329005e453d8919290fb28314f19182af2fbbbc\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25502\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:38.196008Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f544f4f96b01e0d3a79dac1ac83ce8ad4ca1be0e939966e3e40910a85ca27f10\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25502\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM051T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f544f4f96b01e0d3a79dac1ac83ce8ad4ca1be0e939966e3e40910a85ca27f10\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25502\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:9ad916d2937860f496018176d329005e453d8919290fb28314f19182af2fbbbc\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM066\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Novel Elastomeric Polystyrene via Photopolymerization and Post-Functionalization of Durable Ultra-High Molecular Weight Perfluorostyrene Copolymer\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The development of durable and sustainable plastics is essential for the advancement of our society. Ultra-high Molecular Weight (UHMW) polymers are highly attractive due to the extreme durability and material properties granted by increased polymer entanglements. Previously, I conducted the first well-controlled, photoiniferter-mediated polymerization of UHMW polystyrene homopolymers up to 2.0 x 10^6 g/mol, and subsequently showed facile post-functionalization via nucleophilic aromatic substitution. In this project, I performed a quantitative modification of my polymer with dodecanethiol through a thiol-para-fluoro \\\"click\\\" reaction, yielding a rare and novel thermoplastic elastomer from a polystyrene homopolymer. Rheological analysis of this polymer showed properties unique to thermoset plastics, which are unrecyclable due to the covalent crosslinks between polymer chains. Despite the clear lack of covalent linking in my polymer, it exhibited similar behavior, suggesting that it could be used as a reprocessable alternative to these thermosets. Via aminolysis of RAFT-mediated poly(butyl acrylate) (pBA) and \\\"grafting-to,\\\" I access ultra-long brush copolymers, which dramatically increase the viscoelasticity of the resulting pBA mixture. My findings illustrate my polymers viability as a template for further modifications to tune its physical properties in order to access advanced architectures and extremely desirable materials. Finally, I show that my initial polymerization can be extended to bio-based styrenic monomers for the production of more sustainable, bio-based UHMW polymers. These polymers show similar promise as recyclable alternatives to traditionally unrecyclable thermosets, along with remarkable properties such as room temperature shape memory.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Wei, Nathan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"F. W. Buchholz High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25744\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:38.890727Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d190cd52f5c61959a674d8212ee8f929323517e08602c8f980e250f509ab3eaa\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25744\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:40.231048Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:df790cf604a539e890a4e6363712ee2ded8fc480ae07d08cb70dfe0b8aec53c0\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25744\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM066-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:df790cf604a539e890a4e6363712ee2ded8fc480ae07d08cb70dfe0b8aec53c0\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25744\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:d190cd52f5c61959a674d8212ee8f929323517e08602c8f980e250f509ab3eaa\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV007\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"3D-Printed Hemp-based Artificial Coral Reefs as Biodegradable Solution for Marine Restoration\",\n    \"abstract\": \"As the third largest coral barrier reef system in the world, the Florida Keys is home to thousands of marine life species and faces a myriad of threats resulting in a 90% decline in healthy corals. The ability to help revitalize coral reefs would provide a vast benefit to marine biodiversity. The purpose of this project was to build a 3D Hemp-based artificial coral reef structure for coral polyps to adhere, grow, and thrive to regenerate a natural reef. It was hypothesized that a Hemp-based structure would exhibit higher biodegradability than a PLA structure and that a gyroid design would biodegrade faster than a fractal design, evidenced by the changes in relative density and prototype mass (grams). Sixteen trials of eight prototypes per filament-type (Hemp/PLA) were split by design (Fractal/Gyroid) with eight coral frags as Control. Micro-CT data supports the hypothesis given that the determination of relative density measured using pixel gray-scale intensity values shows superior decreases in Hemp (-14.13%) versus PLA (-12.62%) density and greater density decrease in gyroid (-14.04%) versus fractal (-12.71%) designs. The SEM internal structural imaging comparison supported a greater qualitative degradation in the Hemp. Additionally, polyps\u2019 growth on Hemp, PLA, and Control were 57%, 53%, 48%, with Favia exhibiting greater growth, followed by Acanthastrea and Caulastrae, all showed higher rooting on gyroids. There is great urgency to find alternative ways to restore coral reefs given their threatened survivability. Future work would include placement of prototypes en situ in Florida Keys as part of NOAA\u2019s National Marine Sanctuary Rehabilitation program.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Platt, Anabella\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Episcopal School of Jacksonville\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24871\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:40.914507Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ca9585c9edb91c57b73e73b8828eb75ae3a9b9d536faa2d25cb13207d7f70dd0\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24871\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:42.240038Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0fcf0b08649cfc7cde012ec5e9091a0d1d7a6885936647bde0aa18ffce437d35\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24871\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV007-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0fcf0b08649cfc7cde012ec5e9091a0d1d7a6885936647bde0aa18ffce437d35\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24871\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:ca9585c9edb91c57b73e73b8828eb75ae3a9b9d536faa2d25cb13207d7f70dd0\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV020\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Ecofriendly Design and Fabrication of a Microalgae-Based Sponge to Efficiently Remove Oil From Water for Environmental Remediation\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Oil spills continue to affect millions of families yearly. Significant research has gone into the development of both organic and inorganic solvents. However, the issue with these sorbents is that they lack buoyancy, have low oil separation, and are also quite costly. This study investigates alginate-based materials modified with hydrophobic compounds, which have shown promising results with oil absorption and super-hydrophobic properties. However, most modifications for hydrophobicity are not eco-friendly. This research looked at modifying the surface of alginate-based sponges with cinnamic and myristic acid \u2013 naturally found in the spice cinnamon and nutmeg, respectively\u2013 and maximizing oil uptake while minimizing water uptake through its hydrophobic properties. Hydrophobicity was classified as sponges achieving water sponge contact angles of approximately 90\u00b0 or above. The sponges were made by freeze-drying alginate and then coating them with cinnamic/myristic acid via a Fischer esterification reaction to the hydroxyl groups on the alginate. Upon testing these sponges, contact angles ranged between 93\u00b0 and 114\u00b0, indicating the sponges were hydrophobic. These sponges absorbed oil within seconds of exposure, with a relative mass change of 11-fold. Further, the sponges maintained their hydrophobicity under environmental stressor conditions, with an average difference of 1\u00b0 - 3\u00b0 in the water contact angle. While showing both hydrophobicity and oleophilicity, the sponges could separate oil from an oil/water mixture. The findings of this research provide a highly eco-friendly and cost-effective approach to removing oil contaminants from our waterways, and if implemented, would provide a cutting-edge material for oil spill cleanups.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Agarwal, Dhairya\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NC\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24944\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:42.959660Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:17d891a18a17c49432f4cac5d9c027d75e29448c84aa194f3f519d2123a26d1d\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24944\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:44.715782Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:74ce6059ef52db01647b4332118eb46b385425d0591244e0a98270a1aa9be002\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24944\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV020-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:74ce6059ef52db01647b4332118eb46b385425d0591244e0a98270a1aa9be002\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24944\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:17d891a18a17c49432f4cac5d9c027d75e29448c84aa194f3f519d2123a26d1d\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV023\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Long Island University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Long Island University: Presidential Scholarships\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Sponge Studies: Assessing the Effects of Environmental Impacts on Marine Sponge Detritus Production, and Use as a Natural Deep Sea eDNA Sampler\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Coral reefs, containing over 25% of marine species, are vital ecosystems that support a diverse array of life and provide crucial resources for sustenance, supplying food for over 1 billion people globally. Despite constituting a significant portion of all cryptic biomass on coral reefs, marine sponges remain one of the most understudied organisms. This research sought to highlight both the ecological and scientific applications of sponges. The first experiment emphasized a phenomenon known as the Sponge Loop, a critical process by which sponges recycle nutrients and provide a basal food source of detritus to the reef. This experiment tested the effects of various pollutants and global warming on the Sponge Loop, to understand how this essential process is affected by environmental impacts. Significantly reduced detritus production was observed when Mycale grandis was exposed to microplastic pollution (-591.7%, p<0.018), sunscreen pollution (-492.5%, p<0.021), and increased temperatures (no detritus). The second experiment focused on a scientific application of sponges, exploring their use as a natural eDNA sampler. eDNA is a modern technique used to assess the biodiversity of an ecosystem in a non-invasive way, fueling research in ecosystems such as the deep sea. Due to the filter-feeding nature of sponges, it was hypothesized that they may be able to concentrate eDNA and serve as natural samplers. DNA from deep-sea sponges collected near Kingman and Palmyra Atoll was extracted, amplified, and sequenced, resulting in the identification of species including Antedon bifida and Actinernus elongatus. This research underscores the dual importance of sponges, serving as ecological keystones in nutrient cycling and potential tools for non-invasive biodiversity monitoring.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Sanchez, Kian\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"University Laboratory School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"HI\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24955\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:45.305848Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:69007991cb4893cce55a4ec0a2f7230748838b9b44f70e8a44a725c9c87799f7\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24955\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:47.915361Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c9ddb4a46c1e383596fcdb8d8d496a2916c1368f014b21829a25833b2070f07e\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24955\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV023-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c9ddb4a46c1e383596fcdb8d8d496a2916c1368f014b21829a25833b2070f07e\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24955\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:69007991cb4893cce55a4ec0a2f7230748838b9b44f70e8a44a725c9c87799f7\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV057\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Forecasting Domoic Acid Levels From Harmful Algal Blooms Along the Pacific Northwest Coast\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Here is the edited version:\\nIn spring 2015, the U.S. Pacific Coast experienced an unprecedented surge in domoic acid concentrations, exceeding federal safety limits by over 700% in some parts of Washington State, resulting in extensive fishery closures. Domoic acid, a potent neurotoxin produced by harmful algal blooms of Pseudo-Nitzschia, poses risks to human health by causing amnesic shellfish poisoning and is lethal to marine wildlife. Previous domoic acid forecasting methods primarily relied on imprecise qualitative techniques without quantitative support, while prior machine learning approaches were limited in terms of geographic scope and time span. This project aimed to develop a machine learning model capable of precisely quantifying and forecasting domoic acid risk across the Pacific Northwest. A comprehensive database was compiled, integrating weekly biotic beach sampling data, environmental factors, and satellite observations spanning 21 years, facilitating the training and evaluation of multiple forecasting algorithms. Key factors influencing domoic acid levels were identified through rigorous feature selection, including temporal features, Pacific Ocean indices, latitude, and harmful algal bloom-related environmental metrics. The final random forest regression and classification model (DAtect) achieved a relative mean squared error of 10.04 and an R-squared of 0.59 for direct domoic acid concentration forecasting. When predicting threat levels relative to the regulatory limit of 20 ppm, the DAtect model attained an accuracy of 0.82. Thus, this model could potentially supplement previous qualitative domoic acid forecasts for additional accuracy, enabling proactive measures to safeguard shellfish fisheries and public health along the Pacific Coast.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Chen, Anson\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Nikola Tesla STEM High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"OR\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25430\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:48.631348Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:78712357b9385d1598f1e2d1846f9c9792310ad2bc6c250529b1e41d331019bb\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25430\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:49.895079Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c3ea6178933f0f2ddf135db98283a7e596b50284e38ca2d9808c4b2ed1972756\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25430\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV057-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c3ea6178933f0f2ddf135db98283a7e596b50284e38ca2d9808c4b2ed1972756\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25430\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:78712357b9385d1598f1e2d1846f9c9792310ad2bc6c250529b1e41d331019bb\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV091\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"China Association for Science and Technology (CAST)\",\n        \"raw\": \"China Association for Science and Technology (CAST): Award of $1,200\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"CABMS: The First System Against California Marine Biotoxins Through Deep, Spatiotemporal, Multivariate Prediction and Sensor-Based Data Transmission\",\n    \"abstract\": \"To combat marine biotoxin contamination that threatens California\u2019s $15-million shellfish industry, this research establishes the first California Marine Biotoxin Management System (CABMS), a novel AI-based and sensor-enabled system for domoic acid and saxitoxin prediction in California. The system design of the CABMS integrates 5 modules: data collection, apparatus development, multivariate data preparation, AI modeling, and application deployment. The CABMS collects datasets from multiple government agencies and organizes 6 hydrological, geospatial, and oceanographic data types for predictive modeling in California\u2019s 6 major shellfish production and forage regions. After comparing 2 deep and 2 classical machine learning algorithms, 10 long short-term memory single-task and multi-task learning models were trained on data for the 6 locations. After constructing two generations of a wireless, sensor-based apparatus, accuracy improved by 3% through real-time data transmission into the CABMS, demonstrating predictive strength with readily available environmental data. Using time series cross-validation in forecast horizon calculation, dissolved oxygen and precipitation proved as key factors in effecting a biotoxin-conducive environment. Now, the CABMS makes predictions with >90% acc. consistently up to 5 weeks. The CABMS is containerized via a web application with a user-centric interface and has immediate impact in shifting the dynamic of biotoxin management from post-event reactivity to pre-event proactivity. Effectively connecting existing hardware devices with innovative software solutions, the CABMS presents a long-term prediction architecture, cuts operational costs, and opens the public to the accessible and timely assessment of shellfish toxicity risk.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ma, Yuqin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The Harker School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25519\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:50.561729Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1eb2423cfd00fd77f1cf932aee5edf5b830e5a565f77f91179ff00c75d31ce21\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25519\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:51.896385Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:07b0b490756c45618ca72be8b322ddf672462687177fd1e561b8a43dfbf64e40\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25519\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV091-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:07b0b490756c45618ca72be8b322ddf672462687177fd1e561b8a43dfbf64e40\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25519\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:1eb2423cfd00fd77f1cf932aee5edf5b830e5a565f77f91179ff00c75d31ce21\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EBED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EBED013\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Office of Naval Research on behalf of the United States Navy and Marine Corps\",\n        \"raw\": \"Office of Naval Research on behalf of the United States Navy and Marine Corps: The Chief of Naval Research Scholarship Award of $15,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Project Vision: Assisted Navigation & Waypoint Positioning Through 3D Mapping\",\n    \"abstract\": \"According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2.2 billion people have some form of visual impairment, half of which could be improved by more affordable solutions. My project attempts to solve this problem by creating a revolutionary pair of ultra-compact and affordable glasses that can simultaneously map an environment, navigate around obstacles, position a user in 3D space, and effectively transmit this information to the user. Specifically, I tested for the accuracy of the 3D point cloud, real-time positioning, waypoint positioning, and time-of-flight (ToF) variability. The glasses are powered by four custom circuit boards, cutting-edge wide-angle ToF sensors, custom-coded novel positioning algorithms, vibration motors, bone conduction speakers, inertial measurement units (IMUs), and a 3D-printed frame. To accomplish real-time positioning and live 3D mapping, custom algorithms and the ToF sensors are used when an object is within a four-meter (16ft) radius of the person. The vibration motors on all sides of the frame notify the user of any incoming obstacles. A bone conduction speaker is also used to provide more descriptive feedback. Most notably, the headset can automatically determine waypoints within a room and autonomously navigate the user to a specific destination, such as a bed or bathroom, while accounting for any new obstacles in their path. If an object is outside of this radius, the device can still use the ToF sensors to alert the user of any obstacles and, if outdoors and connected to a phone, navigate the wearer to a specific destination using the speaker.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Nagler, James\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Garden City High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25178\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:52.557306Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:91d8c05e26027b5d8d51d490f476e68ae67b1f43c3988ce7393c9e6b0fe03b21\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25178\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:53.898204Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8a9f898625c0ebf88cf5f12414dd0819021205bb54c4154bd93ad52cb2cd0103\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25178\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EBED013-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8a9f898625c0ebf88cf5f12414dd0819021205bb54c4154bd93ad52cb2cd0103\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25178\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:91d8c05e26027b5d8d51d490f476e68ae67b1f43c3988ce7393c9e6b0fe03b21\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EBED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EBED029T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Rebeat: A Real-Time, Audiovisual Feedback System for Improving CPR Quality\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and about half of the 17 million annual deaths are due to sudden cardiac arrest. While prompt administration of high quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the main deciding factor of a victim\u2019s survival, adequate help is rarely available, resulting in an overall survival rate of ~10 percent for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. We have developed an easy-to-use, audiovisual feedback system, thereby creating an effective solution for improving bystander and first-responder CPR quality. The project consists of two main components: the custom printed circuit board and hardware, and the recurrent neural network model for computing CPR metrics. We designed the system to adhere to current CPR standards of 5~6 cm of compression depth, 100~120/min rate, and complete recoil between compressions. We were able to achieve a mean absolute error of 0.157 cm for the depth calculation model. To evaluate the effectiveness of our system, we performed 10 tests, each consisting of 30 seconds of manual CPR on a manikin with detailed analytics, averaging the best five results for the analysis. We were able to achieve excellent results of 56.00 mm compression depth, 110.2/min rate of chest compressions, and 100.0% complete recoil. In contrast to methods such as dispatcher assistance, we were able to demonstrate sustained accuracy in both compression depth and rate. The system\u2019s total cost came under $150, which was significantly cheaper compared to inferior, existing feedback devices (~$850), and automatic chest compression systems (~$21k). The project\u2019s most significant contribution is the system\u2019s ability to enhance laymen performance of CPR on compression depth, rate, and recoil in a compact form factor.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Park, Jin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Hankuk Academy of Foreign Studies\",\n        \"country\": \"South Korea\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ha, Seungho\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Sunrin Internet High School\",\n        \"country\": \"South Korea\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kim , Jaeyoon\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Ilsan Daejin High School\",\n        \"country\": \"South Korea\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24626\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:54.580990Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:163a94cd68f359a705e411cfb5fe6dec57d43e1f9acf2945422615fbb7d57723\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24626\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:55.993880Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c345a69e84a06bf15b6ea31b14d4fe92954b411ecbe481d4ca1dd422374b38c1\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24626\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EBED029T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c345a69e84a06bf15b6ea31b14d4fe92954b411ecbe481d4ca1dd422374b38c1\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24626\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:163a94cd68f359a705e411cfb5fe6dec57d43e1f9acf2945422615fbb7d57723\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EGSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EGSD008\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Bio-Inspired Wing Design, Aerodynamic Simulations, and Autonomous Flight Tests for Airborne Wind Energy\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) poses uncertainty in its contribution to renewable energy due to the lack of a comprehensive design . The technology is in its early stages, requiring significant development for large-scale deployment. Experimental AWE designs and challenges in autonomous flight necessitate focused research for integration into renewable energy. This project designs, tests, and builds a nature-inspired wing for an AWE aircraft, using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and autonomous flight testing. The gull wing is a promising platform for AWE. Notably, its high aspect ratio plays a pivotal role in minimizing induced drag. Moreover, the gull wing's elbow angles, ranging between 110-130 degrees, are crucial for efficient cruising range. Building upon the gull wing\u2019s features, the analysis employs both Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes and Reformulated Vortex Particle Method numerical methods in search of the most efficient wing concept. The new wing\u2019s aerodynamic performance is validated by autonomous flight tests, flying in circular flight paths in real-world conditions. Finally, on-board energy generation is attempted using propellers that harvest wind energy. Numerical results from CFD simulations demonstrate 15%-16% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency with the bio-inspired wing, as evidenced by improved lift-to-drag ratios compared to the baseline wing. Concurrently, autonomous flight tests demonstrate a 22% improvement based on power usage. The velocity sweep map illustrates that the on-board turbines generate power closely in line with theoretical predictions, with a deviation of within 7%. This achievement emphasizes the role that the state-of-the-art design framework developed in this project can play for innovation in AWE design.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kwon, Aiden\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Palos Verdes Peninsula High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24639\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:56.620142Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ac95e22738d83f253102b474148a801ee490f51b620984fa35dfad0e3707118c\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24639\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:57.936247Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:50c5af27a00dc7f34cda44fefb9bfc8e6634ffebf159e8eb939bd954f43decd7\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24639\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EGSD008-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:50c5af27a00dc7f34cda44fefb9bfc8e6634ffebf159e8eb939bd954f43decd7\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24639\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:ac95e22738d83f253102b474148a801ee490f51b620984fa35dfad0e3707118c\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EGSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EGSD016\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"The Scientific and Technological Research Council of T\u00fcrkiye  TUBITAK\",\n        \"raw\": \"The Scientific and Technological Research Council of T\u00fcrkiye  TUBITAK: 1st Prize Award\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Improving Aerodynamic Characteristics of Helical Wind Turbines With Modified Blades\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Amidst rising energy prices, electricity use is being reduced in Germany. This necessitates shutting down streetlights, their operation being cost-inefficient for communities. The efficiency of Savonius rotors is to be enhanced to enable autonomous powering of energy systems.\\nTwo 3D printers were refitted to manufacture twenty-four prototypes with altered rotor blade overlaps, curvatures, wall thicknesses, dimensions, materials and added end plates. The turbines\u2019 power coefficients were examined to ascertain power output at different rotational speeds, which were determined at three inflow velocities in a self-built wind tunnel. Optical analyses visualized vortexes using fog to examine the effects of varying end plate sizes. Blade deflection measurements were conducted using a self-constructed test rig, assessing rotor blade stiffness under applied force.\\nEnd plates 40 to 75 % the size of circular ones enhance effective profile resistance and reduce turbulence. Torsional stiffness is achieved through a central composite structure of the rotor blades and subtle bulges whose depth and number can be tailored to prevailing wind speeds. Utilizing height to diameter ratios of 1.9 : 1 and aforementioned modifications, wall thicknesses of 1 mm are sufficient to minimize blade deflection, which was unattainable using only fiber composite materials. An optimized turbine with a power coefficient of 0.17 is 5 % more efficient than the initial turbine.\\nEmpirical investigations revealed efficiency-enhancing parameters of helical rotor geometries when constructed from inexpensive thermoplastics. Environmentally friendly power generation enables decentralized operation of various energy systems at low wind speeds, offering substantial benefits over conventional rotors.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Bobes, Anne\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Markgraf-Albrecht-Gymnasium Osterburg\",\n        \"country\": \"Germany\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24782\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:58.987281Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0353e90d8d2932757beebac8324da72a1b2502f3941bbf3670ee171fafe00dff\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24782\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:23:59.929544Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d73cf040cf2f68979c6de28f78da133e161cb95c37d7fdf6d835397764521d63\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24782\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EGSD016-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d73cf040cf2f68979c6de28f78da133e161cb95c37d7fdf6d835397764521d63\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24782\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:0353e90d8d2932757beebac8324da72a1b2502f3941bbf3670ee171fafe00dff\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EGSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EGSD024\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Applying Magnetic Fields and Lewis Acids for a Highly Efficient and Cost-Effective Hydrogen Production From Seawater\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Green hydrogen is a renewable fuel and is considered one of the most promising alternatives to fossil fuels; however, commercialized production is hampered due to the high production cost and the usage of scarce freshwater sources. Seawater presents an abundant, largely untapped resource for hydrogen production, but seawater electrolysis is limited by inefficiency and the production of toxic chlorine gas. To achieve efficient seawater electrolysis, a chloride-impermeable and highly efficient catalyst is needed to withstand the harsh conditions of seawater. This research introduces novel strategies that apply a magnetic field and a Lewis acid layer to enhance hydrogen production in seawater electrolysis and prevent chlorine gas production. The magnetic catalyst NiZnFe3O4 was synthesized via the co-precipitation method and coated with Cr2O3 as a Lewis acid layer. The Ni-foam substrate was then immersed in the magnetic catalyst via direct magnetic interaction. Performance increased significantly after applying the magnetic field, with current densities rising by over three times for the highly magnetic NiZnFe3O4-Cr2O3, achieving a current density of 14 mA/cm\u00b2 at 1.4 V. Furthermore, the catalyst demonstrates a high stability of continuous seawater electrolysis for over 72 hours, with nearly zero chlorine gas evolution, as confirmed by titration tests. This proposed system is 130 times less expensive and 24% more efficient than RuO2 at 2 V and almost three times better than RuO2 at 1.4 V when applying a magnetic field. This innovative system is poised to unlock seawater as a viable source for hydrogen production in commercial electrolyzers near seasides, thus contributing to a more sustainable energy economy.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Alhussaini, Hamad\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Riyadh School for Boys and Girls\",\n        \"country\": \"Saudi Arabia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25394\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:00.638469Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:12565e985631f44de929608cacb337783fed3d52130c3bbd921c6ea40ada10fa\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25394\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:01.958562Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:11c7df5e2cbf8d1adf4e56afab4a7c5bac44c0aa3a117ab086b5fa47d6541094\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25394\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EGSD024-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:11c7df5e2cbf8d1adf4e56afab4a7c5bac44c0aa3a117ab086b5fa47d6541094\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25394\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:12565e985631f44de929608cacb337783fed3d52130c3bbd921c6ea40ada10fa\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM013\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"FRESH Bioprinting-Based Synthesis and Biomechanical Characterization of Tissue Engineered Vascular Grafts\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of global death, and Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is its most common manifestation. Restoring perfusion to myocardial tissue in CAD often necessitates a coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedure, which implants a vascular graft(s) to bypass the blockage. Existing grafts face challenges: autologous grafts are non-viable in one-third of all patients, and synthetic grafts are often thrombogenic due to compliance mismatch. Tissue Engineered Vascular Grafts (TEVGs) aim to overcome these issues, but suffer lengthy development times and are early in clinical implementation. Here, a rapid fluid modeling, 3D bioprinting, and pressure myography workflow is established to synthesize and mechanically validate TEVGs.\\nArchitecture of the gold-standard autologous graft, the human Internal Thoracic Artery (ITA), was recapitulated via Computer Aided Design (CAD). Ideal hemodynamics were proven via Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), simulating non-newtonian blood flow and resulting velocity and wall shear profiles. Graft architecture was physically generated via 3D-bioprinting Collagen type-I into a gelatin bath in the Freeform Reversible Embedding of Suspended Hydrogels (FRESH) paradigm. To further simulate pressure-induced vasoactivity including dilation and burst pressure, \u201cHemoLens\u201d, an open-source pressure myograph, was developed. HemoLens proved an average burst pressure in four grafts of 172.36mmHg with minimal dilation, demonstrating near-functional strength. Taken in tandem with CFD data and the overall cost and speed of the workflow, these results prove the feasibility of 3D-bioprinting biomechanically functional Collagen-based TEVGs and represent a step forward in the cardiothoracic landscape.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Aranda-Michel, Liam\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Lake Oswego High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"OR\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25201\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:02.887121Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8d9b7f4f6f33bbce871ffae3340546758d6b869554f9298d7c12d758fa8870cc\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25201\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:04.019928Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bf0276e4e0d716213f3e6e217054a260b44fc52234700486e8eb7a159115139b\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25201\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM013-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bf0276e4e0d716213f3e6e217054a260b44fc52234700486e8eb7a159115139b\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25201\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:8d9b7f4f6f33bbce871ffae3340546758d6b869554f9298d7c12d758fa8870cc\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM056\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Serving Society Through Science\",\n        \"raw\": \"Serving Society Through Science: Second Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Investigating the Effects of Hemarthrosis on the Structure and Function of ACL Repair\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which affects nearly 200,000 patients annually in the United States, can be accompanied by joint bleeding but the effects of whole blood components are not fully understood. Hemarthrosis, or articular bleeding, can induce inflammation and has been implicated in joint tissue degeneration. Additionally, iron homeostasis is vital to joint health as excess iron can lead to oxidative stress and is associated with osteoarthritis and hemophilic arthropathy. Prior work has shown that acute blood exposure upregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines and cellular damage. Here, analysis of the contributions of whole blood and its cellular constituents: intact and lysed red blood cells (RBCs) on the ACL in the context of cell viability, proliferation, pro-inflammatory cytokine production and ECM properties is performed. An in vitro 2D model is used to assess the biologic and wound healing response of ACL fibroblasts (ACLF) under blood treatment. The effects of blood components are then translated to a 3D model using a collagen gel contraction assay to recapitulate the physiological conditions of the joint environment following acute ACL injury and concurrent hemarthrosis. Overall, this study aims to characterize the impact of acute short-term blood exposure on the contractile phenotype of ACLF and its impact on construct ligamentous structure and function.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Hong, Kento\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Edgemont High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25576\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:04.651069Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d8e1f752ecc125344316708a0d67b2f689b32a408dfb23292a4817269f146518\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25576\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:06.025200Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:226eab458870ee4963235bacb2ef4ef8a398ebf8dda517d958fcb785a36adc46\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25576\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM056-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:226eab458870ee4963235bacb2ef4ef8a398ebf8dda517d958fcb785a36adc46\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25576\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:d8e1f752ecc125344316708a0d67b2f689b32a408dfb23292a4817269f146518\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM076\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"NC State College of Engineering\",\n        \"raw\": \"NC State College of Engineering: Scholarship to attend NC State Engineering Summer Camp\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Utilizing 3D Additive Biomanufacturing To Develop a Biocompatible, Customizable and Durable Mechanical Aortic Valve \u2014 Year 2\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Background\\nOver 182,000 patients receive aortic valve replacements annually in the United States. However, valve replacement recipients must choose between two undesirable options, mechanical and tissue prostheses, each with specific advantages and disadvantages. A superior valve prosthesis is critical, and DLP bioprinting is the ideal vehicle. Year 1 of research was encouraging; however, improvements in fabrication and testing protocols are necessary.\\nMethods\\nA mock circulatory loop (MCL) that could test for 12 consecutive hours was developed, allowing for durability assessment. Endoscopic, insufficiency and stenosis (ISE), and particle image velocimetry (PIV) data were collected from the MCL. These data were inputted into models to simulate patient vitals and hemolysis rate.\\nResults\\nPrototype Four was based off the human aortic valve, with some modifications. It performed well in all metrics except durability; at hour 9 of testing, a fissure formed in the left coronary leaflet of the prosthesis, compromising structural integrity and causing a significant decline in the simulated patient's condition. Prototype Five was designed to further mimic the human aortic valve. Prototype Five had many of the same beneficial characteristics as Prototype Four, such as low ISE, hemolysis, etc.; however, it had significantly higher durability. Rather than deteriorating, Prototype Five improved over time, as did the simulated patient's condition.\\nConclusions\\nThis prosthesis is chemically and mechanically biocompatible, as well as durable and customizable to the specific patient \u2013 it combines the best of both mechanical and tissue prostheses. While promising and exciting strides have been made over the past two years of research, more investigation is required.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Bhensdadia, Aadi\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Pine View School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25975\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:06.641003Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ea4c4a338e9f44f5d2beea40383924b7fec74ec834759026d43096dfaaad4680\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25975\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:07.981435Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9c87931616b517b0d88c9dfa88bc49334eef2b3b3ffc134ce8df50187d484567\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25975\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM076-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9c87931616b517b0d88c9dfa88bc49334eef2b3b3ffc134ce8df50187d484567\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25975\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:ea4c4a338e9f44f5d2beea40383924b7fec74ec834759026d43096dfaaad4680\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM078\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"MiniMesh: Real-Time 5,000-Node Anatomical Human Body Mesh Reconstruction for Portable Devices\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Human Mesh Recovery is the challenge of predicting thousands of three-dimensional points on the human body surface, supporting critical applications in medicine, augmented reality, animation, and more. MiniMesh is a portable solution for this computationally complex task that accurately reconstructs a 5,000-node human body mesh in real-time while maintaining anatomical validity. This is vital for medical applications including assessment of gait, robotic surgery, and rapid anthropometric measurement. While previous alternatives run offline or lack medical viability, MiniMesh preserved efficiency and accuracy by splitting the volumetric pose estimation problem into several efficient kinematic and planar pose estimation tasks. This unorthodox approach maintained accuracy comparable to state-of-the-art solutions at a fraction of the processing time. The kinematic pose estimation models computed 127 2D landmarks and solved the Perspective-n-Point (PnP) problem to calculate 3D orientation. Concurrently, the planar pose estimation algorithm extracted the human silhouette from the image in real-time. Both pieces of spatial information were fed into a custom rendering engine that mapped every point on a human subject\u2019s image to a standard 3D mesh. Without further optimization, MiniMesh can process 20 images per second, with some models running in less than 6 milliseconds per image, all on a single core of a CPU. All parts of the algorithm, and as a whole, ran above 90% accuracy on a laptop and maintained real-time processing speed. Running on only portable devices, MiniMesh is a novel, resource-efficient solution to the complex human mesh reconstruction problem\u2014making this technology available to everyone.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Mathew, Daniel\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Poolesville High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MD\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25974\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:08.702810Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0d8575f7240121199e4e128d4df53cd89c8253b83802b2d914a478d2b7be06c6\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25974\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:10.068127Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:73c996891216491c29d1e91b3a80eb39ac4dc9ed29ba459eb50abc8c61c20504\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25974\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM078-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:73c996891216491c29d1e91b3a80eb39ac4dc9ed29ba459eb50abc8c61c20504\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25974\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:0d8575f7240121199e4e128d4df53cd89c8253b83802b2d914a478d2b7be06c6\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV005\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"NC State College of Engineering\",\n        \"raw\": \"NC State College of Engineering: Alternates (not read aloud)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"An Integrated Algae Mitigation System to Seek & Abate Harmful Algal Blooms (Year 5)\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Surges in Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) due to fallouts of anthropogenic activities and climate change are recurrently impairing water quality. Biodiverse ecosystems like the Indian River Lagoon are warping into algae-based habitats, rendering an expensive recovery. Current reactionary methodologies provide minimalistic spatiotemporal intelligence for proactive HAB mitigation.\\nTo sustainably eradicate HABs and improve water quality, an Integrated Algae Mitigation System with three components to abate HABs was engineered. This system utilizes actionable data, which is systemically acquired through IoT sensors, systematically processed, and presented in a meaningful form for rapid response.\\nRegional Scanning was achieved via remote sensing to narrow down water bodies of interest, complemented by multispectral assessments using an aerial drone to understand degrees of algal intensity.\\nTargeted Measurements were conducted by engineering a floatation device with sensors to capture water metrics for HAB verification.\\nLocalized Abatement was accomplished by suppressing algae using agents, followed by remediation using an engineered sweeper attached to an underwater vehicle.\\nReal-time data acquisition and actionable insights were achieved in the cloud hub for subsequent prescriptive analytics.\\nThe system was tested using Chlorella vulgaris algae. Hydrogen peroxide successfully suppressed the algae evidenced by the declining dissolved oxygen (DO2) and pH levels. A machine learning model with 90% accuracy predicted DO2, a proxy for algal environment using Total Dissolved Solids, a proxy for algal density.\\nThis detection and remediation solution can help marine engineers sustainably tackle blooms for pristine waters saving local economies in millions.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Natarajan, Sharanya\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Edgewood Junior Senior High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24909\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:10.661959Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4cdd58edcc67864da080c0ed471e57bd81303dc74c7ac8508f2339d2f5801607\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24909\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:12.143959Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d8b60b2aa6b50dc288a03df517ff1ba3b23884d58f826c82ba0a008c73e61d2b\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24909\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV005-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d8b60b2aa6b50dc288a03df517ff1ba3b23884d58f826c82ba0a008c73e61d2b\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24909\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:4cdd58edcc67864da080c0ed471e57bd81303dc74c7ac8508f2339d2f5801607\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV011\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development\",\n        \"raw\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development: Second Award Climate and Environmental Protection\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Low Cost and High Performance Xylem-Activated Carbon Filter Water Purification Device: A Novel Approach to the Global Clean Water Crises\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Globally, over 2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water leading to 3.4 million waterborne deaths yearly. Existing purification methods are often ineffective against both biological and chemical contaminants, or simply too expensive for low-income communities. This research designed an affordable, efficient, and sustainable water filtration device for household use in regions struggling with access to clean water. The device was engineered from a novel xylem-activated carbon filter made by leveraging readily available materials. Orange peels were used to bioengineer a broad-spectrum antimicrobial coating for the xylem filter, while activated carbon was combined with illite from clay soil to create a powerful filter media that has the ability to remove a wide range of chemical and biological contaminants. From laboratory tests, the xylem-activated carbon filter exhibited an exceptional performance removing over 99% of the contaminants tested. Additionally, it had a flow rate of exceeding 1.7L/h, thus, providing over 40 L of clean water daily, easily meeting a family's needs. Inspired by the device\u2019s high performance, community workshops were conducted, teaching people how to build these devices, to enable household water purification to be accessible. Over 120 households previously dependent on municipal contaminated water are now using the device, experiencing a drastic improvement in their water quality. This sustainable, low-cost and reliable water filtration device offers a powerful solution to the global clean water crisis and has the potential to enable more than one billion people to have access to water filtration and this could significantly reduce water-borne disease deaths by  two million.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Moyo, Ruvarashe\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"USAP Community School\",\n        \"country\": \"Zimbabwe\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24934\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:13.748910Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c173eef6946fa2502070fd97dc0167c856e6e01e2333dd704d8a97f67098871c\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24934\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:16.531562Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a2f4554a85c00fae332d03080e9148ed061191e3659f10f19c4fc7ec55f5f2f1\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24934\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV011-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a2f4554a85c00fae332d03080e9148ed061191e3659f10f19c4fc7ec55f5f2f1\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24934\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:c173eef6946fa2502070fd97dc0167c856e6e01e2333dd704d8a97f67098871c\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV018T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council\",\n        \"raw\": \"Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council: The  Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Counil awards will recognize 10 projects in the following categories: &#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tAgriculture and Water Management&#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tPersonalized Healthcare&#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tClimate and Sustainability&#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tEmerging Information Technologies\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Development of a Solar Powered Buoy to Measure and Report the  Pollution Level of Wetlands\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Environmental pollution, which is one of the main causes of global warming, may have variations within itself; however, water, which is at the point of all cycles in nature, a blanket covering the whole world from the living body, should be the starting point of the solution. If water, which is the building block of living life and the essence of most substances in different forms, becomes scarce, polluted, and difficult to access, the damage it will inflict on the biosphere and the entire earth will undoubtedly be devastating. For this reason, water pollution will be of great importance in the fight against environmental pollution, thus global warming and many other problems. In this context, the project developed in this context provides instant detection of anomalies occurring in water resources or other elements that make up the wetland ecosystem and facilitates the user to take precautions in advance by sending periodic data to the user. It is powered by solar energy, making it self-sufficient. The fluorometer and nephelometer are optical sensors integrated into the buoy to measure the amount of chlorophyll and turbidity, temperature and humidity sensors to detect whether the buoy is taking water or not, and conductivity sensor to measure and detect other data. The measured values can be transferred to the server without human intervention thanks to the IoT server with RESTful API used alongside GPRS. As a result of the experiments, it was observed that the sensors reacted correctly to the variables, and the data was uploaded to the server at specified periods. The developed buoy system promises to detect the common consequences of water pollution at the stage of formation at a very low cost compared to existing systems.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Iltekin, Nisa\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Izmir Fen Lisesi\",\n        \"country\": \"Turkey\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Akin, Eray\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Izmir Fen Lisesi\",\n        \"country\": \"Turkey\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Leylekoglu, Murat\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Izmir Fen Lisesi\",\n        \"country\": \"Turkey\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24819\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:17.133086Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:13c9f26378edd0b17ffee075bc8ec08a023156584c75e7251efe0b87770b2ab3\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24819\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:18.650878Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:805edc28b8f34969b9d0a29c4557ac3f7341f773537991b719fbf84a8cb28189\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24819\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV018T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:805edc28b8f34969b9d0a29c4557ac3f7341f773537991b719fbf84a8cb28189\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24819\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:13c9f26378edd0b17ffee075bc8ec08a023156584c75e7251efe0b87770b2ab3\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV028\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council\",\n        \"raw\": \"Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council: The  Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Counil awards will recognize 10 projects in the following categories: &#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tAgriculture and Water Management&#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tPersonalized Healthcare&#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tClimate and Sustainability&#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tEmerging Information Technologies\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Aerosol Driven Purification: A Novel Method for Purifying Water Utilizing Phase Changes\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Industrial Reverse Osmosis (\u201cRO\u201d) provides safe drinking water to homes and is supplied by ocean water. As such, the quantity of waste water produced by this method is inconsequential. Notably, RO treatment plants typically convey only 25% of their supply into potable water. For inland communities with limited access, wasting 75% of their supply water is unsustainable. This project explores a method of water filtration, designing a unique process for efficiently creating drinkable water from non potable supplies. When water is turned into an aerosol, water molecules will vaporize and contaminants will separate from said molecules. In a closed environment, water vapor can pass through a filter, condense and collect as purified water. The testing apparatus houses the water purification system. Data was collected on the reduction in TDS of system processed water, total kWh consumed by the system and total recovery rate in volume of water.On average across all tests, 0.617 kWh was used to produce 1 liter of processed water.The average net supply of contaminated water was 977 mL. Of which, an average of 910 mL was recovered resulting in an average recovery rate of 93.2%. On average the TDS was reduced by 71.8%, exceeding most US standards. In conclusion, the hypothesis was proven correct. By creating an aerosol derived from non-potable water the system was able to effectively separate contaminants from water molecules and produce clean water. Quality drinking water is becoming increasingly scarce and simple, cost-effective methods of purifying water are needed world wide.  Because of the simplistic nature of the design, if proven to be sufficiently energy efficient, this process can scale from individual units to commercial scale using the same design and operating theory.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Yeager, Megan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Chesapeake Science Point Public Charter School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MD\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25312\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:19.258095Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:45c14b96ce3f33110b45041f665a6ec8e9961a0ff09911707439897ba7e08fae\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25312\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:20.727910Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:65a89b9007d530ade6f51b1d1a9124edd33c0b609d1d22c209c248bdc8f15a66\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25312\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV028-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:65a89b9007d530ade6f51b1d1a9124edd33c0b609d1d22c209c248bdc8f15a66\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25312\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:45c14b96ce3f33110b45041f665a6ec8e9961a0ff09911707439897ba7e08fae\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ETSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ETSD017\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council\",\n        \"raw\": \"Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council: The  Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Counil awards will recognize 10 projects in the following categories: &#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tAgriculture and Water Management&#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tPersonalized Healthcare&#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tClimate and Sustainability&#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tEmerging Information Technologies\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"SMART (Sustainable, Modular, Additively-manufactured, Robust, Tower-style) Urban Farming\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Global food security and sustainability issues, and rapid urbanization call for high-tech, space-efficient, sustainable urban farming technologies. In Singapore, only 3.9% of vegetables consumed are produced locally, and only 1% of land is allocated for agriculture. Nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponics is practical, but current approaches are inadequate due to space and maintenance constraints.\\nThis project outlines the development of a novel design of tower-style NFT hydroponics that focuses on space efficiency, multifunctionality, intelligence, energy efficiency, and material efficiency. Complex internal and exterior geometry inspired by aircraft semi-monocoque fuselage, all with optimized dimensions are used. Optimization and analysis by finite element analysis (FEA) ensures the design is space efficient, material saving, and strong (safety factor>6 in all 3 loading conditions). Selective laser sintering (SLS), a laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing (AM) process, is used to fabricate these complex geometries without support structures, with high isotropy; and with glass-bead filled polypropylene (PPGB), for its mechanical properties, waterproofness, and chemical resistance.\\nThis NFT hydroponics system is 3.3-9.8x more space efficient; and 3.4-4.7x more material efficient than existing ones. A more energy-efficient full-spectrum LED lighting solution is developed. A low-cost system monitors and maintains critical variables for the system\u2019s operation and alerts the user if manual intervention is needed. Modularity allows different plants to be grown together.  Hence, this system can be practically installed into space-limited urban areas (e.g. homes, offices), and effectively aid in tackling global food security and sustainability challenges.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ang, Gedeon\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Raffles Institution\",\n        \"country\": \"Singapore\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25052\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:22.204533Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d1736a1563335fc15ba2b290b28f2228131d03c1d4be34a5bcc728e54cf161f6\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25052\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:23.135688Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7e01f422a2c31c7e1bd24a23c09700118099f38f8dc2e913126fdf51f12c7e07\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25052\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ETSD017-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7e01f422a2c31c7e1bd24a23c09700118099f38f8dc2e913126fdf51f12c7e07\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25052\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:d1736a1563335fc15ba2b290b28f2228131d03c1d4be34a5bcc728e54cf161f6\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ETSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ETSD039\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Office of Naval Research on behalf of the United States Navy and Marine Corps\",\n        \"raw\": \"Office of Naval Research on behalf of the United States Navy and Marine Corps: The Chief of Naval Research Scholarship Award of $15,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Impact of Toroidal Propeller Design on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Acoustic Signature and Aerodynamic Performance\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly used for many applications across a range of industries. Increased UAV usage poses a public health and environmental threat due to the annoying and potentially harmful noise they produce. This research examined the potential for toroidal propellers to decrease drone noise while maintaining or improving thrust. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), this study assessed how variations in toroidal propeller blade minor axis length and blade count affected thrust, benchmarked against a control. CFD simulations and physical tests were conducted on custom-designed and manufactured toroidal propellers of nine varying configurations at two different operational speeds in a custom-designed testing apparatus. A less than 5% difference was observed in CFD versus measured results for 16 of 18 tests. Longer minor axis lengths improved thrust for two- and three-blade toroidal propellers at the lower speed, but impact was negligible at the higher speed. All toroidal propeller designs demonstrated more thrust over the stock propeller at the lower speed, while three- and four-blade designs demonstrated thrust capabilities that matched or surpassed the stock propeller at the higher speed. At 10,000 RPM, all toroidal propeller designs were quieter than the stock propeller. This study confirmed reliability of CFD in propeller performance prediction and identified toroidal propellers as viable alternatives to the traditional designs due to their reduced noise levels and ability to produce equal or greater thrust. Future directions include CFD analysis at higher speeds, refinement of the testing apparatus, and evaluation of toroidal propellers in real-world UAV operations.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Jansen, Hannah\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Governor's School at Innovation Park\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"VA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25486\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:24.024129Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9ea893b3adc18232b7d161df91e2872605248c3de5784c4c7dda7d7750bd2f80\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25486\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:26.125445Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8a82d6448044d9e572967e522541aa2c82add73f838dc652b02c65c94d425256\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25486\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ETSD039-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8a82d6448044d9e572967e522541aa2c82add73f838dc652b02c65c94d425256\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25486\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:9ea893b3adc18232b7d161df91e2872605248c3de5784c4c7dda7d7750bd2f80\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ETSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ETSD041\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"China Association for Science and Technology (CAST)\",\n        \"raw\": \"China Association for Science and Technology (CAST): Award of $1,200\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Low-Cost Rapid Response Rocket Launched UAV for Wildfire Hotspot Detection\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The 2023 Canadian wildfire season, marked by a quintupling of damage relative to the past decade\u2019s average and the tragic loss of four firefighters, underscores the urgent need for advancements in wildfire monitoring. This project aims to fill the need for a faster and safer wildfire monitoring system using a rocket-launched drone system. Compared to helicopters, the proposed system is faster, can be launched from any field, and it is unmanned, keeping firefighters out of harm's way. First, a prototype rocket was designed, utilizing 3D printing for accelerated production, precision, and cost-efficiency. Simulations were conducted to validate the strength and performance of 3D printed parts prior to flight. Finite Element Analysis simulations were used to validate strength, while Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations optimized fin shape for reduced drag. The first prototype achieved an apogee of 2.6km. Post-flight analysis informed the use of additive manufacturing techniques, leading to a second prototype rocket. The second prototype rocket reduced costs, simplified setup, and increased performance, achieving an apogee of 3.1km. A foldable-arm drone was designed to fit inside the rocket. Its deployment was successfully tested, and the drone was flown achieving a 15-minute flight time. This study showed the potential for a rocket-launched drone system, enhanced by additive manufacturing, for faster and safer wildfire monitoring. Future designs will increase the size, endurance, and features of the drone. In its current state, both the rocket and the drone were successfully tested, showcasing the effectiveness of the proposed system to enhance wildfire monitoring capabilities.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Zhao, Jason\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Collingwood School\",\n        \"country\": \"Canada\",\n        \"state\": \"MT\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25551\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:27.508400Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4a649b6d15908ffd939f27ee2ca5ead30d84e5437470be980afaa039da0f0817\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25551\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:28.791791Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ab5b69f588f1217e737b207a8d67c8647d486e949a4a9068b2bcac021abebeb3\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25551\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ETSD041-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ab5b69f588f1217e737b207a8d67c8647d486e949a4a9068b2bcac021abebeb3\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25551\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:4a649b6d15908ffd939f27ee2ca5ead30d84e5437470be980afaa039da0f0817\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ETSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ETSD049\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"AI-Powered Magnetic Inspection Robot for Advanced Structural Health Monitoring of Ferromagnetic Structures\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Over 130,000 aging steel bridges in the United States are at risk from corrosion and structural issues. More efficient and thorough inspection methods are necessary to avoid future disasters like the Silver Bridge collapse, which resulted in 46 fatalities due to an overlooked defect. Current conventional human inspections are prone to human error, and robotic inspection methods using drones and clamp-based robots have limitations including the inability to navigate in small spaces, and unadaptability to different surfaces. To address this, I engineered a robot utilizing magnetic ring wheels that allow for robust adherence to ferromagnetic surfaces of all configurations and created a deep learning image analysis model based on MobileNetV2 to automate the search for structural fissures. The robot achieved reliable omnidirectional mobility on diverse structural elements including internal and external corners, cylindrical surfaces, inclines and wedges. An Arduino Nano board controlling six servo motors enables it to adjust its steering angle, alter its center of gravity, and actuate two magnetic ring wheels. An ESP32-CAM with WiFi sends visual data to a central unit for analysis and receives movement commands from a mobile app through WiFi. The final machine learning model consists of 53 layers implemented with Pytorch based on Google\u2019s MobileNetV2 architecture to optimize the model for processing on mobile or weaker processors. The model was trained with 1600 images from the North Eastern University Steel Surface Defects Database and can visually identify six types of metal deficiencies with an 85.71% accuracy.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Tseng, Angelina\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Santa Catalina School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25739\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:29.752772Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bfc1937dec9e1e93a937fab539b102473433d4ad03f371b7dabcd663c84338e8\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25739\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:30.926867Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:39cc8aaafa429689d8b7189affe92d3732e7cd4d106f9677a60155cb31890106\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25739\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ETSD049-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:39cc8aaafa429689d8b7189affe92d3732e7cd4d106f9677a60155cb31890106\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25739\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:bfc1937dec9e1e93a937fab539b102473433d4ad03f371b7dabcd663c84338e8\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Mathematics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATH\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATH030T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Mathematical Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Mathematical Society: One-Year Membership to American Mathematical Society to each winner (7 winning projects, up to 3 team members per project)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Mathematical Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Mathematical Society: Third Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate : First Place Award \u201cMathematics\u201d\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"An Elementary Method for Fast Modular Exponentiation With Factored Modulus\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The rise of modern cryptosystems introduced the problem of modular exponentiation. Modular exponentiation is the problem of computing a perfect power a^n modulo some modulus, say m. This problem is remarkably useful because its inverse problem, the discrete logarithm problem, is computationally hard. This makes for systems that are difficult to hack. We discover a fast algorithm for modular exponentiation in the case where the prime factorization of the modulus is known. We show that, in general, our algorithm performs asymptotically better than the current fastest algorithm (by certain metrics). While this is true, we pay particular attention to the case where the exponents in the prime factorization of the modulus are large. For this case, we achieve a complexity on the order of the square root of the complexity of current algorithms. We prove our theoretical results empirically by comparing ourselves to Python\u2019s optimized pow function. The ideas used in our algorithm have significant general consequences; they produce analogous results for matrices and even more general algebraic structures. We hence improve Fiduccia\u2019s algorithm for computing large terms of linear recurrent sequences. Our algorithm has huge potential for applications in cryptography and coding theory. We open up a new study of cryptosystems that use a modulus with large prime factors, providing fast encryption and decryption for such systems. Additionally, a current area of research is using matrix modular exponentiation and linear recurrent sequences for error-correcting codes. Our work can hence potentially provide fast encoding algorithms.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Aggarwal, Anay\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Jesuit High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"OR\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Isaacs, Manu\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Jesuit High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"OR\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25775\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:31.541650Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ce6fe81c29b40be3f5328b7f8284dd52cecd055f7272a1b0fea2cf72d7c7dc11\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25775\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:34.356432Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c15e0f0adf36b975fbbbec7508e690633af41cf370dc9b897f81315f62e875f0\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25775\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATH030T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c15e0f0adf36b975fbbbec7508e690633af41cf370dc9b897f81315f62e875f0\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25775\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:ce6fe81c29b40be3f5328b7f8284dd52cecd055f7272a1b0fea2cf72d7c7dc11\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Mathematics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATH\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATH031\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"China Association for Science and Technology (CAST)\",\n        \"raw\": \"China Association for Science and Technology (CAST): Award of $1,200\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Balancing Misclassification Costs (BMC) in Imbalanced Classification\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Classification tasks in machine learning, essential for applications ranging from fraud detection to medical diagnoses, frequently encounter the challenge of imbalanced datasets. These imbalances can skew predictions towards the majority class, risking oversight of vital minority instances and carrying significant real-world consequences. Established methods, such as Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machines, and ensemble techniques, offer solutions to classification challenges but often struggle with imbalanced datasets. Conventional strategies like resampling and cost-sensitive learning provide value but come with issues like overfitting, data loss, and increased computational demands. A notable disconnect also exists between estimation procedures and evaluation metrics, further complicating the task of accurately gauging model performance. In this work, I present the Balancing Misclassification Costs (BMC) algorithm, an innovative approach designed to adeptly tackle the challenges posed by imbalanced datasets. My method integrates misclassification costs within a unified optimization framework. Capitalizing on rigorous theoretical proof, I have also devised an efficient estimation procedure. Through detailed simulations and its application to a cancer diagnostic dataset, I underscore BMC's superiority over conventional methodologies.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Fu, Sophia\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Carmel High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"IN\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25824\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:35.451163Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3581f450bd64a85666b70e7d915e0763f3ac87c728f180dfecec6604515815d1\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25824\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:36.949302Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:71e72ab42b3103b4000dc64347b7512f4517f88ce5968535b22a2510be6d2cf4\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25824\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATH031-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:71e72ab42b3103b4000dc64347b7512f4517f88ce5968535b22a2510be6d2cf4\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25824\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:3581f450bd64a85666b70e7d915e0763f3ac87c728f180dfecec6604515815d1\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Microbiology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MCRO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MCRO011\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Secretion of the Francisella tularensis Protein FTL_1123 by Escherichia coli Containing the ?HlyBD Operon\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Francisella tularensis, a gram-negative bacterium, is the causative agent of tularemia, a severe zoonotic disease which is highly lethal even with minimal exposure. Francisella is recognized by the CDC as a tier one biothreat agent, due to severe potential risk for biological warfare. This volatile bacterium establishes an advantageous environment to thrive within macrophages. Studies demonstrated that Francisella interferes with the innate immune system in a TolC dependent manner. BLAST analysis revealed that the FTL_1123 protein contains a sequence in its C-terminus that shares 72% with an RTX Secretion signal in FrpC, a TolC dependent toxin in Neisseria meningitidis. Further, homologs of the FTL_1123 were present only in virulent Francisella subspecies; characterizing FTL_1123 as a protein of interest. The FTL_1123 protein lacks fully bonafide RTX motifs, typically correlated with T1SS-secreted proteins. This research investigated the secretion mechanism of the FTL_1123 protein in Francisella, and discovered that the FTL_1123 protein is able to secrete through the canonical Type 1 Secretion System (T1SS), located in Escherichia coli. This study established the FTL_1123 as a critical virulence factor for Francisella,and provides insight about secretion mechanisms of F. tularensis. These findings enhance understanding of the pathogenesis of Tularemia and establish a foundation and hope for the creation of therapeutics which disrupt the bacteria\u2019s ability to export virulence factors. This study also expands the knowledge of T1SS\u2019s and their secreted proteins. Current research is being conducted to determine dependence on a predicted ??-helix structure in the C-terminus of the FTL_1123 protein for its secretion.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Sawhney, Mehek\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Commack High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25075\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:37.557131Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9f485a15efef12fd2d01eb5a5e524ce9e5927088fb5500e739e36627cab41047\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25075\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:39.608534Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:af65b0d6a6f34f39813c448f22abacb3993d0a68f269d70fddc7c47af4974d45\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25075\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MCRO011-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:af65b0d6a6f34f39813c448f22abacb3993d0a68f269d70fddc7c47af4974d45\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25075\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:9f485a15efef12fd2d01eb5a5e524ce9e5927088fb5500e739e36627cab41047\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Microbiology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MCRO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MCRO040\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Biofilm Composition in Fungi Fusarium and Development of a Multi-targeted Antifungal Treatment To Inhibit Proliferation\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Fusarium is a genus of fungi that produces biofilms, a collection of microbial cells that confer high antifungal resistance to opportunistic Fusarium pathogens, which cause lethal infections in crop and human populations with a 75% clinical mortality rate. This study first uncovered three critical mechanisms of biofilm formation in four clinically-relevant Fusarium species. Biofilm matrix morphology was visualized through electron microscopy. Abiotic growth conditions and Skn7-deletion mutant analysis reported internal oxidative stress resistance mechanisms. Fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed a biofilm polymeric matrix that consists of polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular nucleic acids. With these identified targets, computational SB and LBDD analysis optimized a combination antifungal treatment consisting of three compounds to target aforementioned biofilm components: inhibiting cytochrome CYP51 - thus degrading membrane morphology - with Voriconazole, promoting internal resistance disruption using Amphotericin B, and obstructing DNA and protein macromolecular synthesis with 5-Fluorocytosine through TS inhibition. Docking analysis supported binding affinities to targeted pathways and confirmed bioavailability and safety. In-vitro cultures consisting of two-fold antifungal dilutions (128 to 0.125 mg/L) revealed that, across strains, Voriconazole was the most effective antifungal with 60% inhibition efficiency. Amphotericin B displayed 55% efficiency and 5-Fluorocytosine had 40% efficiency. The triple-combination drug treatment exhibited over 90% inhibition efficacy at respective concentrations. This research provides novel insight into the maturation of fungal biofilms and supports the use of a cocktail treatment to combat infections, reducing mortality.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Zhang, Ray\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"VA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25982\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:41.200576Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d7edfb1ea50ad9f178a87fd581c8e087ebef242b2b5b465a415bb32d1b2afb2b\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25982\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:44.610948Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e8b1cd800fc70fd7ac3115c5724a1765e232be52132dac0c28a6003204b0e758\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25982\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MCRO040-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e8b1cd800fc70fd7ac3115c5724a1765e232be52132dac0c28a6003204b0e758\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25982\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:d7edfb1ea50ad9f178a87fd581c8e087ebef242b2b5b465a415bb32d1b2afb2b\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PHYS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PHYS033\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Characterizing a Novel Flare in the Distant Quasar VIIIZw233\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Every second in the universe an exciting event is occurring, whether it be the collision of two black holes or the death of a star in an explosive supernova. One such event is a Tidal Disruption Event (TDE), where a star gets too close to a black hole and is ripped apart by the black hole's tidal forces. The hot interior of the star is exposed, causing increased activity in that galaxy's spectra. Stellar matter such as dust, gasses, and rocks orbit the black hole in an accretion disk. From the resulting friction of these fast-moving objects, energy is output as light which is termed as a quasar. VIIIZw233 is a galaxy host to a quasar of the same name and is located at 527 Megaparsecs (Mpc) from Earth. In 2018, an unusual flare from this quasar was documented by the Wyoming Infrared Observatory (WIRO) in the optical portion of the EMS. The objective was to characterize different elements of the flare in VIIIZw233 and compare them to characteristics of known TDEs. It was hypothesized that the characteristics of the flare will be similar to those of a TDE. All data were imported, pre-processed and analyzed in Google Colab, a platform for executing Python online. Packages such as lmfit, astropy, numpy, pandas, and matplotlib were used in this analysis. The criteria analyzed in this study included the peak luminosity, comparing the continuum light curve with the H-Beta light curve, the difference spectra, as well as the color of the object.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ramesh, Padmalakshmi\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Laramie High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"WY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25073\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:45.344027Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7f4f6ff0bda580bd93735f30603e8d537dbecf538d9760ab83180cb46ed10fa0\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25073\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:46.823449Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ad09cbabd191c7a28e23d2d3dac73690f6ab0bcaf59ebd6f92b148cd47d0d59e\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25073\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PHYS033-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ad09cbabd191c7a28e23d2d3dac73690f6ab0bcaf59ebd6f92b148cd47d0d59e\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25073\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:7f4f6ff0bda580bd93735f30603e8d537dbecf538d9760ab83180cb46ed10fa0\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PHYS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PHYS038T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Effect of the Apex Angle of a Triangular-Shaped Vibrating Structure on Acoustic Streaming\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Acoustic streaming (AS) is generated by an acoustic field in a fluid and is capable of creating a specific flow pattern and a jet. We investigated the characteristics of AS produced by the vibration of triangles by using simulation and experiment. Thermoviscous equations and Navier-Stokes equations were employed for the numerical simulation, while the experiment was conducted using the PIV technique. From the simulation and experiment results, we found the alternation of the jet\u2019s direction. Specifically, the jet changes its direction from outward to inward as the apex angle becomes bigger, which wasn\u2019t predictable in the prior research. Moreover, the lateral jet is observed in the AS from a triangle with a large apex angle. In addition, the number of vortices as well as the streaming velocity were affected by the apex angle of the triangles. The mechanism for the jet\u2019s direction alternation and emergence of the lateral jet were investigated and explained using body force analysis. Specifically, body force due to acoustic field and viscous force were compared at various apex angles, showing an overriding of force as the apex angle approached its small and large limit. Furthermore, the relationship between the magnitude and direction of the AS and the geometry yields convenience in the modeling and development of microfluidic devices, where precision is crucial, providing an application in circulating, mixing, and trapping microparticles.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Tonpongphan, Korakrit\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Kamnoetvidya Science Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"Thailand\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Boonyaraj, Veroj\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Kamnoetvidya Science Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"Thailand\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24740\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:48.029133Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a3d1af96c6c1b5861ee346351538a048953027c1cbad97a57f6aca39c9cafb62\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24740\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:49.586643Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d45bb85da419d06b6f070019579081c433fdf0ebd84f3e46879bd5ea779e642f\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24740\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PHYS038T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d45bb85da419d06b6f070019579081c433fdf0ebd84f3e46879bd5ea779e642f\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24740\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:a3d1af96c6c1b5861ee346351538a048953027c1cbad97a57f6aca39c9cafb62\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PHYS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PHYS056\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"NASA\",\n        \"raw\": \"NASA: 3rd Prize\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Discovery of New Extragalactic Planet Candidates: A Novel End-to-End Machine Learning\\r\\nPipeline for Efficient Transit Detection in the X-ray Spectrum\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The discovery of M51-ULS-1b, the only extragalactic planet orbiting an X-ray Source\\n(XRS), unveiled a gap in our current understanding of planetary formation and evolution.\\nHow this planet formed and survived under the intense radiation, tidal waves, and high\\nvariability of XRS remains a mystery, compelling us to seek more extragalactic planets to\\nexpand theories. Yet, observation challenges such as sparse sampling, data\\ngaps, and noise obscure planetary transits, rendering them indistinguishable from inherent variability in\\nXRS. This study introduces a GPU-accelerated machine-learning pipeline to surpass these\\ndifficulties and automate the identification of energy-independent transit candidates within XRS\\nobserved by the Chandra X-ray Observatory. The pipeline encompasses data extraction,\\npre-processing, and Bayesian-based feature engineering, culminating in a random forest model\\n(RFM). Training over 1400+ real and synthetic observations, the model achieved a high accuracy\\nof 98.6% in multiclass transit detection. Rigorous energy-independence filtering through\\nANOVA and p-testing was incorporated to ensure the consistency of transits across diverse X-ray\\nenergy bands. This verified the nature of the transiting body and enhanced the reliability of\\ntransit predictions. The RFM's robustness was substantiated through k-folding cross-validation,\\nOOB error validation, and additional validation sets. In validation, the model successfully\\nidentified the transit of M51-ULS-1b and 13 new transits within eight distinct XRS. This\\npipeline's success marks a significant advancement in automating the discovery of extragalactic\\nplanets by facilitating promising transit targets for subsequent investigations into planetary\\nformation within extreme environments.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Aleman, Emily\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Centro Residencial de Oportunidades Educativas de Ceiba\",\n        \"country\": \"Puerto Rico\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25565\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:50.435247Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7eb50903a0150e50898041e02ba95f8b4f41728bf9dc19219bc963acb3c8e342\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25565\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:51.931411Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:06c28a13621e5c8ad07e5daf43df926e6c62d5e2fab2df7ea08cd18e8fba3851\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25565\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PHYS056-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:06c28a13621e5c8ad07e5daf43df926e6c62d5e2fab2df7ea08cd18e8fba3851\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25565\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:7eb50903a0150e50898041e02ba95f8b4f41728bf9dc19219bc963acb3c8e342\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PHYS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PHYS058\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Deep Learning on a Novel Ising Model To Study Arctic Sea Ice Dynamics\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The centennial Ising model, which was initially proposed to explain ferromagnetism and phase transitions, has become a central pillar of statistical physics and a powerful tool in diverse applications. In this study, the Ising model is combined with modern deep learning methods to examine Arctic sea ice dynamics, a crucial indicator of climate change. Upon the classical binary-spin Ising setup, continuous spin values are introduced to capture the real-world ice/water phase transitions, and an innovative inertia factor is incorporated to represent the natural resistance to state changes. The generalized model is then utilized for the Monte Carlo simulation of sea ice evolution in a large focus area of the Arctic region, by engaging the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm and training a convolutional neural network. Using the sea ice concentration data collected by the National Snow and Ice Data Center, our model proves to have strong explanatory power. The simulated configurations exhibit striking similarity with the actual ice/water images, and two numerical measures calculated from the simulation results\u2014the ice coverage percentage and the ice extent\u2014match closely with the data statistics. Moreover, the Ising parameters predicted by the convolutional neural network demonstrate the substantial impact of the external forces, which can be further enriched and linked to the environmental factors in other global warming analyses. This study identifies the fundamental physical mechanism governing sea ice dynamics. It also validates the vast potential of pairing classical physics with cutting-edge technologies in climate science, thereby presenting ample possibilities for future interdisciplinary research.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Wang, Ellen\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Horace Mann School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25907\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:54.931980Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:60814435f351205c0682dd83af2ec8030b3c5efa2dc74771ebe1a16478a453ef\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25907\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:56.947897Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6ff200704a826748db3d1826ad727f270a5be7d4e47885ae574e0ead41d218dc\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25907\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PHYS058-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6ff200704a826748db3d1826ad727f270a5be7d4e47885ae574e0ead41d218dc\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25907\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:60814435f351205c0682dd83af2ec8030b3c5efa2dc74771ebe1a16478a453ef\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PLNT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PLNT023T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Novel Duckweed Cultivation Method to Maximize Its Nutritional Value for Future Sustainable Food Development\",\n    \"abstract\": \"A child dies from hunger every 10 seconds due to the rising global crisis in food accessibility, security, and sustainability. Therefore, the need for a sustainable food source is becoming more urgent. To address this issue, we found out that duckweed (Wolffia globosa), a small angiosperm with high values of complete protein and rapid growth rate, could be a comprehensive solution. However, duckweed accessibility was hindered by systematic cultivation. We investigated environmental factors affecting duckweed growth and nutritional value to identify the optimal conditions for high-quality duckweed cultivation. Our study showed that manipulating limiting factors such as light, water, nutrient compositions, and bacterial symbiosis enhanced duckweed protein production significantly by 8-folds. We developed a novel duckweed cultivation system that yields 3 times more protein than livestock. We were motivated to apply the potential of the optimized duckweed food value not only to address the current food crisis but to pose duckweed as a future universal sustainable food for mankind. One of the applications we were interested in was to introduce duckweed cultivation in other unusual environments such as varied gravitational conditions. We designed a Random Positioning Machine to assess the effects of various gravity levels on duckweed production rate. Our results revealed that microgravity could double duckweed\u2019s growth, highlighting its potential as a future sustainable food source in low gravitational environments. Thus, our approach not only introduced an environmentally friendly duckweed production system as a complete protein source, but we also revealed its potential applications beyond Earth.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Akkarajeerawat, Sunyapat\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Bangkok Christian College\",\n        \"country\": \"Thailand\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Chauvanasmith, Thanatkorn\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Bangkok Christian College\",\n        \"country\": \"Thailand\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24914\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:57.626117Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:56b29f98266a3c949234e9eda036e9b07a4a16818f40293dcee44c3b52a70e23\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24914\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:58.893096Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d4957a4725232a5a9e989fbf71423a61a1f497d13e25dee52b217fa42130b746\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24914\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PLNT023T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d4957a4725232a5a9e989fbf71423a61a1f497d13e25dee52b217fa42130b746\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24914\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:56b29f98266a3c949234e9eda036e9b07a4a16818f40293dcee44c3b52a70e23\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PLNT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PLNT043\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Extents of Marine Salinization Increasing Thermal Tolerance in Seagrass\",\n    \"abstract\": \"To address the depletion of seagrass, this study aimed to understand seagrass conservation approaches by investigating the impact of varying salinity levels and temperature fluctuations on thermal tolerance, and the effects of activated carbon (AC) on growth rates. Syringodium Filiforme samples were cultivated in different salinities and substrates, and parameters were measured, including cell wall density, carbohydrate content, and stem growth. Simulated bleaching events provided comparable data for analysis through various statistical tests in R version 4.3.1. The statistically significant results revealed that higher saline-induced seagrass samples exhibited greater thermal resilience following simulated bleaching. '50 ppt' and '50 ppt AC' groups exhibited significant positive effects (p<0.05) on cell wall density and carbohydrate content. Statistical correlations between activated carbon and overall growth underscored the importance of these factors in seagrass health. In the '20 ppt' groups, the comparison between AC and non-AC showed significant difference (t = 5.3972, p-value = 0.0003127), with 95% confidence interval (1.681676 to 4.051657) and '50 ppt', the t-test indicated a significant difference between groups with and without AC (t = 3.1195, p-value = 0.01094), with 95% confidence interval (0.4241072 to 2.5492261). This study's findings advocate for strategically assisted evolutionary interventions to mitigate seagrass loss, emphasizing the significance of establishing seagrass rejuvenation efforts through the use of increased salinity. As seagrasses continue to disappear, this research provides a foundation for future studies and conservation efforts to ensure the vitality and longevity of these essential marine ecosystems.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kulamavalavan, Karun\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"New Rochelle High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25628\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:24:59.576904Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3dcdee8f9970202f19e675591467aabc6dc9fb7683e28a090cf4e2c7a8980ce1\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25628\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:00.890420Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d7dc6b5b73c000cbde88fe37c0077930a0809a3e9a3ce2e6b0a7abd0214e1114\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25628\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PLNT043-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d7dc6b5b73c000cbde88fe37c0077930a0809a3e9a3ce2e6b0a7abd0214e1114\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25628\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:3dcdee8f9970202f19e675591467aabc6dc9fb7683e28a090cf4e2c7a8980ce1\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PLNT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PLNT046\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"RCMC - Natural Edible Coating Based on Carnauba Wax and Mandacaru: A New Alternative to Fruit Conservation\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Waste in the food production chain directly impacts the economy and food shortage, creating the need for alternatives to reduce these losses. This project aims to develop a natural, healthy, and biodegradable product RCMC using two native products from northeastern Brazil, the mandacaru (Cereus jamacaru) and carnauba wax (Copernicia prunifera), to coat tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L), one of the fruits with the highest losses in the production chain. The development of RCMC (the coating) involved mixing the products with distilled water, settling the solution, and applying it to the fruits through immersion or spreading. Five cycles of tests were conducted, the first four in triplicate and the last one on a larger scale, using 10 fruits for each tested group (with and without coating). The fruits with RCMC were compared in terms of shelf life with paraffin and Aloe vera gel. Sensory evaluation tests were carried out with school students, who judged fruits with RCMC and without coating, and stated that they did not perceive a difference between the tested methods. The durability of the fruits with RCMC was 21 days, while those with paraffin remained on the shelf for 6 days, and those coated with Aloe vera gel lasted 9 days. Three different formulas of RCMC were tested. The best  concentration proved to be  2,400g of mandacaru, 800g of carnauba wax, and 1,500ml of distilled water, resulting in 1 liter of RCMC, which can coat around 444kg of tomatoes at a price of USD 17.76  per liter of the coating. The fruits with RCMC lost 24.51% of their mass in 21 days, whereas those without coating lost 17.55% in 6 days. RCMC has proven to be a viable alternative in tomato conservation and shows promising results to be tested in other climacteric fruits in the future.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"de Oliveira Rodrigues, Gabrielle\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Escola de Ensino Medio Luiz Girao\",\n        \"country\": \"Brazil\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25555\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:01.626532Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:00dbfaaeab5abbbb516c01f3465602295097c22ebc4daed9b13fdb0edfe697a5\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25555\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:02.905508Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:49252d13ad29fc6ecb2f725f05c853b9a9d51ab14fcba6ac9c8edd0743cfb726\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25555\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PLNT046-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:49252d13ad29fc6ecb2f725f05c853b9a9d51ab14fcba6ac9c8edd0743cfb726\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25555\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:00dbfaaeab5abbbb516c01f3465602295097c22ebc4daed9b13fdb0edfe697a5\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PLNT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PLNT055\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Reducing Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Water Contamination With Mycorrhizal Hydroponics Plants\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as \\\"forever chemicals\\\", are one of the most common and dangerous water pollutants, having carcinogenic effects and causing 382,000 global deaths annually. Current methods to purify PFAS-contaminated water can cost millions of dollars and require existing infrastructure, making them difficult to implement in low-income and rural areas without industrial treatment plants. Hydroponics plants colonized by beneficial mycorrhizal fungi present an affordable and sustainable solution to purifying PFAS-contaminated water. In this study, mycorrhizal-inoculated basil and lettuce plants were cultivated in hydroponics systems under controlled conditions. Root samples were stained and analyzed under a light microscope to confirm mycorrhizal presence. PFAS was added to the systems and an LC/QQQ-MS instrument was used to measure the reduction in PFAS concentrations over 72 hours. Results showed that mycorrhizal plants removed 71.1% of PFAS in a water system compared to 59.9% by non-mycorrhizal plants, and t-test (p-value=0.00367) was used to prove statistical significance. Relative health of plants was measured through root length, with results revealing that mycorrhizal plant roots were 2.8 inches longer on average than non-mycorrhizal roots. Further analysis revealed a direct relationship between plant root length and PFAS purification, indicating the suitability of species with naturally longer roots for real-world phytoremediation applications, such as at stormwater detention ponds. This study provided a proof-of-concept of the effectiveness of mycorrhizal hydroponics plants in reducing PFAS contamination in water systems, presenting applications as an inexpensive and large-scale purification system.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ahuja, Neel\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Millburn High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NJ\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25552\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:03.695134Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:00f2f36eb84a0647ae979bb2f5baaf306007b1f35e79e19e5fad514bcd4b6ee9\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25552\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:04.903676Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b9239fa514ff004854165cd39bad6d056219d836dfe8f0f223feb15316eac134\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25552\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PLNT055-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b9239fa514ff004854165cd39bad6d056219d836dfe8f0f223feb15316eac134\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25552\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:00f2f36eb84a0647ae979bb2f5baaf306007b1f35e79e19e5fad514bcd4b6ee9\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ROBO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ROBO017\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"FISQ: A Few-Shot, Interpretable, and Self-Supervised Quantum Machine Learning Approach to Automated Real-Time Prediction Over Multiple Domains\",\n    \"abstract\": \"To ascertain complex relationships between inputs and outputs and function at high accuracies, Machine Learning algorithms require vast amounts of high-quality data. In many instances, the quantity of data needed is unobtainable and even if present, the resulting model is unable to effectively capture granularities between multimodal data, adapt its learnings to other problem domains, or explain its predictions. Therefore, a novel end-to-end self-supervised quantum machine learning approach to provide interpretable predictions on fewer data is proposed. In a procedural flow, data can be sourced from virtually any data modality including images, text, video, and signal-based data. Images are encoded using a Quantum Convolutional Neural Network, text-based data is encoded using a Bidirectional Encoder Representation model; videos and signals are encoded manually. Each of the encoded representations are passed into a contrastive self-supervised embedder, which learns relationships between the data simultaneously and encapsulates its learnings in a feature vector output. Using the vector as input, a Quantum Neural Network outputs a final prediction for any specified task. The proposed approach was tested on 27 benchmark datasets and the downstream task of identifying diagnoses, prognoses, and treatments for thousands of diseases. On benchmark datasets, the model outperformed all previous state-of-the-art approaches in visual classification when only trained on 2 data samples, achieving 99.3% and 96.32% accuracy on the STL10 and ImageNet datasets respectively. For the task of disease prediction, the model predicted diagnoses with a 98.53% accuracy, achieved a Concordance-Index of 0.98 in predicting prognoses, and a 99.32% accuracy for treatment prediction.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Agarwal, Shobhit\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Rick Reedy High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24921\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:05.591492Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b60d95072a49baaf283ac9aa1d307d945b42c18e247690f2a6ed263957fe3a52\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24921\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:07.105085Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0174360204c75b8bfa6e46282e89dd93b3040097b28185aec80b1deff131f366\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24921\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO017-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0174360204c75b8bfa6e46282e89dd93b3040097b28185aec80b1deff131f366\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24921\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:b60d95072a49baaf283ac9aa1d307d945b42c18e247690f2a6ed263957fe3a52\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ROBO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ROBO023\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"CardioNet: Synthesis of a Diagnostic-Caliber 12-Lead Electrocardiogram Using Generative Neural Networks and Novel Feature Extraction Techniques\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States. However, early detection can prevent up to 80% of associated fatalities. 12-lead Electrocardiograms (ECGs) are the gold standard for CVD diagnosis but require special equipment to be recorded. Smart wearable devices are ideal for at-home monitoring but only record three leads, limiting detectable diseases. This abstract introduces CardioNet, a method to synthesize a diagnostic-caliber 12-lead ECG from a subset of leads. CardioNet uses Leads I, III, and V6 to generate the remaining nine leads. Leads II, aVR, aVL, and aVF are calculated using proven methods (Einthoven and Goldberger Formulas), while Leads V1-V5 are synthesized using a novel machine-learning pipeline, the project's primary focus.\\nCardioNet utilizes a novel multi-scale transformer architecture that processes single-beat, coarse-grained, and fine-grained representations of the input leads using 3 distinct pipelines each implementing custom-designed transformer blocks (e.g. CNN+Transformer, custom positional encodings). This architecture is designed to analyze both local (Single Beat) and temporal (Multi Beat) dependencies, ensuring a diagnostic-caliber ECG output.\\nThe model is trained using 100,000 ECGs split between 10 disease types from the Mimic-IV database. CardioNet achieved a low error with an average NRMSE of 0.00013 and an AAE of 0.016 mV when tested with 30,000 ECGs. The synthesized ECGs were also proven to be diagnostic caliber when evaluated by a licensed cardiologist for accuracy of morphology in both normal and abnormal ECGs. CardioNet is the only method for 12-lead ECG synthesis using wearable devices, and its novel generative AI methodology makes early detection and at-home monitoring of CVD widely available.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Chitlur, Tanay\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Westview High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"OR\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25140\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:07.778936Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:310f6a7b89a49f05e4d8e0e1881f6d2812ce2b0b2c9c58a3ae1df2f8abe50e83\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25140\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:09.182241Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a6bfe1726a07429738eb2bb4661c9bc458d3d5af0405a9c95bafecd636ff571d\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25140\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO023-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a6bfe1726a07429738eb2bb4661c9bc458d3d5af0405a9c95bafecd636ff571d\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25140\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:310f6a7b89a49f05e4d8e0e1881f6d2812ce2b0b2c9c58a3ae1df2f8abe50e83\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ROBO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ROBO027T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Easy AED: An Autonomous VTOL Emergency Equipment Delivery Drone System\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Every year, six million people die from cardiac arrest in the world with 436,000 victims in the United States alone. This problem is made worse because, in many counties, more than 50% of people live in ambulance deserts, where it takes over 25 minutes for an ambulance to arrive when an AED is recommended to be administered within 5 minutes. This is a significant problem as it leads to unnecessary death. To solve this problem, the team aims to design an on-demand autonomous VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) hybrid drone (capable of both horizontal and vertical flight)  delivery system capable of delivering a battery-powered AED to a GPS location when requested by an app. In order to make this design, the team split the project up into three subsystems: the control subsystem, the communication subsystem, and the structural subsystem. The control subsystem consisted of the autopilot and motor control of the drone. The communication subsystem consisted of the communication between the user to the app to the home base via http protocol to the drone via LoRa (low range radio). The structural subsystem consisted of the aerodynamic design of the drone. The system was able to deliver the payload accurately in a radius of up to 10 miles within 5 minutes. This system should be significantly cheaper than other solutions such as increasing the density of EMTs. After designing a prototype of this system, the team concluded that the design was effective.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Doughty, Landon\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Saint John's School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Dhuka, Ayaan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Saint John's School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Moreno-Earle, Caiman\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Saint John's School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24889\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:09.779489Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:21f0b1a58d276eb45fe7b3ef250f17fb6e02ff8dabe7b1d94ddac8e49a8bb889\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24889\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:11.102402Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e5756c3ed89382f5f35a9096d5cfd05483633a07bddbbdd23f39366ca1de855f\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24889\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO027T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e5756c3ed89382f5f35a9096d5cfd05483633a07bddbbdd23f39366ca1de855f\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24889\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:21f0b1a58d276eb45fe7b3ef250f17fb6e02ff8dabe7b1d94ddac8e49a8bb889\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ROBO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ROBO038\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Serving Society Through Science\",\n        \"raw\": \"Serving Society Through Science: Second Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Design of a Low-Cost, Low Inertia, Backdrivable Upper-Body Humanoid\",\n    \"abstract\": \"General purpose humanoid robots have long been envisioned for a plethora of applications such as disaster relief, industrial automation, agriculture, or elderly assistance. A humanoid form for a robot allows for optimal utility and mobility in a world where the environments and tools are designed around humans. However, in the current field of robotics, conventional robot actuator design struggles with three key limitations. A lack of backdrivability in dynamic tasks (undefined and quickly changing forces and trajectories) (Wensing, 2017), a lack of humanoids that are low cost & highly back-drivable, and a prohibitively high cost of research on humanoids(Kim et al., 2015).\\nThus, this research sought to tackle these problems in the design of a low-cost, low inertia, high impact mitigation, humanoid upper body. The design implemented 3D printed Quasi-Direct Actuators designed on Autodesk Fusion360, with high torque BLDC motors inspired by MIT\u2019s proprioceptive actuator on the MIT Cheetah. In addition, a PID controller with IMF dampening was employed with off the shelf electronics culminating in a cost of ~1000 dollars. This was <1% of the cost of current humanoids that can range from 50k - millions of dollars to buy or research. The designed humanoid was able to achieve its research goals and achieved its benchmarks for functionality, back-drivability and cost, and developments in this research has the novel potential to allow for the widespread accessibility of humanoid research due to its low cost, and advance the frontiers of humanoid research, especially in human-robot interaction.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Choi, Jilly\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"duPont Manual High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"KY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25260\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:11.781614Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b615f3cef7d927aced393965d981cf4a80afa1393f2c6adfda07443c891ba065\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25260\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:13.144248Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f89b9105834ebc4502d37acde015955da7e3c47388bd40858d1b0ad3aee74f20\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25260\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO038-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f89b9105834ebc4502d37acde015955da7e3c47388bd40858d1b0ad3aee74f20\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25260\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:b615f3cef7d927aced393965d981cf4a80afa1393f2c6adfda07443c891ba065\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Systems Software\",\n    \"category_code\": \"SOFT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"SOFT038\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development\",\n        \"raw\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development: USAID Science for Development First Award - Education and Youth\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"IEEE  Foundation\",\n        \"raw\": \"IEEE  Foundation: IEEE 25th Anniversary Award\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"AuralStudio: A Multisensory Development Environment With a Novel, Bytecode-Compiled Programming Language\",\n    \"abstract\": \"According to the World Health Organization, nearly 300 million people worldwide suffer from visual impairments, a number which is only expected to grow in the coming years. In the U.S. alone, nearly 70% of the visually impaired are not currently employed. On the other hand, computer science, which has been enjoying tremendous growth for decades, has largely excluded several disabled groups, the most prominent of which are the visually-impaired. Current development environments and programming languages are simply not accessible enough for the visually-impaired; less than 1% even attempt to learn to code. AuralStudio seeks to solve this issue through the creation of a new programming language and a development environment that: 1) includes a novel, Turing-complete, bytecode interpreter, 2) eliminates the mouse/keyboard, 3) provides multi-sensory feedback with a control pad, 4) highlights code's inherently hierarchical nature with acyclic digraphs, and 5) redesigns error messages for brevity/clarity. AuralStudio is tested on blind and low-vision students at a flagship government school for the blind, and is shown to significantly improve programming times, reduce bugs and provide a far more accessible and immersive development experience overall. Test results indicated no statistically significant difference between development time (from file creation to output) between visually-impaired and sighted students. This project shows that given the right tools, it is possible for the visually-impaired to not only foray into software development, but to be effective, efficient programmers; this work opens several doors for those with impaired vision, and the disabled overall, so that everyone is able to participate in the software revolution.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Shah, Abhishek\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Green Level High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NC\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25719\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:13.795199Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6f980f5a9a218d3ad86ceb399b11cd9a9d785aca1459cc405792ba7362b11e29\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25719\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:15.240389Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:eeda51656be20a68133dea40b5ad214de1f16589af99d2e46118277321de6951\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25719\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/SOFT038-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:eeda51656be20a68133dea40b5ad214de1f16589af99d2e46118277321de6951\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25719\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:6f980f5a9a218d3ad86ceb399b11cd9a9d785aca1459cc405792ba7362b11e29\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Systems Software\",\n    \"category_code\": \"SOFT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"SOFT043\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence\",\n        \"raw\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence: AAAI Student Memberships for each finalist that is part of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Prize Winning projects and 5 Honorable Mention winning projects (up to 3 students per project) (in-kind award / part of the 1st-3rd prize)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence\",\n        \"raw\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence: AAAI Membership for the School Libraries of All 8 Winners (in-kind award / part of 1st-3rd prize and honorable mentions' prize)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence\",\n        \"raw\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence: Second Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"IEEE  Foundation\",\n        \"raw\": \"IEEE  Foundation:  Third Place Award of $400\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Gaze Link: A Multi-language Low-Cost Mobile Eye-Gesture Communication System With Large Language Models for People With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis\",\n    \"abstract\": \"People with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (PALS), who have severe motor and speech impairments, mostly rely on their eyes and assistive technology to communicate. However, existing high-tech products are expensive and hard to access, while low-tech products are inefficient and restrictive.\\nTo mitigate the limitations, this research proposes GazeLink, a low-cost mobile application for PALS to communicate efficiently with only eye movements. First, the system recognizes user eye gestures like left or up with machine learning and a template-matching algorithm. Then, it converts the eye gestures to words through a keyboard that supports English, Spanish, and Chinese. For efficiency, the system employs Large Language Models (LLMs) to generate a suitable sentence with words typed by the user and the context. Finally, the system provides text-to-speech and social media post services for both verbal and digital eye-gesture communication.\\nSimulations conclude that sentence generation with LLMs can improve text-entry rate by 81% while maintaining 90% of semantic similarity. Usability studies with 30 participants show that GazeLink can recognize eye gestures with 94.1% accuracy in varying lighting. After rapidly learning the user interface in under 10 attempts, first-time participants typed sentences of various lengths with their eyes at 15.1 words per minute, which is 7.2x faster than the common low-tech solution E-Tran.\\nExperiments demonstrate GazeLink\u2019s efficiency, learnability, and accuracy in eye-gesture text entry. The system is extremely affordable (<$0.1 a month), portable, and easily accessible online. It also supports different users, lighting, smartphones, and languages. Product testing with PALS and personalized LLM models will be the next step.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Sun, Xiangzhou\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Webb School of California\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25529\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:15.848236Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6c68d2fde6ae4a368c066754540ca4666472e326fdd32e03de720a4ed0411840\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25529\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:17.195669Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:42783f84e369e5f4267c3e501b7bb08aaff33fd5b6b6e64365895dd8e115d6ff\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25529\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/SOFT043-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:42783f84e369e5f4267c3e501b7bb08aaff33fd5b6b6e64365895dd8e115d6ff\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25529\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:6c68d2fde6ae4a368c066754540ca4666472e326fdd32e03de720a4ed0411840\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Systems Software\",\n    \"category_code\": \"SOFT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"SOFT055T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Association for Computing Machinery\",\n        \"raw\": \"Association for Computing Machinery: Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Integration of Deep Learning Into Automatic Volumetric Cardiovascular Dissection and Reconstruction in Simulated 3D Space for Medical Practice\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Accurate and efficient analysis of cardiac images is essential for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular disease, a major cause of mortality globally, including Vietnam. However, this task is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to errors. The 2D data complicates analysis due to the anatomical complexity and diverse cardiovascular pathologies. To address these challenges, we developed a comprehensive software solution tailored to cardiac data of patients. We assembled an intricate Vietnamese Heart Segmentation and Cardiovascular Disease Dataset (VHSCDD) from local hospitals, ensuring practical application. Our research explored advanced neural network architectures, including CNN-based and Transformer-based models, with different novel attention mechanisms and loss functions. Specifically, by redesigning the feature extraction layers, attention mechanism, and upsampling method out of TransUNet, we introduced RotCAtt-TransUNet++, which outperforms current state-of-the-art models for cardiac segmentation. Furthermore, we optimized the Marching Cubes algorithm for rapid, detailed 3D reconstruction of cardiac structures. To enhance diagnostic capabilities, we developed innovative algorithms integrating multivariable calculus and 3D Fenwick trees for quantitative post-reconstruction analysis. Furthermore, our software features a virtual reality simulation enabling experts to multidimensionally interact with 3D cardiac models, perform measurements, and simulate surgical scenarios. This comprehensive system automates segmentation and disease prediction while facilitating data storage on cloud databases. Expert evaluations confirm that our software significantly improves cardiac defect observation, making it highly applicable in medical practice and anatomy education.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Nguyen, Le Quoc Bao\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted\",\n        \"country\": \"Viet Nam\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Le, Tuan Hy\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted\",\n        \"country\": \"Viet Nam\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25675\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:17.902895Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:53e5876549e5d2ba342a11aae9b1162649ba6e6196b20b7c54c1b520ab83bb17\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25675\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:19.873999Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3ce813c5340d0532d446055979e3d139f4bb3f9dd3af36de28b5fdf2e291f317\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25675\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/SOFT055T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3ce813c5340d0532d446055979e3d139f4bb3f9dd3af36de28b5fdf2e291f317\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25675\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:53e5876549e5d2ba342a11aae9b1162649ba6e6196b20b7c54c1b520ab83bb17\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Technology Enhances the Arts\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TECA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TECA001\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"HAGU: AI-Generated Harmonically Rich Classical Guitar Pieces\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Current symbolic music generation models and music modeling techniques primarily rely on language models designed for language modeling. Most of these models treat musical features (e.g. pitch, velocity, tempo\u2026) uniformly, hindering the generation of harmonically pleasing musical phrases. To address this issue, we introduce novel contributions, starting with an efficient 2D tokenization technique called RelTok (Relative Tokenization). Through this method, we denote time relative to the preceding note's timing. Moreover, we explore the integration of the future n-gram prediction and the n-stream self-attention mechanism into the music generation task. We train a decoder-only transformer architecture, designed to accommodate n-gram prediction while utilizing 2D tokenization, on a customized dataset comprising classical guitar compositions. Finally, addressing the oversight in assessing the playability of synthesized compositions in music synthesis evaluations, we propose the \\\"playability rate\\\" metric. Tailored for stringed instruments, this technique assesses the composition's playability by examining various aspects of instrument performance. In the conducted experiments comparing our proposed tokenization and architecture with other methods, we evaluate them using a range of metrics, including the novel proposed evaluation metric playability rate, alongside pitch-based, rhythm-based, and subjective metrics. Results showed that while our model outperforms the comparison in certain aspects, key findings reveal the efficiency of our tokenization in terms of training speed and sequence length, the enhanced generation of harmonical structures due to pitch-based metrics, and the successful correlation of our proposed evaluation technique with existing ones.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Akbudak, Burak Sina\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Izmir Fen Lisesi\",\n        \"country\": \"Turkey\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24874\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:20.468854Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:561e7ca1175fdedad9cf7a8f2462816d5707f79f81fb2cd28ec710b5589b34ee\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24874\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:21.795163Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f539d8d83740f0516dd3437826a9df0ad7028e9e4e9a58762508d6d11e237d24\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24874\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TECA001-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f539d8d83740f0516dd3437826a9df0ad7028e9e4e9a58762508d6d11e237d24\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24874\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:561e7ca1175fdedad9cf7a8f2462816d5707f79f81fb2cd28ec710b5589b34ee\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TMED035\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"NASA\",\n        \"raw\": \"NASA: 1st Prize\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Photobiomodulation on In Vivo and In Vitro Wound Models Under Simulated Microgravity for Future Space Travel\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Studies on astronauts in space show that microgravity disrupts the delicate balance of processes required for wound healing, slowing it down or even stopping it completely in space.  This presents a serious risk for long-term space travel. In this study, the use of photobiomodulation (PBM), where 600-800nm light is used to stimulate cellular processes, was investigated as a novel means to speed up wound healing in normal and simulated microgravity conditions. Planarians were selected as a model for tissue regeneration and exposed to PBM treatments varied in wavelength and fluence. The results showed a 47.1% increased blastema growth rate when treated with PBM (660nm, 0.36J/cm^2) in normal gravity. To simulate a microgravity environment, a low-cost 3D clinostat was constructed. The procedure was repeated in the 3D clinostat, showing a 95.2% increase in blastema growth rate when exposed to the same PBM treatment. To determine the effectiveness of PBM on human cells, a scratch wound closure assay on cell line DU145 was performed, demonstrating a 29.4% increase in cell migration rate with PBM(660 nm 0.36J/cm^2). PBM treatment outcomes exhibited dose dependence, with an optimal treatment consisting of 5 minutes of 660nm red light exposure(0.36J/cm^2). Fluences of light greater than or less than 0.36J/cm^2 were significantly less effective in both wound models. The results suggested that PBM could be a superior, more economical solution for wound healing in space or even on Earth.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Fan, Leanne\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Westview High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25316\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:22.561278Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e2a7cb113eab98862aeefde4482a403fc1bdd8f0ec11903b212f5e0e0355c371\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25316\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:23.811323Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0fe2d29e222aaa3c2b05ce2ef4b3210f455489f813744e3a5e3c803d9097e259\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25316\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TMED035-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0fe2d29e222aaa3c2b05ce2ef4b3210f455489f813744e3a5e3c803d9097e259\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25316\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:e2a7cb113eab98862aeefde4482a403fc1bdd8f0ec11903b212f5e0e0355c371\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TMED054\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Development and in vitro Verification of a Polymersome for Blood-Brain Barrier Transport Through a Novel Machine Learning Model\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Across neurological drug development, researchers struggle with the inability of most drugs to pass through the blood-brain barrier (BBB), due to the semipermeable membrane\u2019s high selectivity. As such, drug treatment of Alzheimer\u2019s, Parkinson\u2019s, brain cancer, and strokes remains difficult. Recent research identified polymersomes (polymer-based vesicular shells) as an avenue for transport of otherwise non-BBB-permeable drugs across the BBB. However, the number of discovered BBB-traversing polymersomes remains low, and they are not able to carry all drugs. This research developed a machine learning model to identify likely polymer candidates for polymersomic drug-delivery across the BBB. The model was programmed in Python using TensorFlow and trained on 7,807 molecules from the B3DB-database. It achieved 93% accuracy and identified 13 encapsulation candidates. The top candidate for BBB permeability, ammonio methacrylate (AM), had never been considered for BBB permeability before. To validate the model, a polymersomic nanoparticle (AM-DOX) was developed by encapsulating doxorubicin (DOX, an anti-tumor drug) with AM, for eventual passage across an in-vitro BBB model (parallel artificial membrane permeability assay). 500\u00b5M-DOX and 500\u00b5M-AM-DOX were separately introduced to the BBB model for 24 hours at 37 degrees Celsius. While DOX was predictably unable to penetrate the BBB, the AM-DOX nanoparticle successfully passed, producing an equilibrium 250\u00b5M concentration surrounding the barrier, which was validated via UV-Vis and ATR-FTIR spectroscopies. These results provide compelling evidence for a new, effective BBB-encapsulation polymer, identified via machine learning, to deliver treatments for a wide array of neurological disorders.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Malkin, Ashley\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Greenwich High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CT\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25512\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:24.560277Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:49959225fd615b49675392f73832db64403774a7e6f2d9e9dc9302d3ebe67007\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25512\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:25.889965Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5ca26f08dd81a3c22d6d211235c471183e0530fae586f74ca90c721ff99c764f\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25512\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TMED054-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5ca26f08dd81a3c22d6d211235c471183e0530fae586f74ca90c721ff99c764f\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25512\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:49959225fd615b49675392f73832db64403774a7e6f2d9e9dc9302d3ebe67007\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TMED062\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Drug, Chemical &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Associated Technologies Association (DCAT)\",\n        \"raw\": \"Associated Technologies Association (DCAT): DCAT First Prize\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Design, Synthesis, and Testing of Novel Small Molecule Interleukin-6 Inhibitors for the Amelioration of Inflammatory Bowel Disease\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a prevalent autoimmune condition that affects 2.39  million Americans and is characterized by an excess of inflammatory cytokines. Interleukins, a class of cytokines, regulate immune cell differentiation and response. Specifically, Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is key in IBD, binding to membrane bound receptors, phosphorylating downstream targets and activating inflammatory pathways such as JAK-STAT and MAPK. IL-6 induced inflammation can be suppressed by reducing IL-6 production or blocking IL-6-mediated signal transduction. The only FDA approved IL-6 inhibitor is tocilizumab, a monoclonal antibody. However, there are no small molecule inhibitors on the market that directly target IL-6. Small molecules are attractive due to their lower immunogenicity, lower production costs, and oral administrability in comparison to monoclonal antibodies. This project aims to computationally design, synthesize, and test novel small molecule drugs that have the ability to inhibit the IL-6 cytokine signaling cascade. The drug discovery platform Schr\u00f6dinger Maestro was utilized to design these drugs, employing the natural compound curcumin as a template structure. More than 350 compounds were designed and a scoring profile was developed to identify the most optimal small molecules. Two compounds, Curcumin Derivative 1 (C1) and Curcumin Derivative 2 (C2) emerged as the most promising candidates due to their ideal binding affinity and high absorption through the gut-blood barrier; these compounds were chemically synthesized and characterized. Based on in-vivo testing in model organism Drosophila melanogaster, C1 and C2 are both highly effective in ameliorating IBD. Subsequent investigations will focus on conducting in-vitro cellular IL-6 inhibition assays.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Maruvada, Siddharth\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NC\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25501\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:26.521258Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:52ececb72fc4910bd092c32f3e4b320ed3a770afd2e1e291fa7866e382c5aef7\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25501\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:27.873785Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ea817d3271dbd80e051a97a91e07dd70c0f770dd1299dd7b80ee2872ce5287f5\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25501\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TMED062-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ea817d3271dbd80e051a97a91e07dd70c0f770dd1299dd7b80ee2872ce5287f5\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25501\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:52ececb72fc4910bd092c32f3e4b320ed3a770afd2e1e291fa7866e382c5aef7\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TMED070\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Second Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Second Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Comparison of Machine Learning Models (CNN and SVM) in the Novel Supervised Image Classification Approach for the Accessible Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease via Clock Drawing Tests on Mobile Phone Applications\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Elderly populations are at an increasing risk of dementia, and accessibility to status-quo diagnosis tools is a significant issue, as proposed by the substantial rates of undiagnosed cases. This study aimed to compare the performance of two supervised machine learning models, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms, in the supervised image classification of Clock Drawing Tests (CDTs) for the diagnosis of dementia. The study used a 40,000-image dataset containing labelled CDTs, ranked by qualified clinicians from 0-5, where 0 reflects severe cognitive decline and high likelihood of dementia, and 5 reflects a healthy brain. Rigorous image preprocessing was performed to clean and extract key features of images before designing and training a CNN and SVM model of classification. The performance and suitability of these models for implementation into a widely-accessible mobile application were assessed on three factors: accuracy of classification, sample complexity, and computational complexity. These performance indicators were evaluated by inputting rounds of unseen data into the two models. Results showed that the constructed CNN (89.7% Accuracy) outperformed the constructed SVM (82.1% Accuracy) in accuracy of classification and sample complexity, whilst SVMs outperformed CNNs in computational complexity. Considering the importance of accuracy in detecting dementia, the study concluded that CNNs are a more suitable and high-performance model for this application. Finally, the results of this study showed how the combination of machine learning and CDTs can be effectively used to develop a widely-accessible dementia diagnosis mobile-application fit for clinical pre-screening, aged-care homes and self-testing.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ghai, Aditya\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Anglican Church Grammar School\",\n        \"country\": \"Australia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25032\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:28.511183Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a49d41001cad7e417d84260ee48fc3a6f51eed7a85bbb06e27d2e74bf8104058\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25032\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:29.960330Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d29595614bdfd37bd8fdc8198a6c949bbd466b1b67cff2ed70106ca4345fe73c\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25032\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TMED070-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d29595614bdfd37bd8fdc8198a6c949bbd466b1b67cff2ed70106ca4345fe73c\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25032\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:a49d41001cad7e417d84260ee48fc3a6f51eed7a85bbb06e27d2e74bf8104058\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ANIM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ANIM017\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Cocoa\u2019s Cognitive Triumph: The Rescue of the Alzheimer\u2019s Model of Drosophila melanogaster With Theobroma cacao Supplementation\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Alzheimer's disease, the most prevalent form of dementia affecting over 24 million people worldwide, is characterized by cognitive decline and progressive neurodegeneration; this is mainly due to the presence of amyloid-\u00df plaques, which increase with oxidative stress. Other hallmark pathology of Alzheimer\u2019s includes decreased cerebral blood flow and an increase in neuronal apoptosis. Currently, there is no established preventive treatment for Alzheimer's. Nevertheless, research suggests that flavanols in cocoa may have preventive effects, exhibiting neuroprotective mechanisms that positively impact Alzheimer's pathology such as increasing cerebral blood flow, rescuing the brain from oxidative stress, possibly blocking neuronal apoptosis, and disrupting the formation of amyloid-\u00df plaques. This study investigated whether a cocoa-supplemented diet can enhance the neuromuscular fitness and survival of a Drosophila melanogaster model of Alzheimer's disease. After determining the correct dosage of cocoa (1%) through acute-dose toxicity and CAFE assays, male wild type or Alzheimer's disease model of Drosophila were raised on either a 1% cocoa-supplemented or control diet; their neuromuscular fitness and survival were monitored over 40 days. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in neuromuscular fitness by day 20 and a significant increase in lifespan among both wild type and Alzheimer's model flies fed the cocoa-supplemented diet. This suggests that cocoa may serve as a preventive treatment for neurological aging and Alzheimer's disease. Further research in higher organisms is needed to establish the potential benefits of long-term high-flavanol cocoa supplementation, particularly for individuals with a high-risk or familial history of neurodegenerative diseases.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ho, Kaitlin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"North Shore High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25107\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:30.573757Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0ad08a3b1c71b291e72379e1efcd859b39af3ea36a32e581a097b9a8730cc738\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25107\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:31.903853Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0c148832f35331ca25404a55b0cb3d191bf2300956d73377e8af58d70b42b012\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25107\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ANIM017-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0c148832f35331ca25404a55b0cb3d191bf2300956d73377e8af58d70b42b012\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25107\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:0ad08a3b1c71b291e72379e1efcd859b39af3ea36a32e581a097b9a8730cc738\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ANIM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ANIM023T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society: Second Life Science Award of $800\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Reducing Carbon Footprint and Producing Biofuel From Waste Degradation and Conversion by Black Soldier Fly\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The burning of agricultural waste, which is abundant and difficult to dispose of due to its high lignin content is a main source of carbon emissions and the increase in carbon footprint, one of the main leading causes of global warming. We have developed a novel approach to solve such problem by utilizing Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), a non-pathogenic insect able to consume 4 folds its body weight of organic waste. We aim to prolong metamorphosis by keeping insects at the larval stage, increasing its ability to consume more agricultural waste through supplementing its feed with local herbs, along with photoperiod applied. Additionally, we found that the group fed with rice straw contained the highest fat content and reduced the most carbon footprint. Furthermore, supplementing BSFL feed with a combination of sweet basil, rice straw, at appropriate photoperiod durations could reduce 1.5 times more carbon footprint. From the BSFL\u2019s ability to convert agricultural waste into fat, the fat was then extracted to produce biodiesel with high quality via transesterification. The remaining insect meal left after oil extraction can be further developed into a high-protein animal feed. Thus, our study demonstrates an effective, sustainable and environmentally friendly approach for disposing agricultural waste and converting it into valuable byproducts, reducing the environmental impact of carbon footprint and global warming.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Sriratana, Naphudon\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Bangkok Christian College\",\n        \"country\": \"Thailand\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Viroonvaiwut , Paponphat\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Bangkok Christian College\",\n        \"country\": \"Thailand\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24849\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:32.640053Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:41a5d0922faf48b55dc4149675dc16d9a244de0614f51943522d16ce4034202c\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24849\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:34.011060Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:433301e4764b583f70574565016c28b5a74aaf50e50865619fdf9073791e7c25\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24849\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ANIM023T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:433301e4764b583f70574565016c28b5a74aaf50e50865619fdf9073791e7c25\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24849\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:41a5d0922faf48b55dc4149675dc16d9a244de0614f51943522d16ce4034202c\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ANIM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ANIM032\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Effect of Alloferon on the Survival Rate and Flight Performance of Honey Bees\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Honeybees serve as vital pollinators that contribute to global food security and biodiversity. However, their populations are declining due to various factors, necessitating novel approaches to mitigate bee losses. Addressing such challenges, this study investigated the potential of alloferon, a synthetic peptide with known immunological effects on insects, to enhance honey bee survival and determine the underlying mechanisms responsible for the effect. Two dietary groups were set up: one supplemented with 5 ml sugar solution containing 1 ppm alloferon peptide and the control group with 5 ml 40w% sucrose solution only. Monitored over three weeks, the alloferon-treated group significantly improved 30.7% in survival rates (p < 0.0001). Transcriptomic analysis of honey bee tissues revealed upregulated gene expression of seven genes associated with locomotion activity, confirmed by RNA sequencing and RT-qPCR (p < 0.05). Furthermore, heightened expression of the Phenol-oxidase gene in the alloferon-treated group indicated a potential enhancement in immunological response (p < 0.01). In the flight performance analysis, alloferon-fed bees exhibited significantly faster flight movements and prolonged durations, measured by the flight mill. Additionally, SEM analysis of dorsal longitudinal muscle in honey bees visualized increased muscle fiber bundles for the experimental group (p < 0.0001). These results ultimately emphasize the effects of alloferon on honey bees, where alloferon may be a promising candidate for conserving bee populations against environmental stressors. By potentially increasing the survival rate of honey bees and enabling more extensive and efficient pollination, this approach could offer substantial solutions to the agriculture and food industry.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Shon, Jimin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Portsmouth Abbey School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"RI\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25427\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:34.707990Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:053e54f5d760342e7a157ea352a9cabbf42b4c03827b662153362d3f977d1f5b\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25427\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:36.035491Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6f915bd09bf25b824e09333166790b2203e3a707bd9e879be8f446bdf13c46d8\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25427\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ANIM032-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6f915bd09bf25b824e09333166790b2203e3a707bd9e879be8f446bdf13c46d8\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25427\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:053e54f5d760342e7a157ea352a9cabbf42b4c03827b662153362d3f977d1f5b\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ANIM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ANIM042\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"NC State College of Engineering\",\n        \"raw\": \"NC State College of Engineering: Scholarship to attend NC State Engineering Summer Camp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Taiwan Science Education Center\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Taiwan Science Education Center: One adult chaperone to attend\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society: Second Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"BeeMind AI: Development of an AI-Based System to Assess Honeybee Health, Behavior, and Nutrient Effects on Learning and Memory\",\n    \"abstract\": \"This research proposed and built the first integrated AI-based honeybee health assessment system called BeeMind AI. It includes eight different sensors, allowing it to track in-hive and external conditions. BeeMind AI has many diverse applications due to its ability to analyze honeybee movement and behavioral patterns to determine honeybee health, and it was used to evaluate the effects of four nutrients on honeybee health in two experiments, one in a tri-chambered maze, and another in a free-flying paradigm. The free-flying experiment was conducted to study the effect of nutrients on return rates of honeybees at distances of 300 m, 500 m, and 800 m. The free-flying experiment indicates that honeybees are very capable foragers, with return rates of the control group even at 800 m being close to 75%. It was observed for the first time that C60 nanoparticles have significant positive effects on learning, memory, and flying capabilities, improving return rates by around 9% at 300 m, 16% at 500 m, and 20% at 800 m, while neonicotinoid pesticides have negative effects on return rates, reducing them significantly by up to 30% and confirming the results from the dual-chambered maze experiments. Additionally, a new social behavior of healthy honeybees clustering together was observed, and this behavior was mathematically modeled using a proposed term called the Honeybee Clustering Dimension (HCD) number with the capability to indicate nutrient effects on honeybees. The developed BeeMind AI has a significant impact on honeybee-related research, especially in the evaluation of honeybee learning and memory.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Lo, Matthew\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The Haverford School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"PA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25961\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:36.636477Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4e81d4c46bf821732e4aaa12d449efdfda446c114e4c7d202b68c3aebf60dab0\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25961\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:38.124200Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b276fc02eb66227ebf2a92f8526c587866d3ceea58bdccfd74f6df12baeda973\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25961\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ANIM042-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b276fc02eb66227ebf2a92f8526c587866d3ceea58bdccfd74f6df12baeda973\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25961\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:4e81d4c46bf821732e4aaa12d449efdfda446c114e4c7d202b68c3aebf60dab0\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biochemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BCHM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BCHM024T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Phosphine, Not a Toxin:  A Newly Designed Capsule Encapsulating Aluminum Phosphide With Its Antidote; Preserving the Function of Celphos While Ensuring Instant Supportive Treatment\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Celphos, containing aluminum phosphide, is a widely used and affordable pesticide, however, according to National Institute of Health, it leads to approximately 300,000 global deaths annually by poisoning. When Celphos touches water or is ingested and encounters stomach acid, it releases phosphine gas (PH3), a highly toxic substance. PH3 disrupts mitochondrial function and inhibits cytochrome C oxidase, causing cellular hypoxia and ultimately death. This study introduces an innovative Celphos capsule design that combines the pesticide with a supportive treatment. The capsule consists of three parts: unencapsulated Celphos in the center for grain preservation, connected to two peripheral compartments containing potassium permanganate, silica gel, and castor oil, all within a single capsule. Two experiments tested the new capsule's ability to reduce PH3. One experiment mimicked normal conditions by placing the capsule in water and the second simulated gastric conditions by placing the capsule in gastric solution. Each setup was connected to a flask with excess copper (II) sulfate (CuSO4) to precipitate any remaining PH3. The precipitate\u2019s mass (Cu3P2) determined the remaining phosphine gas. Knowing the initial and remaining PH3 amount, the results showed a removal efficiency of 87.2% and 79.6% in the first and second experiments, respectively. In assessing the capsule's efficacy in preserving grains, a third experiment was conducted focusing on pest control, indicating an 89% pest mortality rate. The study demonstrated the capsule's effectiveness in reducing released phosphine gas, thereby decreasing toxicity, prolonging survival time, and allowing for extended treatment. This was achieved without compromising its grain preservation function, at an economical cost.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Elmekkawi, Anas\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Sharkya STEM School\",\n        \"country\": \"Egypt\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Mohamed, Mohamed\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Sharkya STEM School\",\n        \"country\": \"Egypt\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25646\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:38.749737Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:cf88abb5b59eb2bc76e59ed90a3e1d02c442abb1c2a91367c5217c326ccb0278\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25646\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:40.090708Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d5ff8ecab8055fe99e347202a3d2a3f6977e8afbc9588b6825c09bcfc2cc4654\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25646\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BCHM024T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d5ff8ecab8055fe99e347202a3d2a3f6977e8afbc9588b6825c09bcfc2cc4654\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25646\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:cf88abb5b59eb2bc76e59ed90a3e1d02c442abb1c2a91367c5217c326ccb0278\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biochemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BCHM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BCHM025\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Comprehensive LC-MS Metabolomics Approach Reveals a Novel Panel of Markers in an APOE4 Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Alzheimer\u2019s is a terrible neurodegenerative disease affecting millions of individuals around the world. However, all FDA approved drugs for the illness offer only symptomatic treatment and have limited effectiveness in slowing the progression of the disease. APOE4 is the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Having one copy of the allele increases likelihood for Alzheimer's by three-fold while individuals with two copies are 15-times more likely to have the disease. This study aims to gain insight on the molecular impact of APOE4 over time using a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS) untargeted metabolomic approach. Analysis of 63 cerebellum tissue samples from targeted replacement E3 and E4 mice at ages 6, 12, 18, and 21 months was conducted and results have identified 64 dysregulated features at 6 months, including 10 downregulations and 54 upregulations. Tracing these markers throughout the mouse lifespan has revealed these markers to also be upregulated at 18 months, indicating that molecular dysregulations perpetuate over time. Comparing metabolic profiles between sex reveals females at 12 months to have the most drastic change, showing how APOE4 can adversely affect already susceptible populations of Alzheimer\u2019s. This project uses an emerging technique to gain further insight into the mechanism by which E4 increases susceptibility for Alzheimer\u2019s disease in hopes of furthering therapeutic development for carriers.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Haider, Reyhan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Freedom High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"VA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25439\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:40.855162Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9955199f69448a8c058d9f15788e9aa77eaaf5fa9d05e9ad745be34e3c9b72cc\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25439\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:42.049783Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9960182b48edabad55f9fec0d0ce2f2438b0ea0eaf07e7288649f76bb2acd5b9\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25439\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BCHM025-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9960182b48edabad55f9fec0d0ce2f2438b0ea0eaf07e7288649f76bb2acd5b9\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25439\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:9955199f69448a8c058d9f15788e9aa77eaaf5fa9d05e9ad745be34e3c9b72cc\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biochemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BCHM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BCHM034\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Anti-Vivisection Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Anti-Vivisection Society: Awards of $3,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Novel Complementary and Alternative Medicines to Mollify Long COVID and Post-COVID Conditions Studied Using Controlled Environment Agriculture\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Despite a surge in sales and consumption of natural supplements in the last 3 years, the science supporting the safety and bioavailability of simultaneous intake of natural supplements against Long COVID (LC) and Post-COVID Conditions (PCC) is still poorly studied. In this project, the COCONUT database was used to identify natural molecules that help with LC-PCC. The molecules were then prioritized based on a criterion of probability of activity (PA) = 0.8 using the PASS database. Twenty-four water and ethanol extracts were then statistically assessed  for their Immune enhancing (antioxidation & peroxidation) and  anti-inflammatory (protein denaturation, and proteinase inhibition) properties using a homemade spectrophotometer. Turmeric (Curcumin), green tea (EGCG), and cayenne pepper (Capsaicin) were identified as the best performers. The synergy and antagonism between them were further studied using various dose combinations (N=125) prepared using statistical DoE using JMP software. The  response data was analyzed and visualized using Synergy Finder tool. The data generated revealed varying degrees of synergy and antagonism which was then studied for dynamic in vitro digestibility wherein time-dependent change in concentrations of actives was studied between four compartments. Protein binding with actives was studied using a lab-on-chip mounted on a spectroscope; a bathochromic shift from wavelength maxima was observed. Finally, plant based ADME was done using Vigna radiata grown in a controlled environment. Non-compartmental kinetic parameters, studied by PK solver, demonstrated distinct ADME trends. The identified mix of the top extracts was further characterized using TLC and LC-MS. Overall, the queries about taking multiple supplements were experimentally answered.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Bhosale, Rohan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Carmel High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"IN\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25871\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:42.728889Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c1da916c93d81aabde19320fd1f05eeb190af6f1a5083d0b0182795e0babebca\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25871\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:44.057370Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3459bf1aefc38154fb0f8e916a1df3ff22dee3ca033b8724161885e7ff3aa7ca\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25871\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BCHM034-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3459bf1aefc38154fb0f8e916a1df3ff22dee3ca033b8724161885e7ff3aa7ca\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25871\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:c1da916c93d81aabde19320fd1f05eeb190af6f1a5083d0b0182795e0babebca\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BEHA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BEHA005\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: First Award of $750 in each Regeneron ISEF Category,\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Mathematical Analysis of Preparatory Neural Activity to Predict Physical Behavior in Motor Sequences\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Unveiling the behavioral and neural activity underlying hand movements sheds light on mammalian motor control and bolsters advancements in brain-machine interfaces and prosthetic arms. Veterans and war survivors are among more than 35 million people who require prosthetic services, emphasizing the importance of improving these devices. This investigation uses neural activity from the motor cortex to predict major patterns in physical movements of mice during object-reaching tasks. Principal Component Analysis was implemented to streamline multi-dimensional data analysis and identify significant behavioral motifs through ordering colorings and Pearson correlations. The optimal weighted sum of neuronal firing was determined using Ridge regression, revealing the relationship between a trial's neural activity and behavioral motif. This comprehensive analysis yields evidence for a clear behavioral distinction and neural firing correlation during certain hand movement stages. The behavioral motifs detected during the analysis window likely continued for the larger movement, with a correlation of 0.665 and 0.767 for the lift- and grasp-centered data, respectively. The decoding error for the neural activity was minimized for time periods further away from the start of the lift, indicating optimal timings for decoding of preparatory neural activity, which account for global movement patterns. The grasp-centered data exhibited a similar trend but less pronounced. The ability to decode neural activity that occurs slightly before the motif suggests that the grasp and the lift are prepared independently of each other. These findings provide valuable insights into movement dynamics, potentially leading to more effective treatments for movement-related conditions and neural disorders.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Garg, Ria\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24925\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:44.767054Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c2c1640786835c0b81e33d273ce562dee59d2866fcb3a2b54205675070cf6003\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24925\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:46.058209Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d5e9f98f3c851149fbc02a616e7895cea6aa86348371e51b6a56a7d705412e60\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24925\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BEHA005-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d5e9f98f3c851149fbc02a616e7895cea6aa86348371e51b6a56a7d705412e60\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24925\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:c2c1640786835c0b81e33d273ce562dee59d2866fcb3a2b54205675070cf6003\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BEHA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BEHA013\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Impacts of Sucralose on Hedonic Feeding Behaviors in C. elegans for Implications in Human Obesity and Eating Disorders\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Globally, over 2.1 billion people, close to 30% of the world population, are overweight or obese. The consumption of calorically-dense, palatable foods for pleasure, a phenomenon known as hedonic feeding, is a major contributor to the development of obesity and associated diseases. In addition, there is an increasing prevalence of certain eating disorders that are directly linked to hedonic feeding behaviors. Consumption of sucrose, known commonly as table sugar, is associated with several detrimental health effects. Recent studies suggest that it can induce hedonic feeding behaviors, leading to weight gain and its related risks. Sucralose, the most popular artificial sweetener, holds potential for lowering sugar and calorie consumption given its ability to provide a sweet taste without adding calories. While there are currently few known direct health impacts of this artificial sweetener in comparison to sucrose, there is a potential for differences in their ability to induce hedonic feeding behaviors. After a multitude of clinical studies, there is no consensus on whether or not different types of sweeteners have different effects on eating behavior, particularly in terms of hedonic feeding preferences. The present study explored how sucralose and sucrose impact the hedonic feeding preferences employing C. elegans as a model organism. Results showed that wild-type C. elegans exposed to sucralose had significantly lower preferences for \u201cjunk-food\u201d bacteria compared to those exposed to sucrose, while no significant differences were observed in cat-2 mutant C. elegans that do not produce dopamine. These results suggest that sucralose can dictate hedonic feeding behaviors via the dopaminergic system and may have preventative and therapeutic implications for human health.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Khatter, Syon\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25215\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:46.754575Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d2acf39222a8c9e3da604e853c24d70cced1e307ee0e344e417e3debd9017365\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25215\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:48.068273Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:aa0b855b2e492dacd6dafdbd0565b1be675b21b4c9984048f456b891832c3416\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25215\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BEHA013-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:aa0b855b2e492dacd6dafdbd0565b1be675b21b4c9984048f456b891832c3416\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25215\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:d2acf39222a8c9e3da604e853c24d70cced1e307ee0e344e417e3debd9017365\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BEHA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BEHA026\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Methamphetamine's Influence on the Blood-Brain Barrier: Dissecting Changes in Microvascular Endothelial Cell Structure and Function\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Methamphetamine is known for its addictive potential and rapid impact on the central nervous system's dopaminergic pathways. Recent studies suggest it exacerbates stroke outcomes by increasing the permeability of endothelial cells, affecting the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This study investigates the specific mechanisms behind this effect. We propose that high concentrations of methamphetamine influence junctional proteins in endothelial cells by amplifying oxidative stress, thereby impacting cellular permeability. The study employed a multi-faceted approach. First, an Electrical Cell-Substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS) machine assessed permeability changes in Mouse Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells (MBMEC) upon meth exposure. Next, we measured superoxide levels in MBMECs using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to evaluate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by meth. Finally, Western Blot analyses for claudin-5, occludin, \u00df-catenin, and superoxide dismutase (SOD2) were conducted to investigate the drug's effects on oxidative stress and junctional proteins. The ECIS data indicated increased permeability in MBMECs at meth concentrations of 250\u00b5M and 500\u00b5M. Meth at 250\u00b5M concentration also significantly elevated superoxide levels and reduced SOD2 levels. A marked down regulation in the expression of occludin, claudin-5, and \u00df-catenin was also observed at both 250\u00b5M and 500\u00b5M concentrations (p<0.01). Methamphetamine decreases junctional protein levels in MBMECs in a concentration-dependent manner, partly due to increased oxidative stress. These findings elucidate the drug's detrimental impact on the BBB and its potential role in exacerbating stroke, highlighting the need for further research into protective and therapeutic interventions.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Manikandan, Shrivats\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Kirksville Senior High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MO\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25232\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:48.772508Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bb5407f1fed910258e96e297b84a99922342830e2d64898d2e294c644547e753\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25232\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:50.126838Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0253698398120944149c8f0979ad8dc543111f6c2397b1fd20ae9b17bd1cdecc\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25232\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BEHA026-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0253698398120944149c8f0979ad8dc543111f6c2397b1fd20ae9b17bd1cdecc\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25232\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:bb5407f1fed910258e96e297b84a99922342830e2d64898d2e294c644547e753\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BEHA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BEHA031\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Predicting Future Internal Migration Patterns Within the United States Resulting From Shifts in Temperature and Precipitation\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The annual migration of millions of people within or between countries can create resource strain, tighten job markets, and fuel political realignment. One factor that can play a role in shaping the movement of migrants is the environment, which will likely play an increasing role in the upcoming years due to climate change. In the United States, although significant shifts in temperature and precipitation are anticipated, research on internal U.S. climate migration still remains limited. Thus, this study first determined the contemporary relationships between temperature/precipitation and migration. Linear regressions and granger causality testing were conducted for every county in the continental United States. They demonstrated that temperature and precipitation play a county-dependent role in driving migration. Subsequently, a novel machine learning model was constructed for internal migration within the United States with features ranging from baseline factors like county land area to climate features like temperature and precipitation. The model proved to be highly accurate (R2 > 0.85) and feature analysis indicated that higher temperatures and decreased precipitation lead to decreased net-migration to an area. The resulting model was applied to future predictions of the U.S. climate to determine shifts in migration due to climate change. The model predicts significant reductions in net-migration to Texas and increases in net-migration to New York, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. In total, 5-year state-level migration flows are expected to shift by ~5.1 million to ~7.6 million people depending on the severity of climate change. Using the  knowledge of where migrants will move, policymakers can implement the necessary policies to adapt to the shifts in population.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Gupta, Gautam\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Briarcliff High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25596\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:50.760683Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f4a1f9fa2902becbf2a5b20927839d56852a0a7034af8cd78c533879738a58d4\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25596\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:52.177362Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e27a4200086acf5bdbf6b736bc13c7474d7ad8da1bd5607205686e9e47fa7a36\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25596\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BEHA031-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e27a4200086acf5bdbf6b736bc13c7474d7ad8da1bd5607205686e9e47fa7a36\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25596\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:f4a1f9fa2902becbf2a5b20927839d56852a0a7034af8cd78c533879738a58d4\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BEHA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BEHA045\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Psychological Association\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Psychological Association: Complimentary student affiliate memberships\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Psychological Association\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Psychological Association: First Award of $1,500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n        \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Harmony: A Remote AI-based Monitoring and Prediction System for Manic and Depression Episodes in Bipolar Disorders\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Bipolar disorder (BD) stigma arises from patients' actions during episodes resulting in feelings of guilt and shame, which delays seeking treatment due to societal pressure increasing the risk of suicidality. Leveraging remote measurements, Harmony aims to support BD patients towards early recognition of BD episodes. Harmony incorporates an Early Warning System monitoring and analyzing various physiological markers, sleep patterns, and social rhythms to predict manic and depressive episodes, enabling early intervention and support to manage and prevent escalation of symptoms. Relying on interpersonal and social rhythm therapy core principles, Harmony includes a social rhythm metric tool that passively tracks patients' routines and analyzes data providing social and circadian scores to help predict depression phases and identify triggers. Harmony includes a compassionate companion: a cognitive behavioral therapy-based mental health support Chabot using the Egyptian Arabic dialect. Harmony was experimented on 30 (BD) patients with type I and II. A significant variance in social rhythms was observed between Harmony users and the control group (p-value < 0.0001). A paired t-test indicated a significant variance (p value=0.0038) in social rhythms during the first week of experimentation without using the Chabot and the final week while using it. Subgroup analysis assessed gender-based differences in app usage using an unpaired t-test (p-value=0.0314). A clinical study involving five participants was conducted to assess the fitness tracker's data. Future analysis will be performed via a machine-learning model currently being developed. Utilizing technology and tailored interventions, Harmony enhances the overall well-being and quality of life for BD patients.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ahmed, Sahar\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"City Schools\",\n        \"country\": \"Egypt\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25649\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:52.775177Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a73c0c2407bd29f27e489d9bd0776f9e401a055fbac746d98a10bc25e8b2b073\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25649\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:54.087064Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4d5ccb01d82ec3a09c79c9548cdc5e548605422094f0024bb0b3c7f2708e00e8\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25649\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BEHA045-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4d5ccb01d82ec3a09c79c9548cdc5e548605422094f0024bb0b3c7f2708e00e8\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25649\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:a73c0c2407bd29f27e489d9bd0776f9e401a055fbac746d98a10bc25e8b2b073\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED023\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence\",\n        \"raw\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence: Honorable Mention (do not read aloud). Winners receive a student level membership. Information is included separately in the SAO Portal.\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence\",\n        \"raw\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence: AAAI Student Memberships for each finalist that is part of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Prize Winning projects and 5 Honorable Mention winning projects (up to 3 students per project) (in-kind award / part of the 1st-3rd prize)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence\",\n        \"raw\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence: AAAI Membership for the School Libraries of All 8 Winners (in-kind award / part of 1st-3rd prize and honorable mentions' prize)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Improving Racial Equity in Skin Cancer Detection: Using Artificial Intelligence Driven Synthetic Image Generation and Cascading Convolutional Neural Networks to Diagnose Cancer in Lesions of Varying Skin Tones\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Massive underrepresentation of non-White skin in dermatology research contributes to significant disparities in skin cancer outcomes. Since artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms are largely trained on research databases containing a disproportionate number of skin lesion images from White patients, the potential for widening this inequality gulf is being realized: underperformance of AI models to detect skin cancer in patients with Black skin has already been demonstrated. To rectify racial disparities in AI-based skin cancer detection, this project introduces a novel AI convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture trained on high-quality synthetically generated dark skin lesion images via an AI-driven style transfer network. The CNN also utilizes a unique Cascading architectural design which has higher accuracy by allowing the model to focus its training on ambiguous lesions. In addition to its 84% accuracy in diagnosing light skin, the model demonstrates an 83% accuracy in diagnosing skin cancer in patients with dark skin, outperforming the best published models for skin cancer detection in dark skin. Given this clinically meaningful level of accuracy, the CNN will next be evaluated on real patient images in a series of clinical trials. Further steps will also include validation of an affordable user-friendly device that uses the CNN model to capture, upload, and diagnose skin lesion images. The 30 dollar device consequently serves impoverished communities across the globe without access to immediate healthcare. Addressing emerging inequities is imperative to prevent the formation of biases in AI and the medical field. Ongoing advancements prompt consideration of the fair and responsible application of these new tools.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Choi, Kate\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The Potomac School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"VA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25358\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:54.783328Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6de0b2d3e29fb334dd08cc908684c51dd4aada4ffdaf26f0f1aa113296cb7e6e\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25358\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:56.152499Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:153f7da9afe1c7542f83b94ba55ab1a51fb8337420970e20f9886b121c005f0c\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25358\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED023-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:153f7da9afe1c7542f83b94ba55ab1a51fb8337420970e20f9886b121c005f0c\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25358\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:6de0b2d3e29fb334dd08cc908684c51dd4aada4ffdaf26f0f1aa113296cb7e6e\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED038\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"The Scientific and Technological Research Council of T\u00fcrkiye  TUBITAK\",\n        \"raw\": \"The Scientific and Technological Research Council of T\u00fcrkiye  TUBITAK: 1st Prize Award\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Novel Enhancement of Statins\u2019 Solubility with Hydroxypropyl BETA-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex via Molecular Dynamics and in vitro Validation\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The prediction and optimization of drug solubility in various formulations play a pivotal role in drug development. Statins (STN), a widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering drug family, exhibit poor aqueous solubility, limiting their bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. In this study, the solubility enhancement of three STNs, atorvastatin, simvastatin, and lovastatin in hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin (HP-BCD) inclusion complexes through a combination of molecular dynamics simulations and experimental evaluations was explored. To predict the change in solubility of STNs\u2019 in a complexation with HP-BCD, Materials Science Maestro (MSM), a molecular dynamics simulation, was utilized to calculate the Hildebrand and Hansen solubility parameters. This was achieved by formulating disordered systems that go through a cycle called a relaxation protocol. An in vitro validation was then formulated with a hydroalcoholic mixture and an excess of the selected STNs. The MSM results showed an increase in the system\u2019s solubility according to the mentioned parameters. These results were further verified and psychochemically characterized. In the presence of the HP-BCD solution, the solubility of STNs increased to 1229.73 \u00b1 10.69 \u00b5g/mL at polymer concentrations ranging from 20-40 mM. The experimental results were then compared with the MSM predictions, allowing for a comprehensive computational model validation. These insights help in developing optimized drug formulations to enhance the bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness of poorly water-soluble drugs. This is a noteworthy example of the alignment between the MSM and experimental validation, showcasing the potential for advancing pharmaceutical research and facilitating the development of innovative drug enhancement systems.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Khan, Elyas\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Dar AlFikr Schools\",\n        \"country\": \"Saudi Arabia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25336\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:56.810392Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1e57e9ef36b87e8ba58cacef85c4c64e86976f778b2325460ab595e3ffaeca9c\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25336\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:58.220799Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:48d2e12e725236797d3f01aeb3b006be2492083a83392af25850a6e2f60c1d41\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25336\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED038-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:48d2e12e725236797d3f01aeb3b006be2492083a83392af25850a6e2f60c1d41\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25336\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:1e57e9ef36b87e8ba58cacef85c4c64e86976f778b2325460ab595e3ffaeca9c\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED039\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Overexpression of JAK3 in Coronary Arteries of Kawasaki Disease Patients Reveals a New Potential Therapeutic Target\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Kawasaki Disease (KD) is a febrile illness predominantly affecting children under five years old and is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries. If KD is not diagnosed and treated on time, it can result in inflammation of coronary arteries (CA) and ultimately a fatal CA aneurysm. This inflammatory process is why KD is deadly, yet much of the KD immune response is unknown. This research sought to identify overexpressed immune proteins in KD CA to gain insight into the KD immune response and determine future targets of treatment. After examining RNA-sequencing results from a previous study, four genes were identified as upregulated in KD CA: Cluster of Differentiation 69 (CD69), Cluster of Differentiation 96 (CD96), Janus Kinase 3 (JAK3), and Integrin Subunit Alpha L (ITGAL). CA tissues from 8 fatal child KD cases and 8 fatal non-KD child controls were stained using immunohistochemistry to detect if high gene expression of CD69, CD96, JAK3, and ITGAL translated into high protein expression in KD patients. Using the Wilcoxon Rank-Sum Test for visual analysis of slides (JAK3: p=0.0013) and logistic regression for ImageJ stain quantification (JAK3: p=0.008), JAK3 was the only protein in both analyses with significantly high expression in KD CA inflammatory cells. Therefore, JAK3 is proposed as a potential KD therapeutic target. JAK3 inhibitors are already employed in treatment for inflammatory illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, warranting further studies on its application in KD patients unresponsive to current therapies. This research further elucidates the KD immune response by identifying JAK3 as a significantly upregulated protein in the KD immunologic response and proposing JAK3 as a specific target to investigate for KD therapy.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kim, Julia\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Walter Payton College Preparatory High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"IL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25478\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:25:58.818068Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5f6cd5fc65a47db5f7b00ffc156b4009430242136938d88667d511f6bb9bc113\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25478\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:00.218907Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bd17674cc559027874e36a15c0aa2658993411009b504dd0d04c87ab1a6c2289\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25478\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED039-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bd17674cc559027874e36a15c0aa2658993411009b504dd0d04c87ab1a6c2289\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25478\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:5f6cd5fc65a47db5f7b00ffc156b4009430242136938d88667d511f6bb9bc113\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED045\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Grand Theft Transcription Factor: Reversing Tumor Cell Immortality by Transcription Factor Relocalization\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most predominant malignant brain cancer in adults without prognosis improvement in decades (average survival interval of 14-17 months). Nevertheless, 83% of GBM cases have mutations in the Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase promoter (TERTp), responsible for maintaining telomeres. TERTp mutations create an ETS factor binding site, enabling the ETS transcription factor, GABP, to bind and reactivate TERT expression. While directly targeting telomerase has systematic toxicity, targeting GABP may allow for tumor-specific TERT silencing. Still, targeting transcription factors with small-molecule inhibitors is nearly impossible, so a novel approach is required.\\nTo address this, we engineered GABPB1L dominant negative (B1L-DN) transgenes by removing the transactivation (TAD-DEL) or both the TAD and the nuclear localization signal (TAD-NLS-DEL) domains.  We hypothesized that with only TAD deleted, TERT expression would decrease, but the protein still could enter the nucleus. However, the DN with both NLS and TAD deleted would not enter the nucleus, ensuring the decrease of TERT expression. To test this hypothesis, we transduced GBM cells with either B1L-DN or an empty vector and measured TERT expression by RT-qPCR and protein subcellular localization with immunofluorescence staining. We observed a 70-80% decrease in TERT expression by cells expressing either dominant-negative. Furthermore, immunofluorescence staining showed that GABPA was bound to the TAD-NLS-DEL-DN and could not enter the nucleus, thus rendering GABPA futile. If we can deliver the modified TAD-NLS-DEL-DN with viruses specifically targeting cancer cells in a TERTp mutant patient, this could be a potential application to inhibit tumor growth and thereby\\nreverse immortality.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Wu, Joshua\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Dublin High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25530\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:00.895611Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:643b56dfcede0cbcbf76941f5fa0490edfa19a6c7dce8bbc73914183bacc94cc\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25530\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:02.150085Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:43918a973b70b5e0cfefda965867d1cf8c5075f8f9bc40acd10f40870d5fba72\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25530\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED045-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:43918a973b70b5e0cfefda965867d1cf8c5075f8f9bc40acd10f40870d5fba72\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25530\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:643b56dfcede0cbcbf76941f5fa0490edfa19a6c7dce8bbc73914183bacc94cc\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED055\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: First Award of $750 in each Regeneron ISEF Category,\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Validation of Ventilation and Perfusion Using Non-Contrast Computerized Tomography\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Introduction\\nVentilation (V) and perfusion (Q) remain the main physiologic correlates to assess respiratory gas exchange. Currently several modalities can be used to ascertain V/Q with inhaled/injected radiotracers. Novel approaches to assessing V/Q using non-contrasted imaging methods have been developed, yet there is little work validating these in adults with and without respiratory disease. We aimed to validate V/Q generated from non-contrast CT to Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT).\\nMethods\\nParticipants were recruited as part of a larger registry including controls and individuals with COPD. Sociodemographic data, anthropometric measurements and spirometry was conducted according to ATS/ERS criteria. Participants underwent high resolution inspiratory/expiratory CT scans. SPECT was performed with Tc-99m macro aggregated albumin (MAA). V/Q was calculated for both CT and SPECT-generated studies. Scatter plots were created and Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated.\\nResults\\n25 healthy controls and 20 participants with COPD were enrolled. The average age was 50.8 years, average BMI was 26.3 kg/m2, and  44.4% of the participants were female. The mean FEV1 was 45.3% predicted in the COPD group and 89.6% in the control group. The mean SGRQ score was 39.9. There was strong correlation\\nbetween V/Q generated by CT compared to SPECT (r = 0.91 and 0.80, p <0.001). The correlation between V/Q among individuals with COPD was lower (r = 0.66 and 0.69, p <0.001).\\nDiscussion\\nV/Q can be ascertained by non-contrast CT studies. Though there is variation among individuals with airway disease, the potential to use non-contrasted inspiratory and expiratory CT scans expands the potential for application across a range of respiratory conditions.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Tombleson, Alexandra\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Mamaroneck High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25616\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:02.828429Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8fc90b264630612a70ef7d65feb213e826f32970d474d2ad0aaae24fe61b5d76\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25616\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:04.165097Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3299ca84e9881f8d7bf619e7fd545c89968c22e54e13438ce5ec9abe683230c6\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25616\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED055-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3299ca84e9881f8d7bf619e7fd545c89968c22e54e13438ce5ec9abe683230c6\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25616\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:8fc90b264630612a70ef7d65feb213e826f32970d474d2ad0aaae24fe61b5d76\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED064\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"DEList: Identifying Cancer Genes Associated With Circadian Regulator ARNTL2 Using a Novel RNA-Seq Multi-Dataset Strategy\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Circadian disruptions have been implicated in the oncogenesis of multiple cancers. However, the underlying mechanisms linking circadian rhythms and cell cycles remain unclear, posing a significant obstacle to advancing circadian-based cancer diagnosis and treatment in the clinic. This research proposes a systematic data mining pipeline combining differential expression, correlational, and machine learning analyses to investigate the expression of 18 circadian genes in breast, lung, kidney, and thyroid cancer. Through exploration of clinical and demographic subgroups in TCGA, circadian regulator ARNTL2 was identified as upregulated in tumors and correlated with severe cancer grades, demonstrating potential as a cancer biomarker. To further elucidate ARNTL2\u2019s role in cancer, a novel multi-dataset strategy was designed to integrate analyses of data from TCGA and GSE72942, a mouse metastasis cell line with ARNTL2 blockade. DElist, a patent-pending list of 80 ARNTL2-regulated, cancer-associated genes was created, with enriched pathways in nuclear division, microtubule binding, and centromeres. RNAscope imaging identified for the first time in situ colocalization of ARNTL2 and HMMR, a DElist gene associated with cell motility and division, in squamous cell lung cancer tissue. These findings have significant clinical applications, as genomic tests based on DElist can support cancer diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, the proposed multi-dataset strategy can help identify gene signatures for other impactful medical conditions. Finally, the strong circadian-cancer relationship discovered in this research underscores an urgent need for interdisciplinary research in public health, epidemiology, and beyond to develop circadian-based strategies for mitigating disease incidence.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Yee, Ella\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The Harker School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25571\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:04.847693Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:042c9f60b335a17bdebacf43c1f27de73d28ccdf4699208dd7f62a882b29c25e\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25571\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:06.155686Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:70ccd74bcf3d6c67fb61b06e98df3b2f802187291a8cdf136f2b1351ea5cfcd0\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25571\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED064-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:70ccd74bcf3d6c67fb61b06e98df3b2f802187291a8cdf136f2b1351ea5cfcd0\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25571\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:042c9f60b335a17bdebacf43c1f27de73d28ccdf4699208dd7f62a882b29c25e\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED080\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"The Synergistic Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA and EPA) and Zinc Picolinate on Traumatic Brain Injury in Galleria mellonella\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Every 15 seconds, a person suffers a traumatic brain injury (TBI), a leading cause of mortality and lifelong disability worldwide. Despite its prevalence, effective therapeutic treatments tailored to enhance TBI recovery remain elusive, with current strategies confined to preventative measures and post-TBI rehabilitation. This experiment introduced a novel model for TBI using Galleria mellonella and tested the hypothesis that the synergistic effect of omega-3 fatty acids (docosahexaenoic acid [DHA] and eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA]) combined with zinc picolinate would increase the efficiency of recovery from TBI. For the experimental setup, TBI was induced in Galleria mellonella using a high impact trauma (HIT) device. They were then divided into four groups in separate petri dishes: an untreated control and three groups treated post-TBI with varying doses of omega-3 fatty acids (0-0.4 mL), zinc picolinate (0-0.4 g), and their synergy. Results showed that 0.1 mL of omega-3 fatty acids combined with 0.1 g of zinc picolinate significantly enhanced Galleria mellonella survival rates, achieving 29% to 100% survival. One-way ANOVA confirmed the efficacy of the synergistic treatment, revealing significant improvements with a p-value < 0.05. This dosage achieved a score of 0 on the modified neurological severity score (mNSS) test, indicating behavioral restoration of cognitive function. Microscopic examination of brain tissue stained with cresyl violet revealed restoratory activity in cortex volume. These findings revealed that the optimal dose of 0.1 mL of omega-3 fatty acids and 0.1 g of zinc picolinate increased recovery from TBI in Galleria mellonella, offering promising insights for developing accessible, nutrition-based therapies to improve outcomes for TBI patients.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Chung, Benjamin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Thousand Oaks High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25816\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:06.999502Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:14d0ba378f2d1e77809dd6cc68c580aa140aae9a62df416d317abfb1e99def58\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25816\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:08.190720Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:139288a8bd0a5f0fb1a76d7da30a542f22c64d4856c0dcc5507aa168623e28ea\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25816\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED080-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:139288a8bd0a5f0fb1a76d7da30a542f22c64d4856c0dcc5507aa168623e28ea\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25816\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:14d0ba378f2d1e77809dd6cc68c580aa140aae9a62df416d317abfb1e99def58\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED092T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Synthesizing a Novel Family of Multifactorial Inhibitors to Treat Alzheimer's\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Research Significance: Alzheimer's disease affects nearly 52 million individuals worldwide, with projections indicating a significant increase to 75 million by 2030 and a staggering 152 million by 2050. This escalating prevalence underscores the urgent need for effective treatments. While current medications offer symptomatic relief, a complete cure remains elusive. The quest for new acetylcholinesterase enzyme inhibitors, crucial for combating Alzheimer's, has sparked widespread scientific inquiry. Acknowledging this imperative, I have prioritized the initiation of this project to contribute to the ongoing global efforts.\\nObjective: Our primary objective is to synthesize a novel inhibitor using a cost-effective, catalyst-free one-pot multi-component reaction.\\nResearch Focus: Our research endeavors center on the synthesis and comprehensive investigation of the functional properties of the newly developed inhibitor. By elucidating its molecular mechanisms and pharmacological effects, we aim to lay the groundwork for the creation of more potent and efficacious biological additives and drug formulations.\\nOutcome: Our endeavors have culminated in the successful synthesis of the novel inhibitor, demonstrating remarkable inhibitory effects on critical enzymes implicated in Alzheimer's pathology. Notably, our inhibitor exhibits potency levels surpassing those of conventional drugs by 5-10 times. This breakthrough holds immense promise for the development of highly effective and internationally competitive treatments against Alzheimer's disease and other related ailments. Moreover, the ecological sustainability of our approach underscores its potential to meet the stringent requirements of global standards.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Allahverdiyev, Ibrahim\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Dunya School\",\n        \"country\": \"Azerbaijan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Aslanov, Said\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Dunya School\",\n        \"country\": \"Azerbaijan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=26015\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:08.869266Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ad6def35b94a124ab8f7fc8df846ded6c32a469e0514c6a9a633b9e0bc213d4b\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=26015\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:10.202547Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5f0ef7fb4cfce412712dfae4d1b954afb8844a6284a800d14dc99645492849b8\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=26015\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED092T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5f0ef7fb4cfce412712dfae4d1b954afb8844a6284a800d14dc99645492849b8\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-26015\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:ad6def35b94a124ab8f7fc8df846ded6c32a469e0514c6a9a633b9e0bc213d4b\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CBIO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CBIO025\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Long Island University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Long Island University: Presidential Scholarships\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Novel Machine Learning Model for Estrous Cycle Classification\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The estrous cycle regulates reproductive events and hormone changes in female mammals and is akin to the menstrual cycle in humans. Monitoring the cycle is necessary as it is a biomarker for overall health and is crucial for interpreting study results. The estrous cycle comprises four stages influenced by fluctuating levels of hormones. Tracking the cycle relies on vaginal cytology, which categorizes stages based on three epithelial cell concentrations. However, this method has limitations, including time-consuming training and variable accuracy among researchers. To address these challenges, this study utilized an object detection machine learning model, to identify cell types during the estrous cycle in mice. A dataset of 555 cytology images with four different stains was annotated by drawing bounding boxes with labels around each cell. An accurate set of rules for classification that hadn\u2019t previously existed was derived by analyzing training images. The model achieved an average accuracy of 87% in classifying cycle stages, taking only 3.9 minutes to analyze 175 images, compared to unsupervised models(36% accuracy) and human accuracy(84% accuracy). These findings facilitate the integration of the estrous cycle into research, enhancing the quality of scientific results by allowing for the identification of estrous cycle-related sex differences and refining research practices in female studies. Moreover, the results suggest that object detection can extend beyond cycle monitoring to accurately classify cell types and cytology images, with implications for cancer detection and histopathological analysis. Applying object detection to these fields promises faster and more accurate outcomes, standardizing procedures and enhancing diagnostic precision in patient care.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Goyal, Saachi\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Academy of Information Technology and Engineering\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CT\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25421\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:10.889555Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f4b854385f09be84fcb6a4b85c4f06589a7751cad2782629869f19f509b789e3\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25421\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:12.247794Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:eedad81803f5efe887f3b46fd600351db37a5e9257ea74d8a2007e38bc32637c\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25421\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CBIO025-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:eedad81803f5efe887f3b46fd600351db37a5e9257ea74d8a2007e38bc32637c\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25421\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:f4b854385f09be84fcb6a4b85c4f06589a7751cad2782629869f19f509b789e3\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CBIO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CBIO035\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"GenLSDD: A Deep Generative Approach to Ligand and Structure-Based Drug Design\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Deep learning, particularly generative models, have shown promise to expedite the drug discovery process by generating novel molecules with desirable properties/bioactivity. Current research on generative drug design follows one of two main approaches: ligand-based or structure-based. The ligand-based approach trains a model on structures of known small-molecule ligands of a target protein, while the structure-based approach trains a model directly on the structure of the target protein, both with their own inherent strengths and weaknesses. This research proposes Generative Ligand and Structure-based Drug Design (GenLSDD), a deep learning model for generative drug design that combines the strengths while counteracting the weaknesses of both approaches. GenLSDD consists of two modules. The first module is a ligand-based recurrent neural network trained to generate chemically viable molecular structures. The second module is a structure-based graph neural network trained to predict an input molecule's potency in inhibiting a target protein, measured in half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). The two modules were then trained in tandem via reinforcement learning, with the structure-based predictive module providing reward values to optimize the ligand-based generative module towards generating molecules with greater potency. As a case study, GenLSDD was applied to generate inhibitors targeting MET, a tyrosine kinase receptor linked with various forms of cancer. Out of a sample of 1000 molecules generated, 23 were predicted to be highly potent (IC50 < 10 nM). Additionally, GenLSDD, achieved similar or better performance than state-of-the-art models on all evaluated metrics. Overall, GenLSDD represents a powerful deep learning tool to enhance the drug design process.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Yoon, Elliott\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Tenafly High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NJ\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25541\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:12.893809Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fa0d3a5f0cd1c7caa9aed313989691c065a6a707ce10f4d9564709d73e8c1596\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25541\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:14.233006Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:24e29384b6e16db8bb91109c52b9235abdc3df37871168ad241229bf3c00c056\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25541\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CBIO035-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:24e29384b6e16db8bb91109c52b9235abdc3df37871168ad241229bf3c00c056\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25541\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:fa0d3a5f0cd1c7caa9aed313989691c065a6a707ce10f4d9564709d73e8c1596\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CBIO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CBIO037\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Leveraging Deep Learning Models to Identify Structurally Adequate Drug Candidates for Parkinson's Disease\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes gradual impairment of an individual through mutations in the SNCA (Synuclein Alpha) gene. Currently, there exist no widely available drugs for PD due to the long process of drug identification and FDA (Food and Drug Administration) certification which can take up to fifteen years, as well as the 300 million dollars often put into the creation and marketing of a new drug. This project aims to expedite the process and reduce cost by utilizing Machine Learning models to identify and repurpose already approved FDA drugs.\\nThe models constructed in this project will analyze Early Onset, Late Onset, and General PD utilizing a novel input combined matrix consisting of Simplified Molecular Input Line Entry System (SMILES) encoded drug representation vectors of drug molecular features and one-hot encoded disease representation vectors. Both Deep Learning and Regression models are evaluated to predict the efficacy of various drug-disease pairs.\\nConsidering the data representations of multiple FDA approved drugs, and utilizing a validation loss metric of Mean Squared Error, Valproic Acid emerges as a potential target for further research in its applications to PD. The best predictive model utilizes a Multilayer Perceptron Classifier and has an average validation loss of 0.0040.\\nValproic Acid is seen to inhibit HDAC6 enzyme production, potentially playing a role in preventing protein aggregation formations known as Lewy Bodies in PD. As a result, this project greatly accelerates the process of drug identification for different stages of PD, providing a foundation for future, targeted research into drug-PD associations.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Garimella, Raghav\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Evergreen Valley High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25567\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:14.992806Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f6891f478204d03b13106edd7b1227d77201090c9c6098da416987b44422eef5\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25567\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:16.265685Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:37d5764f4ccd0ca28a7590e4e166677447e99fdcd155f10d9c6876e1752e4830\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25567\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CBIO037-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:37d5764f4ccd0ca28a7590e4e166677447e99fdcd155f10d9c6876e1752e4830\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25567\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:f6891f478204d03b13106edd7b1227d77201090c9c6098da416987b44422eef5\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CBIO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CBIO039\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Variational Autoencoder as a Robust Clinical Classification Tool for Dementia\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The rising prevalence of neurodegenerative dementia highlights the need for improved diagnostic accuracy. Many proposed clinical decision support systems (CDSS) require multiple disparate data elements as input, which makes implementation difficult, and furthermore have a black-box nature leading to low interpretability of individual diagnosis. Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography (FDG-PET) is an established modality for the diagnosis of dementia and a CDSS that uses only an FDG-PET image to produce a reliable and understandable result would ease both of these challenges to clinical application. I designed a deep variational autoencoder (VAE) to extract a latent representation of each image through prior training from FDG-PET brain images (n=2000). This unsupervised VAE reduces an FDG-PET image to 16 low-dimensional and interpretable classification features, where each dimension represents a pattern of brain activity. A logistic regression classifier was implemented to classify each image. The features from the model were analyzed in comparison to true neurodegenerative pathology and aligned with known clinical pathology and metabolic patterns. A logistic regression classifier of images embedded in the VAE latent space was evaluated and compared to a baseline principal component analysis architecture. The undirected graph illustrates a latent space comparison among dementia phenotypes. The VAE latent space and graph structure provide clear visual interpretability and achieved high accuracy, for instance, 90% accuracy in diagnosing Alzheimer\u2019s disease. The use of a single brain FDG-PET allows this model to be implementable in the clinical setting and would be a robust CDSS to assist clinicians in diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Wakefield, William\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Pine Crest School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25776\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:16.947505Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ca7f5de2629745e22efc5246fe7ccb5d1f1763afe6136be6d010fdae0c9ae076\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25776\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:18.280173Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f510571c4334146e8ac92c6145c5491469e97bd63653c9d2f71cdb94edb18a81\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25776\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CBIO039-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f510571c4334146e8ac92c6145c5491469e97bd63653c9d2f71cdb94edb18a81\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25776\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:ca7f5de2629745e22efc5246fe7ccb5d1f1763afe6136be6d010fdae0c9ae076\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CBIO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CBIO047\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Predicting Optimal Combinations of Regulatory Transcription Factor Perturbations to Simulate Complex Cell-State Conversion Paths Using Combinatorial Optimization and Machine Learning\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Cellular reprogramming holds immense promise for novel therapeutics in fields like disease reversion and cellular regeneration. This field aims to control or perturb gene expression to induce specific downstream impacts of cell states and types. However, current research remains limited to basic use cases as large-scale in-vitro experiments are extremely expensive and impractical and in-silico models can only predict simple conversions with limited clinical applicability. Thus, the goal of this project was to create different, generalizable optimization models that can predict compounded transcription factor perturbation paths for more complex cell-state conversions. For our analysis, perturb-seq data from the genome-wide study done by Replogle et. al was used. After preprocessing, the data was used to prepare benchmarking models based on leading techniques from past literature due to no direct existing models for comparison. These benchmarks were then compared with three models, custom vector-addition-based greedy algorithms, constrained OLS, and non-linear SQP solver that perform the main task of predicting combinations of transcription factor perturbations for converting erythroleukemia cells to retinal pigment epithelial cells. The models were compared using two different similarity metrics, the industry-standard cosine similarity, and the custom projection score. The custom vector addition-based greedy algorithm achieved the highest score for both metrics, almost double the benchmark, and 90% for the cosine similarity score. All models predicted established transcription factors and novel TFs for this drastic conversion task proving generalizability and clinical applicability to further cellular reprogramming as a potential cure for a myriad of diseases.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Agrawal, Shaurya\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Adlai E. Stevenson High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"IL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25708\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:18.943530Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ba124e45b557d93b967d01cbb02de873b167d494747916f085214fd88a15f338\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25708\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:20.283136Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:72af7ab894433476d7e3bf61f4add4efb3479bdee33c2436c39f069cb911b73a\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25708\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CBIO047-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:72af7ab894433476d7e3bf61f4add4efb3479bdee33c2436c39f069cb911b73a\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25708\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:ba124e45b557d93b967d01cbb02de873b167d494747916f085214fd88a15f338\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CELL\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CELL013\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Targeting of Epichaperome Downregulates HCFC1 Mediated Transcription of Oncogenes: Implications in Breast Cancer Therapy\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Breast cancer, annually affecting over 2.3 million people worldwide, is targeted in this study through the epichaperome, a network of proteins including heat shock protein 90 (HSP90). PUH71, a specific HSP90 inhibitor, disrupts cancer-specific epichaperome complexes, distinguishing between cancerous and healthy cells. PUTCO2, a novel PUH71 derivative, was previously developed using click chemistry, and was then used in this study for specific visualization of the entire epichaperome complex. Using PUTCO2-based confocal microscopy, the epichaperome was visualized in cell lines and identified as a biomarker for aggressive cancers such as MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 (p < 0.0001 for both). A novel in-gel fluorescence assay, using PUTCO2, was developed to visualize changes in the epichaperome's expression. Western blots then quantified changes in epichaperome components, demonstrating that PUH71 decreases the expression of integral epichaperome-conformation HSP90 (p < 0.0001). Semi-quantitative PCR and qPCR analyses revealed PUH71 reduced oncogenic expression of CDC42, Cyclin A, and BRCA1 (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p = 0.0001 respectively). This indicates epichaperome regulated oncogenic transcription, particularly in aggressive cancers like MDA-MB-468. CDC42 PCRs additionally suggest epichaperome involvement with the regulatory HCFC1 complex. Geldanamycin, a non-specific HSP90 inhibitor, showed lower specificity, confirming its ineffectiveness for breast cancer treatment. Future research should delve into molecular epichaperome mechanisms for gene control and PUTCO2\u2019s diagnostic potential. While this study is solely concentrated on breast cancer, the epichaperome remains a crucial and promising molecular target in a wide range of pathologies.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Goldsmith, Ava\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"John F. Kennedy High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25094\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:20.958089Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4d4ce4cad9ab3dc9cf0619424d6a21696f2b589ecda32ba267829c54f39062ab\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25094\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:22.342200Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9d9c288a9114b308fb9004fd1a47774de8bc55fe0656acf37b2a60346ef5fef3\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25094\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CELL013-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9d9c288a9114b308fb9004fd1a47774de8bc55fe0656acf37b2a60346ef5fef3\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25094\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:4d4ce4cad9ab3dc9cf0619424d6a21696f2b589ecda32ba267829c54f39062ab\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CELL\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CELL030\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Characterization and Therapeutic Application of the ICOS Receptor To Treat Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) is a rare and aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma resulting from clonal proliferation of mature post-thymic T-cells. The mechanisms behind PTCL development and progression remains incompletely understood, which explains the lack of successful targeted immunotherapies. The inducible T-cell co-stimulator (ICOS), a member of the CD28 superfamily, has shown to be upregulated in PTCL, which makes it a worthy target of further investigation. This study investigated the role of ICOS in regulating the mechanisms of PTCL by examining cytokine release, cellular proliferation, and ICOS expression in two cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) cell lines upon induced ICOS activation. The results highlight that ICOS activation independent of T-cell receptor co-engagement induces potent secretion of IFN?, and that ICOS activation directly inhibits CTCL cell proliferation in vitro. Additionally, this study validated ICOS as an effective therapeutic candidate for an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) by demonstrating the internalization capability of the ICOS receptor upon activation via flow cytometry. Lastly, this study validated the efficacy of an anti-ICOS ADC in vitro; an ADC targeting ICOS potentiated killing of 40% of CTCL tumor volume over a 3-day period. These findings indicate that an anti-ICOS ADC could be highly effective at killing malignant PTCL cells that express ICOS. Anti-ICOS monoclonal antibodies by themselves may also inhibit tumor growth in CTCL. Ultimately, this study elucidates the vital role ICOS plays in regulating PTCL tumor growth and signaling, and provides rationale for an immunotherapy which could markedly enhance antitumor efficacy in ICOS-positive PTCLs.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Malik, Vivek\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Hackley School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25572\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:22.951992Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:349ac9a0d0b57539d2111e2c8d7f64878157bfb441379d6a9fed4dd352d916ac\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25572\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:25.661248Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:cea63c80a70a5a0e8c27095b3f665d872a0e6030d74af4f8685d52a497feb736\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25572\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CELL030-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:cea63c80a70a5a0e8c27095b3f665d872a0e6030d74af4f8685d52a497feb736\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25572\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:349ac9a0d0b57539d2111e2c8d7f64878157bfb441379d6a9fed4dd352d916ac\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CELL\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CELL039T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"The Identification of ACVR1 Phosphorylation Sites Critical to Activation of the ACVR1 Signaling Pathway in Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP)\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva(FOP) is an extremely rare and debilitating bone disorder that affects 0.00005% of the population. The defining characteristic of FOP is severe heterotopic ossification(HO), a condition in which bone forms outside the regular skeleton, particularly in areas of soft tissue or skeletal muscle. A mutation in the ACVR1 gene leads to FOP by over activating BMP signaling, causing HO. In this signaling pathway, SMAD 1/5/8, the mutated ACVR1 signaling complex gets phosphorylated causing downstream signal activation, resulting in excessive bone growth. Inhibition of a phosphorylation site on the ACVR1 receptor could potentially inhibit downstream signaling and prevent of HO in FOP patients. In this study, 4 different phosphorylation sites in the GS domain of ACVR1 were mutated individually as well as in combination to determine which sites are critical for ACVR1 downstream signaling to occur. Plasmids with these mutations were introduced into E. coli through transformations, and then lentiviruses were given it to insert the mutations into a Hek293 cell line. Ligands were used to stimulate signaling and signaling output was measured with luciferase assays. Remarkably, three phosphorylation sites were demonstrated to be significant in the ACVR1 signaling cascade \u2013 the S190, S192 and T189 sites. This study indicated that drug development to target the S190, S192, and T189 phosphorylation sites could prove to be a viable therapeutic option for FOP patients. Additionally, this deepened understanding of the ACVRI pathway could be exploited to regulate bone growth in relevant diseases that are characterized by lack of bone growth.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Zhou, Eric\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Loomis Chaffee School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Gong, Kevin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Briarcliff High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25574\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:26.254289Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0c435964015d0fd66177850ae75199efd46e73eda701ee5a2b55e36743cf55d8\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25574\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:27.603692Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:83627d41b7eb5a78d1b28ffc9bee8c3bdfaebabbefab8fe578be7f10a8b47475\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25574\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CELL039T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:83627d41b7eb5a78d1b28ffc9bee8c3bdfaebabbefab8fe578be7f10a8b47475\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25574\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:0c435964015d0fd66177850ae75199efd46e73eda701ee5a2b55e36743cf55d8\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CELL\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CELL050\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Establishing Disease Modeling of CADASIL Using Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Pericytes\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is an extremely rare neurological small vessel disease, affecting about 2-5 people every 100,000 globally, defined by the NOTCH3 mutation (Khan, et al., 2020). The aim of this study was to establish a disease model for CADASIL using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)-derived pericytes to represent the disease pathogenesis of CADASIL through validation of hiPSC-derived pericytes and functional analysis. Validation of hiPSC-derived pericytes (PC) were performed through qPCR and Immunofluorescence. There was a significantly lower expression of PDGFR\u00df and NG2 in CADASIL cell lines (p< 0.0001), suggesting dysregulation in pericyte function, compromised angiogenic potential, and impaired vascular development in CADASIL. To examine the calcium influx of CADASIL vs. Non-CADASIL cell lines, the brightness intensity was quantified, followed by the addition of ionomycin to accentuate the calcium signal. The system showed significantly more calcium influx in CADASIL cell lines (p< 0.05), indicating elevated levels of Ca2+ due to the vasocontraction. Cell migration rates of pericytes were compared using the Scratch assay. The Scratch assay also demonstrated that PC from Non-CADASIL exhibited a faster proliferation rate compared to CADASIL (p < 0.05). Through the MTT Assay, the healthy control pericytes exhibited significantly higher absorbance compared to CADASIL pericytes (p < 0.001), indicating reduced proliferation rate in CADASIL-derived pericytes. As the hiPSC-derived PC provided an effective model for CADASIL, the research has implications for future drug development and improved diagnosis, allowing further investigation of CADASIL pathogenesis.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Park, Sarah\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The Bolles School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25897\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:28.267114Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5c09f5a3b25a508eed69acd79d10618e2d07bdab4c57e3ae3256bcbdcc482ead\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25897\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:29.689951Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3f00621fb11471b27a6273017cb8ae3f2bf18f2dadf5c44d7a4b63e1804ce96e\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25897\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CELL050-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3f00621fb11471b27a6273017cb8ae3f2bf18f2dadf5c44d7a4b63e1804ce96e\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25897\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:5c09f5a3b25a508eed69acd79d10618e2d07bdab4c57e3ae3256bcbdcc482ead\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM012\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Chemical Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Chemical Society: Second Award of $3,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n        \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society: A flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol will be given to the top winner of this Special Award.\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society: Top Award of $1,000, and an American flag and a framed copy of the first patent granted in the USA\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"YM American Academy\",\n        \"raw\": \"YM American Academy: Third Award of $500.00\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Chemical Modification of Acetaminophen to Decrease Liver Toxicity\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Each week, over 60 million individuals consume acetaminophen in the U.S. alone. Despite global reliance for its analgesic & antipyretic (pain & fever relief) properties in medications, acetaminophen toxicity causes liver damage. In fact, its toxicity is a leading cause of liver transplantation worldwide. Acetaminophen is oxidized by cytochrome p450 (CYP2EI) to toxic NAPQi. NAPQi, an electrophile, depletes glutathione and eventually attacks liver proteins, which are nucleophilic by nature.\\nThe first approach to modification that decreases toxicity without sacrificing drug efficacy, this research aims to chemically modify acetaminophen by sequential transition-metal catalysis for precise C\u2013H silylation of acetaminophen and subsequent nucleophilic addition of an alkyne to the silicon center. Modifications were first computationally designed by quantum chemical calculations. An original reaction scheme, monitored by TLC and NMR Spectroscopy, was completed and optimized to synthesize a less toxic acetaminophen compound.\\nThe target compound, 2-phenylalkylsilyl acetaminophen, is less toxic but maintains efficacy. This is supported by the LUMO energy of this compound and because the alkyne in the compound can potentially inactivate CYP2EI to block acetaminophen\u2019s oxidation to toxic NAPQi. The research also discovered a previously unknown mechanism of transition metal-catalysts: Their chemoselectivity is consistent with the Hard/Soft Acid Base Theory. This was deduced after finding the relatively hard acid Rh preferred the hard base O (O, O acetal) whilst the relatively soft base N preferred the soft acid Ir (N, O acetal) in modification. Overall, the novel compound represents a promising approach in mitigating acetaminophen toxicity.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Lee, Chloe\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Plano East Senior High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24847\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:30.282806Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f990c0f28689f1ae1c15830ca5dc3ba659a2f73571e53b6fa4f6e54a3edc1988\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24847\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:31.637632Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6597b94b8b7b21532107d9e4a927723477a044c19bca9dd6c08f970260918ccb\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24847\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM012-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6597b94b8b7b21532107d9e4a927723477a044c19bca9dd6c08f970260918ccb\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24847\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:f990c0f28689f1ae1c15830ca5dc3ba659a2f73571e53b6fa4f6e54a3edc1988\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM020\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Fabrication and In-Depth Evaluation of Self-Sensing Metallo-Polyelectrolyte Complexed Gels for Metal Ion Filtration\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The accumulation of heavy metal ions in wastewater poses significant health and environmental risks as heavy metals are known to be toxic and bioaccumulate in living organisms. In recent years, metallo-polyelectrolyte complexed (MPEC) gels composed of charged polymer chains binding with metal cations have emerged as promising candidates for metal ion filtration. MPEC filters generally undergo two separate processes: absorption and sensing the amount of metal ions uptaken. However, it is underexplored whether or not a self-actuating filter can both absorb and sense the uptake of metal ions at the same time. To fabricate a material that could carry out both processes at the same time, acrylic acid resins were photopolymerized via stereolithography-based 3D printing with varying pH levels, and the resulting gels were swelled in solutions containing Na+, Ca2+, and Al3+ ions. It was found that in solutions of sodium and water, gels with a pH of 2.56 exhibited greater strain at equilibrium than gels with a pH of 3.74, while in solutions of calcium and aluminum, gels with a higher pH exhibited greater swelling. This shows that the binding affinity of metal ions to the polymer chains is dependent on their valency, as well as the initial pH of the polymer. Correlating the absorption degrees of the material with the specific structural changes they undergo when reacted with different metals allows for the development of a self-actuating filter that can perform both absorption and sensing without any electrical devices, which opens up new possibilities for efficient and real-time monitoring of metal ion absorption processes.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Yang, Angelina\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Eleanor Roosevelt High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25204\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:32.357594Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0bdbe19ef8d8580690aba423904f64ac639f3617e8f9b12db1cedd66745919e9\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25204\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:33.731854Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4b5e61e62d733f12942227b0dd24e3f69dc0a226bc448a56a12ee4cf92991c84\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25204\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM020-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4b5e61e62d733f12942227b0dd24e3f69dc0a226bc448a56a12ee4cf92991c84\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25204\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:0bdbe19ef8d8580690aba423904f64ac639f3617e8f9b12db1cedd66745919e9\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM025T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"YM American Academy\",\n        \"raw\": \"YM American Academy: Second Award of $1000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"B.O.P.I : Black Pepper, Oregano and Pineapple Peel Insecticide as an Novel, Cost-Effective and Eco-friendly Fumigant to Eradicate Sitophilus oryzae\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Sitophilus oryzae, commonly known as the rice weevil, is a stored grain pest responsible for potentially destroying up to 90% of stored grain worldwide. In an effort to eradicate it, various synthetic fumigants have been utilized but often at the cost of human health and the environment. This research proposes Black pepper essential oil, Oregano essential oil and Pineapple peel oil Insecticide (B.O.P.I) as a novel, cost effective, eco-friendly and non-toxic, fumigation agent to effectively eradicate Sitophilus oryzae. B.O.P.I contains beta-caryophyllene and 3-carene from black pepper essential oil, carvacrol, thymol and beta-pinene from oregano essential oil and limonene from pineapple peel oil. These compounds were shown to inhibit AChE, agonize tyramine receptors and inhibit detoxifying enzymes. Black pepper and oregano essential oil are extracted via hydrodistillation and pineapple peel oil was extracted by maceration. The major chemical constituents are tested in silico via Protox 3.0 for toxicity. Results showed that all chemical constituents have low toxicity. Main constituents of B.O.P.I also had a higher binding affinity to AChE compared to ACh as shown by ensemble docking results. The fumigant toxicity bioassays of seven different treatments and 2 control treatments were performed. Fumigant treatments are introduced to 20 Sitophilus oryzae at concentrations ranging from 167\u00b5l/L of air to 830\u00b5l/L of air. The LC50 and LC90 were found to be 27.235\u00b5l/L of air and 144.475\u00b5l/L of air. 2-way ANOVA was conducted against types of treatment and concentration [F(6,24)=6.315, p<0.001]. B.O.P.I is an effective fumigant that is able to eradicate Sitophilus oryzae in stored grain, while safeguarding the environment and being non-toxic.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Na, Shun Zhan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Chung Ling High School Penang\",\n        \"country\": \"Malaysia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ong, Khai Chin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Chung Ling High School Penang\",\n        \"country\": \"Malaysia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24694\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:34.323251Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f486c3b9f86bcc06057281a0992452e36a4cf8160cc09287f97d7ea317230b24\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24694\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:35.692878Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:497d01a4c606990d8763e923f54f3c611851c68cb87e156609d1697a941c1b3b\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24694\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM025T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:497d01a4c606990d8763e923f54f3c611851c68cb87e156609d1697a941c1b3b\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24694\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:f486c3b9f86bcc06057281a0992452e36a4cf8160cc09287f97d7ea317230b24\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM028\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Surface-Coordination Functionalization of Metal-Organic Framework for Selective Carbon Dioxide Capture and Reversible Hydrogenation to Formic Acid\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Conventional functionalization techniques for Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) compromise the simultaneous optimization of structural integrity, CO2 absorption, and catalytic selectivity, diminishing overall performance and restricting new functionalities. Surface functionalizations, although promising, are often hindered by complex, costly processes or weak, unstable interactions. Herein, MOF nanoparticles (NPs) with charged functional groups, UiO-66-NH2, are utilized as surface capping agents for the defective MOF-808 structure through a novel, facile, cost-effective approach, enabling a unified framework for selective CO2 absorption and reversible hydrogenation to formic acid, for the first time. The controlled hydrogen storage and generation are achieved through a directed spatial activation by in situ functionalizing photocatalytic and electrocatalytic reagents, tin oxide NPs and nickel NPs, within the two distinct structures. Detailed characterization, performance evaluations, and computational analysis demonstrated successful attachments through secondary functional coordination sites, which introduced additional active sites, enhanced structural stability, and enabled high CO2 selectivity through positive charge modulation of the surface charge while retaining the high CO2 absorption capacity, surpassing most reported structures. The controlled sequential reactions exhibited selective activation through controlled diffusion of reactants and the synergistic effect with minimal undesired byproducts while attaining high formation rates under ambient conditions, avoiding precious metals requiring challenging controlled environments. This functionalization enables new capabilities to address numerous challenges, such as achieving a low-carbon circular economy.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Karam, Saif\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Secondary Model School For Boys\",\n        \"country\": \"United Arab Emirates\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24872\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:36.332261Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:df656afe9c528f69d76ab13c9f66b70cfaadc5b01ea78663eb75f79aa4d973df\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24872\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:37.689429Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b86214849140b78d2542be13beafebca38f928f9e835d2e35ca51a00c8f6eef2\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24872\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM028-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b86214849140b78d2542be13beafebca38f928f9e835d2e35ca51a00c8f6eef2\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24872\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:df656afe9c528f69d76ab13c9f66b70cfaadc5b01ea78663eb75f79aa4d973df\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM054\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: Full Scholarship from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals(KFUPM) (and a $400 cash prize)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: NOT TO BE READ -- $400 cash prize for each Full Scholarship from King Fahd University award recipient\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Utilizing Polyurethane Foam and Nano-Activated Carbon-Based Composite for Sustainable Eco-Friendly Oil Spill Remediation\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Oil spills constitute a serious threat to both the economy and the environment, disturbing the ecosystem. According to the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited (ITOPF) in 2023, approximately 2,000 tonnes of oil were lost to the environment from tanker spills. This study introduces an innovative solution for oil spill remediation. A new composite of hydrophobic wasted flexible polyurethane foam (Pu), polystyrene foam, rigid polyurethane foam, nano-activated carbon (AC) derivative from wasted graphite, and polypropylene fabric was developed to form Pu AC Boom. The laser diffraction particle size analyzer indicated that the activated carbon's particle size was in the nano range after using the ball mill. Rigid polyurethane was bonded to the nano-activated carbon physically which was verified by SEM and XRD confirmed the formation of the microcrystalline structure. It was concluded by experiments that the absorption capacity of Pu AC Booms was 10,000 mg/g where it absorbed up to 10 times its weight within 25 minutes at the optimal conditions, in addition to 45 min of mechanical separation. So, cleaning up the entire spill took an average of 70 minutes, giving 96% removal. Furthermore, Pu AC Boom was reusable for up to 4 cycles while maintaining the same efficiency. Pu AC Boom can be disposed of by combustion, converting it into activated carbon for reuse. EDX and SEM confirmed the presence of activated carbon throughout the burnt composite. These results suggest that Pu AC Boom is a sustainable, cost-effective eco-solution that enhances the efficiency of oil spill remediation.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ragab, Jumana\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Cairo Manara Language School for Girls Secondary\",\n        \"country\": \"Egypt\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25648\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:38.362086Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a4581ef53e8eb69d2abc34f3ff8259679a8539827b494dbe95c1549ea46fb9e6\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25648\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:39.703075Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:62b5f6c7b1657715d1aee659ac04e3ccee31a32df07cbde7175e4340275ff386\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25648\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM054-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:62b5f6c7b1657715d1aee659ac04e3ccee31a32df07cbde7175e4340275ff386\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25648\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:a4581ef53e8eb69d2abc34f3ff8259679a8539827b494dbe95c1549ea46fb9e6\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM065\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Advancing Antibiotic Detection: Engineering a Novel Chitosan-Zinc Oxide-Modified Graphite Electrochemical Sensor for Ciprofloxacin Detection\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The contemporary bioaccumulation of Antibiotics in our environment due to various factors has resulted in significant pollution, predisposition of organisms to adverse health effects, and the exacerbation of the antibiotic resistance crisis. In the pursuit of addressing their ever-pervasive impact and gaining a precise, quantitative understanding of their presence in various substances, sensors remain indispensable. Many detection methods for antibiotics attribute high detection limits and are fraught with lack of sensitivity and economic feasibility. However, electrochemical sensing has emerged advantageous due to its accuracy, low-cost, scalable, and rapid nature.\\nThis study investigated electrochemical detection of Ciprofloxacin, a synthetic fluoroquinolone, which is one of the most abundant antibiotics in usage/circulation, through fabrication of a novel graphite Chitosan-Zinc Oxide (CH-ZnO) modified electrochemical sensor. Using a low-cost arduino-based potentiostat and three-electrode system to conduct Cyclic Voltammetry, I was able to evaluate and optimize both the ratio of the sensor modification and its composition of the electrode sensor (determined to be 20% of 3:2 ratio of Chitosan to Zinc-Oxide), test interference of heavy metals and other antibiotics on the sensor (Amoxicillin and Penicillin), and analytically determine the precise concentrations of Ciprofloxacin. The sensor showed a detection limit of 0.097 \u00b5M, one of the lowest reported in literature, high accuracy of 98.9%, and a low standard deviation of 3%. Furthermore, it maintained high accuracies of detection >97% in interference tests, showing great potential for Ciprofloxacin detection for several applications including medical and environmental screening due to its unique chemical framework.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Addanki, Meghana\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NJ\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25558\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:40.357901Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f36a0efafbac66bf83129d78f6a68a1e86d2366cc7aeca2ee919ba073caba98b\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25558\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:41.734644Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:85af2280228f6e2c1db0cc334d017f19fc04df9b3ad9d422182b6e28a5161777\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25558\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM065-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:85af2280228f6e2c1db0cc334d017f19fc04df9b3ad9d422182b6e28a5161777\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25558\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:f36a0efafbac66bf83129d78f6a68a1e86d2366cc7aeca2ee919ba073caba98b\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV014\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Global Microplastic Pollution - The Emerging Health Crisis: The Ecotoxicological Effects of Microplastics on Aquatic Organisms and Translating to Humans via A.I. Machine Learning &  a Novel Low-Cost Water Filtration System\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The escalating scale of \u201cGlobal Plastic Pollution\u201d is leading to the omnipresence of Microplastics (MPs), negatively impacting the environment, world's water quality, aquatic organisms, and human health in trophic transfer. Annually, >400 million tons of plastic enter landfills and oceans due to its non-biodegradable nature. Plastics depolymerize through physical/chemical processes fragmenting their long carbonaceous chains, producing microplastics, =5 mm. Polyethylene (PET)/polystyrene (PS) are the most commonly used plastics with >125 million tons produced annually. Studies show MPs are endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, diabetogens, obesogens, neurotoxins, etc. Stage 1 is a comprehensive novel investigation to bridge knowledge gaps in the size/concentration-dependent effects of PS and PET-MPs on zebrafish embryos as a model organism for humans. Embryos were exposed to environmentally relevant sizes 4, 10, and 15\u00b5m PS-MPs, and 100\u00b5m PET-MPs at lo%/hi%  for 6 days-post-fertilization. Embryotoxicological effects were assessed via morphology, HR, VMR assays(behavior), and qPCR(gene expression). 3 AI models were developed to identify zebrafish deformity image recognition (convolutional neural network), predict molecular binding of chemicals in microplastics with zebrafish and human enzymes to analyze inhibitory effects, and identify biomarkers for diseases/cancers via gene expression levels from experimental data (B/C Deep Learning) for efficiently analyzing large datasets w/ 95% accuracy. Stage 2 is a novel remediation method(w/ 99% efficacy) for extracting MPs in water sources utilizing Moringa oleifera seed powder as a natural coagulant in a scalable, sustainable, and low-cost water purification prototype for mitigating the global water microplastic pollution crisis.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kasala, Abhith\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Gainesville High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24886\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:42.376346Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9f4a4e34e98075000ef85262a798f96811d0ba5cdb52d6e57f0e41a552f17426\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24886\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:44.609909Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bd823989520142b67e7f54dde228dacd062eeb737366af2307082d6bc1587250\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24886\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV014-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bd823989520142b67e7f54dde228dacd062eeb737366af2307082d6bc1587250\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24886\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:9f4a4e34e98075000ef85262a798f96811d0ba5cdb52d6e57f0e41a552f17426\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV029T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Development of Multiparametric Microfluidic Chip Focusing on Water Quality Monitoring\",\n    \"abstract\": \"This research addresses the widespread issue of drinking water contamination in resource-constrained areas. We propose using cost-effective multiparameter microfluidic chips to assess water quality parameters: turbidity, arsenic concentration, and microbial count - each representing physical, chemical, and biological property. For each of the three parameters, an appropriate colorimetric detection method was adapted to be used in the microfluidic chip device. Validation involves spectrophotometric measurements and RGB analysis by using Image J. This study aims to contribute to a better understanding of water quality assessment in challenging environments, promoting public health protection.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kang, Soyon\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Korean Minjok Leadership Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"South Korea\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Lee, Yena\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Korean Minjok Leadership Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"South Korea\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Shin, Jiwon\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Korean Minjok Leadership Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"South Korea\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24679\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:46.348054Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8524cedd2e081087d8d595eaa66756ce9686273a42e126237345a63af3ff04ad\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24679\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:47.526153Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ab5e9f254b05d8d70d10fdd603bc535e3d3f5a85677b43d554114f260728252f\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24679\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV029T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ab5e9f254b05d8d70d10fdd603bc535e3d3f5a85677b43d554114f260728252f\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24679\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:8524cedd2e081087d8d595eaa66756ce9686273a42e126237345a63af3ff04ad\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV033\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Geographic Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Geographic Society: Excellence in Geography and Geospatial Science Award\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Global Soil Respiration Insights Through Machine Learning: Projections and Future Climate Change Implications\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Global soil carbon stock contains more than twice the amount of carbon found in Earth\u2019s atmosphere. Soil respiration (Rs) is the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) from soil microorganisms and plant roots into the atmosphere, representing the second-largest terrestrial carbon flux on Earth. This process is sensitive to climate change but varies spatially. Traditional Rs measurements are conducted over small land areas (<1m2) using surface chambers or underground CO2 sensors. Upscaling to global levels and predicting future vulnerability requires an understanding between Rs and its controlling factors. The relationship between Rs and soil properties, climate factors, and vegetation attributes was investigated by adopting a data-driven machine learning (ML) model. This study leveraged the georeferenced soil respiration database (SRDB v5.0), the latest compilation of Rs data worldwide, and a cluster of predictor variables derived from Google Earth Engine at each corresponding spatial location. A soil respiration prediction model was created with an R-squared value of 0.55 and a root mean squared error of 1.7 gC m-2 using eighteen predictor variables. Key findings identified soil respiration\u2019s novel dependence on pH, cation exchange capacity, and surface solar radiation. With the filtered predictor variables, the ML model was applied globally to identify regional Rs hotspots and assess vulnerability under three future scenarios: failed Paris Climate Agreement goals, fluctuating precipitation, and reforestation. This study advances our understanding of Earth\u2019s soil carbon dynamics, improves the accuracy of Rs predictions, and provides insights to inform climate change mitigation strategies and guide policymaking and conservation efforts.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Lim, Manfred\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Jericho High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25110\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:48.118921Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a05b60ed1785b3800625ae7b36ef95f141d78586d7bbac9e651b3f7af60817f4\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25110\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:49.445638Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:057b06c9a58b156be104762ec45ef73f881bf141abec70b2b44f43098c2307b2\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25110\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV033-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:057b06c9a58b156be104762ec45ef73f881bf141abec70b2b44f43098c2307b2\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25110\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:a05b60ed1785b3800625ae7b36ef95f141d78586d7bbac9e651b3f7af60817f4\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV049\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Magnetizing Oil: A New Paradigm for Cleaning Up Aquatic Oil Spills\",\n    \"abstract\": \"In 2023, more than 10,000 oil spills caused approximately 706 million gallons of oil to be spilled into the ocean, damaging the environment and costing billions of dollars in mitigation efforts. Magnetizing oil using ferrofluid is an efficient method for removing oil from the ocean while minimizing additional environmental harm. Ferrofluid is a colloidal liquid made up of nanoparticles that exhibit a strong magnetic response when subjected to a magnetic field. This study assessed the efficacy of ferrofluid in magnetizing oil to clean up aquatic spills under various temperatures and salinity conditions. The first hypothesis is that, if ferromagnetic nanoparticles are used to separate oil from water, then more than 50% of the oil, on average, will be successfully magnetized and extracted from the solution. This hypothesis was not supported; more than 40% of all three oils used were efficiently and successfully extracted from each water solution. The second is that if ferromagnetic nanoparticles are exposed to high salinities, then they will be less effective in magnetizing the oil since salt will weaken the water\u2019s magnetic field. The third is that if ferromagnetic nanoparticles are exposed to higher temperatures, then they will be less effective in magnetizing the oils since magnetic forces are weaker at higher temperatures. The efficacy of the ferrofluid in different water salinities and temperatures depended on the type of oil it was tested in. With the integration of this research conducted on the use of ferrofluid, with the novel method invented in this project to implement the use of this research on a larger scale, outside of controlled conditions, environmentalists may now consider the use of ferrofluid in order to reduce the large amounts of oil in the ocean.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Haddad, Miriam\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MI\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25303\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:50.328089Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1ab181b980c5c75ee6c1d0cb408bde8be3c9ec68a68c1e981284d7a62a41a9fe\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25303\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:51.557517Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f8d9fb1f71b92460c37e4424011d77d94bb24c6ff011a1859c301d16e4e61af6\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25303\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV049-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f8d9fb1f71b92460c37e4424011d77d94bb24c6ff011a1859c301d16e4e61af6\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25303\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:1ab181b980c5c75ee6c1d0cb408bde8be3c9ec68a68c1e981284d7a62a41a9fe\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV059\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Fondazione Bruno Kessler\",\n        \"raw\": \"Fondazione Bruno Kessler: Award to participate in summer school \\\"Web Valley\\\"\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Global Pesticide Use and Parkinson's Disease Incidence: Using Data Science to Optimize Pesticide Regulations and Linking Glyphosate Exposure to Neural Inflammation\",\n    \"abstract\": \"In this study, I use data science principles to analyze pesticide use and Parkinson's Disease (PD) incidence, internationally. Countries were clustered using DBSCANs, the k-means method, and by development using the Human Development Index reported by the World Health Organization. Dataframe compiling, clustering methods, statistical testing, and figures were coded in Python in Google CoLab and Jupyter Labs using the Bridges2 supercomputer and the statistical analysis software PRISM. The relationship between pesticide use per area cropland and the age-standardized incidence rate of Parkinson's Disease was further investigated for the cluster of highly developed countries. Agricultural policy and pesticide regulations were examined in highly developed countries using country-specific reports. Feasible regulations were outlined for countries with high PD incidence to protect populations from toxic agrochemical exposure. Focus was directed to glyphosate, a widely used pesticide in agriculture, of which millions of pounds are applied to principal US crops. I found that there exists a strong direct relationship between Parkinson\u2019s Disease incidence and the amount countries pay for glyphosate-applied US bulk grains. A novel understanding of PD risk was reached. To validate the findings of this study, previous data was investigated. This showed considerable potential for glyphosate to exacerbate neuroinflammation, a widely experienced symptom in Parkinson's patients. Glyphosate-induced cytokine release and increases in protein amyloid-beta levels may polarize immunoregulatory nerve cells called microglia in the hyperactive neurotoxic state and internally stress nerve cells. This retrospective analysis inspires future direct and actionable changes to pesticide regulations.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ayoubi, Angelina\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Somers High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25624\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:52.147450Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:49e5ddea6c38863ad8f2bf099d3b9b62eb768269181d8db4c3fd47230fa3fabe\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25624\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:53.624939Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a717ef440a29e7cfadfb688c9bd348ea5b786730ce87acb699bdab0b952c9bf8\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25624\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV059-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a717ef440a29e7cfadfb688c9bd348ea5b786730ce87acb699bdab0b952c9bf8\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25624\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:49e5ddea6c38863ad8f2bf099d3b9b62eb768269181d8db4c3fd47230fa3fabe\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV065\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"United States Environmental Protection Agency\",\n        \"raw\": \"United States Environmental Protection Agency: The Patrick Hurd Sustainability Award covers travel for the ISEF finalist to attend and participate in EPA's National Sustainable Design Expo\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Spectroscopic and Colorimetric Analysis of Textiles Dyed With Local Invasive Plant Species and Waste-Derived Mordants\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Synthetic dyes used by the fashion industry pollute aquatic ecosystems and contribute to the bioaccumulation of toxic compounds in organisms. Natural dyes are alternatives to synthetics whose colors vary in hues, values, and chromas; however, they lack adequate color fastness which can be improved by mordant application. This study aimed to determine whether extracts from the leaves and stems of invasive plant species paired with waste-derived mordants can create material efficient, cost-effective, and safe natural dyes with large color ranges. Local invasive plant species Norway Maple (Acer platanoides), Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), and Porcelain Berry (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata) were chosen, because they are abundant and accessible; removing them for dyestuff promotes biodiversity. Dyestuff from these plants were combined with waste-derived iron, aluminum, and calcium mordants made from rusted metal, recycled cans, and eggshells. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy revealed bonds formed between natural dye chromophores and aluminum ions, indicated by the evolution of IR peaks at 1570 cm-1 and 600 cm-1. This supports the capability to increase dye fixation. The Munsell Color Matching System revealed that all dye-mordant complexes produced wide color ranges. A Life Cycle Assessment determined the material efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety of dyeing cotton textiles with Norway Maple and different mordants. These results determined that Norway Maple paired with aluminum acetate is the most optimal dye-mordant complex due to its high chromas, cost-effectiveness, and comparative safety. These methods may aid in repurposing invasive plants and reducing the environmental impacts of textile dyes.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Lammers, Lucia\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Harrison High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25593\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:55.232981Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bfe5138c3e21b75a3a6465e62ad930eba0354e3b7d377db4b832a57d8984efc8\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25593\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:57.031624Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:328d113a77304e63271116420f52df20c5526f465b4648aa71fb42fbc6bf1671\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25593\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV065-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:328d113a77304e63271116420f52df20c5526f465b4648aa71fb42fbc6bf1671\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25593\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:bfe5138c3e21b75a3a6465e62ad930eba0354e3b7d377db4b832a57d8984efc8\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV083T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Apparent Temperature Optimisation for Commercial Operations in Portable Buildings\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The tropical climate of Darwin, Northern Territory of Australia, is notorious for unbearable temperatures exceeding 32C (90F) daily. Often felt in indoor environments, this leads to heat exhaustion and hyperthermia which affect the productivity of students and employees alike. Apparent temperature optimisation utilises the International Standard Organisation\u2019s mathematical models and ASHRAE Standard-55 Comfort Model to combine air-conditioners and ceiling fans to simulate a lower apparent temperature mitigating energy consumption and carbon emissions. This experiment was conducted in a universally applicable portable building. Six air-conditioning settings (24C-29C in 1C increments) were complemented with maximal ceiling fan settings to simulate different environmental conditions. After a stabilisation period, the four required measurements of apparent temperature calculation (radiant temperature, globe temperature, relative humidity, and wind velocity) were recorded in 40 evenly-spaced locations across the portable building. Over 4,000 measurements were generatively modelled on contour maps to represent the predicted mean vote (PMV) changes and identify the subsequent cool and hot spots. Ultimately, the optimal combination of air-conditioner setting at 28C (82F) and maximum fan speeds simulated an apparent temperature between 27.65C-28.02C, yielding a PMV of -0.15 (closest to zero) and universal predicted dissatisfaction proportion of 6.65%. With a current 23.5C (74F) legal temperature for official buildings in Australia, this new optimal combination could save $300 AUD ($200 USD) annually in one portable classroom; and when applied to the 8,300 portable classrooms in the LA Unified Schools District, could conserve 7.6m kWh, $1.7m USD and 8,234 tonnes of CO2 per annum.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Mondol, Pothik\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Darwin High School\",\n        \"country\": \"Australia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Tripura, Monishi\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Darwin High School\",\n        \"country\": \"Australia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Hasan, Mohammad\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Darwin High School\",\n        \"country\": \"Australia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25747\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:57.631630Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:76c09e2d5f7dfe38d2221476ee33f0dea2ffdfa09e19c95ce2c768bd483a2caa\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25747\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:59.085312Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e22a6b765597fe4ac23cd615103e3866b4b1961b6b80204779b8de7824e55f95\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25747\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV083T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e22a6b765597fe4ac23cd615103e3866b4b1961b6b80204779b8de7824e55f95\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25747\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:76c09e2d5f7dfe38d2221476ee33f0dea2ffdfa09e19c95ce2c768bd483a2caa\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV088T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"FloodCast: Predicting Floods and Their Socioeconomic Impacts Through Deep Learning Neural Networks and Regression\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Floods are widely considered the most expensive natural disaster due to their destructive nature and severe societal repercussions. Thus, our research seeks to predict flood occurrences and quantify their socio-economic impacts. To do so, we collated the largest dataset of historical floods ever used in Australian flood research (>1200 entries) and mapped flood locations in the past two decades to hydrological flooding factors (rainfall, elevation etc.) using ArcGIS. The resulting dataset underwent unsupervised clustering to display statistical significance and was used to train a deep learning neural network with a 85-90% accuracy, allowing us to make location-specific flood predictions. Using a K-nearest-neighbours optimisation algorithm, we also determined the most relevant factors in flood prediction to assist future research. Going one step beyond existing literature on floods, this paper is also the first instance of Australian research to combine flood analysis with sociological analysis. We left-merged the floods dataset with Australian census data and performed ordinary least squares regressions, using a dummy variable to distinguish flooded & non-flooded data points. By analysing the coefficient of this dummy variable, we discovered that flooded areas experience a ~5% increase in Indigenous Australian population, hinting towards a dangerous possibility of environmental redlining. We also quantified how floods impact household income, unemployment, and migration. By making our datasets open-access and developing a publicly available flood prediction application containing our neural network model, our goal is that everybody, up to governments and down to individuals, can benefit from the results of this research.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Zhuang, Adrian\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The King's School\",\n        \"country\": \"Australia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Zhuang, Alex\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The King's School\",\n        \"country\": \"Australia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25101\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:26:59.687600Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3d28a5d666af922d6ab562a46e8373027a526a22aa0f9d0cff8ddb3afc05cd2b\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25101\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:01.130058Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4ff546fac17092dcf9f508a98d28992f2e789054fee7baa588be56fc14b1fee2\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25101\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV088T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4ff546fac17092dcf9f508a98d28992f2e789054fee7baa588be56fc14b1fee2\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25101\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:3d28a5d666af922d6ab562a46e8373027a526a22aa0f9d0cff8ddb3afc05cd2b\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EBED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EBED004\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Extending PCPU: A New, Practical, and Production-Ready Processor Core Written From Scratch\",\n    \"abstract\": \"PCPU is a processor that I created from scratch as my previous work. Besides the processor, I provided a complete toolchain (including C language compiler, assembler, emulator), together creating a full computing system. The objective of this research was to design and implement a completely new, improved processor core that would be practical for use in real-world scenarios and for production, based on the previous PCPU external architecture.\\nThe new core is based on pipelined architecture, introduces instruction and data caches, and supports multi-core operation. The processor was implemented in hardware on an FPGA circuit first, after which a design for the production on silicon was created. Support for the new core was included in the existing tools and operating system.\\nA unique characteristic of the project is while being a simple design, it includes features found only in expensive processors, that may be not optimal for use in every project. This includes basic safety features, that are often not available but are especially important, in the processors used in IoT or industrial devices - which project is focusing on.\\nLeveraging the new micro-architecture design, the core performance has been improved over 50 times. The project was proven by extensive verification on multiple levels, and implementation of example use case demonstrations. As the processor and all the necessary tools were created in-house, the project is fully self-contained. With its cost-effectiveness, it is available to a broad range of devices, creating new possibilities which could significantly improve software of control systems.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Wegrzyn, Piotr\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Liceum Ogolnoksztatcace nr XIV im. Polonii Belgijskiej we Wroclawiu\",\n        \"country\": \"Poland\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24873\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:01.755494Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5515e595cf5fda87465633b3fd8aae71d6e6bd7b0a79bdbb2c096965464ef49c\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24873\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:03.094287Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ab5a9554100c709a90fbfdc6a95d6c445185b6c66c9ddd46089a807aa624aba9\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24873\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EBED004-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ab5a9554100c709a90fbfdc6a95d6c445185b6c66c9ddd46089a807aa624aba9\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24873\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:5515e595cf5fda87465633b3fd8aae71d6e6bd7b0a79bdbb2c096965464ef49c\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EBED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EBED019\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Qorvo\",\n        \"raw\": \"Qorvo: Qorvo Innovator Award - 3rd Place\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"MagGrid: Non-Levitative Electromagnet Robot Propulsion Method for 2-D Material Handling\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Autonomous mobile robot (AMR) fleets are widely used in smart warehouses, distribution centers and manufacturing to bring operational efficiency, with their market projected reaching up to $18.9 billion by 2032.  However, the cost of AMR fleets grows fast with more robots, since every robot requires complex onboard subsystems including navigation, communication, battery, etc. Their productivity also goes down due to the required intensive computing, slow avoidance, and downtime for the battery charging. The use of batteries is not environmentally friendly either. My goal is to develop a robot propulsion method for robot fleet with the robots themselves passive, thereby removing redundant onboard subsystems and improving fleet operation throughput, cost-effectiveness, and reliability. In this project, the propulsion mechanism and system architect were studied, resulting in a novel method of using radial magnetic forces of an electromagnet coil grid underneath to drive the wheeled robot platforms with embedded bar magnets. I custom-modelled the magnetic field and dynamics equation of the robot for use with the developed PD-based motion control algorithm and Hall-effect sensor-based localization method. The propulsion and motion control method were verified through the prototype and various tests to demonstrate the concept and application viability, including maximum speed, peak power draw, positioning accuracy carrying capacity, and stability in different motion configurations. Overall, this research for the first time presents a wheel-based non-levitative electromagnet robot propulsion method for robot fleets for large-volume material handling applications. Furthermore, this method can extend to other applications like assistive propulsion for cars.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Li, Shangqiu\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Camas High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"WA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25208\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:03.834469Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fae7f914e452d19163ec883ad48fd5293f0d56c7509c05bb6752a4b9895c1e63\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25208\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:05.120241Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7cb137a959ae694502be13ac819acc87cde69f7b9668f3676f5db04d3fa0478e\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25208\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EBED019-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7cb137a959ae694502be13ac819acc87cde69f7b9668f3676f5db04d3fa0478e\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25208\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:fae7f914e452d19163ec883ad48fd5293f0d56c7509c05bb6752a4b9895c1e63\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EBED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EBED025\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"NC State College of Engineering\",\n        \"raw\": \"NC State College of Engineering: Alternates (not read aloud)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Omni Wheel: An Innovative Wheel Design for a Walker With Pressure Tracking, Lidar Sensing and Braking Capability\",\n    \"abstract\": \"About 38 million falls are reported among older adults each year in the US alone with more than 50,000 fall injuries associated with walkers, leading to more than 30,000 hospitalizations. One of the key reasons for these falls is the level of difficulty encountered by walker users while maneuvering around, and particularly when turning. The standard Straight Wheel walker requires significant manipulation, and commonly needing to be picked up while turning, contributing to several falls.\\nI developed an Omni Wheel for walkers, which allows users to maneuver very smoothly and turn on their own center of rotation rather than drag the Straight Wheel walker about the axis. This wheel has a Bell and Cup design to connect to the walker. An original Arduino RP2040 sensor was also designed to enhance walker safety in 3 ways \u2013 1. Embedding pressure sensors to monitor and track instability in gait patterns or muscle weaknesses that can lead to falls; 2. Attaching Lidar sensors to identify potential obstacles in the way of the walker, which can lead to tripping and falls; and 3. Developing a braking mechanism that activates upon sensing obstacles to help users from tripping over obstacles.\\nPressure Sensors were embedded in all 4 legs of the walker to continuously gather load data. The Lidar sensors were attached to the front of the walker at a 30o angle to sweep the area in front of the walker to track obstacles, and the automated brake made of a motor, coupler, T-nut and Acme screw engaged upon appropriate triggering. All the engineering components like the Omni Wheels, the load sensors, the Lidar, and the brakes were tested rigorously in multiple ways, across multiple trials, and yielded very successful results consistently.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Chadha, Annika\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"duPont Manual High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"KY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25154\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:05.791391Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:403e2f17da04b035593dafef6fa3f0d5a10da0ad6684e3d4f8dc80462923b1a0\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25154\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:07.146586Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fd4b54d5187e895f409d3889ab5c95823d7ca10e7a31d43e96460aea271db5da\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25154\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EBED025-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fd4b54d5187e895f409d3889ab5c95823d7ca10e7a31d43e96460aea271db5da\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25154\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:403e2f17da04b035593dafef6fa3f0d5a10da0ad6684e3d4f8dc80462923b1a0\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EBED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EBED041\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Continuous Hemodynamics Monitor: Novel Smart Sensor for Real-Time Postoperative Cardiac Care\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Importance: Decompensated heart failure causes 3 million rehospitalizations. This is a result of current ineffective and inaccessible cardiac monitoring standards, which rely on symptoms that appear too late in disease progression.\\nDesign: This investigation developed an implantable arterial sensor for presymptomatic diagnoses. The sensors were designed and optimized through electromagnetic simulations. The final stretchable prototype was nanofabricated and validated through biomechanical and sensing assays. Additionally, a nitinol actuation system was developed and wirelessly powered to create telemetrically adaptable medical devices.\\nResults: The sensor accurately monitored arterial pressure, flow, and diameter similar to clinical standards with <2% error, as shown by statistically insignificant differences (one-way ANOVA, p>0.05). Changes in tissue size and dielectric resulted in proportional changes in the sensor's capacitance reading. The sensors were highly sensitive to pressure changes (0-10 kPa) at 13.46 kPa^-1. Hysteresis was minimized to 2.5%. The novel device's actuation was validated on simulated heart failure hemodynamics. The microcontroller's rechargeable battery was wirelessly charged with power transfer efficiency peaking at 70%.\\nApplication: Overall, the novel sensors developed in this project are a viable monitoring system and can be broadly applied to diagnose and monitor decompensated heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Mathew, Calvin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"American Heritage School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25838\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:07.772483Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:feff0b2229c5542ce50b1414fabbf0d9cae700f116d9a2a53702cf9a30e8aeb6\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25838\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:09.155256Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ee19ca95117d736d2a4cc805706faacb64d29d7fa587e816e7c80690b274a8bb\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25838\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EBED041-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ee19ca95117d736d2a4cc805706faacb64d29d7fa587e816e7c80690b274a8bb\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25838\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:feff0b2229c5542ce50b1414fabbf0d9cae700f116d9a2a53702cf9a30e8aeb6\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EGSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EGSD018\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Ricoh USA, Inc\",\n        \"raw\": \"Ricoh USA, Inc: Ricoh Sustainable Development Award of $10,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"SkyWindFarm: Harnessing High Altitude Wind Power in Scalable Manner\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Wind energy is cubically proportional to wind velocity. As altitude increases, wind velocity not only significantly increases but also becomes more consistent in direction and intensity. However, current airborne wind energy systems (AWES) struggle to harness this stable, untapped resource at scale. SkyWindFarm is the first AWE system capable of harnessing the power of high-altitude winds in a scalable manner. Utilizing vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) in a bio-inspired cluster configuration, SkyWindFarm capitalizes on the inherent advantages of VAWTs for airborne applications, such as increased stability and optimal performance in farm configurations. Simulated annealing based CFD optimizations have been conducted to optimize the VAWT cluster, resulting in an overall Cp of 0.47 at TSR 3.0. The system's development has achieved a Technology Readiness Level of 5 through proof-of-concept airborne demonstrations, utilizing a laboratory-scale prototype. Empirical results from wind tunnel testing show a strong alignment (correlation>0.95) with CFD simulations. Further, a transient 6 Degrees of Freedom simulation reveals that SkyWindFarm can reject even the harshest disturbances in approximately 7 seconds. The study comprehensively addresses all major challenges. A comparative cost analysis reveals that SkyWindFarm outperforms current FlyGen AWEs by 25% in efficiency and offers one of the most competitive levelized costs of energy at 25$/MWhr. Furthermore, SkyWindFarm design has the emergent capability for rapid adoption, capable of ramping up power production to the megawatt range. SkyWindFarm is also the first AWE system that can serve as a primary power source, bolstering its value for remote communities and marking a crucial stride toward a sustainable future for all.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Dagade, Yash\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Eden Prairie High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MN\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25131\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:09.790874Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:74cd34b8100181457262e8574e037df487af33680aa6a79ca4086c324ebf22c2\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25131\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:11.140706Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:68bd842a696057c52dbd4393f0aa339526e892801d4188075a2c14f731f05b9b\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25131\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EGSD018-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:68bd842a696057c52dbd4393f0aa339526e892801d4188075a2c14f731f05b9b\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25131\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:74cd34b8100181457262e8574e037df487af33680aa6a79ca4086c324ebf22c2\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EGSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EGSD021\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Optimizing Graphitic Carbon Nitride to Create a Safe, Effective, and Economic Form of Hydrogen Storage\",\n    \"abstract\": \"In recent years, more renewable and clean forms of energy have emerged, among them is hydrogen energy. While it is an advantageous option, its downside, which prevents it from being more commonly used, is its ability to be stored. This research explores the different ways the cheap and abundant resource of urea fertilizer can be modified to optimize its hydrogen storage capacities. The hypothesis was that if graphitic carbon nitride is doped with carbon, then it will produce the most effective form of hydrogen storage. For this research, three different materials were created: pure graphitic carbon nitride, carbon-doped graphitic carbon nitride, and metal-doped graphitic carbon nitride. Using an airtight chamber engineered for the experiment, each material was individually placed inside and filled with hydrogen gas obtained through electrolysis. Through this process, the materials were able to absorb hydrogen and retain it at ambient temperature. Pre-post analysis was conducted by measuring the weight change of each material before and after hydrogen exposure. All materials increased in weight, indicating hydrogen absorption. Metal-doped graphitic carbon nitride absorbed less than 1% of its original weight in hydrogen, while pure graphitic carbon nitride and carbon-doped graphitic carbon nitride absorbed 2% and 4%, respectively. This study proved carbon-doped graphitic carbon nitride to be the most effective in storing hydrogen out of the three materials. Further research could involve doping graphitic carbon nitride with other nano-particles to further increase storage capacities.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Novoa, Valeria\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"James Madison High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"VA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25444\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:11.800803Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:14b48951e742a1409ce2ca14e54c66cda7e4d5538d12edac5fcb021c4bdc9701\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25444\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:13.149568Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0a0093f7e15a9ae4bfd4c0d613e627901ce0ae300a5714a8c7d345e522d6702d\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25444\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EGSD021-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0a0093f7e15a9ae4bfd4c0d613e627901ce0ae300a5714a8c7d345e522d6702d\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25444\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:14b48951e742a1409ce2ca14e54c66cda7e4d5538d12edac5fcb021c4bdc9701\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EGSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EGSD023\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Enhancing Sodium-Ion Batteries by Synthesizing a Novel Cathode Using Covalent Organic Frameworks Doped With Carbon Nanotubes\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Given the anticipated scarcity of lithium, there is a potential risk of inadequate supply for future lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are promising alternatives to LIBs due to the abundance of elemental sodium. However, SIBs fail to meet the performance characteristics of LIBs due to the big size of sodium ions and the large molecular weight of the inorganic electrode materials. This research aims to develop new lightweight organic cathode material to enhance the rate performance, cycling stability, and specific capacity of SIBs. The new cathode material consists of a covalent organic framework (COF) called PDANDI doped with different carbon nanotubes (CNTs) percentages, 0% (pure PDANDI), 30%, 50%, and 100% (pure CNT). Following their fabrication, five batteries were fully characterized, and the performance of twelve batteries was evaluated via electrochemical analysis. It was found that PDANDI-50% CNT exhibits a specific capacity of 110mAh/g greater than the 71mAh/g, 67mAh/g, and 27 mAh/g of the PDANDI-30% CNT, PDANDI, and pure CNT batteries, respectively. Specifically, PDANDI-50% CNT demonstrates stability over 5000 cycles and an average discharge voltage of 2.1V, greater than the previously reported Aza-COF, which exhibits stability over 500 cycles with an average discharge voltage of 0.7V. Further, ex-situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements showed the reaction mechanism of carbonyl bonds during charge and discharge processes. The fabrication of SIBs with COF-CNT-based cathode material is crucial for developing effective SIBs that can be utilized in stationary applications and energy storage systems to reduce reliance on LIBs.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Almesned, Sulaiman\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Dhahran Ahliyya School\",\n        \"country\": \"Saudi Arabia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25326\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:13.818404Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e6af73e280e33370b17f50eeb2ce8372dcf0830c359e84075d8eddc47808bc29\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25326\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:15.138386Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c4266a54c222ee493483f6623c9618e3f08370508f6ce7c45c81f2438119972c\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25326\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EGSD023-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c4266a54c222ee493483f6623c9618e3f08370508f6ce7c45c81f2438119972c\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25326\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:e6af73e280e33370b17f50eeb2ce8372dcf0830c359e84075d8eddc47808bc29\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EGSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EGSD025\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Cost-effective Ultrasound Utilization on Cement-Based Composites for Scalable Fabrication of Bifunctional All-solid-State Ultracapacitors\",\n    \"abstract\": \"In response to immense international energy demands, the industrial sector must witness a historic alteration for bulk energy storage with a wide range of up-scaling spectra for commercial utilization. Due to its scalable, porous, durable, and abundant availability, concrete cement has emerged as a scalable material for efficient ultracapacitors, yet it is not conductive. Herein, highly conductive cement-based composites were uniquely prepared from a self-synthesized polypyrrole conducting polymer utilizing the novel probe ultrasonication technique. Additionally, for the first time in scalable cement-based ultracapacitors, the fabricated ultracapacitor indicated a full-solid-state structure with liquid-free electrolyte, which reduced the leakage, inclined the potential window, and thereby increased the stability. Large pores were captured through SEM magnifications, which logically indicates the vast surface area, whereas EDX alongside XPS identified the cement integrity/purity. After many experimental trials, an exceptional specific capacitance of 101.2F/g was calculated through the CV and GCD analysis at a wide potential window of 2V retaining a notable 92% of the total capacitance after 5000 cycles maintaining superior stability/strength. Such fascinating findings outperformed similar reports with an impressive 148% efficiency-enhancement and 82% cost decline. This research introduced bifunctional cement properties as it simultaneously functions as a construction/building material and as a bulk storage unit for practical/scalable implementation. This project contributes a key-step towards large-scale commercial ultracapacitors for utilization in miniaturized and large-scale intermittent power supplies and reinforce the attainment of a sustainable circular economy.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Alghannam, Latifa\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"KFUPM Schools\",\n        \"country\": \"Saudi Arabia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25380\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:15.835007Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:10006cb6315356ff3d0cc84d528ad77f5aefa1a416bca6ecf0faf406cff3016d\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25380\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:17.275287Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:511a7f519e76468b7c69a801155134a8a5691d2b41c229e556a38b85a6bff974\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25380\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EGSD025-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:511a7f519e76468b7c69a801155134a8a5691d2b41c229e556a38b85a6bff974\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25380\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:10006cb6315356ff3d0cc84d528ad77f5aefa1a416bca6ecf0faf406cff3016d\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM011\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Shanghai Science Association for Young Talents\",\n        \"raw\": \"Shanghai Science Association for Young Talents: Award\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"STEPs Ahead: Self-Powered Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Dynamic Multidirectional Pressure Sensing\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Advancements in human machine interface and human motion monitoring require effective real-time pressure sensing to provide enhance interactive capabilities and enable smart feedback systems. However, developing a sensor with a simple fabrication process that combines mass reproducibility and high sensitivity at clinically relevant pressure range has remained a significant obstacle. Herein, a self-powered triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) based pressure sensor (STEPs) with real-time remote sensing ability is proposed to meet these critical demands, offering high sensitivity in clinically relevant range of 0 - 70mmHg, catering to the needs of various applications. STEPs introduces an innovative composite material, homogeneously blending Carbon Black (CB) and Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix at optimal content ratio via ultrasonication and degassing for unprecedented performance characteristics. Together with the unique three-dimensional structure, STEPs achieved high surface charge density, leading to a high sensitivity of 2.61 \u00b1 0.02 mV/mmHg with excellent linearity of R-square \u02dc 0.9962, while following a much simpler fabrication process as compared with previous works. A wireless measurement and data transfer system, established between an array of STEPs for multidirectional pressure sensing and a remote readout device with 2.5 Hz refresh rate, further enables real-time remote display of pressure readings. It is envisioned that this highly sensitive sensor is broadly applicable to many fields, with significant potential for commercialisation in both human-machine interface and biomedical applications.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Wu, Jiaqi (School: NUS High School of Mathematics &amp\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": null,\n        \"country\": \"Singapore\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Science)\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": null,\n        \"country\": \"Singapore\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25063\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:17.904505Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8fec366295615e5379c2ff62d8de3077d50c50c66f9b6ee61c087b817b0505aa\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25063\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:19.203298Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:070ff1ee7a29e82168a442fa8de9139d13da832169db4fdbb248be202233d215\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25063\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM011-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:070ff1ee7a29e82168a442fa8de9139d13da832169db4fdbb248be202233d215\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25063\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:8fec366295615e5379c2ff62d8de3077d50c50c66f9b6ee61c087b817b0505aa\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM033\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"China Association for Science and Technology (CAST)\",\n        \"raw\": \"China Association for Science and Technology (CAST): Award of $1,200\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"To Infinity Egg Beyond: Novel Systems for Hyper-Customizable Egg Models\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The Framework for Embryonic Analysis Through Hyper-customization Enhancement Research (FEATHER) enhances avian egg studies, enabling custom egg modification while preserving embryo viability. FEATHER features four sequentially integrated prototypes: WAVE (laser-based Windower for Avian Eggs) allows for custom-sized shell openings and shows 94% efficiency in creating windows without damaging the inner shell membrane. STACCs (Self-healing & Transparent Air-Cell Caps) allow access to the egg cavity while preventing fungal cross-contamination during incubation. STACCed eggs showed similar water loss and embryo viability when compared to non-STACCed control eggs, even after various interventions including albumen aspiration, saline injection, and wire probe insertion. STACCs also improved image quality and illumination by reducing glare and increasing embryo photokinesis. TREBEL (Treatment Evaluation using Binary Enhanced Logic) is a novel adaptation of a binary allocation riddle. A multi-layer perceptron network (MLP) can identify the most impactful treatment while using fewer experimental groups than treatments. TREBEL MLP trained on synthetic data showed 86% accuracy in predicting the most impactful of 3 treatments using 2 model organisms; in vivo validation testing is underway. MFii (Multi-Field Imaging Incubator) is the first-of-its-kind device that allows for magnified visualization of the embryonic air-cell vasculature from outside the incubator, preventing condensation and embryonic perturbation. Together, WAVE, STACC, TREBEL, and MFii offer a novel toolkit for in-ovo modifications with uses ranging from gender identification to disease modeling and vaccine development, pushing the boundaries of precision medicine, agriculture, and consumer food enhancement.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"El-Sherbiny, Muhammad\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Bergen County Academies\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NJ\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25254\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:19.887778Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b1db7e7fd93165f6db15e368e32fbaa47f815cb3b2c7b7679d8c456d1c234b06\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25254\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:21.726554Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4353766c7e21246dd377087c737d0186468e5b0d8c7804d6975e385115dc8105\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25254\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM033-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4353766c7e21246dd377087c737d0186468e5b0d8c7804d6975e385115dc8105\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25254\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:b1db7e7fd93165f6db15e368e32fbaa47f815cb3b2c7b7679d8c456d1c234b06\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM035\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Design and Development of an Open-Source, Myo-Electric Robotic Upper Limb Prosthesis Using Additive Manufacturing\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Background: Developing functional prostheses for the upper limb has historically posed challenges. Amputation of the hand due to military combat injury, disease, or other trauma carries significant psychosocial implications, warranting exploration within orthotics and prosthetics. Timely access to prostheses influences patient usage, rehabilitation, cost-effectiveness, and healthcare burden.\\nProblem: This project addresses key issues in the prosthetics industry, focusing on the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of upper limb prostheses while ensuring functionality and reliability.\\nEngineering Design Process: Research and development of this prosthesis encompasses considerations of anatomy, physiology, prosthetics, orthotics, biomechanical engineering, robotics, and psychosocial factors. Employing Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and programming logic, the project aims to reduce wait times for replacement parts and functionality through iterative design processes, leveraging off-the-shelf products and FDM 3-D printing.\\nSolution: The current iteration features a tendon-based finger system, which allows the hand to employ the full force of each motor while retaining the adaptability that is vital to completing all 7 primary grip patterns. The control system mimics natural hand movements by segmenting into three sections. Specifically, the thumb employs dual motors, while the remaining fingers optimize for precision and strength. Additive manufacturing techniques are explored to reduce costs, emphasizing use of readily available off-the-shelf components for efficient replacement part sourcing. Applications include usage as a training device for the period between receiving a commercial prosthesis, as a temporary prosthesis, and as a more accessible prosthetic device.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Lothamer, Benjamin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Mid-Prairie Home School Education Center\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"IA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25582\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:22.328322Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a7426f1a8fac40182ae33ded34897a248043d98212189be57f15dee1235b4834\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25582\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:23.672385Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:da6f6f37cc1b0d53d013f3aa7782d96dee4bf908397ea0df62f795a49f322344\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25582\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM035-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:da6f6f37cc1b0d53d013f3aa7782d96dee4bf908397ea0df62f795a49f322344\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25582\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:a7426f1a8fac40182ae33ded34897a248043d98212189be57f15dee1235b4834\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM048\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"PRecision Exospinal Constructive Innovative Stereotactic Evolution (PRECISE)\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Spinal treatment modalities such as spinal fusion and trauma surgery, radiofrequency ablation, and cancer biopsies require the utmost precision to avoid damaging critical structures such as the spinal cord. Current methods used for spine surgery require substantial amounts of equipment, several technicians, and are cost prohibitive at most hospitals ($900,000 CAD). The purpose of this project was to develop a simple, accurate, and low-cost stereotactic device for spinal treatment modalities. The pedicle entry points and facet joints are commonly targeted during spine surgery. The interpedicular distance (IPD), interfacet distance (IFD), and vertebral body width (VBW) were digitally measured from every lower thoracic and lumbar spine level on Computed Tomographic (CT) imaging, totalling 990 measurements. Coefficient of variation, Pearson\u2019s Correlation, and Spearman Rho\u2019s statistics all showed a significant correlation amongst these measurements. Importantly, this relationship provided the ability to accurately predict the IPD and IFD from the VBW alone. A prototype was developed and tested by guiding a needle in a three-dimensional axis to target the pedicle entry points and facet joints in an anatomically correct spine model and deer spine sample using the calculated IPD and IFD. All 180 trials were successful in targeting anatomic structures, regardless of age, sex, or vertebral level. The simple and low-cost stereotactic device developed in this study, estimated at $500 CAD, demonstrated a high level of accuracy targeting structures used commonly in spine surgery. PRECISE has the potential to improve surgical safety, minimize invasive surgery, further operating room efficiency, and simplify surgical procedures.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Chan, Keanu\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Mount Baker Secondary School\",\n        \"country\": \"Canada\",\n        \"state\": \"MT\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25409\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:24.343442Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f6b86b014a783bc409be8499c751232c6d54ca328d7446d7a71917c4a43fe596\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25409\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:26.039373Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:40d621356c5a93016f7322f96e83e8606774197fd102c28ea4a66cf7bd617585\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25409\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM048-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:40d621356c5a93016f7322f96e83e8606774197fd102c28ea4a66cf7bd617585\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25409\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:f6b86b014a783bc409be8499c751232c6d54ca328d7446d7a71917c4a43fe596\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM065\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE\",\n        \"raw\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE: Second Place INCOSE Best Use of System Engineering Award of $800, a 1-year free student membership to INCOSE, and free virtual admission to the 2022 International Symposium of the INCOSE\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE\",\n        \"raw\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE: DO NOT READ ALOUD: The Second Place INCOSE Best Use of Systems Engineering Award winner and the INCOSE Bill Ewald Socio-Technical Systems Engineering Award winner will receive a 1-year free student membership to the INCOSE and free virtual admission to the 2024 International Symposium of the INCOSE\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"UpLift Mobility: Robotic Lift to Elevate Frequently Falling Individuals\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The author designed and manufactured a robotic lift called \u201cUpLift Mobility\u201d, to elevate frequently falling individuals from the ground, inspired by her grandpa\u2019s increased falls. According to the WHO, after falling, 48% of older people report a fear of falling, and 25% report curtailing activities. Therefore, the major engineering goal was to design an aesthetic and structurally sound robotic lift that an individual could confidently operate without the assistance of a carer. Utilising SolidWorks 3D CAD software, the robotic lift\u2019s versatile self-driving function is complemented by a modern artistic armchair design. The drive base and lift are linked to an Apple watch app, created by the author. Using the Apple watch\u2019s embedded fall detection feature, the app is enabled when a fall is detected. The individual will then be asked whether to call for the robotic lift and/or call for help. The robot navigates toward the user using visual simultaneous localisation mapping technology viewed on the carer mobile app, the author has designed. When approaching the individual, face tracking on the robot\u2019s camera and the Apple watch app joystick finetune the robot\u2019s position and finally lifts the individual off the ground using either a button on the lift or the Apple watch controls. UpLift Mobility requires no external assistance allowing for independent living and confidence, providing a safer method of lifting fallen individuals for carers. It gives family members a sense of security and it is a more dignified way for an individual to get up after a fall.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Tan, Jeslyn\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Barker College\",\n        \"country\": \"Australia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25048\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:26.660169Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ad162ae2c4d5e8ec54bcf0e60a323a4e933423d6bbd625a27c4ca9fa8f66d37a\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25048\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:28.133156Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5d3c0f85029d5c507ae755407e29f9b6d213974ff7ca1448a0bc7fbba004fd1b\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25048\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM065-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5d3c0f85029d5c507ae755407e29f9b6d213974ff7ca1448a0bc7fbba004fd1b\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25048\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:ad162ae2c4d5e8ec54bcf0e60a323a4e933423d6bbd625a27c4ca9fa8f66d37a\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM067\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n        \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Rigid-Elastic Hybrid Finger Exoskeleton Rehabilitation System (FERS) for Stroke Patients With Motor Impairment\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Rehabilitation needs for stroke patients with motor impairment have garnered great attention worldwide. Addressing the limitations observed in existing hand rehabilitation devices, particularly in aspects like Finger Precision, Fine Motor Coordination, and Isolated Finger Movement, as well as mitigating the risk of accidental pain and injury caused by the exoskeleton itself, a novel hybrid finger exoskeleton rehabilitation system supporting the index finger and thumb has been designed and implemented, incorporating the exoskeleton structure and a versatile user interface. Its advantages include precise control of each finger joint, more Degree of Freedom (DOF) and Range of Motion (ROM) movements, pain and injury protection, a user-friendly interface, cheaper, and lighter. Noteworthy features include an optimal Multi-bar Serial Linkage with a compact Z-shape structure and specialized palm components to reduce size, and elastic elements to alleviate excess force. The hybrid materials used offer advantages from both rigid and elastic components. The 3D-printed exoskeleton structure, inclusive of 6 motors, weighs a mere 300g. Versatile user interface methods, such as GUI Phone App, Mechanical Switch, AI Voice Control, and Computer Vision with Machine Learning which enables preliminary autonomous grasping, have been integrated. Experimental results confirm the successful achievement of all design goals, showcasing all 7 DOF movements and precise control on each joint and phalanx during rehabilitation training. Performance in practical tests, demonstrating the ability to grasp, pinch, type, and touch, plus a 100% repeatability rate, proves the rehabilitation system's significance in aiding individuals with finger impairment due to stroke and spinal cord injuries.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Wu, Brad\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Arizona College Prep High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AZ\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25894\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:29.271497Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8988f927ca02110572023a0cb2b80bba1b40c30b7d4b238026931c9b876041ce\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25894\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:30.623223Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ee938244f27347b5214e5ea5f273675e095beabd490f7bb56d7e0f31e735f5fa\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25894\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM067-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ee938244f27347b5214e5ea5f273675e095beabd490f7bb56d7e0f31e735f5fa\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25894\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:8988f927ca02110572023a0cb2b80bba1b40c30b7d4b238026931c9b876041ce\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM075\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Clear: Utilizing Glasses-Based Beamformers to Improve Speech Clarity and Spatial Context for the Hearing Impaired\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Hearing loss is the fourth most prevalent disability worldwide, affecting one in five people, and is correlated with depression, isolation, and decreased life expectancy. Innovation in hearing aids over the last century has focused on miniaturization to overcome stigma. While successful, this focus has resulted in a form-factor with intrinsic physical limitations that hinder directionality and spatial context. Directionality is crucial to communication and social behavior in noisy environments. Hearing aids\u2019 diminished directionality reduces speech clarity and spatial perception.\\nclEar, a beamforming hearing aid, unlike traditional designs, uses a glasses-based array of microphones to reduce unwanted noise and restore directionality for $200. clEar utilizes Golomb spacing to double audio bandwidth, a custom Multi Source Minimum Variance Distortionless Response (MSMVDR) beamforming technique to improve speech clarity while maintaining auditory transparency, and a hybrid multi-speaker tracking algorithm that integrates accelerometer data to compensate for head motion.\\nEvaluation using voices from the LibreSpeech audiobook recordings demonstrated a 71% increase in speech clarity as measured by Short Term Objective Intelligibility (STOI) and a 9.9 dB increase in Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) after MSMVDR processing. The hybrid source tracking algorithm exhibited an average error of 3.8\u00b0, significantly outperforming the 58\u00b0 error of a standard GCC based approach.\\nThe novel array design enables efficient spatial processing and low power wearable implementation. clEar shows that glasses-based beamformers enhance speech clarity and spatial context in a socially-acceptable form-factor and have the potential to dramatically improve the lives of those with hearing loss.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Gomes, Armaan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Homestead High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25518\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:31.237139Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:820ae24e6fcc86a50b581a95d95b364e54937066d9fe0bc000f57984995f1a52\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25518\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:32.617586Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e69d7d0ff7fca935027c02545ce0fadbff9151ae69f962eb8685648b9c0cb42a\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25518\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM075-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e69d7d0ff7fca935027c02545ce0fadbff9151ae69f962eb8685648b9c0cb42a\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25518\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:820ae24e6fcc86a50b581a95d95b364e54937066d9fe0bc000f57984995f1a52\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV013T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Coupling High-Efficient Redox Flow Desalination and Rejected Brine Towards Mineralization of CO2\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Both the disposal of rejected brine and CO2 emission are the most significant challenges associated with the desalination process. Herein, we present an integrated approach that utilizes a redox flow battery (RFB) employing potassium ferrocyanide/ferricyanide species with a low voltage (0.4 V) to drive the system. The rejected brine was then subjected to mineralization reactions with CO2 and the alkaline basalt from Penghu Island. This study investigated the effects of voltage, salt removal rate, recovery rate, energy consumption, and CO2 mineralization. The seawater feed (conductivity: 46.6 mS/cm) can be continuously desalinated to 0.5 mS/cm in the diluted stream, while it increases to 149.0 mS/cm in the concentrated stream. This resulted in a high charge efficiency of 94.0%, energy consumption of 6.3 kWh/m3, and a high recovery rate of 80.0%. The innovation of this system lies in the fact that the recovery rate in the RFB can be adjusted to increase the concentration of ions in the rejected brine for rapid and permanent CO2 storage. In the CO2 mineralization experiments, the changes in Ca2+, Mg2+ and pH values in the solution suggest the formation of CaCO3, MgCO3. It was also evident from Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy measurements. During a 96-hour period, the rejected brine captured 13.7% of the saturated carbon dioxide in the solution, whereas seawater only captured 0.9%. This demonstrates that CO2 mineralizes into carbonates much faster in the rejected brine. The low operating voltage required in the RFB system can be powered by solar energy. The combination of RFB and CO2 mineralization could result in carbon-negative seawater desalination, enhancing storage security and sustainability.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ku, Chung-Ling\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The Affiliated Senior High School of National Taiwan Normal University\",\n        \"country\": \"Taiwan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Chao, Yun-Chieh\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Taipei Fuhsing Private School\",\n        \"country\": \"Taiwan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Chu, Hsi-Chih\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Taipei Fuhsing Private School\",\n        \"country\": \"Taiwan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24757\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:33.252467Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e2fc1a97b31c80e32d843e510daad3ac35540db8f842995c822a9ef7ba6a64d6\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24757\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:34.569999Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ace4817822ebb0a9d595ffc17aeec2b70f0b4a935067e45f6e048928d4a57865\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24757\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV013T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ace4817822ebb0a9d595ffc17aeec2b70f0b4a935067e45f6e048928d4a57865\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24757\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:e2fc1a97b31c80e32d843e510daad3ac35540db8f842995c822a9ef7ba6a64d6\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV019\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"The Enhancement of a Novel 3D-Printed Electrodialysis Device Through the Implementation and Optimization of Spacer Designs\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Despite the Earth\u2019s abundance of salt water, water access remains one of the greatest global challenges, underscoring the urgent need to improve technologies for desalination treatment. Electrodialysis, a novel desalination technology, uses electric charge to separate NaCl ions from feed water. It operates within a device made up of electrodes and ion exchange membranes separated by spacers.  The flow of water is critical to the effectiveness of electrodialysis. To address this, spacers can be modified to enhance fluid movement and turbulence. Research on enhancing fluid turbulence in electrodialysis, particularly through the creation of different spacer designs, and its effect on desalination performance is currently lacking. This study addresses this gap by evaluating self-made 3D-printed spacer designs\u2014tortuous pathway, cubic, and column\u2014against a spacer-less control within a 3D-printed electrodialysis module. Results demonstrated that desalination performance was enhanced with the incorporation of spacer designs, with the average salinity changes of each spacer ranking in order of increasing magnitude from the control, column, cubic, and tortuous pathway. Similarly, the Reynolds numbers ranked in identical order, indicating that increasing fluid turbulence improves desalination. The tortuous pathway spacer was found to be the most effective, significantly improving desalination in comparison to the control (p<0.05). This was due to its design creating the greatest fluid turbulence, with a Reynolds number nearly triple that of the control. Overall, this study not only developed an innovative and low-cost 3D-printed electrodialysis system but also demonstrated the potential of customized spacer designs to significantly enhance desalination.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Yoon, Dylan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Manhasset High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25096\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:35.290068Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7c1f01a4a60fa426b8d764be2745081e08403ed146c93ff565b2b511a39a2976\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25096\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:36.781397Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5f138dc0ebe84079221e950f78c10e4248531f6df74e70ee3381664acd80c87a\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25096\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV019-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5f138dc0ebe84079221e950f78c10e4248531f6df74e70ee3381664acd80c87a\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25096\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:7c1f01a4a60fa426b8d764be2745081e08403ed146c93ff565b2b511a39a2976\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV036\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development\",\n        \"raw\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development: USAID Science for Development First Award - Climate and Environmental Protection\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A New Cost-effective Adsorbent Device for Civic Remediation to Reduce Lead, Copper and Cadmium in Surface Water Runoff\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The number of annual lead-poisoning fatalities exceeds the combined annual fatalities from car accidents and malaria. Cadmium causes DNA damage. A leading heavy metal exposure source is surface water contamination, lethal to direct consumers and others through biomagnification. To combat this, I devised a 3-part framework. First, major contamination-pathways or \u2018sources\u2019 were identified as runoff from improper battery disposal sites, carwash and maintenance facilities. Composite water sampling of sources and depth-integrated sampling of sinks like lakes from 4 locations across India was conducted. QQQ-ICPMS was used to analyze samples for lead (> 0.01 mg/L), copper (>0.08 mg/L) and cadmium (>0.02mg/L) and grade them based on contaminant levels. Regression and spatiotemporal models enabled identifying sinks at risk. Based on this, I developed a mathematical model to predict lead, copper and cadmium levels in lakes without the expensive, cumbersome and time-consuming process of ICPMS samples testing. Then, potential cost-efficient adsorbents were evaluated on flow rates and coefficient of permittivity using Darcy\u2019s Law. The flow volume/time was deduced for standard inlet drains. Adsorption experiments were performed and isotherms constructed. Finally, a layered-adsorbent was constructed using 0.1 M Caustic Soda-treated Rice Husk, kaolinite and Compressed Coconut Fiber structure along with a sensor and a coagulation layer. Carbon-negative rice-stubble biochar reinforced-casing provides structural integrity and increases detention time for adsorption. When placed in surface water inlets, the device reduces Pb and Cd by 95-98% and Cu by 72%. The device costs an average of 14 USD/surface water body (a heavy metal treatment plant costs on average 150000 USD).\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Nagi, Kshemaahna\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Vidyashilp Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"India\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24821\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:37.372644Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:19eb8faa08c5eaba3a5f5ecbb672576d27758276c6db75b6093fa1e7d27638e3\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24821\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:38.777498Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1ab1c973d895529675445478be6e4d0b732715e00803ffea0bc49134fa919cb8\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24821\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV036-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1ab1c973d895529675445478be6e4d0b732715e00803ffea0bc49134fa919cb8\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24821\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:19eb8faa08c5eaba3a5f5ecbb672576d27758276c6db75b6093fa1e7d27638e3\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV037T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Evaluating Native Hawaiian Plant Species' Contributions to Post-Fire Silt Sock Bioremediation in Lahaina\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The August 2023 Maui fires destroyed historic Lahaina town, causing toxic ash to become mobilized into the soil, groundwater, and ocean. This study evaluated the benefits of incorporating native Hawaiian plants into the design of bioremediation silt socks. Plants were selected based on phytoremediation properties, and suitability to the arid environment of Lahaina. We tested the effectiveness of these plants to (1) create a more favorable environment for the bioremediation bacteria and fungi, and (2)  improve the structure of the socks (material retention).\\nTesting was conducted in two phases:(1)pili/control, (2) milo/naupaka/matured pili/control. In each phase, internal moisture and temperature were measured through three separate trials. Each trial lasted three days, with measurements taken five times a day. Moisture was tested using frequency domain reflectometry, and temperature through digital probe. Subsequently, the socks were subjected to a shake test using a constructed shaking table, followed by the collection and recording of expelled particles.\\nTesting results showed significant improvements over the control in moisture levels ( phase1 pili +69.33%, milo +18.85%, naupaka +20.83% , phase 2 pili +48.98%), temperature (phase 1 pili  -0.44C, milo -0.03C, naupaka -0.65C, phase 2 pili -0.91C), and material loss ( phase1 pili -50% , milo -0.99%, naupaka -38%, phase 2 pili -34%)\\nThe contribution of our study is improvement of the bioremediation silt sock design and function. Further implications include cost and resource savings due to lower water demands and reduction in loss of sock material.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Merritt, Kadence\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Kamehameha Schools Maui\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"HI\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Takahama, Bennett\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Kamehameha Schools Maui\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"HI\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25064\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:39.468288Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:adf6f48facdb2734b2114ae8f026bf3f2ada8656e12a191262a89c252a7b5da1\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25064\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:40.761367Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:396a9bb1853434d5d7a0f3cd608924e19cbef0373931801c4c5a1c119c9b0e7e\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25064\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV037T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:396a9bb1853434d5d7a0f3cd608924e19cbef0373931801c4c5a1c119c9b0e7e\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25064\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:adf6f48facdb2734b2114ae8f026bf3f2ada8656e12a191262a89c252a7b5da1\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV042\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Serving Society Through Science\",\n        \"raw\": \"Serving Society Through Science: Second Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Novel Shade Dome to Reduce Water Evaporation in the Great Salt Lake\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Utah\u2019s Great Salt Lake (GSL) is facing a critical situation, with projections indicating its potential disappearance within five years. This could cause an unprecedented environmental, health, and social crisis. This project optimizes a floating device designed to mitigate water evaporation rates without harming the lake's ecosystem, particularly the brine shrimp population. Existing floating shade sphere products have multiple problems that are directly addressed and solved by this new design. Four 3D-printed prototypes of a translucent polycarbonate device were developed. Each iteration incorporates improvements based on the measured performance of the previous model against predefined success criteria. The final design, Prototype 4, features a novel dome shape comprising a hollow hemisphere, a hollow cylinder, and a floor wall, providing optimal surface area coverage and stability without the need for water inside the device. Extensive testing was conducted, including over 300 hours of evaporation tests in Logan, Utah, and on the GSL shoreline, an 8-week ecological test with brine shrimp to assess the device's impact on the ecosystem, and 3 months of environmental tests to evaluate material durability under ultraviolet radiation and freezing temperatures. Evaporation rates were reduced by an average of 50%, without adversely affecting the brine shrimp's growth and reproduction. The recommended future implementation involves deploying shade domes, produced from recycled polycarbonate, over a selected 800 km\u00b2 of GSL, at an estimated cost of $5.6 billion, potentially conserving 760 billion gallons of water over the lifespan of the domes. This would prevent billions in healthcare spending and economic disaster.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Zhang, Christina\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"InTech Collegiate High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"UT\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25353\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:41.390905Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:83c6788f84c446c5e6a4acf3f284ffcea583dd1a29a34ece54ab36932b364e10\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25353\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:42.812290Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:89f0b71c2c7895fccd9468ca135fc8b617f6dddaeea06e4525e7d54be075caa9\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25353\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV042-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:89f0b71c2c7895fccd9468ca135fc8b617f6dddaeea06e4525e7d54be075caa9\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25353\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:83c6788f84c446c5e6a4acf3f284ffcea583dd1a29a34ece54ab36932b364e10\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV050\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Novel Solar-Assisted Method for Mitigation of Methane Emissions via a New Highly Efficient Catalyst\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Global warming poses a pressing challenge marked by rising temperatures and environmental impacts. Methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are the main drivers of this phenomenon due to their damage and widespread emissions. Methane, with 80 times more warming potential than CO2, exacerbates the issue. The current methods of methane mitigation and H2 production worsen the problem by converting CH4 to CO2, adding +500Mt of CO2 annually. Underscoring the urgent need for technological expansion to mitigate CH4 & CO2 emissions. This study introduces an innovative solar-assisted system targeting the most abundant greenhouse gases, CH4 & CO2, directly from point sources, converting them into valuable products: H2 & CO (syngas). By integrating a novel trimetallic catalyst Ni-Cu-Co/Mg(Al)O into a modified solar reactor, operating at 400-600\u00b0C, reducing reliance on external non-renewable energy sources and offering an eco-friendly solution. Characterization of the synthesized catalyst using XRD, BET, TEM, and EDX techniques reveals promising features: higher surface area, small particle size (4-7nm), and uniform active site distribution. Performance evaluation through dry reforming of methane tests under CH4 source conditions demonstrates remarkable efficiencies of 75%, and 90% in CH4 & CO2 conversions at 700\u00b0C, and 800\u00b0C, respectively, with excellent stability, showcasing the success of solar-assisted CH4 and CO2 reduction. Furthermore, the system yields impressive H2 rates of 72%, and 86%, holding significant promise for applications such as coal mines, landfills, and industrial syngas production. This approach not only reduces pollution but also promotes efficient H2 production, aligning with the United Nations' goal of limiting global temperature for a more sustainable planet\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Aldulami, Turki\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Alkifah Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"Saudi Arabia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25389\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:43.439497Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6fe6607ac1b663575684e5cf0c0c1a6c2f088488b6e55c3fb19cd913bf17f96c\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25389\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:44.741389Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:213cbb12cad6c0c1ffb4e009e5b9b98f58292f65ea97f5e0f9b551e415e18011\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25389\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV050-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:213cbb12cad6c0c1ffb4e009e5b9b98f58292f65ea97f5e0f9b551e415e18011\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25389\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:6fe6607ac1b663575684e5cf0c0c1a6c2f088488b6e55c3fb19cd913bf17f96c\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV079\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"NC State College of Engineering\",\n        \"raw\": \"NC State College of Engineering: Scholarship to attend NC State Engineering Summer Camp\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Democratizing Desalination: Study of Materials and Methods To Make Desalination Less Energy Intensive and Affordable\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Many in my grandfather's village are engaged in manual salt-farming, spending long hours by the sea under the blazing sun with little access to potable water. I researched suitable materials and methods to build a low-cost mechanism that can produce freshwater. Conventional desalination methods, known for their high energy demands and relatively low efficiency, remain inaccessible to many who reside in close proximity to coastal regions. A primary impediment to solar desalination is the dissipation of solar heat within the body of water, instead of effectively using it to provide heat for vaporization. I devised a mechanism aimed at insulating the water below while at the same time channeling a consistent water supply to a chemically modified evaporation layer possessing large surface area microscopically and focused on evaporation. This configuration maximizes the capture and utilization of solar energy exclusively for the evaporation of water. I evaluated numerous materials to discern candidates for the insulation and evaporation layers. These included local, natural alternatives that were investigated for their suitability in replacing the layers economically and effectively in response to salt fouling. Processes and protocols for chemically or physically modifying the specimens also were explored to enhance evaporation rate and desalination efficiency. Based on the findings, a small-scale pilot plant was constructed using hemp, coconut coir, and intercalated activated carbon, capable of desalinating 7L of water to yield 4.3L of potential drinking water per day using solar energy for desalination, which could provide 2-3 villagers drinking water during their workday.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Thendral, Ahil\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Northwest High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MD\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25830\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:45.440766Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:df555909e44d246d3d2be5e6a10d070166983ec5110fab66f22169a83243a8b6\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25830\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:46.745769Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fed76d255cde1270a81784b4190c5c4efbcfffd93f080157199c4a3f8b0a1849\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25830\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV079-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fed76d255cde1270a81784b4190c5c4efbcfffd93f080157199c4a3f8b0a1849\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25830\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:df555909e44d246d3d2be5e6a10d070166983ec5110fab66f22169a83243a8b6\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ETSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ETSD028\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Engineering of a Bio-Inspired Tiltable Oscillating Fin Submersible Thruster\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Marine vertebrates have declined in abundance in the last four decades by an average of 22%. To observe marine organisms effectively, a waterborne propulsion system with minimal environmental disturbance and high maneuverability is required. The oscillating fin presents a novel low-disturbance thruster, and the seahorse dorsal fin, capable of oscillation and inclination, possesses ingeniously structured physiology, as observed. This study aims to analyze the seahorse dorsal fin's dynamic effects and design a flexible and stable thruster for underwater detection. Through CFD analysis, fin inclination is hypothesized to control the net force direction. A test platform was constructed to examine the influences of wave features and inclination angle on thrust in both vertical and horizontal directions. Additionally, discrete fin surfaces were utilized to eliminate force interference. Force testing and snapshots indicate that wave velocity positively influences net force magnitude. Fin inclination allows for control over force orientation, within an angle range of 0 to 81 degrees, and different fin pivot positions affect the turning ability of the robot. Iterative construction led to the development of three prototypes. These prototypes incorporate a linkage mechanism for controlling fin ray inclination, transitioning from a scheme involving multiple servo motors to an eccentric shaft structure. In conclusion, the inclination of the fin enables control over thrust magnitude and orientation, providing greater flexibility and maneuverability. The novel tiltable underwater thruster possesses the advantages of minimal disturbance to the surrounding environment, high flexibility, and stability to achieve observation of marine organisms.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Liu, Zihao\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The High School Affiliated to Beijing Normal University\",\n        \"country\": \"China\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24949\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:47.612589Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a3eacf4a230ec1c10c7a3d78adceb2c53f89a157310c0f892f8169c61caadaab\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24949\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:48.760129Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a181880b3be1753317d6e509b17f53b187618077a8652a9f61128bd77a22467c\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24949\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ETSD028-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a181880b3be1753317d6e509b17f53b187618077a8652a9f61128bd77a22467c\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24949\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:a3eacf4a230ec1c10c7a3d78adceb2c53f89a157310c0f892f8169c61caadaab\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ETSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ETSD029\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"An Investigation of Jet-Assisted Surface-Mounted Actuators in Laminar and Turbulent Boundary Layers\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Flow control offers an appealing method to improve efficiency, stability, and performance of aerodynamic bodies. Jet Assisted Surface Mounted Actuators (JASMAs), a form of hybrid (active and passive) flow control, were investigated using Planar Particle Image Velocimetry (2D PIV) with all data taken at the mid-span of the JASMA. Four different JASMAs were studied; three with a height of 12mm with a synthetic jet orifice pitch of 0\u00b0, 20\u00b0 and 45\u00b0, and a 6mm JASMA with an orifice pitch angle of 0\u00b0. Data was taken within laminar and turbulent boundary layers with two blowing ratios (Cb) per boundary layer; Cb=1.0 and Cb=1.5 within the laminar boundary layer at a JASMA diameter-based Reynolds number of 8.11x10^3, and Cb=0.25 and Cb=0.5 within the turbulent boundary layer at a JASMA diameter-based Reynolds number of 2.43 x10^4. Within the laminar cases, the synthetic jet aided in accelerating the region of reverse flow behind the JASMA and assisted in reattaching separated flow along the leading edge of the JASMA. Within the turbulent boundary layer, the Cb=0.25 showed no effect from the synthetic jet on the static pins\u2019 structures, while the Cb=0.5 cases appeared to accelerate flow in the reverse flow region.  Furthermore, phase-locked sets of data revealed a global phenomenon in laminar cases, indicating the synthetic jet affects both downstream and upstream flow, and possibly the shedding of the arch-vortex. This data provides support for the use of JASMAs in improving aerodynamic properties.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Mertzlufft, Lilly\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25352\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:49.453558Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3ef66fbb918c9d773ca7997a233c9a168f028f35a9d62e41d310f18721a51968\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25352\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:50.859000Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b76fd27ec7ce52e34ff5703d260f39e4a5af4dc51aaa55da74291d28a85c743a\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25352\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ETSD029-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b76fd27ec7ce52e34ff5703d260f39e4a5af4dc51aaa55da74291d28a85c743a\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25352\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:3ef66fbb918c9d773ca7997a233c9a168f028f35a9d62e41d310f18721a51968\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ETSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ETSD032\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Cross-Section Transformer:  An Innovative Foldable Wheeled Robot With Flexible Configuration\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Pipeline is a typical complex environment, and pipeline robots greatly improve work efficiency. However, the existing robots have limited forms, and lack of passibility and flexibility. So this study is to explore a robot scheme adapting to complex terrain by flexibly changing the shape and going through large barriers. By innovatively introducing the concepts of virtual and solid cross-sections to characterize existing robots, it shows that the shape of central radial symmetry limits the effective obstacle crossing area. So it formed an idea of variable cross-section to increase the the area by changing the shape of the solid section of the robot. The new three-dimensional folding engineering scheme based on this idea realizes the continuous and flexible change of the solid section with both sides of the its wheel arms. It can be folded in 0-90 degrees on the XZ plane, with height varying in 20-30 cm, and be folded in -80- 80 degrees on the YZ plane with width varying 30-50 cm, which enables it to transform between climbing pipes and moving on the ground at a high speed, running at 5cm/s and 10cm/s respectively. With the combination of program active adjustment and springs passive compression, it can adapt to the diameter of 32-48 cm pipe and the right angle bend pipe and cross the obstacle below 15*25cm. The results show that this scheme has more powerful passibility and flexibility than the existing robot. It can be a fast-moving platform conducting search and rescue missions in complex and confined spaces. More importantly, this robot structure design can be further migrated and integrated into other moving robots, and its variable section structure design idea can inspire more and more effective robot structure innovation design.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Chen, Li Wei\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Guangzhou Zhixin High School\",\n        \"country\": \"China\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25034\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:51.460133Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9618a36e1eea3fa0c313561c37dba58e00f70965dc47670d7533f8957708db56\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25034\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:52.819352Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c3bb2378a9a50642c7d0463010375453bd8d9522fc6591444675987c240b29ec\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25034\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ETSD032-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c3bb2378a9a50642c7d0463010375453bd8d9522fc6591444675987c240b29ec\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25034\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:9618a36e1eea3fa0c313561c37dba58e00f70965dc47670d7533f8957708db56\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ETSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ETSD037\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"IEEE  Foundation\",\n        \"raw\": \"IEEE  Foundation: The IEEE Foundation Presidents' Scholarship Award of $10,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"An Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) System for Ocean Hazard Recognition and Rescue: Scout and Rescue UAVs\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can aid lifeguards as 82% of ocean-related deaths in California occur at unprotected beaches, and 90% of drownings occur at low- and mid-income countries. However, commercial drones employed at select beaches still require manual operation. An autonomous UAV lifeguard system was developed: a scout UAV detects rip currents and activates a rescue UAV, which shortens response time by dropping flotation devices and pulling victims to safety. The scout quadcopter was designed, built, and implemented with autonomous flights. The scout drone has wide-range triple communication links for control and manual override. Nine ocean scout missions were conducted, and 11.8k ocean images were collected over 13.4km at beaches. Image analysis with new information-weighted differential frame displacement vectors was conducted for optical flow and particle image velocimetry. Resulting wave displacement vectors were utilized for a novel channel current flow analysis and depth and risk model to detect rip currents. For the rescue coaxial hexacopter, a novel in-arm pitch axis was designed, built, and pilot tested. The rescue UAV spans 2.0m, weighs 12.3Kg with 44.1x9.8N of thrust, and folds into 1.1m for transportation. The in-arm pitch axis angle exceeds conventional end-arm pitch axes\u2019 angles by more than 65% as it accomplishes the greatest pitch rotor tilt angle of \u00b145 degrees. This project advances current lifeguard practices with improved coverage, accuracy, and speed at a lower cost while demonstrating the feasibility of autonomous UAVs to solve a worldwide leading cause of death\u2014drowning.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kim, Angelina\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The Bishop's School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25257\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:53.560506Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:27586311599fb42124808455e8b7d4839440a60d56040d93250f41e5f4977e1b\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25257\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:54.805653Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5587b7e0853892ef00deae49abd8ae238e4bf5ec33d1097ea58c658c1343dc21\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25257\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ETSD037-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5587b7e0853892ef00deae49abd8ae238e4bf5ec33d1097ea58c658c1343dc21\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25257\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:27586311599fb42124808455e8b7d4839440a60d56040d93250f41e5f4977e1b\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ETSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ETSD042\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society: Second Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Submersible Aerial Vehicle Design Study\",\n    \"abstract\": \"There have been many attempts at creating a submersible aerial vehicle, but these attempts have failed for several reasons. Most notably, these attempts did not perform sufficiently either as an aircraft or as a submarine and the transition between mediums (underwater, surface sea, airborne) was tedious in some cases, and slow in all. This study aims to test a design for a craft for seamless transit three ways: airborne, surface sea, and underwater.\\nAll previous designs had separate propulsion systems for air and water travel. Having two separate propulsion systems not only slows down the transition phase between air and water mediums, but also requires the craft to have enough space for two engine systems and their respective fuels. My design uses one propulsion system on tilt-motors for thrust in both air and water mediums and a gyroscope for stabilization and correction during flight. The current model is controlled via a remote controller and Arduino; the remote controller commands the H-tail setup and the Arduino manages the gyroscope. The H-tail is made of two rudders as vertical stabilizers and two elevons as horizontal stabilizers.\\nThis study is ongoing and the model is currently on its fourth iteration.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Gunawardhana, Chetana\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Broad Run High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"VA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25416\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:55.501867Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a797a5f5155fada9fb15d435f64dd7d91a8480a88bc3282065b5696be57157bb\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25416\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:56.833456Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bf9c1aa6e316c90e1b22c7071daf6a07bc305e7ffe38aa822853915082df6678\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25416\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ETSD042-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bf9c1aa6e316c90e1b22c7071daf6a07bc305e7ffe38aa822853915082df6678\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25416\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:a797a5f5155fada9fb15d435f64dd7d91a8480a88bc3282065b5696be57157bb\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ETSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ETSD061\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Office of Naval Research on behalf of the United States Navy and Marine Corps\",\n        \"raw\": \"Office of Naval Research on behalf of the United States Navy and Marine Corps: The Chief of Naval Research Scholarship Award of $15,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Higher-Efficiency Altitude-Adaptive Dynamic Rocket Engine Nozzle\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Modern-day rocket engines employ nozzles to transform onboard fuel-derived, high-temperature and pressure gasses into a high-velocity exhaust that propels the rocket forward. The efficiency of a rocket engine largely hinges on the velocity and directional precision with which the engine's nozzle ejects propellant gasses. However, due to the static nature of traditional nozzles which are optimized for only one altitude, rocket engines spend most of their flight expelling gas in slightly skewed angles causing inefficiency. In this project, a dynamic rocket engine nozzle that is able to adapt its shape to optimize for every altitude the rocket experiences was developed. The project has two main components: a nozzle-adjusting mechanism capable of physically facilitating these shape changes, and a contour generation software that instructs the nozzle-adjusting mechanism on how exactly to adapt its shape to optimize for every altitude. These two systems work together over the rocket's flight to achieve optimal exhaust directionality at any given altitude, achieving greater efficiencies. The dynamic rocket engine nozzle was tested through a series of simulations conducted on ANSYS CFD, in which the thrust of the rocket engine was measured in environments resembling many altitudes up to 66 kilometers above sea level. It was found that compared to a traditional static rocket engine nozzle, the dynamic rocket engine nozzle achieved a ~10.88% higher efficiency, which would decrease the payload costs (cost per kilogram to space) by ~71%.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Erbas, Timucin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Acton Boxborough Regional High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25781\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:57.541544Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:dd0f999eae197f190c977c999c1ad374500cf3413f04783862aeebaf310ecdd5\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25781\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:58.845491Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e15bfa7f8a36110e496db64f6f735c326a5fb9aef5a37f42bd70b08b19c3a91f\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25781\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ETSD061-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e15bfa7f8a36110e496db64f6f735c326a5fb9aef5a37f42bd70b08b19c3a91f\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25781\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:dd0f999eae197f190c977c999c1ad374500cf3413f04783862aeebaf310ecdd5\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Mathematics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATH\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATH003\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Mathematical Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Mathematical Society: Honorable Mention and One-Year Membership to AMS (for 5 projects with up to 3 team members per project)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Enhancing Ethereum's Security With LUMEN, Novel Zero-Knowledge Algorithms Generating Transparent and Efficient SNARKs Based on Hidden Order Groups\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The cryptocurrency Ethereum utilizes zero-knowledge rollups (ZKR) to improve its scalability. ZKRs processes thousands of Ethereum transactions in a batch and uses zk-SNARKs (zero-knowledge succinct non-interactive arguments of knowledge) to verify the validity of those transactions. zk-SNARKs rely on a trusted setup procedure, where a group of participants uses secret information about transactions to generate public information used by zk-SNARKs. However, this process introduces a security risk to Ethereum. Thus, researchers have been developing transparent zk-SNARKs that do not require a trusted setup. However, those transparent zk-SNARKs are often not as efficient as non-transparent zk-SNARKs. In this research, I developed LUMEN, a novel set of algorithms that includes a recursive polynomial commitment scheme and a new interactive polynomial oracle proof protocol, which is compiled into efficient and transparent zk-SNARKs with linear proof computation and verification time. Various techniques were creatively incorporated into LUMEN, including groups with hidden orders, Lagrange basis polynomials, witness-extended emulation, and an amortization strategy. Mathematical proofs show LUMEN's completeness, soundness, and zero-knowledge, and we implemented LUMEN in Python and Rust. LUMEN's efficiency, measured in proof size, surpasses DARK and zk-STARK (two of the most efficient transparent zk-SNARKs) by 8 and 37 times, respectively, and LUMEN's proof size is only 0.71KB more than Plonk, the most commonly used non-transparent zk-SNARKs. LUMEN is a promising solution to improve Ethereum's security while maintaining its efficiency, and the findings of the techniques that enabled LUMEN to be efficient and transparent can significantly benefit future work improving Ethereum.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Quan, Yunjia\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Charlotte Country Day School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NC\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24804\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:27:59.523964Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0c00de856c64f330ccbc2720edc0f97b1c506fb4bfd517059826ae287fd0b1e8\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24804\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:01.018413Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:435694499994da52641e22b996c06fbbc585ee76dcf5921dd1144d6bbbb0fc91\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24804\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATH003-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:435694499994da52641e22b996c06fbbc585ee76dcf5921dd1144d6bbbb0fc91\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24804\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:0c00de856c64f330ccbc2720edc0f97b1c506fb4bfd517059826ae287fd0b1e8\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Mathematics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATH\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATH009\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Predicting the Unpredictable: A Novel Mathematical Model to Analyze and Accurately Predict Multiple Sclerosis Patient Outcomes\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Multiple Sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease affecting millions worldwide, is characterized by its unpredictable course. Mathematics as a tool for predicting MS outcomes and identifying factors influencing progression remains underexplored. I developed a novel stochastic model utilizing Markov Chains to predict the future disability status of MS patients on a granular scale. I was able to improve the statistical significance of the model to increase predictive accuracy despite MS's variable nature. I found patients stabilized over time due to consistent cycling, and confirmed MS disease course is memoryless. Using sigmoid modeling, I also analyzed MS on the individual level, investigating the use of MRI imaging and clinical tests such as the 9-hole peg test (9HPT) and 25-foot timed walk (25FTW) to predict patient outcomes for individuals. I identified the 9HPT and 25FTW as predictive biomarkers for progression, meaning they can be used to place patients on the correct treatments and avoid the guesswork and trial-and-error based decision making that currently occurs due to not knowing which patients need high efficacy medications.\\nThe success of mathematical methods used in this study offers insight into the disease and suggests that mathematics can answer more questions about MS, building a framework and process that can be used to better analyze and improve patient care. As next steps, in addition to publishing my current findings on the behavior of MS cohorts over time (as suggested by my model) to help neurologists make informed treatment decisions,  I will be furthering the findings from the multi-center clinical trial data, replicating it against data from additional clinical studies to prove it to be fully generalizable in a routine clinical population.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Sthanu, Uma\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Westwood High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24885\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:01.616587Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6a92f4c47da924f33bf14ce4b4aae09f87bcbdb1ad5c49422e2544465bf9129c\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24885\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:03.049944Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8f2b045452661ef1b0a5bdd0d66b0dab7321ab260cb1c53c0231d922812af6d4\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24885\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATH009-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8f2b045452661ef1b0a5bdd0d66b0dab7321ab260cb1c53c0231d922812af6d4\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24885\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:6a92f4c47da924f33bf14ce4b4aae09f87bcbdb1ad5c49422e2544465bf9129c\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Mathematics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATH\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATH034\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Mathematical Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Mathematical Society: One-Year Membership to American Mathematical Society to each winner (7 winning projects, up to 3 team members per project)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Mathematical Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Mathematical Society: Third Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Virtually Reconstructing an Ancient Musical Instrument\",\n    \"abstract\": \"This project aims to help restore ancient Greek musical tradition and, thus, give us a better understanding of Greek culture by digitally reconstructing the chelys, a tortoise-shell lyre over 2500 years old. In past studies done on the instrument, sound tests were conducted on a physical reconstruction, a process both inefficient and expensive. To overcome this difficulty and study how the natural variability of tortoise shells affected sound outputs, my project designs a method of digitally modeling the instrument such that its dimensions can easily be changed.\\nThe frequency at which a material tends to vibrate when a force (in this case, a sound wave) acts on it is known as its eigenfrequency. When an instrument\u2019s strings are tuned to its eigenfrequencies, sound waves will have a higher amplitude, improving the quality of the instrument. This project uses analytic geometry to derive a geometric system describing the chelys\u2019s sound box, where dimensions are input parameters. Using this model, I attempt to find the best dimensions of the chelys through maximizing the number of eigenfrequencies around each of its seven notes. In addition, I investigate why the Greeks might have changed to using wood as the material of the sound box. Finally, I attempt to discover the optimal reconstruction from resources widely available today.\\nMy methodology can be generalized for use in studies of other instruments. Furthermore, it provides informative simulations of an instrument when there is insufficient evidence to reconstruct it from its archaeological remains.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Welch, Helena\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Los Alamos High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NM\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25799\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:04.035395Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b6896d74ce06e349a1ac118b5281b96558e949c189c6f1667d60a1157a837500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25799\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:04.993318Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3cd7348fa0b6a1e5b14bda3185472a136b02324732f31cba3c71f31540a95fee\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25799\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATH034-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3cd7348fa0b6a1e5b14bda3185472a136b02324732f31cba3c71f31540a95fee\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25799\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:b6896d74ce06e349a1ac118b5281b96558e949c189c6f1667d60a1157a837500\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Microbiology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MCRO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MCRO001\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"China Association for Science and Technology (CAST)\",\n        \"raw\": \"China Association for Science and Technology (CAST): Award of $1,200\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"London International Youth Science Forum CIC\",\n        \"raw\": \"London International Youth Science Forum CIC: Full scholarship to attend the London International Youth Science Forum, and a $1,500 cash stipend for travel expenses.\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"London International Youth Science Forum CIC\",\n        \"raw\": \"London International Youth Science Forum CIC: Cash stipend for travel expenses associated with travel to and from LIYSF 2024\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Next-Generation Antibiotics: Isolating and Screening Novel Bacteriocins\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The natural production of antimicrobial substances by living organisms as part of their defense mechanisms has been well-documented. Among these substances, bacteriocins, a diverse class of bactericidal peptides or proteins produced by bacteria and archaea, have gained considerable attention for their possible role as an alternative to antibiotics. In recent years, research has demonstrated the protective effects of LAB bacteriocins on the gastrointestinal tract, effectively eliminating pathogens and supporting gut health.  Most recently the FDA approval of nisin has demonstrates the ability for bacteriocins to be commercially grown and utilized. Additionally, bacteriocins are hyper-specific: a single species of bacteria can produce a broad range of bacteriocins based on its subtype. This investigation aims to further research into the properties and potential of bacteriocins as antibiotic substitutes, isolating cultures from raw cultures of caprine and bovine dairy, precipitating bacteriocin proteins and isolating them, and testing their activity against common sources of pathogenic infection such as E. coli and S. aureus. The resulting proteins will be purified through size-exclusionary filtration and the strains which have demonstrated efficacy will be sequenced for subspecies based on 16S subunit sequencing. Of the 16 samples taken from dairy, 156 different strains were tested, 6 of which demonstrated effective zones of inhibition against the growth of S. aureus and E. coli. This activity remained visible at a range of pH values 4-7 after undergoing the process of filtration. These results are promising in the development of new treatments to combat antibiotic resistance.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Shaquib, Rishit\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Vanguard High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24736\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:05.692123Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:76e28ae8f493dd30d304717e7ae8cd54f719f94bc91cbf358b4038e81d16a9ef\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24736\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:07.276809Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e70c418b93491a922c65dc045542492c0ddc03df09f718ac743da0b31e201baf\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24736\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MCRO001-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e70c418b93491a922c65dc045542492c0ddc03df09f718ac743da0b31e201baf\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24736\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:76e28ae8f493dd30d304717e7ae8cd54f719f94bc91cbf358b4038e81d16a9ef\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Microbiology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MCRO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MCRO009T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Solution for Affordable Insulin: Efficient Production of Single Chain Insulin Through P. fluorescens\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Diabetes poses a significant global health challenge, emphasizing the urgent need for insulin. Insulin costs a quite demanding as it is needed every year through one's lifetime. Meanwhile, single-chain insulin (SCI) has been studied to have high stability and production efficiency. Also, P.fluorescens has an advantage in protein production as cell lysis process isn't needed. Thus, our study aimed to find the solution for affordable insulin by researching the efficient production of SCI through P.fluorescens.\\nWe developed vectors, pAU, pSD1, and pSD2 using restriction enzymes, and identified productivity of SCI production on P.fluorescens using western blotting. We also verified the conditions that SCI is produced well, attempted a large-scale production of SCI, and purified SCI through His-tag purification method.  With the concentrated SCI, we tested its effect on mouse.\\nResults showed successful, similar SCI production in pAD2 and pSD2. Also, SCI production was confirmed only in M9 media and showed more production in 3ml than 5ml. The change in blood glucose level after injection of SCI and Humulin in mouse showed Pearson correlation rate of R^2=0.86.\\nThis study has succeeded in developing the vector for SCI production in P.fluorescens, and we found out aeration is an important factor for insulin production in P.fluorescens, especially in large capacity. Also, we've identified that SCI has similar activation as Humulin in vertebreate. Thus, we believe that SCI would be a breakthrough for insulin treatment, and could progress factory production of SCI through further research.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Lim, Hyolin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Korea Science Academy of KAIST\",\n        \"country\": \"South Korea\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Song, Sihyeong\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Korea Science Academy of KAIST\",\n        \"country\": \"South Korea\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kim, Soyul\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Korea Science Academy of KAIST\",\n        \"country\": \"South Korea\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24669\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:07.888964Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:48d2d60d1f1794f44b6e604a537fc76ae625bbb43b4bb3f3b6bf1202ae89b40a\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24669\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:09.298433Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fa1a55e23d6079a02886387987ac36f58d8dd408193cb9bd3ec029ef13bbf979\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24669\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MCRO009T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fa1a55e23d6079a02886387987ac36f58d8dd408193cb9bd3ec029ef13bbf979\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24669\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:48d2d60d1f1794f44b6e604a537fc76ae625bbb43b4bb3f3b6bf1202ae89b40a\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Microbiology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MCRO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MCRO031\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Isolating and Annotating Novel Bacteriophages That Infect Gordonia rubripertincta: A Comparison Between Evergreen22 (Fribs8) and KayGee\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Phage therapy is a promising option to mitigate antibiotic resistance. Phages, a type of virus, are genetically diverse and globally plentiful. Yet only 14,500 phages have been discovered, much less annotated.  Using isolation, purification, amplification, and DNA extraction, this two-phase study discovered and sequenced a novel phage called Evergreen22 that infects Gordonia rubripertincta, an opportunistic bacterium.\\nAnother novel phage\u2014KayGee\u2014, in the same CT cluster as Evergreen22 was annotated using DNA Master, which indicated 73 genes. Following the 14-guiding principles recommended by Turner and colleagues (2021), each of the 73 genes for KayGee was manually refined using an additional 8 bioinformatic tools. The annotation was sent to PhagesDB at the University of Pittsburgh for validation and for addition to the metagenomic database.\\nAll three hypotheses were supported. A wet-lab temperature study showed the optimal infection temperature of Evergreen22 to be 35\u00b0C, implying it would be efficacious in humans (body temperature is 37\u00b0C). The study compared Evergreen22 and KayGee on plaque morphology, annotations and the temperature study, and showed the phages to be lytic phages that do not produce TRNAs (toxins). Both phages are suitable for phage therapy. Also, KayGee has two rare genes only seen in one other CT-cluster phage called Pons whereas Evergreen22 had one rare gene, adding to the phage taxonomy knowledgebase. Furthermore, both phages can be used in bioremediation, therapeutic phage cocktails, and food preservation. Future studies should conduct one-step growth curves for both phages to determine the burst size of each.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Barreto-Massad, Chloe\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"American Heritage School of Boca Delray\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25906\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:09.909541Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:410a27704f4e3dbecc337c31a6f19326aace3e7b3638e99ef20394829262c7c3\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25906\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:11.412921Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:394eb793bcb877222906f8c831a72ec73426657412827704c5155722c077a29b\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25906\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MCRO031-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:394eb793bcb877222906f8c831a72ec73426657412827704c5155722c077a29b\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25906\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:410a27704f4e3dbecc337c31a6f19326aace3e7b3638e99ef20394829262c7c3\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PHYS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PHYS012\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society: Second Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Development and Demonstration of a Low-Cost Strip-PET Scanner Prototype\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Positron Emission Tomography (PET) allows physicians to visualize metabolism in various organs and is widely used in cancer and neurological imaging. The radioactive tracer, usually Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F) accumulates in regions of high metabolism, such as cancer. Fluorodeoxyglucose emits positrons that annihilate with nearby electrons to produce two back-to-back gammas, allowing for the reconstruction of the emission line through surrounding detectors.  The intersection of these lines from numerous decays provides a reconstructed source location, indicative of cancer. Traditional PET scanners consist of several rings of highly segmented scintillation detectors lining the outside of an MRI scanner. They are expensive ($>1 million) due to the many (>1000) small detectors coupled with photosensors.\\nAn inexpensive ($<50000) strip-PET scanner is being developed using different ideas from experimental particle physics, such as energy and timing, to recreate location. It uses a few long (~2m) scintillators, allowing the setup to be inside the strong MRI magnetic field, without disturbing the photomultiplier tubes (PMT) located outside the field. This design is expected to improve the detection efficiency of the gammas by avoiding Compton scatters in intervening MRI scanner material, a common occurrence in traditional PET scanners.\\nA prototype 4-strip scanner shows promising results with an inch-scale accuracy, compared to the sub-cm accuracy of conventional PET scanners. Future designs with more strips will provide competitive accuracy at a fraction of the cost. The inexpensive strip-PET scanner will allow for life-saving preliminary diagnostics in rural areas and developing countries by providing early cancer detection.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Mahapatra, Samikshya\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"College Station High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24866\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:12.012096Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3a5bdd46beb4bc1f0d8379128916b6b6cca42af2dba72b52186b44c3d131e7db\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24866\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:13.340613Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9be4be086c649e4bf2f548369128b69fee665866af4659ebd11349da17d511b0\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24866\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PHYS012-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9be4be086c649e4bf2f548369128b69fee665866af4659ebd11349da17d511b0\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24866\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:3a5bdd46beb4bc1f0d8379128916b6b6cca42af2dba72b52186b44c3d131e7db\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PHYS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PHYS040\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society: Second Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Development of New Beam Configurations for OMEGA To Achieve Highly Uniform Indirect Drive Implosions With Cubic Symmetry\",\n    \"abstract\": \"In light of the recent demonstration of breakeven on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) using indirect drive, interest in future indirect drive facilities has increased. A promising approach is the spherical hohlraum with six laser entrance holes (LEHs), which has cubic symmetry and potentially better uniformity than the cylindrical hohlraum (two LEHs) used on the NIF. While the 60-beam OMEGA laser is primarily a direct drive fusion facility, configurations using a 48-beam subset are proposed that would offer the unique capability of performing highly uniform experiments with a six-LEH hohlraum. Several configurations are possible because beams can be directed into more than one LEH. Using the 3-D code LORE, simulations yielded irradiation nonuniformities on the capsule as low as 0.13% (rms) at a high albedo. In addition, the hohlraum radius was varied to investigate the tradeoff between obtaining good uniformity and achieving a high radiation temperature. Beam pointing adjustments were implemented to ensure no beam leakage in designs with small hohlraum radius, demonstrating practicality. Future laser systems based on the OMEGA geometry and designed for direct drive could use these configurations to provide a versatile indirect drive capability.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Wu, Edward\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Pittsford Sutherland High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25642\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:14.057151Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:27e6f47c928132e7e52c883afe98d958d396b53a76390d7f6fe8082522604658\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25642\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:15.441810Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6fcf527cfc3723fa758506a93627d948b7f2b8c37648cd39afa198a06e495dcc\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25642\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PHYS040-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6fcf527cfc3723fa758506a93627d948b7f2b8c37648cd39afa198a06e495dcc\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25642\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:27e6f47c928132e7e52c883afe98d958d396b53a76390d7f6fe8082522604658\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PHYS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PHYS049\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Serving Society Through Science\",\n        \"raw\": \"Serving Society Through Science: Second Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Discovery of Two Potentially Habitable Super-Earths! StealthPlanetFinder: Innovative & Computationally Efficient Algorithms to Detect Exoplanets Overcoming Low Signal-to-Noise Ratio\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Since 2010, astronomers have utilized automated algorithms to detect numerous exoplanets that primarily exhibit Medium to High Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) transits. About 60% of potential habitable exoplanets have low SNR (<10) transits, but identifying them has been challenging. To address this challenge, I designed and developed StealthPlanetFinder (SPF). This innovative signal processing pipeline employs the GPU Transit Least Squares (GTLS) algorithm and Periodogram analysis to identify exoplanets with low-SNR transits efficiently. Making judicious use of GPU resources, SPF efficiently processed the first 1000 KOI Catalog light curves, identifying 116 new Threshold Crossing Events (TCEs) within a few hours in the specified period range of interest (100 to 125 days). Subsequently, SPF detected seven validated exoplanets, with notably one potentially habitable  Super-Earth candidate estimated at a radius of 1.75 R? around an M dwarf. Among our remaining six findings are three potential Sub-Neptunes with orbital periods of 114, 108, and 114 days around G-type stars, a super-Earth candidate around an M dwarf with a period of 102 days, and two rare Neptune size planet candidates around a K dwarf and a G-type star with a period of 109 and 117 days respectively. SPF scored 99% completeness and reliability on synthetic transits with low SNRs and on transits of confirmed candidates (100-125d period) in the KOI Catalog. Four validated candidates exhibited very low SNRs (<5.0) - the lowest for this period range in the Kepler database and two with False Alarm Probability <1.0%, showcasing SPF\u2019s heightened efficiency and sensitivity compared to contemporary processing pipelines and paving the way for breakthroughs in low SNR exoplanet exploration. Details will be reported.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kashyap, Khedaar\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Leland High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25548\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:16.076152Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f87dcf587ecc3bb552921f8e3ff25eff71ff19c5a77944146a3b219601c0b419\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25548\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:17.385300Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:63f1082a182ceba235db27995b6156344cb0e5a75dfd543335d4d0c24c69b4be\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25548\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PHYS049-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:63f1082a182ceba235db27995b6156344cb0e5a75dfd543335d4d0c24c69b4be\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25548\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:f87dcf587ecc3bb552921f8e3ff25eff71ff19c5a77944146a3b219601c0b419\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PHYS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PHYS050\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"New Population of Asteroids Discovered! Rapidly Finding and Tracking Faint Near-Earth Asteroids Using an Accurate Deep Learning Based Process\",\n    \"abstract\": \"In 2013, an 18 meter sized asteroid exploded over the city of Chelyabinsk in Russia, injuring ~1100 people\u2013 it went undetected! Small asteroids are often missed due to their faintness. In fact, over 98% of 250,000 predicted NEOs smaller than 50 meters remain undiscovered. Current detection methods generate thousands of false detections nightly, necessitating tedious manual inspection. The purpose of this research is to create an automated deep learning enhanced process to accurately discover small, faint, near-Earth asteroids.\\nBecause of its ability to pick up faint thermal signals, archival image data in a single band from the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) was used. I developed and trained a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) in 30 minutes on a CPU with synthetic dim asteroid images I uniquely generated from 2D Gaussian function distributions. The CNN training set consisted of ~200k \\\"Non Asteroid\\\" and \\\"Asteroid\\\" images with synthetic dim asteroids implanted into WISE frames. It achieved a final accuracy over 90% on known dim asteroids.\\nI then deployed the CNN on images over 16 square degrees of sky for 5.8 days of data. The positive predictions were inputted into a movement linkage algorithm, and consistent angular velocity links were selected. Seven dim asteroid candidates were discovered. Cross-checks with known asteroid databases verified my findings. Aperture photometry was used to calculate the magnitude of each asteroid. My discovered asteroids are dimmer and faster than known asteroids found by NASA, possibly indicating a new population. My process yields few false positives, outperforming current discovery methods. This research improves our ability to detect elusive near-Earth asteroids, crucial for protecting Earth from future collisions.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Vani Todur, Gauri\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Santa Clara High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25547\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:18.051410Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c0d08e6047e08621dfdc7e9a939714f5baff91a8d66e4197947ab55624b4aaa9\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25547\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:21.011101Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:15ecb3e3aaba3ed441f8e98fd8dace736bec2f24968a0c60f328a5c1b624aae5\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25547\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PHYS050-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:15ecb3e3aaba3ed441f8e98fd8dace736bec2f24968a0c60f328a5c1b624aae5\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25547\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:c0d08e6047e08621dfdc7e9a939714f5baff91a8d66e4197947ab55624b4aaa9\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PHYS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PHYS062\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"An Investigation of New Brown Dwarf Spectral Binary Candidates From the Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 Citizen Science Initiative\",\n    \"abstract\": \"My study examines three new brown dwarf spectral binary candidates, CWISE J072708.09-360729.2, CWISE J103604.84-514424.4, and CWISE J134446.62-732053.9, which were discovered by citizen scientists actively participating in the Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 initiative. Through subsequent near-infrared spectroscopy, I found that these objects are poorly fit by single near-infrared standards. However, by using binary templates, I achieved notably improved fits, attributing component types of L7+T4, L7+T4, and L7+T7 to CWISE J072708.09-360729.2, CWISE J103604.84-514424.4, and CWISE J134446.62-732053.9, respectively. Additionally, I calculated spectroscopic indices to investigate for indications of both binarity as well as high-amplitude variability, identifying CWISE J072708.09-360729.2 as a strong variable candidate. My findings provide preliminary evidence and characterization of distinct brown dwarf sources, underscoring their potential as compelling targets for continued investigations through high-resolution imaging or analysis of photometric variability.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Bravo, Alexia\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Union High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"WA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25861\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:22.356255Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3159dbd8be5643224ebe4fe478d1514e7e1da93b9e4d7dbc4dbcdb6a30730958\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25861\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:23.273950Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0513c76072a24986b34206ee25bf60af7c9c16302486f40bf894357961d9543f\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25861\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PHYS062-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0513c76072a24986b34206ee25bf60af7c9c16302486f40bf894357961d9543f\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25861\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:3159dbd8be5643224ebe4fe478d1514e7e1da93b9e4d7dbc4dbcdb6a30730958\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PHYS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PHYS063\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Measuring Quantum Entanglement Entropy in Gaussian Boson Sampling\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Quantum computing has significant potential to generate unparalleled innovations in lattice modeling, encryption schemes, protein folding, prime factorization, and countless other fields of scientific research. I rigorously derived two formulas for the average quantum entanglement in Gaussian boson sampling, a common real-world experiment performed by quantum computers, using both computational and analytical techniques. I began with a non-closed form of the R\u00e9nyi entropy, a quantity that measures entanglement in a quantum system, and worked towards a closed form by expanding matrix terms, using Taylor series, defining helper matrices, and utilizing the binomial theorem for negative exponents. Previous efforts have only quantified the entanglement to one type of entropy, but my formulas extended the entanglement to an infinite class of entropies. Next, I analyzed two limiting cases of my formulas for very low- and high-energy photons, and discovered that the high-energy case yields a truly random quantum substate. Additionally, I investigated a behavior of entanglement called the typicality, which can be generalized to other bosonic systems, by showing that the variance of the entropy is constant. Finally, to experimentally validate my theoretical findings, I constructed a Python simulation that calculated the entropy in Gaussian boson sampling. The simulation provided conclusive support for my two formulas, and also featured small errors for specific input values. Overall, my research puts a firm mathematical basis to examining how entanglement affects the quantum computational speed of Gaussian boson sampling, accelerating the progress towards feasible real-world quantum computing and the subsequent innovations across scientific research.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Youm, Jason\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Montgomery Blair High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MD\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25863\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:23.966687Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8be86cf6cf251aa0290f6956fb0042ddc5dbb56593071a8f7fa50eaba87d92ae\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25863\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:25.301142Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:90a2a29b2733f1dc2a74559d7bfda075fccdcba0d9c46f35315478193f3377e0\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25863\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PHYS063-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:90a2a29b2733f1dc2a74559d7bfda075fccdcba0d9c46f35315478193f3377e0\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25863\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:8be86cf6cf251aa0290f6956fb0042ddc5dbb56593071a8f7fa50eaba87d92ae\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PLNT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PLNT008T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"QuackWrap: Utilizing the Optimized Starch Content Within Lemna minor to Synthesize Biodegradable Plastics\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Over years of increasing environmental awareness and ongoing pollution challenges of single-use plastics, contemporary bioplastics, despite their promise, still present significant ecological concerns, practical limitations for everyday living, and inefficiencies in feedstock cultivation. Addressing these challenges, our research identified Lemna minor, commonly known as duckweed, as a promising feedstock due to its rapid growth rate, efficient nutrient conversion, and high starch content\u2014a critical bioplastic component. To minimize the cost of current bioplastic production, starch was optimized within Lemna minor through low-energy, low-cost treatments. It was identified that plant hormones\u2014auxins (indole-3-acetic) and cytokinins (zeatin)\u2014that focused on the strategic timing of cytokinin application in the presence of auxins and other nutrients over 10 days, would yield the highest starch dry-weight content within Lemna minor. Through a controlled freshwater environment, results varied with the timing of cytokinin introduction, with the greatest starch dry-weight content of 60.7% when cytokinin was added on day 4. Furthermore, when subjected to a simulated saltwater environment, each treatment demonstrated an average of a 19.8% reduction in starch content compared to their freshwater counterparts. Utilizing the optimized starch content, a low-cost procedure was developed to transform the duckweed starches into a bioplastic that lost ~20% of its mass over a 2-month period in nature, comparable to current bioplastics. This use of Lemna minor not only overcomes ecological, economic, and cultivation inefficiencies but also promises a sustainable alternative to traditional single-use plastics, paving the way for an eco-friendly future in material production and beyond.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Li, Felix\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"College Park High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Desai, Anshul\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"College Park High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24780\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:26.114991Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:55e76f6dc762f9b0097ed36c57992f13e83962aaf2cbb5e4e6136aabe5aee619\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24780\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:27.423559Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a78830b0182624ff5600285e7f6844f905f0c3be1e0f897dfc5a941e59168d98\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24780\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PLNT008T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a78830b0182624ff5600285e7f6844f905f0c3be1e0f897dfc5a941e59168d98\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24780\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:55e76f6dc762f9b0097ed36c57992f13e83962aaf2cbb5e4e6136aabe5aee619\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PLNT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PLNT018\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Imaging, Expression Profiling, and Modeling: Systematic Approaches Integrated to Investigate BPC Regulation of the Circadian Clock\",\n    \"abstract\": \"This study investigates plant-specific GAGA-binding factors, BASIC PENTACYSTEINEs (BPCs), which are known to exhibit overlapping and antagonistic effects on various developmental phenotypes, including clock-mediated physiological activities. Nevertheless, their correlation with the Arabidopsis circadian oscillatory system, comprising interlocked transcriptional feedback loops, has remained unclear. To bridge knowledge gaps, I employed three methodologies: leaf movement monitoring offered intriguing insights into the multifaceted functions of class I and class II BPCs in orchestrating circadian rhythms; qRT-PCR experiments unveiled cryptic regulatory pathways; mathematical modeling enabled further elucidation of BPCs\u2019 roles in fine-tuning the circadian clock and ensuring optimal oscillations. In wet lab experiments, BPC mutant lines illustrated the precise control exerted by BPCs over key clock components, including CCA1, ELF4, GI, and PRRs, resulting in the attainment of distinct steady states. Additionally, BPC overexpression induction provided an alternative approach, bypassing salvage pathways within the BPC family. ChIP-seq evidence and analysis of clock gene profile alterations under disrupted BPC homeostasis facilitated the construction of a comprehensive simulated model to determine entry points and compare pathway efficacy. Overall, this research sheds light on how BPC proteins maintain homeostasis and choreograph the complex interplay of clock genes, with implications for potential agricultural applications in growth and development, thereby enhancing crop adaptability to environmental changes and increasing yield.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Tsai, Shao-Chi\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Taipei Municipal Chien Kuo High School\",\n        \"country\": \"Taiwan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24758\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:28.032406Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f7a16ee8ea69de8818e280bd8f38169c511724a66e4fa27aae26bf48f30a183d\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24758\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:29.392456Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:832f3caa5128bedf34b78caa2ece27d94afd05d40dedd7bfa9d6474ffb5afd29\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24758\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PLNT018-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:832f3caa5128bedf34b78caa2ece27d94afd05d40dedd7bfa9d6474ffb5afd29\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24758\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:f7a16ee8ea69de8818e280bd8f38169c511724a66e4fa27aae26bf48f30a183d\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PLNT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PLNT031\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Long Island University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Long Island University: Presidential Scholarships\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n        \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Aqua-Arsenic Remediation: Analysis of the Oryza sativa metagenome and Wet-Lab Approach to increase O. sativa Tolerance to Drought and Arsenic Through Hyper Expression of Aquaporin OsNIP2;1, OsNIP3;2, OsPIP2;2 genes (Year IV)\",\n    \"abstract\": \"According to the US Department of Agriculture, drought decreases the crop yield of rice, the most common source of nutrition worldwide, by nearly 18%. Coupled with arsenic contamination in the soil, total rice yield is reduced by over 40%, and the World Health Organization reports that arsenic contamination threatens the livelihoods of over 150 million people worldwide. Existing solutions focus on either drought or heavy metal remediation, but not both. Examination of the Oryza sativa metagenome via the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database revealed promising candidates within the aquaporin gene family capable of efficiently mitigating both arsenic toxicity and drought stress. Rice cotyledons were genetically augmented with arsenic-resistant OsNIP2;1 and OsNIP3;2 genes, and drought-resistant OsPIP2;2 genes both individually and in combination. In moderate drought conditions and 25 ppm arsenic-contaminated soil, transgenic plants were observed to have length and color similar to the positive control plants, corroborated by chlorophyll content. In contrast, the non-transgenic plants were much shorter in length and appeared wilted. After eight weeks, the roots of the transgenic plants contained more than 20 ppm arsenic, but arsenic was undetectable in the leaves due to decreased arsenic translocation from root to shoot. In addition, the soil arsenic content showed an 80% decline from a 25 ppm baseline to 5 ppm with transgenic rice plants. Statistical significance was proven using two-sample T Tests. Thus, aquaporin-augmented O. sativa offers a promising solution to mitigate both arsenic and drought stress in rice plants, improving crop yield and facilitating soil decontamination.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Bhat, Prisha\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Plano East Senior High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25505\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:30.069585Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fbcaec6c54333abc44e4e3b446f696e9f44213839b6e26ff5cdb58ffd5f71f18\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25505\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:31.398654Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7452b46297fde09efca238927af29634164945004feb7582746a464d1eac2663\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25505\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PLNT031-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7452b46297fde09efca238927af29634164945004feb7582746a464d1eac2663\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25505\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:fbcaec6c54333abc44e4e3b446f696e9f44213839b6e26ff5cdb58ffd5f71f18\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PLNT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PLNT061\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"The Role of TALE Homeodomain Proteins in the Haploid to Diploid Transition of the Fern Ceratopteris richardii\",\n    \"abstract\": \"TALE homeodomains (TALE-HD) are a large class of genes encoding proteins that act as transcription factors in eukaryotes to regulate major developmental and life cycle changes. Their ancestral role in the canonical land plants has been identified as the regulation of the organism's transition from the haploid to diploid phases of the life cycle. Interactions between the two subclasses of TALE-HDs, BELL and KNOX, have been observed to mediate this transition. Heterodimerization between BELL and KNOX homologs are found to serve this ancestral function in the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas. Studying this interaction in the different land plant lineages is crucial to understanding the impact that duplication and diversification of function over evolutionary time had on these essential genes. Identification of similarities and differences in the structures and interactions of TALE-HDs between different groups of plants, such as angiosperms, bryophytes and ferns, would help us better understand plant diversity and the way molecular genetic pathways are co-opted from earlier organisms. Gene specific and whole gene primers were designed for the seven BELL-HDs in the fern Ceratopteris richardii, which were cloned to obtain fragments for use in downstream studies of gene expression, protein-protein interaction and studies of gene function. In silico studies consisting of the construction of phylogenetic trees for BELL homologs found across plant lineages, including the seven C. richardii BELLs, were performed; as well as protein structure modeling to identify conserved structural motifs across analyzed sequences. CrBEL8, CrBEL12 and CrBEL1 were identified as morphologically distinct from other Ceratopteris BELLs.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Uddin, Eva\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The Bronx High School of Science\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25908\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:32.053258Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8edc91693c7aaa1dc10ef5e571f9f08014d887a024a52fe3591925037bb69eba\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25908\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:33.416029Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1e75912acd5f25dc819405321450214261e53e29df34bb26f213c0cd1444e45b\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25908\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PLNT061-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1e75912acd5f25dc819405321450214261e53e29df34bb26f213c0cd1444e45b\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25908\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:8edc91693c7aaa1dc10ef5e571f9f08014d887a024a52fe3591925037bb69eba\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PLNT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PLNT063\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Genetic Diversity and Tracing the Origin of Wasabi (Eutrema japonicum) on Ulleung Island, Korea\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Wasabi (Japanese horseradish: Eutrema japonicum, synonym Wasabia japonica) is an endemic species in Japan that has been cultivated as a traditional Japanese condiment. However, Ulleung wasabi, Wasabia koreana has been reported as a native species in a small oceanic volcanic Ulleung Island, which is located between the Korean Peninsula and the Japanese Archipelago. Although a few studies have been conducted to reveal species identity and origin, still several systematic issues concerning the species identity, distribution, nomenclature, relationship with wild wasabi E. japonicum remain a controversial debate. Therefore, I aimed to investigate the origin, species' identity, and phylogenetic relationship between the wild and cultivars of E. japonicum, and genetic structures using whole chloroplast genome sequences and DNA barcoding analysis of the Ulleung wasabi. The plastome sequences using the three accessions of Ulleung wasabi and six cultivar accessions (Daio, Daruma, Green Thumb, Micado, Orochi, and Shogun) suggested that Ulleung wasabi was most closely related to the cultivar 'Shimane No. 3' amongst the Japanese wasabi. The haplotype relationships based on three highly variable intergenic region sequences of chloroplast DNA for 51 accessions Ulleung wasabi revealed the existence of at least three different haplotypes. In conclusion, the current study suggests that Ulleung Island wasabi is most likely a cultivar of Eutrema japonica, while the DD population and some individuals of BR, CS populations holds the potential possibility of being a wild type wasabi. Ulleung Island wasabi's geographical origin could not be determined in this study, but multiple origins could be possible.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Son, Grace\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Tabb High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"VA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25963\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:34.075312Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:103738134685b34a3e40bf7ae8bf101135d486584c6bcc495afe036265e97da4\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25963\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:35.589892Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fd4778b66fd566bfce2f0a359db51bae707ad526cfc3cada3a9ed446baa11239\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25963\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PLNT063-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fd4778b66fd566bfce2f0a359db51bae707ad526cfc3cada3a9ed446baa11239\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25963\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:103738134685b34a3e40bf7ae8bf101135d486584c6bcc495afe036265e97da4\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ROBO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ROBO008T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Zoro the Autonomous Rescue Dog: An Inexpensive Simultaneous Localization and Mapping System Running on a Mobile Quadruped for Rough Terrain Operation in Dangerous Scenarios\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Zoro is a robotic quadruped meant to explore and map unknown or dangerous environments using many sensors such as an Xbox Kinect for IR depth sensing and mapping and encoders, touch sensors, and an IMU to keep itself stable on uneven terrain. For the actuation of its limbs, we decided to use high torque servos, an inexpensive alternative to the standard brushless motors usually used for robot dogs. The servos paired with a 12-bit analog encoder give us the same information and actuation power in a smaller configuration as normal brushless motors could give us. To keep itself balanced we used the proprioceptive abilities that the IMU, touch sensors, and encoder give us; knowing the rotation of the robot in space and all the position of its limbs and their contact with the ground. For the mapping procedure, we take advantage of the IR projector and depth-sensing camera of the Kinect and the standard Robot Operating System protocols to sync the map data to the other sensors.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Crismariu, Codrin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Informatics Liceum Grigore C. 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Promisingly, recent advances in sequence models based on the Structured State Space Sequence (S4) model like Liquid-S4, S5 and S6 have shown remarkable performance in handling sequences with long-term dependencies such as image, text, audio, and medical time-series data. In this paper, we propose two state-of-the-art (SOTA) architectures based on the State Space Model (SSM). Our first architecture, Liquid-S5, is a multi-input, multi-output (MIMO) SSM that can dynamically modify its state based on incoming inputs during inference. Liquid-S5 achieves SOTA on the Long Range Arena benchmark, demonstrating its ability to handle intricate long-range dependencies on continuous sequences. Our second architecture, LiquidMamba, builds upon selective SSMs (S6) by introducing the notion of data-dependent state updates to the S6 architecture. LiquidMamba also introduces two modifications. Firstly, we use a gated convolution over the normal convolution in vanilla Mamba to improve parameter efficiency. Secondly, we add the Feed-Forward Network that was removed in the original Mamba architecture back into LiquidMamba to improve its generalization capabilities. Notably, LiquidMamba exceeds the performance of Mamba even with the Feed-Forward Network added, as well as Transformer architectures for a given parameter-count on the WikiText-103 benchmark. We posit that both Liquid-S5 and LiquidMamba can serve as highly efficient and accurate architectures for learning representations from sequential data.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Cai, Junxiang\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"National Junior College\",\n        \"country\": \"Singapore\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ong, Aidan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Hwa Chong Institution\",\n        \"country\": \"Singapore\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25091\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:38.227312Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6482640dc1628e310789684c545de19eb190fb1e0495bf43484c3e73b9298199\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25091\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:39.719977Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a39eb75440d29202fa4db248b19761626d1c1ce64cc11a9ef3e6bd575ac05daf\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25091\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO019T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a39eb75440d29202fa4db248b19761626d1c1ce64cc11a9ef3e6bd575ac05daf\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25091\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:6482640dc1628e310789684c545de19eb190fb1e0495bf43484c3e73b9298199\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ROBO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ROBO024T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Low-cost Bionic Transradial Electromyographic Prosthesis Using Transformer-Based Deep Learning Algorithms\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Current commercial and research-grade prosthetics lack fine motor movements and have limited degrees of freedom. These functional limitations force the amputee to compensate, which causes other health problems, further diminishing their quality of life. Additionally, commercial prosthetics are expensive with roughly only 5% of people being able to afford prosthetic devices. Given these problems, we propose a transformer-based deep learning algorithm to read surface electromyography (sEMG) signals and a 3D-printed transradial prosthetic capable of independent finger movement. The transformer model employs attention mechanisms to overcome prior constraints: mode complexity, high computation, and latency, and considering both spatial and temporal information. The overall cost of the prosthetic is less than $450, more than 160 times cheaper than commercial prosthetics. Furthermore, our prosthetic utilizes high-accuracy servo motors which allow for fine motor movements and has 15 degrees of freedom, more than three times that of current research-grade prosthetics and 15 times that of commercial-grade ones. Additionally, the mechanical prosthetic has a grasp speed of over three times faster than other state-of-the-art prosthetics and is comparable in weight to the human hand.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Schwehr, Zachary\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Mills E. Godwin High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"VA\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Achanta, Sriman\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Mills E. 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Ensuring health and quality of post-larval shrimp is crucial, as it directly influences yields and efficacies of aquaculture operations. However, traditional methods are labor-intensive, susceptible to human error, and lacking consistency, leading to imprecise stock management and potential economic losses at both farm and industry levels. VannameiVision is designed to revolutionize these processes through automation and advanced machine learning algorithms. Our pipeline features robust data acquisition, autonomous segmentation, and systematic characterization of count, size, and vitality. The first step introduces a novel standardized shrimp imaging system using ArUco markers for enhanced capture. The second step automates annotation, integrating GPT-4 for caption generation and Grounded-SAM for zero-shot segmentation, speeding up the process by 3,061 times. The third step uses YOLOv8 trained on synthetic data for shrimp isolation, achieving over 98% mAP50 and improving count accuracy. The fourth step uses Elastic Net for body length estimation from segmentation masks with less than 0.1 mm error margin.  The final step addresses health condition screening by leveraging sampling statistics, shared encoder and reparameterization, achieving a remarkable accuracy of 99.4%, distinguishing healthy individuals even in batches with high trait heterogeneity. VannameiVision not only pioneers a sustainable future in aquaculture but embodies a beacon of innovation, casting light on paths to conquer global hunger with precision and perseverance.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Tiyapunjanit, Patipond\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Princess Chulabhon Science High School Pathumthani\",\n        \"country\": \"Thailand\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Siammai, Thinnaphat\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Princess Chulabhon Science High School Pathumthani\",\n        \"country\": \"Thailand\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24913\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:42.547634Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3a68cd3cc8b76eff3d59050073ba55b43eef1c499921bc5146c589803125fb6b\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24913\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:43.979685Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3a1ef14453538b4769fbd3d13a218c900b10a7c3258c15098e4a47f965b96824\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24913\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO033T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3a1ef14453538b4769fbd3d13a218c900b10a7c3258c15098e4a47f965b96824\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24913\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:3a68cd3cc8b76eff3d59050073ba55b43eef1c499921bc5146c589803125fb6b\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ROBO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ROBO040\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Autonomous Driving Agents Trained by an Algorithm Based on NeuroEvolution of Augmenting Topologies (Neat) Using a New Logarithmic Fixed-Point Number System Optimized for Microcontrollers\",\n    \"abstract\": \"In recent years, multi-agent systems have become increasingly more prominent in robotics, factories, and space exploration. This brought up a new class of control theory problems usually very difficult to solve.\\nTo tackle such a problem, I have built a dedicated physical environment: 6x6 foot perimeter, 16 autonomous agents (autonomous cars with an innovative automatic gearbox), 16 Raspberry Pi Pico WH microcontrollers, 361 RFID tags, 16 RFID readers, 4 Wi-Fi antennas, one 2 Gb network switch, and a launchpad as a user interface.\\nIn this environment, each agent's task is to drive to a randomly chosen location, whilst minimizing the number of collisions.\\nTo control and train the agents, I have adapted the NeuroEvolution of Augmenting Topologies (NEAT) algorithm, which is a versatile unsupervised machine learning technique, stemming from both neural networks and genetic algorithms.\\nThe agents were first trained virtually, in a virtual clone of the physical environment, making it possible for the agents to learn the challenges of the task before facing the physical environment, and then trained physically, in the perimeter.\\nYet, such an algorithm produces large models with thousands of neurons, that are too costly to evaluate on microcontrollers lacking floating-point hardware. Therefore, I have developed a new logarithmic fixed-point number system, allowing for both a high throughput of computations, and good accuracy.\\nMy project has therefore shown how to solve a difficult multi-agent control problem with cost-effective hardware and adequate training methods. This could be applied to other types of problems, such as drone swarms or recovery missions with flexible vehicles.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Hyzyk, Krzesimir\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"European School Luxembourg 1\",\n        \"country\": \"Luxembourg\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25414\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:45.123672Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:584478396f575df553b6ef8fb0a3299256a7ecca8ecbe1f482639bb13392276f\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25414\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:46.056922Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:dead14a450b53ca0a999bbee1adae74ab3cbbe1f75e8e91551d43bd4558a0ee5\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25414\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO040-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:dead14a450b53ca0a999bbee1adae74ab3cbbe1f75e8e91551d43bd4558a0ee5\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25414\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:584478396f575df553b6ef8fb0a3299256a7ecca8ecbe1f482639bb13392276f\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ROBO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ROBO070\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"EnViD: A Novel Predictive Vision Framework With Temporal Contrast for Resource-Efficient Single Object Tracking in Dynamic Visual Fields\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Autonomous unmanned vehicles (drones, etc.) require fast and resource-efficient perception and control to perform in dynamic, unpredictable real-world environments. Comprehending visual reality requires the efficient acquisition of common-sense knowledge over several regularities in the visual world, e.g., object spatial relationships, temporal dynamics such as motion & rotation, and illuminations on objects in view. For over 40 years, a paramount challenge has resided in the performance of vision systems within dynamic environments such as glare and shadows, particularly in the Single Object Tracking (SOT) domain. Prevailing methods, while sophisticated, are hindered by large datasets and high computational needs with their performance being compromised under varying ambient conditions. Considering these challenges, a novel event-based predictive vision framework (EnViD) was developed to better capture such real-world dynamics. EnViD builds sophisticated and meaningful high-to-high associations, in comparison to high-to-low mappings. This generates semantically rich features, which can be associated with more abstract, low-dimensional concepts through a predictive vision framework. EnViD was tested on an NVIDIA Jetson Nano with real-world conditions such as occlusions and shadows and was shown to surpass current success, precision, and accuracy benchmarks by ~20%. The computational burden of typical frame-based vision was addressed with a temporal contrast signal processing method, similar to the eye's retina, resulting in reduction of data usage by 92%. EnViD's increased efficiency and performance in dynamic conditions make it suitable for many vision tasks. It was proven to improve Telehealth Parkinson's video analysis, with potential use across multiple industries.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Padmanabhan, Sritej\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"North Allegheny Senior High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"PA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25958\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:46.728709Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:def898a843be504718ee2c162e07b1ea6dbf208500ee25ed2ef3dcfb6f0f6943\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25958\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:48.119103Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:83f0711efe7b77089bcb9792754f0d1b3325ebd7f92f7394e68c3c36ad9c2ad2\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25958\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO070-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:83f0711efe7b77089bcb9792754f0d1b3325ebd7f92f7394e68c3c36ad9c2ad2\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25958\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:def898a843be504718ee2c162e07b1ea6dbf208500ee25ed2ef3dcfb6f0f6943\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ROBO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ROBO080\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Generative Deep Learning-Based Data Augmentation Techniques via Adversarial and Diffusive Models for Enhanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma Histopathological Scan Diagnosis\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. Moreover, accurate, early diagnosis for pre-metastatic SCC is imperative; post-metastasis patient survival rate plummets from 99% to <50%. However, clinician-based interpretation of whole slide images is often inefficient and extensively time-consuming. Prior research has illustrated the efficacy of deep-learning approaches for autonomous classification of squamous cells for efficient SCC diagnosis; however, false negatives remain prominent due to bias against underrepresented, scarce malignant data. To circumvent the ramifications of imbalanced classes within datasets, research employed data augmentation techniques, but most fail to introduce new seed information and lead to model overfitting. This study developed two extensively fine-tuned novel generative machine learning architectures for SCC data augmentation and eventual classification enhancement: SquaGAN, a Conditional Generative Adversarial Network, and SquaDIFF, a Denoising Diffusion Probabilistic Model. Both models were trained on a SCC whole slide image patch dataset with severe malignant underrepresentation. To evaluate the success of the techniques, a VGG16 baseline metric classifier was developed and trained on three sets: the raw non-augmented dataset, a dataset amplified with existing data augmentation techniques, and finally a dataset amplified with the proposed generative data augmentation techniques. Both SquaGAN and SquaDIFF increased performance, with class-specific model accuracy jumps of +21% and +27%, respectively. Both models additionally demonstrated efficacy in a truncated evaluation, outperforming all existing counterparts. These results are promising in feasible autonomous diagnosis approaches in clinics.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Shah, Ashank\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Sunset High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"OR\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25820\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:48.755871Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e894718f10a87fc98c615b48d338bdab80921749c23666120193cc5fc1f23979\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25820\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:50.065649Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bd76dbd0ba2bfe11cb4fc6103f26f06b288b08c8767186d9e1320ed8365c89a0\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25820\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO080-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bd76dbd0ba2bfe11cb4fc6103f26f06b288b08c8767186d9e1320ed8365c89a0\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25820\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:e894718f10a87fc98c615b48d338bdab80921749c23666120193cc5fc1f23979\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Systems Software\",\n    \"category_code\": \"SOFT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"SOFT014\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Configurable Compiled Programming Language With Integrated Transpilation\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Language workbenches and product lines allow users to customize programming languages by providing a framework for the creation of Domain Specific Languages (DSLs). They allow for quicker language development, but still require some programming. The customization offered by workbenches and product lines is focused towards adapting to new domains. The purpose of this research is to introduce a new approach to language customization. This research proposes a language designed to be easily customized and configured for new users, rather than new domains, while still offering language extension. Users can simply select options to configure the syntax and semantics of their personal preferences. This offers a more approachable take to language customization than most language workbenches, especially for inexperienced developers. Developers may also be able to more smoothly adapt to new languages if user-oriented customization is applied similarly to gradual learning. User-oriented customization is also accompanied by an inter-configuration transpiler and standardized language form, ensuring that code written in custom configurations is still readable by all users. User-oriented customization was implemented in a general purpose compiled C-based language in which users are able to configure the syntax and semantics by editing a Tom's Obvious Minimal Language (TOML) configuration file. From the creation of this language, it can be concluded that user-oriented customization can reasonably be implemented into large modern general-purpose compiled languages and, when accompanied by one-to-one syntax translation between forms, can be used by many people with many configurations with no added friction.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Lustig, Milan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Cold Spring Harbor Jr/Sr High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25132\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:50.762508Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a6b47040e6145ff0337dd398a2dc3a0f4d02e1d0a4f55a81630f0e07a4ef5d3f\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25132\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:52.153833Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:cb5eccb68c5e23c692fddb1cd37c4042d58a06a4f675f7d9f4f41f3c04b1914c\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25132\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/SOFT014-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:cb5eccb68c5e23c692fddb1cd37c4042d58a06a4f675f7d9f4f41f3c04b1914c\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25132\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:a6b47040e6145ff0337dd398a2dc3a0f4d02e1d0a4f55a81630f0e07a4ef5d3f\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Systems Software\",\n    \"category_code\": \"SOFT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"SOFT035\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Association for Computing Machinery\",\n        \"raw\": \"Association for Computing Machinery: Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE\",\n        \"raw\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE: Certificate of Honorable Mention, a 1-year free student membership to the INCOSE, and free virtual admission to the 2022 International Symposium of the INCOSE\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Software for Customized Development of Partial Hand Prostheses in the 3D-Printed Prosthetics Community\",\n    \"abstract\": \"This work developed an accessible software for the development of 3D-printed prostheses for people with partial hand loss. Partial hand loss is the most prevalent form of amputation among upper limb amputations. Community efforts have created affordable 3D-printed prosthetic hands for upper-limb amputees. However, these hands are not easily customized without CAD experience, and given the variety of partial hand loss, they are often not well-suited for the user. This project provided streamlined software for the semi-automatic generation of a prosthetic hand optimized for an individual and focused on accessibility and adaptability. After manipulating a pseudo skeleton of joints and \\\"painting\\\" a scan of a residual limb to define the socket, the user would simply export the software's generated files for 3D-printing. To create variable flexibility and breathability in the sockets, a pattern of holes was generated across the mesh. The first phase of testing proved the socket's ability to retain a proper fit on the residual limb with minimal displacement under loads nearing 100N. The second phase of testing involved a qualitative assessment that validated the prostheses' robustness, ease of manufacturing, and kinematics. The software required low computational-cost with generation times varying from a matter of seconds to a maximum of 15 minutes. Ultimately, the developed program provided a comprehensive solution to easily create optimized prostheses for those with partial hand loss.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Robertson, Katherine\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Sage Hill School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25453\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:52.761665Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6934573bd923cfc2fddd11d28e930b3611cb146d92d8262d0fe7b709c65878e7\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25453\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:54.081881Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5bab0e5927ee72b76a394d3c26322047f34949f15ae2ce1e2f71d7d33a683edc\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25453\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/SOFT035-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5bab0e5927ee72b76a394d3c26322047f34949f15ae2ce1e2f71d7d33a683edc\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25453\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:6934573bd923cfc2fddd11d28e930b3611cb146d92d8262d0fe7b709c65878e7\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Systems Software\",\n    \"category_code\": \"SOFT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"SOFT045T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n        \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Mouseless Mouse: Enhancing Digital Interaction for Individuals With Limited Hand Mobility via Amplify and Smooth Extracted Data From Head Movement Using Real-Time Facial Tracking and Deep Learning\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Individuals with limited hand mobility usually face challenges in daily activities and technology interactions that require fine motor skills and dexterity. To address this issue, innovative technology has been developed for interaction with machines and controlling a mouse with head movements. Using a laptop's camera for commands eliminates the need for additional hardware for accurate control. The proposed system tackles the problem of limited input options while also minimizing erratic movements for people with neck movement restrictions. The system uses face mesh technology to map facial features accurately and translate head movements into cursor movements, and the data is amplified to fill the entire screen while maintaining comfortable movement. Exponential moving average (EMA) was used to improve cursor control by giving more weight to recent data points, thus reducing jitter. Because of the latency caused by EMA, Kalman filter is utilized for its predictive capabilities, which significantly enhance the system's responsiveness and enable more accurate real-time cursor movements. Due to limitations in actions, eye wink detection utilizes the eye-aspect ratio (EAR) to accurately measure eye wink representation. A specialized Vision in Transformer (ViT) model for detecting facial gestures has been developed. By implementing a two-phase fine-tuning approach. The model is adapted to function under various lighting conditions. By amplifying and smoothing data, the project reduced movement deviation. Lessening jittery movement. Utilizing ViT enhances real-time classification accuracy by expanding command options. Using a laptop's camera for accurate interaction aids individuals with limited hand mobility, benefiting all users and promoting inclusivity in technology.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Hemdan, Mohamed\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Obour STEM School\",\n        \"country\": \"Egypt\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Abdalla, Mohamed\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Obour STEM School\",\n        \"country\": \"Egypt\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25533\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:54.792801Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:cbcd3987f0283a7e12afabbfaf3a20fe676daca02d3f1b7b0d5dd61147ab3996\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25533\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:56.128126Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8e401f50605937ceaed721b4d9101e67d94dc855027a757c28e164994755ccf8\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25533\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/SOFT045T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8e401f50605937ceaed721b4d9101e67d94dc855027a757c28e164994755ccf8\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25533\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:cbcd3987f0283a7e12afabbfaf3a20fe676daca02d3f1b7b0d5dd61147ab3996\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Systems Software\",\n    \"category_code\": \"SOFT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"SOFT046T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: First Award of $750 in each Regeneron ISEF Category,\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate : Third Place Award \u201cCybersecurity\u201d\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"DynaGrad: A Novel Gradient Descent With Adaptive Dual Learning Rates & Momenta for Improved Optimization and Accelerated Convergence in Deep Neural Networks\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Machine Learning (ML) optimizers are widely used to optimize the weights and biases of deep neural networks. However, current methods can suffer from issues like slow convergence and getting trapped in poor local minima. In this work, we propose a novel gradient descent algorithm with dual adaptive learning rates and momenta that aims to improve optimization and achieve faster convergence. The key idea is to dynamically adjust the learning rate and momentum for each weight and bias based on the magnitude and direction of its partial derivative while incorporating a slow and fast gradient, moving at different paces along the loss function.  Weights and biases with larger gradient magnitudes are updated more aggressively, while those with noisy gradients are updated more conservatively. The momentum is also adapted to accelerate training along dimensions with consistent gradient directions and dampen oscillations in other dimensions. We evaluate our proposed algorithm on various deep neural network architectures and datasets. Results demonstrate faster decreases in the training loss and test error compared to the current state-of-the-art ML optimizers, and other adaptive methods. The improved optimization enables reduced training times and generally leads to better model performance. This adaptive gradient descent approach can enable more efficient training of deep neural networks across a variety of applications. Our approach, DynaGrad, is 15.6% faster than state-of-the-art algorithms and achieves a 2% lower loss. This leads to higher accuracy in deep neural networks, for medical imaging tasks, and any kind of research that involves advanced machine learning techniques.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kamal, Pratishrut\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"William G. Enloe High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NC\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Vadlamudi, Venkata Varshith\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"William G. Enloe High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NC\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25543\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:56.809244Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6e6d8ceb237a378f79d4bfd4dc7fed7cde78c1cbc5ee33243785c1aed0e66ed3\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25543\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:58.179153Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5f3acdc7cb4485c0e88dfe5636e79febc190c0b976fbef9bb26bf9651277e764\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25543\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/SOFT046T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5f3acdc7cb4485c0e88dfe5636e79febc190c0b976fbef9bb26bf9651277e764\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25543\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:6e6d8ceb237a378f79d4bfd4dc7fed7cde78c1cbc5ee33243785c1aed0e66ed3\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Systems Software\",\n    \"category_code\": \"SOFT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"SOFT048\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"DETICKT IT: A Machine Learning-Based Application for Real-Time Tick Identification and Spatiotemporal Disease Risk Assessment\",\n    \"abstract\": \"There is an alarming increase in the population of ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs), with 475,000 cases reported annually, some of which are fatal. Due to limited training, healthcare providers and the public cannot always accurately identify ticks and their associated infections, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatments. Additionally, the prevalence rates of different disease-causing pathogens vary based on geographic locations. To facilitate the identification process and provide an expedited risk assessment of TBDs, a machine learning-based iOS application, DETICKT IT, was created. The app features a ResNet50V2 (transfer learning) deep convolutional neural network built in Python for combining real-time tick-species identification with a novel \\\"window\\\" algorithm and a location-based tick-risk assessment by embedding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's spatiotemporal tick and pathogen surveillance statistics. Users can receive an immediate and accurate analysis to determine whether they are at risk of contracting certain TBDs based on their geographic location. The app is able to accurately identify the ten most common tick species in North and South America: American dog tick, Asian Longhorned tick, Brown dog tick, Eastern blacklegged tick, Western blacklegged tick, Groundhog tick, Gulf Coast tick, Lone star tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick, and soft tick, with an overall accuracy of 97% and precision, recall, and F1 score metrics of 0.96, 0.97, and 0.96, respectively. This freely accessible app shows promise in assisting tick bite victims with their decision to seek further medical assistance, particularly those with underlying health conditions.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kolb, Antonia\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"King School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CT\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25516\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:28:58.844898Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b033c610287706ed522341087d6dd11c332103f71e11e3181325567ae18fd0ce\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25516\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:00.221749Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:295ea39ab271cea083a174b20444dc47f07886975e3efcb4457255dd722e1bf6\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25516\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/SOFT048-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:295ea39ab271cea083a174b20444dc47f07886975e3efcb4457255dd722e1bf6\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25516\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:b033c610287706ed522341087d6dd11c332103f71e11e3181325567ae18fd0ce\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Technology Enhances the Arts\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TECA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TECA002\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"International Math Sign Language (IMSL): Standardizing a \\\"Universal Language\\\" for the Deaf Community\",\n    \"abstract\": \"For the Deaf community, math is not a universal language. In over 300 existing sign languages worldwide, most math terms do not have corresponding signs, forcing deaf students to fingerspell everything. For example, if they wanted to say the word \u2018isosceles triangle,\u2019 they would have to spell it out repeatedly. This slows down math communication and education, making it challenging for deaf students to succeed in math-related fields; the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes found that only 7.8% of deaf students pursue math-related degrees. Developing a global set of math signs, along with an accessible online search engine, will aid deaf students in their education, careers, and lives. My research helped to achieve this goal.\\nMy experiment tested if math, sign language, and code could work together to improve math communication. I studied 6,000 signs from 23 global sign languages to accurately develop my solution. I created International Math Sign Language (IMSL), which contains 250 standard math signs. I also developed an easily accessible online search engine to display it. My experimental procedures proved effective during testing and my hypothesis was supported. My novel IMSL and interactive online database provided the most innovative system for improving math communication for the Deaf community.\\nAlterations that would benefit the experiment include a larger pool of sign languages to study and signs developed for more math terms. These would increase the project\u2019s viability and applicability. Future research on my topic includes creating international sign languages for every STEM subject. In summary, when math, sign language, and computer programming were used in tandem, they created a system that can change lives, and as a result, change the world.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Mendenhall, Aurora\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Niceville High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24762\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:00.837688Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f8b25838ec85ac3bf41d7714a43bcac926cf7d9c64c830e4053c1453705370a3\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24762\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:02.148781Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:66effa3238323299aae6637a9c2972dab4b3b2ad9f35ba1c5b6e72a5fe91143a\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24762\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TECA002-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:66effa3238323299aae6637a9c2972dab4b3b2ad9f35ba1c5b6e72a5fe91143a\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24762\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:f8b25838ec85ac3bf41d7714a43bcac926cf7d9c64c830e4053c1453705370a3\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Technology Enhances the Arts\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TECA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TECA016\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Creating an Artificial Intelligence Neural Network to Critique Expressive Piano Performance\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Classical music education is a complex field requiring the teacher to evaluate a student based on audio and visual information. However, this approach can be error prone and biased. This project proposes a framework of a 3-component piano performance analyzer that can provide feedback to students without the input of an instructor.\\nThe core component for analyzing the performance was focused on in this project. Training data was synthesized from existing piano performance datasets by randomly generating errors within the pieces. Two classes of errors were categorized, with simple errors describing one note, and high-level errors describing a series of notes. To predict these errors, multi-class and multi-label networks composed of difference modules and inception modules inspired by GoogleNet were created using 1D Convolutions.\\nThe model for predicting simple errors was able to reach an accuracy level of 97%, where accuracy was measured in how closely the output of the model matched the error codes for the piece. The accuracy of the high-level error model peaked at 90%.\\nThe results validate the current architecture of the analyzer component. Including the other components for generating an optimal performance and translating the student performance would complete the full model. For the analyzer component, future models could experiment with using a deeper network or combining it with a large language model to generate text descriptions of critique.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Huang, Henry\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Palos Verdes Peninsula High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24600\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:02.836986Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b6419a98f6fa7a3bc838841d34506084cdedc36ccbbdb17136dc4bc42e3b7b31\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24600\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:04.162669Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f177f2aa47bf9865ce959e423c2bf9519ff1243b01b7cbff999c8253a417b648\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24600\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TECA016-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f177f2aa47bf9865ce959e423c2bf9519ff1243b01b7cbff999c8253a417b648\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24600\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:b6419a98f6fa7a3bc838841d34506084cdedc36ccbbdb17136dc4bc42e3b7b31\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TMED012\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n        \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Selection and Preclinical Testing of DNA Aptamers as Targeted Tau Therapies: A Novel Approach to Slow the Progression of Tauopathies\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Tauopathies are neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the deposition of abnormal tau in the brain. There are over 20 tauopathies that collectively affect millions of people around the world. Alzheimer\u2019s disease, Progressive supranuclear palsy, Pick's disease, and Post-encephalitic parkinsonism are some of the most common ones. There are currently no disease-modifying treatments for tauopathies. In these diseases the protein responsible for maintaining the stability of microtubules in neurons, known as tau, becomes hyperphosphorylated, causing the protein to stop functioning properly and leading to neuronal death. This project evaluates whether DNA aptamers can be used to target and alleviate this problem in tauopathies. This study used tau epitopes as the initial target in SELEX to isolate aptamer sequences specific to pathologically relevant sites on the tau protein. The ability of the aptamers to inhibit phosphorylation of the tau protein was evaluated via western blot. Results indicate that the aptamers displayed significant affinity towards tau and were effective in inhibiting phosphorylation of the protein at the selected site (>90% for both monomeric and oligomeric forms of p-tau). Additionally, a microtubule binding protein spin-down assay confirmed that the tau protein could still bind to microtubules in the presence of the aptamer. Furthermore, an in-vivo experiment was conducted to validate the effectiveness of the aptamer-based treatment. The experiment involved testing the aptamers on mutated strains of C. elegans that modeled progressive tau toxicity in tauopathies. The aptamer treatment showed promising therapeutic effects on the phenotypic symptoms of C. elegans by slowing the rate of decline in locomotor activity in worms that were treated.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Reddy, Maya\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Leander High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24884\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:04.870026Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f05fdaa4dbdbf9ef5a287d289db2c8f83759842e2b01994403954561704feefb\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24884\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:07.149182Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:77164cfe993ee84f81c4c6246f0a32f4351114faaeed6c1fa19219b63dbf4f44\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24884\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TMED012-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:77164cfe993ee84f81c4c6246f0a32f4351114faaeed6c1fa19219b63dbf4f44\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24884\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:f05fdaa4dbdbf9ef5a287d289db2c8f83759842e2b01994403954561704feefb\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TMED018\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Homotopic Connectivity as a Biomarker of Alzheimer's Disease\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Cognitive impairment is a common, non-specific early presenting symptom in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). A biomarker differentiating AD-related cognitive impairment would be advantageous. In AD, beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles characteristically aggregate in the brain's temporal lobe, disrupting normal cognitive functioning such as memory. Homotopic connectivity, as measured by resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rs-fMRI), quantifies how the measured blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal, indicative of spontaneous neural activity, is similar in mirrored left-right brain hemisphere regions. Using data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database, this project investigated homotopic connectivity in a population with and without pathological beta-amyloid burden to determine if AD was associated with a disruption in the temporal lobe's homotopic connectivity.\\nDemographics, cognitive data, MRI scans, amyloid status, and tau burden were obtained from the ADNI database. rs-fMRI connectivity for 50 homotopic regions was quantified using the CONN toolbox and custom Matlab scripts. All statistical analyses were performed in SPSS. Study results indicated that homotopic connectivity is a robust connectivity measure in a healthy control population (mean r > 0.7). Compared to amyloid-negative controls, homotopic connectivity was significantly decreased within temporal lobe regions for the amyloid-positive groups. Homotopic connectivity correlated to cognitive function and inversely to tau burden.  Findings from this work support homotopic connectivity as a potential neuroimaging biomarker for Alzheimer's disease and, most notably, a sensitive biomarker even before the manifestations of symptoms.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Alla, Anika\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Caddo Parish Magnet High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"LA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25082\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:08.107838Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5f1e44e010479fd6a78b890fe45d843b8921bf6df3b94bae38afc0d9290c50ee\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25082\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:09.097492Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f9a53d0d4da2a19edfedaf29bf07739bc045052a3eae23301bd6d11e71915c7d\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25082\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TMED018-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f9a53d0d4da2a19edfedaf29bf07739bc045052a3eae23301bd6d11e71915c7d\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25082\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:5f1e44e010479fd6a78b890fe45d843b8921bf6df3b94bae38afc0d9290c50ee\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TMED025\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence\",\n        \"raw\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence: AAAI Student Memberships for each finalist that is part of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Prize Winning projects and 5 Honorable Mention winning projects (up to 3 students per project) (in-kind award / part of the 1st-3rd prize)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence\",\n        \"raw\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence: AAAI Membership for the School Libraries of All 8 Winners (in-kind award / part of 1st-3rd prize and honorable mentions' prize)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence\",\n        \"raw\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence: Third Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Alcott: A Convolutional Neural Network to Predict Multimeric Interactions in HIV-1 Neural Infection\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Microglial cells have the ability to engulf HIV-1 infected glial cells by binding to neuronal blebs, effectively stopping the subsequent encephalopathy. However, two HIV-1 accessory proteins \u2013Nef and Fyn\u2013 can relocalize the Th cell recruiting protein CD59 to the cell membrane, limiting its function and inciting immune evasion. This is achieved via the formation of a Nef/Fyn polyproline helix utilizing glycine rich motifs, similar to how spider silk is twisted by golden orb weaver spiders. This experiment aimed to investigate if the enzymes used by golden orb weaver spiders to untwist their silk could be used to limit the Nef-Fyn complex function. First, a convolutional neural network was created in order to determine binding affinity from peptide alignment motifs based on sequence oligomerization capacity and degree of conservation. The oligomerization capacity was determined via the logP sum of each tokenized amino acid to determine solubility, and entropy was a function of the peptide\u2019s Gibbs Free Energy. The binding affinity (k-score) was ultimately determined through the generation of a confusion matrix. The system was trained on 5,000 data points and showed a 0.83 accuracy. From this, the enzyme Cathepsin L was determined to have the highest binding affinity to Nef (0.95 functional alignment), and gel electrophoresis was used to measure the degradation of Nef when digested with Cathepsin L, which was shown to be significant in glycine rich alignment motifs. Therefore, binding affinity predicted based on alignment motifs could be useful in improving enzyme therapy success rates and Cathepsin L could be used as a low-cost treatment component for reducing HIV-1 neural proliferation.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Mohanty, Anna\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Washington-Lee High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"VA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25181\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:09.761753Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:16e7b9cc6910cb4607f46b106ed0d0e03708c7fe777351c980eaf144b8868caf\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25181\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:11.203899Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e7e28296e71f1997264fa7ae6d7459844bd2aa75f94c0f7ed7e51c08e2dc5996\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25181\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TMED025-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e7e28296e71f1997264fa7ae6d7459844bd2aa75f94c0f7ed7e51c08e2dc5996\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25181\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:16e7b9cc6910cb4607f46b106ed0d0e03708c7fe777351c980eaf144b8868caf\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TMED030T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Mary Kay Inc.\",\n        \"raw\": \"Mary Kay Inc.: First Prize\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"IdentiCan: The App That Detects Brain, Breast, Lung, Skin, and Pancreatic Cancer\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Cancer is a problem that is affecting millions of people worldwide, and it is one of the leading causes of deaths in the U.S. With the increasing number of cancer cases, there\u2019s a higher number of false-negative and false-positive rates in the diagnosis of the type of cancer a patient has. Due to this, we have created an app, IdentiCan, that can help diagnose a person with breast, lung, and skin cancer. On the doctor side of our app, the doctor can use a compact calculator to help diagnose the patient, along with a page to upload CT, MRI, or x-ray scans to be put through image classification. Using sound classification, image classification, the Fourier transform algorithms, fractal geometry algorithms, and self-assessments in our app, we are able to 94.3% confidently diagnose a patient screening themselves with one of these cancers. Using special algorithms and analysis, we provide information about a treatment plan specialized for the user, and we have a messaging platform where the user can reach out to either a patient or doctor for reminders, updates, and more. We also contacted doctors and professionals to gain more knowledge in this area. To train our machine, we used approximately 500 pictures in each class, meaning around 8,000 pictures per type of cancer. After 246 trials, the machine was able to 99.6% accurately identify whether the scan shows a cancerous tumor and what specific type of cancer the image is showing.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Sallinen, Nyambura\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Lanier High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"GA\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Sekhda, Keshvee\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"North Gwinnett High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"GA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25093\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:11.804549Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0aea3429c288b12cebdc05735f760c4d869e37263b493e761220c49b41287497\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25093\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:13.125817Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6c687151d1a0242eeb2f9c042b5ed609bb014ac3606fb0e00384821f67f3b5cd\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25093\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TMED030T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6c687151d1a0242eeb2f9c042b5ed609bb014ac3606fb0e00384821f67f3b5cd\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25093\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:0aea3429c288b12cebdc05735f760c4d869e37263b493e761220c49b41287497\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TMED036\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Receptor Targeting Nanobodies: Locking the Door for All MERS-CoV Mutations as a Novel Therapeutic Approach\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The MERS-CoV is a critical public health concern due to its infectious nature, severe\\nsymptoms and high fatality rate, with 36% of MERS-CoV cases resulting in death. This highlights the urgent need to develop therapeutic antibody solutions to combat the ongoing MERS-CoV epidemic. Anti-MERS-CoV neutralizing antibodies are not effective in neutralizing MERS-CoV due to the consistent mutations resulting in neutralization-escaping\\nvariants, which presents a significant gap in tackling the MERS-CoV epidemic. This project proposes an innovative approach to block MERS-CoV viral infection, by targeting the gateway receptor of MERS-CoV, named dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) receptor. This approach employs monoclonal nanobody (Nb) Fc-fusion proteins to specifically block DPP4 receptors and inherently prevent the entry of all MERS-CoV variants. Using Artificial Intelligence-derived antibody CDR dissection and analysis algorithms, five Nbs with different attributes and key amino acid sequences were designed through in silico docking, 3-Dimensional homology, and local energy minimization. The resultant Nbs were produced in our lab and their neutralization capacity was tested through multiple in vitro assays including MERS-CoV pseudovirus Micro-Neutralization Test and cell-based binding      assays. Our results demonstrated that four out of the five anti-DPP4 Nbs' designs were able to successfully bind to DPP4 and inherently inhibit MERS-CoV pseudotyped virus, with one\\ncandidate (Nb-212) showing the highest readings in all validation assays. These results support the utility of 3D-designed receptor-targeting nanobody Fc-fusion proteins to develop a universal immunotherapy to combat MERS-CoV infection, despite the mutable nature of the virus.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Zowawi, Laila\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Encyclopedia Of Science Schools\",\n        \"country\": \"Saudi Arabia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25331\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:13.842900Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0c9b9b0e8ab818a47eca80ee803d7f5649b6248d95ba5dfb3ed51daf69ff6dfb\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25331\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:15.379879Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2b5644b415b026e4878e0339dff3889b9805ed21dc4f1ddf7d149892c08a72e1\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25331\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TMED036-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2b5644b415b026e4878e0339dff3889b9805ed21dc4f1ddf7d149892c08a72e1\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25331\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:0c9b9b0e8ab818a47eca80ee803d7f5649b6248d95ba5dfb3ed51daf69ff6dfb\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TMED041T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"EiPCA - A Portable Self-Screening Electrocardiographic System for Rapid Screening of Cardiovascular Diseases Using EiPCA Formula and Lead Augmentation Algorithm to Convert 1-Lead to 12-Lead ECGs\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Every 2 seconds, cardiovascular disease (CVD) steals a life. 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) is the gold standard for CVD diagnosis, which is specialist-reliant and mainly available in urban areas, leading to inaccessibility. Additionally, results take up to 2 weeks on average, causing possible delays in reaching more patients. Current available portable ECGs typically come with only 1-2 leads which is incomprehensive, or 12-lead option requires expertise, making self-screening difficult for normal individuals. \\\"EiPCA\\\" aims to develop a rapid portable self-screening 12-lead ECG with 3 electrodes system using the EiPCA-Algorithm, a new method of converting 1-lead to 12-lead ECG. In Phase-1, we developed portable ECG device using the AD8232 ECG sensor. EiPCA collects single-lead ECG, then converts it to a 12-lead ECG using Einthoven's Triangle Theory, Goldberger's equation, and the EiPCA formula, referring to Inverse Dower's transformation. This utilized sensor exhibited 3.03% deviation and 97.80% accuracy in graph generation. In Phase-2, to enhance the analysis of ECG screening system, we customized Bi-LSTM AI model to classify cardiac conditions. The system was tested with SimMan3G patient simulator, by simulating 15 conditions it achieved 96.40% accuracy. EiPCA's web application and risk assessment form were developed, incorporating AI model from previous phases, to analyze, display and prioritize CVD risk patient effectively. It provides a comprehensive ECG graph for up to 33 cardiac conditions, comparable to hospital ECG devices, and is 25,900 times faster than conventional method. EiPCA will make ECGs accessible everywhere, reduce medical inequalities in low- and middle-income countries, offer faster cost-effective solutions, and decrease CVD mortality rates.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Tawaditap, Patcharada\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The Prince Royal's College\",\n        \"country\": \"Thailand\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Suksri, Khunasin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The Prince Royal's College\",\n        \"country\": \"Thailand\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Wattanakit, Peerapat\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The Prince Royal's College\",\n        \"country\": \"Thailand\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24698\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:15.973857Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:58e76bfcac16607dd8d8e7456f31fec80c294bfafa321c74740c6ec4d951c4f7\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24698\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:17.328590Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6d0b8e7d210838bccc3ad1a55752d4fa6dd96a1e8d0c6399fc79ea3df514cea3\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24698\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TMED041T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6d0b8e7d210838bccc3ad1a55752d4fa6dd96a1e8d0c6399fc79ea3df514cea3\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24698\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:58e76bfcac16607dd8d8e7456f31fec80c294bfafa321c74740c6ec4d951c4f7\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TMED064\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Third Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Third Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence\",\n        \"raw\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence: Honorable Mention (do not read aloud). Winners receive a student level membership. Information is included separately in the SAO Portal.\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence\",\n        \"raw\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence: AAAI Student Memberships for each finalist that is part of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Prize Winning projects and 5 Honorable Mention winning projects (up to 3 students per project) (in-kind award / part of the 1st-3rd prize)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence\",\n        \"raw\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence: AAAI Membership for the School Libraries of All 8 Winners (in-kind award / part of 1st-3rd prize and honorable mentions' prize)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"ALLocate: A Low-Cost Automatic Artificial Intelligence System for the Real-Time Localization and Classification of Acute Leukemia in Bone Marrow Smears\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The precise and accurate leukemia detection in current clinical practice remains challenging due to limitations in cost, time, and medical experience. To address this issue, this research develops ALLocate, the first integrated low-cost automatic artificial intelligence system for the real-time localization and classification of acute myeloid leukemia in bone marrow smears. ALLocate consists of an automatic microscope scanner system, an image sampling system, and a deep learning-based detection system. The automatic microscope scanner system uses 3D-printed pieces controlled by stepper motors and a RAMPS control board. For image sampling, a region classifier using a convolutional neural network (CNN) model was developed to select usable regions from unusable blood and clot regions. To achieve cell segmentation, a U-net-based model was established in usable marrow regions. For real-time detection, the YOLOv8 model was developed and optimized. The key variables for optimization include the number of epochs, learning rate, and network architecture. These models show high performance with a region classifier accuracy of 96%, U-net accuracy of 85%, and YOLOv8 mAP of 91%. When ALLocate was applied to marrow smears, its leukemia detection results were statistically the same with a doctor (with only 1% difference), but ALLocate is much faster (<1 minute) than a doctor (30 minutes per slide)  This is the first demonstration of an integrated deep learning system with a low-cost microscope automatic scanner system for leukemia detection. ALLocate can significantly improve the efficiency of leukemia detection from the marrow smears, especially in underserved communities, making healthcare more accessible to all.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Yan, Ethan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Groton School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25092\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:18.049067Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8f2d272aa872294bf460e25029090c3a1e6b61e3beaaafb5efe78bba0614b86e\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25092\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:20.920317Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:414a2fc17fc3b5d33b94d6e7f0dbca655534a79c2987b122cccd3f4bd212fb38\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25092\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TMED064-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:414a2fc17fc3b5d33b94d6e7f0dbca655534a79c2987b122cccd3f4bd212fb38\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25092\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:8f2d272aa872294bf460e25029090c3a1e6b61e3beaaafb5efe78bba0614b86e\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ANIM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ANIM003\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Deep-Sea Octocoral Biogeography: Exploring Genetic and Oceanographic Patterns through MutS Phylogenetic Analysis\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Despite covering less than one percent of the ocean floor, coral reefs sustain an estimated one-third of all known marine species, with most coral species inhabiting deep or cold waters across the world's oceans. However, many deep-sea coral habitats are unexplored and at risk due to rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and advancing technology enabling deep-sea mining and bottom trawling. The anthozoan subclass Octocorallia is one of the least studied categories within the phylum Cnidaria. This study represents the first comprehensive investigation into the phylogeny and connectivity of deep-sea octocorals across various regions in the North Pacific. By sequencing the MutS gene from octocoral species in the Aleutian Islands, California coast, Papahanaumokuakea, and Palmyra Atoll, a molecular biogeographic phylogeny was constructed, revealing strong genetic connections among corals from different geographic regions, likely facilitated by broadcast spawning and larval dispersal via ocean currents. Following this theory, larval dispersal pathways between reef sites were mapped to visualize connectivity, incorporating bathymetry mapping to optimize prediction accuracy and highlight oceanographic features' role in shaping the biogeographic distribution of octocorals. Investigating connectivity among these organisms is crucial as it directly informs the development of resilience assessments and the planning of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), MPA networks, and other conservation initiatives, essential for the optimal preservation of Octocrallias' unique biodiversity amidst anthropogenic threats.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Allman, Kendall\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Admiral Arthur W. Radford High\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"HI\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24606\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:21.846336Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f1d0725338d3ade2aba30b04878727153a75f6575d9641a51bad39d4690ffdbc\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24606\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:23.885537Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c2f804d4b5261194b908756a1ece0f91ac1c77223142d8789060a4b02845c941\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24606\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ANIM003-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c2f804d4b5261194b908756a1ece0f91ac1c77223142d8789060a4b02845c941\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24606\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:f1d0725338d3ade2aba30b04878727153a75f6575d9641a51bad39d4690ffdbc\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ANIM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ANIM014T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Endocannabinoids: From Drosophila Physiology and Autophagy Regulation to Therapeutic Insights\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The endocannabinoid system (ECS) and autophagy are both essential physiological mechanisms within cells. However, limited research explores the relationship between endocannabinoids, specifically 2-AG, and autophagy. We have chosen to study Drosophila as our research subject to examine the impact of endocannabinoids from an organism perspective. We believe that Drosophila can serve as an initial research platform, providing a more convenient method for studying both exogenous and endogenous cannabinoids. In this study, we manipulated the levels of 2-AG in Drosophila by modulating the expression of synthetic and degrading enzymes, MAGL and DAGL. When MAGL was inhibited, the lifespan, anti-starvation ability, and autophagy of Drosophila increased, while DAGL was inhibited or overexpressed, such functions suppressed. By adding autophagy inhibitors, we confirmed the relationship between autophagy and physiological functions. These findings could be beneficial to the efficiency of cannabinoid drug applications and mitigate side effects on the nervous system and liver function.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Chang, Yi-Tzu\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Taipei First Girls High School\",\n        \"country\": \"Taiwan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Chang, Min-Hong\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Taipei First Girls High School\",\n        \"country\": \"Taiwan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24753\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:24.777090Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:eef8ade73663cd40d3b919c28049c0d4f5b18674e32dc11bd6005d4610cdce3c\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24753\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:26.614128Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9b1ce2867c41b0f1620e53d4f9719a02c4a92c70dc38cb7caa71bc256529f48c\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24753\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ANIM014T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9b1ce2867c41b0f1620e53d4f9719a02c4a92c70dc38cb7caa71bc256529f48c\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24753\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:eef8ade73663cd40d3b919c28049c0d4f5b18674e32dc11bd6005d4610cdce3c\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ANIM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ANIM020\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"C-Fos and Reelin Protein Localization: Brain Fluorescence Imaging of Activity Pathways in Mice During Sensory Behavior Tasks?\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Organisms detect sensory stimuli through peripheral neurons and transmit the information to cortical brain regions for processing: creating an internal neural map of the external environment. The olfactory and visual cortices communicate to form the basis of cognition, learning, and memory. Yet the involved neural pathways remain unknown at the cellular level.\\nThis experiment determined anatomical brain functioning in mice by mapping the neural circuitry that underscores cognitive behavior. 10-12-month-old CD1 mice (n=5) spatially navigated a linear arena, with olfactory or visual stimuli cues, for one hour. The exploratory behavior of each mouse, induced by sensory stimuli, was computed using Deep Lab Cut and AnyMaze neural network software with 2 metrics: cognitive navigation and zone exploration. Mice exhibited increased navigation and exploration with olfactory cues compared to visual, providing a novel sensory task for future research.\\nEach mouse was then subjected to post-mortem brain tissue extraction and immunofluorescence staining 90 minutes post-cognitive stimulation. DAPI, Reelin, and C-Fos protein fixation visualized the anatomical location of neurons active during the sensory task, in specific brain regions of interest. The quantity and cell-type-specificity of excitatory C-Fos and Reelin protein-tagged neurons per cortex was determined with intensity analysis from ImageJ (p<0.05). Significant results were shown in the excitation of the hippocampal, motor, ectorhinal, and piriform cortices with olfactory cues (~7,800 neurons > ~2,300 control neurons). No significant results were generated by the visual cues. Thus, this study identified a potential pathway between olfaction, memory, and spatial navigation for the juncture of the mind, brain, and body.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Lee, Katherine\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Jericho High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25109\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:27.387135Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0e573fa8fb675633cd0c6a3b8ecdc8248f652d8fccb9fa471b7d9bfc7f41a624\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25109\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:29.140840Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b1a54be42699d34a7d124bedb229eb697aac64e008d9d78a974ffd3937e8e271\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25109\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ANIM020-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b1a54be42699d34a7d124bedb229eb697aac64e008d9d78a974ffd3937e8e271\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25109\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:0e573fa8fb675633cd0c6a3b8ecdc8248f652d8fccb9fa471b7d9bfc7f41a624\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ANIM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ANIM026\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Silhouettes of Sound (Visualizing Animal Vocalizations for Species Identification)\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Marine mammals, such as cetaceans, rely significantly on sounds as their primary means of communication and perception of their environment. Acoustic signals are crucial for various social interactions, including mating, caring for offspring, alerting others of threats, and coordinating hunts. The study of sound waves in a solid medium, specifically the Chladni plate, provides a method to observe acoustic phenomena. It is hypothesized that by employing digital recordings of cetacean sounds to induce vibrations in a Chladni plate, distinct standing wave patterns would emerge. Those patterns could then be used to distinguish between different species. The Chladni sound wave patterns of various toothed (bottlenose dolphin, narwhals, beluga, sperm) and baleen (blue, humpback, North Atlantic right, fin, minke) whales were recorded. Various types of sounds, including tonal and impulsive sounds, give rise to distinct patterns. The variations enable distinct fingerprinting of cetacean sound structures. For instance, an unidentified 52-Hz-whale, an enigma for three decades, is discerned as possible kin of the humpback whale. The likeness in the standing wave patterns observed in blue whales across diverse oceanic regions indicates shared language traits within species. Additionally, they exhibit alternating circular- and square-core transitions.  Structural transitions were also identified in humpback whale songs. Several wave patterns were consistently replicated across various sampling sources. The validation of the hypothesis introduces a promising novel method for differentiating species and/or lineages through Chladni acoustic patterns. The results help advance the knowledge of marine mammal vocalizations and raise awareness about other intelligent language-using species.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Umamageswaran, Aadhi\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"West High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"UT\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25259\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:29.843283Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ce418114fce042e23ef493013a2aa9b918347a27d8b53123a831684fd933b81e\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25259\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:31.472467Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:90f06f104a25e296ce5863cd50bd046ffab95d57d17d54d8a3afbb09cb05f23f\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25259\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ANIM026-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:90f06f104a25e296ce5863cd50bd046ffab95d57d17d54d8a3afbb09cb05f23f\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25259\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:ce418114fce042e23ef493013a2aa9b918347a27d8b53123a831684fd933b81e\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ANIM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ANIM033T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Innovation of Artificial Tree Branches for Raising Lac Insects to Establish Sustainable Lac Resin Production\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Lac resin secreted from lac insects is one of the important commercial agricultures of Thailand as it can be used in many industries such as medicine and printing. Currently, farmers tend to cultivate lac insects on branches of Rain tree (Samanea saman). This causes wood damage, produce deterioration and impurity-laden lac resin, often leading to the demise of the lac insects. Therefore, this project aims to establish sustainable production of lac resin by cultivation of lac insects on artificial tree branches containing specific nutrient. The findings indicate that a 10% (v/v) concentration of soybean pulp juice, administered at 7 ml per stick per application serves as an optimal nutrient source, fostering growth of lac insects, resulting in longer insect lengths and yield 82 g of lac insets per stick. Moreover, cultivation conditions at 25 \u00b0C and 70-80% humidity resulted in the highest survival rate of the lac insets. Finally, it was found that lac insects grown on artificial tree branches exhibited a significantly higher amount of lac resin with a shorter life cycle compared to those grown on Rain trees.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ruaisapphokhin, Wipharat\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Huayso Wittayakhom Rachamangkhalaphisek\",\n        \"country\": \"Thailand\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Suyala, Worarit\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Huayso Wittayakhom Rachamangkhalaphisek\",\n        \"country\": \"Thailand\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24798\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:32.123410Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:758d7266fcfa26f5afac10c5f8cebcd8ece8ab3d62238aed7324f7cb2ce06dcf\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24798\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:33.736387Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1dc2872c4ef4934af62b93289f279861a3bab57381e5aa417f50684c5d771bb9\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24798\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ANIM033T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1dc2872c4ef4934af62b93289f279861a3bab57381e5aa417f50684c5d771bb9\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24798\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:758d7266fcfa26f5afac10c5f8cebcd8ece8ab3d62238aed7324f7cb2ce06dcf\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ANIM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ANIM039\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Psychological Association\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Psychological Association: Complimentary student affiliate memberships\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Psychological Association\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Psychological Association: Third Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Serving Society Through Science\",\n        \"raw\": \"Serving Society Through Science: Second Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Rhythms and Blues: Examining Potential Health Hazards of Blue Light-induced Circadian Disruption in Drosophila melanogaster\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Purpose:  Disrupted circadian rhythms can have deleterious consequences for all organisms. The extent to which blue light from digital devices affects circadian biology and mental and physical health outcomes is unknown. This project studied the effects of varying blue light exposure on Drosophila melanogaster\u2019s: (1) lifespan (2) caffeine addiction (3) memory and (4) gut permeability. Procedure: Four experimental groups included: controls, flies with the Tim01 mutation, which eliminates circadian behavioral rhythms, flies exposed to 8 hours (BL8) and 12 hours (BL12) of blue (576 nm) light. Percentage of flies surviving over time, within each group, was calculated. Caffeine preference was evaluated using a constructed choice chamber with caffeine enriched and regular media. The aversive phototoxic suppression assay assessed learning/memory; flies learned to avoid light paired with an aversive stimulus. Intestinal barrier dysfunction was detected by the presence of non-absorbable blue food dye outside the digestive tract after feeding. Results: Control flies lived longer than the circadian mutants and flies exposed to blue light for 12 hours (p<0.001). Circadian mutants demonstrated significant impairment in memory and learning compared to the controls (P=0.029), as did the BL12(P=0.009) and BL8(P=0.008) groups. Caffeine preference was demonstrated by the circadian mutants (OR 10.52, p<0.0001) as well as the BL12(OR 6.07, P<0.0007) and BL8(OR 6.48, P=0.0003) groups. Circadian mutants and BL12 flies had impaired gut permeability compared to the controls. Conclusions:  Prolonged blue light exposure, and associated circadian dysfunction, can adversely impact physical and mental health. The implications of a digital world require closer biologic scrutiny.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Lateef, Rania\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Governor's School at Innovation Park\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"VA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25793\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:34.408533Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fffe1c70e9082e0cb233d515e04c84fd72e10cdb0749b96fd4c986dee1175f6c\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25793\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:36.021679Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fa43b2118e47c5b72d321fd80e57f68246f2901061424ac8f3fcac4d66efbbe5\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25793\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ANIM039-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fa43b2118e47c5b72d321fd80e57f68246f2901061424ac8f3fcac4d66efbbe5\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25793\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:fffe1c70e9082e0cb233d515e04c84fd72e10cdb0749b96fd4c986dee1175f6c\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biochemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BCHM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BCHM013\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Taiwan Science Education Center\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Taiwan Science Education Center: Taiwan International Science Fair Special Award is a trip to participate in the Taiwan International Science Fair\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Characterization of Antimicrobials From the Soil Bacterium Xenorhabdus szentirmaii\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Antimicrobial resistance(AMR) is a global health threat and the discovery of new antimicrobial compounds has been limited in the past four decades. New antimicrobials with new functions are urgently needed to address this pressing global issue. A potential new antimicrobial source is the soil bacteria Xenorhabdus spp., a symbiont of nematodes that invade the insect larvae. The nematodes regurgitate the bacteria, killing insect larvae by releasing toxins and antimicrobials and allowing the nematodes to extract nutrients. From cell-free cultures of Xenorhabdus szentirmaii, we established a novel protocol to separate unexplored antimicrobials into two distinct soluble forms: methanol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Both forms can inhibit dangerous AMR bacteria, including methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Further separation of methanol-soluble antimicrobials by high-performance-liquid-chromatography followed by mass spectrometry revealed new antimicrobial compounds including novel isoforms of fabclavine (peptide-polyketide antibiotic). Nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry revealed that the DMSO-soluble antimicrobials were novel lipopeptide-type antimicrobials with multiple isoforms.\\nThe antimicrobials of Xenorhabdus species are primarily produced by non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS) and polyketide synthetase (PKS) genes. Our global genome analysis revealed that X. szentirmaii contains 15 NRPS gene clusters and one hybrid NRPS-PKS gene. Mutation of the putative fabclavine biosynthetic gene encoded by the hybrid NRPS-PKS gene showed a reduced ability to inhibit both bacterial and fungal growth. In summary, our results substantiate the potential of Xenorhabdus szentirmaii as a promising natural source for future antimicrobial discoveries.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Dey, Ritisha\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Shorewood High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"WI\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25258\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:36.667050Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f059dfd3df510f9c20d484ebe55c82a9f4becc1e5f4864e745bf8fbefb9e2818\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25258\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:38.235410Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:088e5cf9795419c9eb3c940d9ee6387978f543882d977fee1077e989a717b94e\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25258\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BCHM013-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:088e5cf9795419c9eb3c940d9ee6387978f543882d977fee1077e989a717b94e\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25258\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:f059dfd3df510f9c20d484ebe55c82a9f4becc1e5f4864e745bf8fbefb9e2818\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biochemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BCHM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BCHM017\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"ALS-SynAegis: A Molecular Dynamics Study on TDP-43 Aggregation to Prevent Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Onset\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive muscle atrophy, leading to an inability to move the limbs and, in extreme cases, being unable to breathe. Current predictions show that global ALS cases will rise 69% by 2040. Prior literature has shown that the aggregation of a neuroprotein, TDP-43, leads to the onset of ALS, but the specific aggregation patterns of TDP-43 are unknown. Thus, there is limited research on the design of an inhibitor molecule targeting TDP-43. The only FDA-approved drug targeting TDP-43 aggregates, Riluzole, causes an increase in survival time of 3 months, which, in the context of ALS, is a very short time. This study utilizes Molecular Dynamics Simulations to model TDP-43 aggregation in understanding its aggregation patterns, such as contacting residues, hydrogen bonding points, and \u00df-sheet direction. Then, Molecular Docking Analysis is used to test 5 existing inhibitors, narrowed from a set of 100, on the discovered target site. Then, the best structural and functional groups were used to design ALS-SynAegis, a new and improved TDP-43 inhibitor. This study identified 312-NFGAF-316 as a novel target site for TDP-43 aggregates. Furthermore, the docking analysis showed ALS-SynAegis outperformed current inhibitors: binding affinity increased by an average of 45.6%, cytotoxicity decreased by 44% from the FDA-approved drug Riluzole, and there are no Molecular Toxicophores in ALS-SynAegis compared to the 1 present in Riluzole. The proposed inhibitor can have a widespread effect on the pathological progression of ALS and impact the broad field of TDP-43 aggregate inhibition.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Rtunjay, Aryaman\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Nikola Tesla STEM High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"OR\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25274\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:38.889558Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b4a5ac6e1f3a3bd29ef3024d48e682413d2cb7a65d67bcb815c272a65438e08c\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25274\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:40.498928Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:223d68c80dad0bb0b24d2c252d2cc70760f85ebbc63aca581f583a44a8b70ea5\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25274\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BCHM017-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:223d68c80dad0bb0b24d2c252d2cc70760f85ebbc63aca581f583a44a8b70ea5\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25274\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:b4a5ac6e1f3a3bd29ef3024d48e682413d2cb7a65d67bcb815c272a65438e08c\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biochemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BCHM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BCHM027\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Antipodal Algae: Engineering Energy Solutions for a South Pacific Island\",\n    \"abstract\": \"As the emission of carbon dioxide into our atmosphere continues to contribute to climate change, the search for cleaner energy sources prevails. Using algae as a biofuel can replace the use of diesel fuel in American Samoa because algae is both naturally abundant and grows at a fast rate especially in the tropical temperatures of the island throughout the year. Algal biofuel is also a very promising fossil fuel replacement due to algae\u2019s high levels of lipids which can be extracted efficiently without the use of dangerous chemicals.\\nTo further expand on producing algal biofuel in American Samoa, the researcher created a python program to compute and calculate evapotranspiration, an important factor to farming algae in American Samoa. Using the Penman-Monteith equation, a multiplex mathematical equation, the researcher was able to calculate evapotranspiration rates across the island of Tutuila and produced a program that searches and displays evapotranspiration rates. She concluded that the midwest region of Tutuila, American Samoa is the most suitable location for algae cultivation because of its low evapotranspiration and high rainfall rates. In the end, the researcher was able to expand the possibilities of converting algae into biofuel and calculated the feasibility and most suitable region for algal cultivation. Thus, this experiment provides American Samoa the opportunity for the island to utilize a sustainable, renewable, and locally available energy source, which can help reduce the use of fossil fuels and help preserve and protect the environment by lowering the amount of carbon emitted into the atmosphere.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Chen, Amelie\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Pacific Horizons School\",\n        \"country\": \"American Samoa\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25722\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:41.128739Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:51cf9f03be7527d898c7afbd87099be4db6079af6e0972a98e959e08e4c2a0bb\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25722\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:42.680668Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ca706b2c97bd34cf65e3c702ed570e0bf12024177ea89b5f6a4cc28d7de157e1\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25722\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BCHM027-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ca706b2c97bd34cf65e3c702ed570e0bf12024177ea89b5f6a4cc28d7de157e1\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25722\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:51cf9f03be7527d898c7afbd87099be4db6079af6e0972a98e959e08e4c2a0bb\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biochemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BCHM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BCHM029\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: First Award of $750 in each Regeneron ISEF Category,\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Integrative Assessment of the Novel Radioprotective Efficacy of Cardamonin: A Comprehensive in vitro and in silico Analysis\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Current radiobiology research focusses to identify radioprotective agents that can protect normal tissues from radiation-induced injury due to accidental exposures. Recently, cardamonin has gained interest for its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer activity and biosafety properties. The main purpose of this project is to decipher the novel radioprotective effects of cardamonin by computational evaluations and in vitro experiments. Clone 9 and WI-38 cells were exposed to 8 Gy gamma irradiation after treatment with or without cardamonin (5 \u00b5M). Cell morphology and intracellular ROS generation were assessed. Further studies were done in clone 9 cells.  Gene and protein expression of antioxidant enzymes were studied. Apoptosis was measured by live cell imaging using caspases 3/7 stain. Cancer cells were used to study the selective effects of cardamonin. Molecular docking studies were done with Discovery studio and Autodock-vina computational docking software. Pretreatment with cardamonin significantly prevented cell death, and reduced intracellular ROS levels after irradiation. Cardamonin pretreated cells significantly upregulated transcription factor Nrf2 and maintained antioxidant status, which protected the cells against radiation injury. Apoptosis was significantly prevented by inhibiting the activation of caspases. Cardamonin had differential effects in cancer cells. Docking studies revealed the potent anti-apototic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic efficacy of cardamonin. In conclusion, this project provided significant evidence that cardamonin may serve as a promising radiation countermeasure to mitigate radiation injury and sensitize cancer cells for radiotherapy.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Sridharan, Siddharth\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Little Rock Central High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AR\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25761\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:43.338392Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3be16a0c14368379b5a416a11fbd2d3156d6ce46199ea77941d53e0abcd5f864\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25761\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:44.857883Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8e0bb77c03834a0d1804903862d748f3c85bedbded59a45a9b2d98c0d3c358d7\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25761\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BCHM029-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8e0bb77c03834a0d1804903862d748f3c85bedbded59a45a9b2d98c0d3c358d7\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25761\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:3be16a0c14368379b5a416a11fbd2d3156d6ce46199ea77941d53e0abcd5f864\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BEHA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BEHA002\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n        \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n        \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Targeting ADHD with a Noninvasive System to Improve Concentration Based on Electroencephalogram and Neurofeedback Methodology\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects approximately 366 million adults and 129 million children and adolescents worldwide (CHADD; Song et al., 2021). However, prescription ADHD medication is prone to causing adverse side effects such as sleep disorders, reduced appetite, and stunted growth in children (CDC). This project aims to address ADHD with a noninvasive system through interactive games that use neurofeedback principles to promote proper regulation of brainwaves, as symptoms of ADHD are correlated with abnormal brainwave activity (Enriquez-Geppert et al., 2019). An electroencephalogram (EEG) was used to measure brainwaves, which were filtered by high pass, low pass, and notch filters within a circuit to isolate wave frequencies of interest. The resulting brainwaves were converted to a digital signal by an analog-to-digital converter, analyzed by a Raspberry Pi, and used as the method of progression in two video games played solely with brainwaves. After a calibration that determined a unique threshold between relaxed and focused states for each participant through mathematical algorithms, the games provided visual and auditory feedback as real-time positive reinforcement for focusing brainwaves to create a new memory of optimal functioning, and ultimately train the brain to self-regulate its activity. The amount of time consumed for successful completion and the accuracy rate were measured for an improvement in self-regulation. Results of data collection and t-tests showed a statistically significant improvement in participants' completion time due to more focused states after 10 days (p = 0.004), supporting that the system effectively improves concentration.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Lee, Emma\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Stanton College Preparatory School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24681\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:45.483392Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:36c00100962f270d52b0939a548bcd85f05a608511b5e0d0a0667dc22d73854c\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24681\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:47.030293Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b1e7b9e5cdbe788f75421edfd336c5eb48217fb74f0ad03737d3771ffab96746\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24681\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BEHA002-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b1e7b9e5cdbe788f75421edfd336c5eb48217fb74f0ad03737d3771ffab96746\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24681\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:36c00100962f270d52b0939a548bcd85f05a608511b5e0d0a0667dc22d73854c\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BEHA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BEHA007\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Elucidating the Behavioral, Pathogenetic, and Therapeutic Implications of Selectively Inhibited Monogenic Variants in Fragile X Syndrome Associated Genetic Epilepsy in Drosophila melanogaster\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common \u201csingle-gene\u201d cause of intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) worldwide, often manifesting understudied seizure comorbidities in early childhood development. Herein, the Drosophila orthologs of five previously unstudied candidate genes (GK5, RGPD4, CHD2, KCNA1, and TTLL4) were functionally characterized in vivo to i) interpret the pathogenetic consequences of the loss-of-function (LOF) of target genes, ii) elucidate sex differences in seizure risk modification, and iii) assess the interaction of genetic risk loci and existing FXS treatment compounds for novel targeted therapeutic development. Utilizing fly strains containing RNAi-mediated KD of rigorously-identified Drosophila orthologs of target genes, genetic mating schemes using the elav GAL4-UAS system were implemented for all 10 crosses to enable pan-neuronal expression of target knockdown constructs to faithfully recapitulate FXS pathophysiology. Over 2,500 adult flies underwent a 10-second vortex to stimulate mechanical shock and induced seizure conditions; immediate response to external stimulus was assessed. In females, KCNA1 LOF was shown to significantly exacerbate seizure risk (p < 0.05). Conversely, in males, GK5 LOF was shown to significantly attenuate seizure risk (p < 0.05). Additionally, RGPD4 LOF was shown to elicit significantly different seizure frequencies in male and female flies (p < 0.05). Utilizing in silico molecular docking, 3 robust alternative treatment modalities that target the elucidated seizure suppressor/enhancer genes were identified to replace current clinical management techniques aimed merely at symptomatic alleviation and patient presentation, serving as a prominent basis for pharmacological intervention.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Khanna, Deeksha\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Chamblee Charter High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"GA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24620\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:47.691216Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:350a5c6e936c3dd6c65a50479b4df73863372234b2c19f31d500e22fd1ad8157\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24620\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:49.166141Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1c7707537e239071ee849a42ac54c0c4b940d7ebdc83250d95c97121a615086c\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24620\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BEHA007-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1c7707537e239071ee849a42ac54c0c4b940d7ebdc83250d95c97121a615086c\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24620\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:350a5c6e936c3dd6c65a50479b4df73863372234b2c19f31d500e22fd1ad8157\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BEHA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BEHA015\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Psychological Association\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Psychological Association: Complimentary student affiliate memberships\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Psychological Association\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Psychological Association: Second Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development\",\n        \"raw\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development: USAID Science for Development First Award - Working in Crisis and Conflict\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate : Third Place Award \u201cPrinciples of Security and Privacy\u201d\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Differential Empathy, Social Dominance Orientation, and the Limitations of Social Science Research\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Previous research suggests people exhibit an \\\"empathy gap\\\": they feel more empathy for members of their group than for outsiders. I explored whether the empathy gap exists in racial and partisan contexts and how it translates into real-world action (donations). Surveytakers were recruited from two platforms. Rather than the expected empathy gap, Platform 1 surveytakers exhibited a statistically-significant reverse empathy gap (N=418, p=.0009), with white surveytakers expressing more empathy for Black than white scenario protagonists. In contrast, for the same scenario on Platform 2, surveytakers exhibited a statistically-significant empathy gap (N=781, p=.0442), with white surveytakers expressing more empathy for white than Black protagonists. These conflicting results are explained by a previously unaccounted-for variable: social dominance orientation (SDO), which measures an individual's preference for hierarchy. Platform 2 surveytakers had much higher SDO scores than Platform 1 surveytakers. When combining data across platforms (N=1199), low SDO surveytakers exhibited a reverse empathy gap and high SDO surveytakers exhibited an empathy gap; in- vs. out-group-condition moderated the relationship between SDO and empathy (p=.0022). Similarly, both SDO and in- vs. out-group-condition influenced donation amount (p=.1227). Additionally, the relationship between empathy and donation was moderated by both SDO and in- vs. out-group (p=.0199). Partisanship data followed similar trends. These results highlight how hidden differences in population samples can lead to replication failures and even statistically significant, conflicting results. Given significant replication challenges, social science researchers need to account for SDO and similar overlooked factors.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Sun, Sierra\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The Waterford School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"UT\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25233\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:49.800263Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d3b06cd9275f04fb18124294c761c9ebb3904d0b525f74efdd1de6176d73898b\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25233\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:51.293660Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c2e61dc81babe0ea7e6a62f2c476f5436a7665587425628d6c3720d4b88352ba\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25233\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BEHA015-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c2e61dc81babe0ea7e6a62f2c476f5436a7665587425628d6c3720d4b88352ba\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25233\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:d3b06cd9275f04fb18124294c761c9ebb3904d0b525f74efdd1de6176d73898b\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BEHA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BEHA021\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"The Effect of Absence of Select Languages on Amount of Divergence in Reconstruction of Proto-Romance\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Diachronic linguistics is the scientific study of language and its change across time. Historically, the vast majority of research in the field has overfocused on languages with large speaker bases, which leads to accuracy and bias concerns. This issue is especially visible in Romance linguistics, the subfield where linguists work to reconstruct proto-Romance, the last common ancestor of the languages that descend from Latin. The purpose of this study is to employ quantitative and qualitative methods to determine the relative importance that select Romance languages have in the accurate reconstruction of proto-Romance. Using a cladistic approach to selection and the Comparative Method of reconstruction, 672 reconstructed words were created using wordforms from specific dialects of five languages: Spanish, French, Italian, Sardinian, and Romanian. An Excel program was developed to identify patterns of systematic (predictable) or irregular (non-predictable) divergences. The findings indicate that the removal of Sardinian resulted in the highest number of divergences (69.64%), meaning that it is the most important to proto-Romance reconstruction. Qualitative analysis confirmed that Sardinian is the only Romance language that unconditionally retains a distinction between the second-highest and third-highest vowel qualities of proto-Romance. This study confirms the necessity of including languages with speaker bases of differing sizes to ensure an accurate reconstruction of proto-Romance. Languages with the fewest speakers are at the highest risk of extinction, yet the protection of our linguistic heritage relies on accurate reconstruction. Future research can expand the language pool to determine if the relative importance findings are upheld.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Michel, Joshua (Shua)\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Chantilly High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"VA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25401\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:51.926715Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2fcb0662c3525db8358526d328007cb201e01c4b9e79c910761f7f9a7fa8985b\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25401\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:53.405226Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3ca65c4fb4c725ef4232b3f5f4a0c1e73e8b1f9bee93fda197e58f4d71eb2833\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25401\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BEHA021-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3ca65c4fb4c725ef4232b3f5f4a0c1e73e8b1f9bee93fda197e58f4d71eb2833\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25401\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:2fcb0662c3525db8358526d328007cb201e01c4b9e79c910761f7f9a7fa8985b\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BEHA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BEHA023\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Towards Improved Recognition and Diagnosis of Autism Among Females \u2013 A Novel Approach Using Machine Learning\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social and verbal impairments, affecting 1 in 36 children. ASD diagnosis is based on behavioral observations, caregiver interviews, and clinical questionnaires. Autism in females is more likely to be missed, compared to males, as their behavioral symptoms present in ways that may not fit current diagnostic criteria. This study aims to evaluate the gender bias in current diagnostic tests for autism and identify behaviors that can predict autism more accurately among females.\\nA public dataset (ABIDE) of 1112 individuals \u2013 948 males, 164 females, 539 autistic and 573 non-autistic was used. This included test scores for the common diagnostic instruments - Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), and Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). Exploratory data analysis revealed statistical gender differences for SCQ, SRS total, and SRS communication scores. Machine learning (ML) analysis further validated the gender bias as autism classification accuracy with current behaviors was 95% for males versus 85% for females. A minimal set of 12 most predictive behavioral features for females was derived from the original 23 (reduction of 49%) and run on six ML algorithms. Random Forest had the highest accuracy (91%) in classifying female autism, with this reduced feature set. These results support potential modifications to autism diagnostic criteria for females\u2013 reducing overreliance on ADOS and emphasizing questionnaires like SCQ and SRS and interviews (ADI_R) more reliably. Building automated screening tools for these can facilitate faster, more accurate and gender equitable autism diagnoses.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Tangirala, Aanika\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Lakeside School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"OR\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25428\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:54.035917Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:150f8b751955dab5c925e14160a9a42d5fe4a23e451b034c4a7e5c7183dc7b78\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25428\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:55.582627Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a8f6e6f97232af4e0db2239a854f2dd08eea9f5c1cf4a6bb135e310834da4017\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25428\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BEHA023-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a8f6e6f97232af4e0db2239a854f2dd08eea9f5c1cf4a6bb135e310834da4017\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25428\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:150f8b751955dab5c925e14160a9a42d5fe4a23e451b034c4a7e5c7183dc7b78\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BEHA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BEHA050\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"The Use of Rhythmic Light Therapy To Entrain Gamma Oscillations and the Circadian System in Patients With Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD)\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The increasing prevalence of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD), has prompted urgent exploration of interventions for patients, particularly those with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), who are at increased risk of progressing to AD. Neural oscillations, notably gamma oscillations at 40 Hz, have shown promise in framing cognitive functions and their implications in AD pathology. Previous research in both animal models and humans has demonstrated the potential of 40 Hz oscillations in reducing AD pathology and influencing cognitive function. The posterior cingulate cortex and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex are emerging imaging markers associated with AD, and alterations in cross-frequency bands have also been linked to learning and memory impairments. Based on these past observations, a novel intervention using light to enhance circadian entrainment and administer neurostimulation was pioneered to improve sleep and cognition in older adults with MCI and mild AD. A range of benefits from this light intervention on alertness and cognition were observed, with consistent enhancement in brain response across all participants. Understanding the complexities of non-pharmacological interventions and their impact on cognitive functions is crucial for developing new therapeutic approaches. This study lays the groundwork for effective and non-invasive interventions targeting neural oscillations, offering promising avenues for the management of cognitive impairments, a venture where the US government alone spends $3.7 billion annually.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Singh, Jessica\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The Bronx High School of Science\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25935\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:56.228738Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:dd0add78903801a8756c6feac035b6d3bd77d450aefe238a3b1fa75279fdfc1c\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25935\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:57.712335Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f06ecd36b6a507257994db20ec5492df454342c6e9d7c357c820092f64e1bfb8\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25935\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BEHA050-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f06ecd36b6a507257994db20ec5492df454342c6e9d7c357c820092f64e1bfb8\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25935\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:dd0add78903801a8756c6feac035b6d3bd77d450aefe238a3b1fa75279fdfc1c\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED016\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Integrated in silico and in vitro Experimental Strategies for the Application of Carbon Quantum Dots in Alzheimer's Research\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Alzheimer\u2019s is difficult to treat, particularly due to inability of prospective treatments to cross the impermeable blood-brain-barrier(BBB). Neurodegeneration is exacerbated by A\u00df-aggregates and tau protein, caused by NMDA/AMPA/GSK3-\u00df dysfunction. This study evaluated the potential of carbon quantum dots(CQDs), nanomaterials exhibiting BBB-crossing, in Alzheimer\u2019s research, using methylene blue(MB) and ginkgolide-a(GA), carbon-rich, accessible substances, as precursors. Molecular docking between ligands(MB,GA) and macromolecules(AMPA,NMDA,GSK3-\u00df), indicated strong binding affinities(>-5.0kcal/mol). MTT and caspase-3 assays assessing apoptosis were conducted using HTB-11cells. MB/GA increased cell viability and reduced caspase activity in cells exposed to A\u00df(p=.001, .0002, respectively). An ELISA assessed levels of eotaxin protein, which exhibits BBB-crossing and exacerbate tau-pathology/neuroinflammation. A\u00df-exposed CCD-18Co cells displayed reduction of eotaxin by MB/GA(p=.015). Assays displayed MB/GA\u2019s potential to influence Alzheimer\u2019s pathology via interactions found by docking. Finally, CQD\u2019s were hydrothermally synthesized using MB/GA. BR6563,CL2120,CL2122 C. elegans expressing tau and A\u00df respectively, were exposed to CQD\u2019s to evaluate prevalence of neuroprotective effects. Fluorescence levels of  A\u00df/tau in models decreased after CQD exposure, indicating A\u00df/tau reduction (p=.039). Overall, methods provide a versatile,affordable,green method of addressing Alzheimer\u2019s pathology through CQD\u2019s. CQD\u2019s significantly reduced A\u00df/tau expression and apoptosis in models. In-silico molecular docking allows for exploration of numerous interactions, and preliminary in-vitro validation of precursors increases chances of maintaining desired neuroprotective-effects post-synthesis.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Tsai, Alena\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Manhasset High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25105\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:29:58.346931Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:13c99dc3f875f435dd396ca2354e2a94c957f1369cc7c22abb5b01a4eb2ab937\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25105\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:00.636348Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e1e4f3bcc01e8577453b244430de37f79d185872f1dd2417aa1167405b9fba6a\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25105\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED016-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e1e4f3bcc01e8577453b244430de37f79d185872f1dd2417aa1167405b9fba6a\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25105\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:13c99dc3f875f435dd396ca2354e2a94c957f1369cc7c22abb5b01a4eb2ab937\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED031\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Lithium Iron Phosphate Promotes Tumor Cell Growth by Shaping Mitochondrial Function\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Water pollution is a critical threat to human health as it can lead to increased cancer risk. More than 22 carcinogens can be found in the drinking water, including heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. As the use of lithium-ion batteries is dramatically increasing, it is essential to identify its uncertain potential health hazard. This study investigated the tumorigenesis potential of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), widely used in electric vehicle batteries. An MTT proliferation assay was used to test the influence of LiFePO4 on the growth of cells involving the colon, breast, lung, and brain, four common cancers. The Seahorse Assay and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed to identify the impact of LiFePO4 on mitochondria-relative cell energic metabolism and mitochondrial ultrastructure, respectively. The results suggested that LiFePO4 enhances human MDA-MB-231 and mouse 4T1 breast cancer cell growth but doesn\u2019t affect colon or brain cancer cell proliferation. Although a high concentration of LiFePO4 induces mouse TC1 lung cancer cells, no evidence suggests that LiFePO4 impacts human A549 lung cancer cells. The Seahorse Assay indicated that LiFePO4 represses oxygen consumption-related respiration in mitochondria (relating to oxidative phosphorylation) of breast MDA-MB-231 cells while promoting cell glycolytic activity. The TEM suggested that the increase in mitochondria in LiFePO4-treated breast cancer cells could be attributed to mitochondrial fission. Together, these findings reveal the potential of LiFePO4 in promoting breast cancer cell growth and provide insight into mechanisms underlying the LiFePO4-induced breast cancer cell growth by programming/modulating the cell energic metabolism.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Teng, Lucy\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"duPont Manual High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"KY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25234\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:01.256230Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6553300f32f8b12047e249a9b5f36027099d17a758b21da37c74bc7f39cadee6\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25234\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:03.602044Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f4671fce7e0febce8211303742a969a81cf8048aee455f10a4e17a6b92a36849\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25234\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED031-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f4671fce7e0febce8211303742a969a81cf8048aee455f10a4e17a6b92a36849\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25234\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:6553300f32f8b12047e249a9b5f36027099d17a758b21da37c74bc7f39cadee6\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED042\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Validating and Evaluating Expression of New Tumor Targets Across Cancers: Protein X as a Potential Target for Cancer Drug Development\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Lung and ovarian cancers continue to be leading causes of cancer deaths in the United States, and refining the treatment of these cancers is needed to improve patient survival. The goal of this research project was to develop a methodology to identify protein biomarkers as potential targets for refined cancer treatment.  This novel methodology combined an immunohistochemistry assay with a prevalence study. The immunohistochemistry assay was developed with an antibody selection test to confirm antibody specificity, a titration test to optimize antibody concentration, and an antigen retrieval test to optimize epitope-antibody binding. The prevalence study involved a robust assay, digital quantitative image analysis, and data analysis. With this methodology, the important immune system protein, Protein X, was quantified and evaluated across two indications of cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and ovarian cancer. Protein X expression was quantified and evaluated across 594 samples from NSCLC and ovarian cancer patients. Data analysis demonstrated that Protein X was significantly expressed on NSCLC (p<0.0001) compared to its expression in normal tissue, and significantly expressed on one major NSCLC subtype, squamous cell lung cancer (p<0.003). Protein X was not significantly expressed in ovarian cancer. The findings from this project indicate that Protein X is a potential biomarker and refined treatment target for NSCLC. Furthermore, the optimized immunohistochemistry assay developed in this study is applicable to identify other novel cancer biomarkers for precision drug development in a standardized manner.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Song, Erin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Horace Greeley High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25602\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:04.232677Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4dd1f7c744e0cd2b1a7cf62b593d499747a763eb5745afacefa05d22fda54e35\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25602\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:05.733267Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8bc910c7f2c79220c94949083d7899cff4e3c8401e84b134120bedc2563b5365\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25602\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED042-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8bc910c7f2c79220c94949083d7899cff4e3c8401e84b134120bedc2563b5365\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25602\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:4dd1f7c744e0cd2b1a7cf62b593d499747a763eb5745afacefa05d22fda54e35\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED043\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"The Identification of a Potential Novel Breast Cancer Biomarker Through Hypomethylation Analysis at Transcription Ending Site (TES)\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed disease among women, with 2.3 million new cases and 669,000 deaths identified in 2022 alone. Most studies on epigenetic diagnosis biomarkers for BC focus on hyper/hypomethylation patterns of genes at the transcription starting sites, near the promoter region. The aim of this work is to explore the role of epigenetic patterns at the transcription ending sites (TES). Since transposable elements can act as alternative polyadenylation signals, it was hypothesized that hypomethylation at transcription ending sites (TES) may serve as a biomarker for breast cancer because increased activity in transposon regions can induce mutations. The methylation levels of bisulfite-treated reads from publicly-accessible healthy and cancerous human breast cell lines data were compared by extracting methylation metrics at each cytosine in the dataset. Upon producing a visualization plot of the average methylation levels across the gene set, a hypomethylation downward spike pattern was observed at TES. Subsequently, calling upon differentially methylated regions (DMRs) reported statistical significance (q < 0.05) in the observed pattern, suggesting that hypomethylation at TES is a significant candidate for a BC biomarker.  The identified hypomethylated TES pattern provides a new potential BC risk diagnosis pathway that is more cost-efficient than imaging techniques and less invasive than biopsy-based diagnostic methods, as the hypomethylation pattern could be identified through circulating tumor DNA in blood.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Iordachi, Felicia\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Theoretical High School \\\" Orizont, Durlesti \\\"\",\n        \"country\": \"Republic of Moldova\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25635\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:06.368934Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:cc4176ad4d9172aca76fabd32f0ea0d046fd174634ff81305547a9ffea638f00\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25635\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:08.333769Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7f826621746425361b275a1153363b47e086c6079ca289eaad16b63ed12c6faf\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25635\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED043-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7f826621746425361b275a1153363b47e086c6079ca289eaad16b63ed12c6faf\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25635\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:cc4176ad4d9172aca76fabd32f0ea0d046fd174634ff81305547a9ffea638f00\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED062\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Genetic Analysis of CD16+ Monocyte, CD16- Monocyte and CD4+ T Lymphocyte Cells to Identify Novel Gene Expression Signatures and Develop a Diagnostic Tool for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an incurable chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its tissues, causing widespread inflammation and organ damage. Due to the lack of a single test for SLE diagnosis, multiple generalized methods are currently employed by doctors to detect the presence of the disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate gene expressions in CD16+ monocyte, CD16- monocyte and CD4+ T lymphocyte cells to identify gene expression signatures unique to SLE to improve diagnostic processes and outcomes for patients with SLE, or at risk of acquiring SLE. Raw gene probe data was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus. Statistical significance was determined by calculating p-values for gene probe expressions between healthy patients and those with SLE, covering all 54,675 gene probes and three cell types. The gene probes with the most significant statistical difference were identified and evaluated. Excluding transcription genes, the top three gene probes identified in the study were associated with the ATP6V0C, UBA1, and TGFB1 genes. Quantile-quantile plots confirmed statistical appropriateness for genetic analysis. Further evaluation determined that the ATP6V0C, UBA1 and TGFB1 genes associated with the CD16- monocyte cell type represents a unique and novel gene expression signature for the identification of SLE in patients. Gene probe expression ranges were established for these gene probes which serve as a diagnostic tool for the presence, or genetic predisposition, of SLE. This diagnostic tool can detect SLE in a single blood sample, improving diagnostic outcomes for patients and reducing healthcare costs.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"LeBlanc, Maya\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Abbey Park High School\",\n        \"country\": \"Canada\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25610\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:08.966611Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3fbb60788b19032eff1b1afb13833881137ba572e55407eb184155f4c2dcf571\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25610\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:10.578678Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2c80d8672bdc13a41a6a424ff4c8d795536a6b2f901ec4ebc49003cc1449ae81\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25610\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED062-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2c80d8672bdc13a41a6a424ff4c8d795536a6b2f901ec4ebc49003cc1449ae81\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25610\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:3fbb60788b19032eff1b1afb13833881137ba572e55407eb184155f4c2dcf571\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED075\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"China Association for Science and Technology (CAST)\",\n        \"raw\": \"China Association for Science and Technology (CAST): Award of $1,200\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Novel Identification of the Epigenetic Enzyme JMJD1a in Neuroinflammation\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Neuroinflammation in the hippocampus and hypothalamus constitutes the common pathology underlying various neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic syndrome, respectively. Environmental inducers of neuroinflammation, including infections, toxin exposure, and mechanical injury, may change brain epigenetic regulation of gene expression, which can lead to alterations in neural activity and metabolic imbalances. Thus, I hypothesize that epigenetics, functioning at the gene-environment interface, may play a role in the development of diseases with neuroinflammatory-related pathologies. In this research, high-grade acute and chronic neuroinflammatory phenotypes were successfully generated in C57BL/6J mice through the intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After screening epigenetic enzymes in the hippocampus and hypothalamus through qPCR, I further determined the protein levels of the key epigenetic enzymes through Western Blotting. The results indicated that LPS-induced neuroinflammation was associated with overall elevated hippocampal and hypothalamic gene and protein expression levels of Jumonji C domain-containing protein 1a (JMJD1A), a histone demethylase. Furthermore, I discovered that high-fat diet-induced low-grade neuroinflammation in mice is also associated with marginally elevated hippocampal gene and protein expression levels of JMJD1a. These results unravel, for the first time, that hippocampal and hypothalamic JMJD1a is responsive to neuroinflammation and could play an important epigenetic regulatory function in the inflammatory pathways. The discovery of JMJD1a could pave a new avenue for combating neuroinflammatory diseases and advance our knowledge in neuroinflammatory processes and the related mechanisms.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Fan, Baochan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Hamilton High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AZ\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25920\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:11.199765Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e10b539c8a74569ae863dac4865ce4bbb3f9acfdd5e9885903406d53a9dd8739\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25920\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:12.668459Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:37881a81dc4282734759bd0eb620c895f85f55dbd7c8726f603db0b741b53162\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25920\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED075-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:37881a81dc4282734759bd0eb620c895f85f55dbd7c8726f603db0b741b53162\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25920\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:e10b539c8a74569ae863dac4865ce4bbb3f9acfdd5e9885903406d53a9dd8739\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED076\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Discovery of Rs887829 as the Genetic Polymorphism Responsible for Reduced UGT1A1 mRNA Expression in a Diverse Cohort\",\n    \"abstract\": \"UGT1A1 is an enzyme involved in metabolizing Irinotecan, a DNA topoisomerase class I inhibitor chemotherapeutic drug. Polymorphisms within the UGT1A1 promoter reduce UGT1A1 mRNA expression, rendering individuals susceptible to heightened drug toxicity. Irinotecan toxicity makes it crucial to identify the polymorphisms responsible for reduced mRNA expression and then use the polymorphism as a biomarker for personalized therapy. Previous research studied only Caucasian individuals and determined that a polymorphism within the UGT1A1 gene promoter's TATA box was responsible for reduced mRNA expression. Although this polymorphism has been used to guide Irinotecan prescriptions, it is loosely associated with reduced mRNA expression in other populations. Comparing drug response rates between Caucasians and African Americans prescribed Irinotecan based on the presence of the TATA box polymorphism, reveals reduced response rates among African Americans. Therefore, this research expands its scope to encompass both African-American and Caucasian populations. This study investigates a nearby single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs887829, located within 300 base pairs of and in linkage disequilibrium with the TATA box polymorphism. Liver samples were collected from both groups, with subsequent extraction of gDNA and mRNA. UGT1A1 mRNA expression was recorded for all samples. The UGT1A1 gene promoter region was amplified, and genomic analysis was conducted to determine the genotype for both polymorphisms in all samples. A linear regression model was used to determine the association between the presence of one of the polymorphisms and reduced UGT1A1 mRNA expression. The rs887829 SNP was determined to more accurately predict reduced UGT1A1 mRNA expression in both groups.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ferber, Jonah\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Pine Crest School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25750\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:13.303659Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:06a970c7433ed798db7994c50b9decdff60b863461587cb20bd073758cb7dd86\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25750\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:14.743866Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:844b8ad99e6e9d6f673ab61576dde45ecdae19f9d711d34503f65cad4179d3d6\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25750\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED076-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:844b8ad99e6e9d6f673ab61576dde45ecdae19f9d711d34503f65cad4179d3d6\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25750\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:06a970c7433ed798db7994c50b9decdff60b863461587cb20bd073758cb7dd86\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED077\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n        \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"FungiBug: Detection of Fungal Infection via a Rapid, Accurate, Handheld Small Blood Volume Diagnostic Device and Color Analysis\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus[1], and its secondary bacterial and fungal infections [2-5] have created an urgent need for a new, Small Biological Sampling Volume Diagnostic (SBVD) Device, which is Handheld, Low-Cost, Fast, and Reliable. This device needs to detect new rising pathogens at the triage level -  before pathogen identification and specific tests can be developed and widely distributed. Pathogen load evaluation is needed to rapidly evaluate both the infection degree of severity and therapies effectiveness.\\nPresently, state-of-the art infection diagnostics in Blood, Serum, Urine, Sputum and Spinal fluids use the universally accepted Colony Forming Units (CFUs) counting. This requires 10-30 mL of fluid and 24-72 hours of incubation, taking days for results, and yielding 30% false positives. This excess of diagnosed infections leads to massive overuse of antibiotics and costs US hospitals ~ $20 Billion/year.\\nThe device concept investigated in this study, FungiBug\u2122, aims to test pathogen detection and count pathogen loads using SYBR-safe fluorescent dyes that bind to nucleic acid pairs in DNA/RNA helices. Recently, macroscopic bacterial detection was tested successfully using 0.3 mL drops of SYBR-safe dyes on 0.3 mL calibrated pathogen solutions, via the first proof-of-concept studies to develop InnovaBug\u2122 [6-9] . The present work uses the same approach to detect fungal infections by Macroscopic Epi-Fluorescence using SYBR-safe dyes on fungal colonies for FungiBug\u2122.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Sreepathy, Rishabh\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"ASU SCENE\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AZ\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25965\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:15.369712Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:98cfa566b996a6bf79dec4803e4aa37d5868a51b8756c4629baf70912ef21528\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25965\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:16.838222Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c2a6f1ae5c91df3806b4e03b7f1e30721843f6eaba7159f4d4ad9ebeed241d2f\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25965\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED077-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c2a6f1ae5c91df3806b4e03b7f1e30721843f6eaba7159f4d4ad9ebeed241d2f\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25965\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:98cfa566b996a6bf79dec4803e4aa37d5868a51b8756c4629baf70912ef21528\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED084\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Ashwagandha as Treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Zebrafish Models\",\n    \"abstract\": \"This research study was performed to determine whether Ashwagandha can be used as an effective treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Zebrafish embryo models. IBD is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that currently affects around 3 million people in the United States and has no known cure. Many pharmaceutical and herbal treatments have been found that can help lessen the severity and symptoms of the disease, but the search for a completely effective drug is an ongoing study. Ashwagandha, an Ancient Ayurvedic herb known for its extensive beneficial health benefits, has anti-inflammatory properties that have the potential to be used as a successful IBD treatment. The use of Zebrafish embryos 0-7 days post fertilization as a chemically induced IBD model is a commonly practiced method for testing IBD. At the highest treatment levels, embryonic models exhibited significantly reduced inflammation and a lack of commonly observed IBD characteristics.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ford, Sophia\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Cor Jesu Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MO\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25932\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:17.458990Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5ac2681bec1d2b330ce428eab5fb0e5e2a85e374e587f9346dfd1a28fe220ecb\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25932\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:18.899525Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6b0f4d8df1775518447ab38cd2550512403af9b4e0397e1b6f3cfd58f69135d6\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25932\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED084-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6b0f4d8df1775518447ab38cd2550512403af9b4e0397e1b6f3cfd58f69135d6\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25932\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:5ac2681bec1d2b330ce428eab5fb0e5e2a85e374e587f9346dfd1a28fe220ecb\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED090\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n        \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Development of a Cathepsin B-Responsive Hydrogel for the Targeted Delivery of Cancer Immunotherapy\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Adoptive Cell Therapy (ACT) is a promising form of Immunotherapy, wherein T-Lymphocytes are propagated in the laboratory and re-infused into patients. However, a major limitation to ACT is Cytokine Release Syndrome, a life-threatening autoimmune disorder. Proposed strategies include the targeted delivery and controlled release of ACT to tumors. Hydrogels are biomaterials with suitable conditions for cell viability. Cathepsin B is a protease overexpressed on cancer cells, and is selectively capable of cleaving the dipeptide Valine-Citrulline (VCit). To overcome the current limitations of ACT, I developed a hydrogel incorporating the VCit peptide, to selectively degrade from a Cathepsin B stimulus, for targeted delivery and controlled release of ACT. VCit was synthesized using Fmoc-SPPS, purified using Prep-HPLC, and confirmed by Mass Spectroscopy. The peptide was conjugated to the polymer Polyethylene Glycol Diacrylate via Michael-type addition, which was confirmed by NMR. Following gelation under UVA light, the hydrogel was incubated in a Cathepsin B solution to assess degradation over 24 hours. After 0.5 hours, the hydrogel displayed, on average, a 41.4% reduction in weight, significantly higher than controls, and minimal weight was lost in the remaining period. These results indicate the hydrogel\u2019s rapid and controlled degradation in correlation with Cathepsin B levels. Furthermore, the hydrogel was able to release a 5-fold greater number of T-cells in Cathepsin B solutions than water. These results suggest clinical utility of this hydrogel for controlled and direct delivery of ACT to overcome existing side effects. Future research will further quantify and optimize the hydrogel performance through in-vivo studies.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kaleekal, Noah\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Irvington High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=26009\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:19.518383Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d2d9096fae969e134b8a86f36552b849e42754eef97b6666e57bd1383ea6cb2c\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=26009\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:20.997769Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4b4c8b8a628b71000cc21c19e4d1e2f3956f060e6800cb0c658635eb05dd75f6\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=26009\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED090-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4b4c8b8a628b71000cc21c19e4d1e2f3956f060e6800cb0c658635eb05dd75f6\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-26009\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:d2d9096fae969e134b8a86f36552b849e42754eef97b6666e57bd1383ea6cb2c\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CBIO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CBIO011\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"NC State College of Engineering\",\n        \"raw\": \"NC State College of Engineering: Scholarship to attend NC State Engineering Summer Camp\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Utilizing Deep Learning to Facilitate Diagnosis of Look-Alike Leukemia Subtypes\",\n    \"abstract\": \"B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are the 2 most common leukemias. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 59,610 leukemia cases and 23,710 deaths in 2023. Early detection of leukemia subtypes is critical in prescribing effective treatment strategies to maximize survival rates. Past studies using machine learning (ML) for diagnosing leukemia have achieved significant results, but very few studies were extended to cover the detection of specific leukemia subtypes. B-ALL and AML subtypes are difficult to distinguish because they have similar morphology. The objective of this study is to develop a novel dual-input model to distinguish subtypes of B-ALL and AML. Transfer learning will be utilized, and different classification algorithms: Fully-connected (FC), FC + Batch Normalization (BN), Global average pooling (GAP) will be tested on top of 3 pre-trained CNNs (VGG16, DenseNet201, InceptionResNetv2). Image segmentation will identify malignant cells, and data augmentation will apply transformations to increase the number of training samples. The model\u2019s hyperparameters will be finetuned while checkpoints and early stopping callbacks track loss and mitigate overfitting. Of all CNNs tested, DenseNet201 with the GAP classifier achieved optimal test accuracy of 96.62% with an AUC score of 0.9989.  An app called LST Detector will be developed for public use and to create a community-supported repository of blood smear images for the model to undergo further training. This model is the first to successfully identify all morphologically similar subtypes of B-ALL and AML leukemias.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Chan, Tessla\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Roslyn High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25062\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:21.623252Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:78c20b57f6f1bfa38a29135c86bce41d494318c5c7c9432a533dd9e2720adc35\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25062\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:23.115523Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:52035662d7151f28728025963bc99be016661b5acabf3588db91df791be60f1c\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25062\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CBIO011-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:52035662d7151f28728025963bc99be016661b5acabf3588db91df791be60f1c\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25062\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:78c20b57f6f1bfa38a29135c86bce41d494318c5c7c9432a533dd9e2720adc35\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CBIO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CBIO014\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Modeling Neuron Energy Efficiency and Consumption Using Hodgkin-Huxley Equations With Analysis and Application\",\n    \"abstract\": \"In the human brain, high amounts of metabolic energy are required to maintain neural activity. A large fraction of this energy is expended in the generation and firing of action potentials, as each requires an ATP-driven ion pump to restore the ionic concentration gradient. This project analyzes the biophysical accurate Hodgkin-Huxley (H-H) model as an energy model to evaluate the metabolic energy consumption of an isolated neuron. A MATLAB-based simulation of an H-H neuron's derived voltage and ionic currents at various external inputs is created. Using this model, the ATP supply and total energy consumption are measured. Then, various parameters, such as the conductances, temperature, and external currents, are optimized to minimize energy consumption and improve the neurons\u2019 energy efficiency. Studying neurons' energy consumption and efficiency provides greater insight into diseases associated with impaired brain energetics, such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease. This project aims to use the results of minimized energy calculations for applications in understanding and creating targeted treatments for these disorders.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Chasmawala, Zahra\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"KY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25033\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:23.731416Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:48ae6da5bf8e043a7cb9802901437c18864c1a99793ee2573947f66aca749082\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25033\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:25.198485Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4ae71be88dbde829980946aaf67ec558e339484f680f5967be232eaab820a22a\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25033\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CBIO014-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4ae71be88dbde829980946aaf67ec558e339484f680f5967be232eaab820a22a\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25033\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:48ae6da5bf8e043a7cb9802901437c18864c1a99793ee2573947f66aca749082\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CBIO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CBIO045\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"ViGAR: Viral Genome Annotation with Recurrent Neural Networks - Facilitating Drug Therapy Research for Thousands of Understudied Viruses\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Globally, numerous living organisms suffer from viral infections. Genome annotation is the process of mapping coding-sequences (CDS) of a genome. CDS are the portions of the genome that are translated into mRNA. An infected host cell will utilize this mRNA to synthesize the viral protiens. Understanding CDS locations within the genome aids researchers to unravel the virus's biology, identify the proteins it creates, and discover potential drug therapies. NCBI GenBank serves as a national repository for genomes. Presently, GenBank contains 83,909 viral genomes, yet only 38,567 of them are annotated. 45,342 viral genomes remain unannotated in GenBank, leaving a significant void in our comprehension of various viruses and their subsequent drug therapies. ViGAR (Viral Genome Annotation with Recurrent Neural Networks), helps address this gap. ViGAR utilizes a 2 layer stacked Bidirectional LSTM (bLSTM) network. Each bLSTM layer contained 256 units in both directions. Layer normalization was done between layers. The output layer was a 2 neuron TimeDistributed Dense layer with sigmoid activation. 14,819 genomes were downloaded from NCBI RefSeq to train the model. Data was preprocessed using one-hot encoding. ViGAR was evaluated on 3000 random samples. ViGAR excels at annotating CDS on viral genomes, achieving approximately 96% recall, 93% F-1 score, and 91% precision on test data. Additionally, ViGAR can annotate genome sequences virtually instantly. This research shows LSTMs can achieve higher accuracy and speed than traditional genome annotation models. ViGAR will facilitate fast and accurate drug therapy research for thousands of unannotated viral genomes.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Gupta , Ritvik\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Johnston High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"IA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25785\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:25.821882Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7a5ac47d6603a3d9d912ddb5d45bf6ab6ae6dd6d6ea0e302fdf623ff32436f01\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25785\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:27.381648Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:58bec1799b1c1da1746feefce31d84589c7f4f9e95283150cbb3f1dc50f778a5\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25785\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CBIO045-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:58bec1799b1c1da1746feefce31d84589c7f4f9e95283150cbb3f1dc50f778a5\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25785\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:7a5ac47d6603a3d9d912ddb5d45bf6ab6ae6dd6d6ea0e302fdf623ff32436f01\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CBIO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CBIO051\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"3-Dimensional Visualization of Cell Behavior and Movement in Tissue\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The ability to visualize cell behavior within the 3-dimensional space of a tissue is invaluable for understanding cell function. Although open-source and professional software exist to analyze cell movement in 3D, in some cases available software is unable to track cells over time due to densely packed cells or low resolution imaging of the tissue. Using confocal microscopes, biologists can collect a series of 2-dimensional images scanned at different heights through the thickness of a tissue. The purpose of this project is to visualize the movement of cells in dense tissue in 3 dimensions, from images that were acquired at low resolution in order to avoid bleaching of fluorescent signals and tissue damage by confocal microscope lasers. I am currently working with images of Drosophila ovarian tissue to visualize follicle stem cell movement around germline cysts in the germarium. Using stacks of manually segmented images of stem cells and germline cysts, and using coordinates from the segmentations, a Python program was written to create a 3D wireframe animation. The wireframe allows visual transparency through each element, so that the stem cells can be seen through the germline cysts. In addition, any element can be hidden in order to better visualize the remaining elements, a feature that is especially helpful for a dense tissue. The animation can be rotated to view from any angle, and zoomed in and out. This program allows visualization of follicle stem cell movement around germline cysts in 3D for the first time.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Chhabra, Taj\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Hunter College High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25939\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:28.019948Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:90e800f41801a87eb59513921ae88a641786d320495ba0cd4b608b33c0ea6b3f\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25939\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:29.465411Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d2c82bd2de4d34cbda42abb4784bbc7028a4727c81023986c0dc5bd271a29b56\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25939\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CBIO051-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d2c82bd2de4d34cbda42abb4784bbc7028a4727c81023986c0dc5bd271a29b56\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25939\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:90e800f41801a87eb59513921ae88a641786d320495ba0cd4b608b33c0ea6b3f\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CBIO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CBIO054\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"T-STM : Spatio Temporal Modeling of the Tumor-Microenvironment for in silico  Testing of Immunomodulatory Drug Combinations for Enhanced Triple Negative Breast Cancer Immunotherapy\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Breast cancer affects 2.3 million women annually with the five-year survival rate for Triple-negative-breast-cancer (TNBC) being 12%. Current immunotherapy treatments are effective only in 25% patients as the multiple immunosuppressive mechanisms of the Tumor-microenvironment (TME) are not understood. T-STM is the first of its kind multi-agent, Spatial-temporal-modeling based simulation of the TNBC TME. T-STM uses a novel hybrid approach with discrete models to characterize tumor, stromal and immune interactions; driven by tumor and patient-specific metabolic profiles, signaling and immune infiltration patterns derived from TCGA(The-Cancer-Genome-Atlas) data along with partial-differential-equations for modeling nutrient diffusion and the multiple immunosuppressive pathways in the TME. Simulation results were successfully validated with TCGA histopathological immunophenotypes matching and cell fraction histograms showing high correlation with r values between 0.785 and 0.91. Simulations run on 100 TNBC datasets for 150 days, testing for optimal combinations of immunomodulatory drugs showed best tumor reduction for the combination of TLR9 agonist with P13k, mTOR and IDO inhibitors combined with LAG3 and PDL1 blockade with an average of 80% reduction in tumor cells across 40 datasets. T-STM shows best immune-efficacy with low stroma and high tumor-infiltrating-lymphocytes scenario validated by Kaplan\u2013Meier survival curves (hazard ratio 0.308 , P = 0.0219) with stromal permeability boost increasing immune response. T-STM can potentially shorten the drug development cycles through identification of combination inhibitor therapies based on simulated remission rates to create customized therapeutics for enhanced cancer immunotherapy with reduced costs.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Venkatesh, Ajeet\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Nikola Tesla STEM High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"WA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25937\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:30.095225Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4cb2ac91dee64685a8c6761bc80bb191c6a2b5c1a3a4d85546955af579d7449f\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25937\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:31.608462Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:443472020b407030df5fbafb0ab2ca0b57c0b39c38aaa4c9ccb96e0a4ba4b79b\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25937\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CBIO054-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:443472020b407030df5fbafb0ab2ca0b57c0b39c38aaa4c9ccb96e0a4ba4b79b\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25937\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:4cb2ac91dee64685a8c6761bc80bb191c6a2b5c1a3a4d85546955af579d7449f\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CBIO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CBIO058\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Intraoperative Brain Tumor Detection Using Raman Spectroscopy Data and Machine Learning\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The aim of this research is to detect tumor tissue during brain surgery using data preprocessing and machine learning. Brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related death in children in the United States.  Gliomas, the most common type of malignant brain tumor, pose significant treatment challenges affecting patient survival rates. Radical and safe resection is the most effective treatment for brain tumor patients. This involves the complete removal of tumor tissue while preserving the healthy brain tissue. The accuracy of tumor detection is crucial for successful surgery.\\nA novel approach for continuous perioperative monitoring of resection boundaries is the use of Raman spectroscopy. This technique evaluates the biochemical composition of tissue through spectral analysis. The spectra obtained during brain surgery are preprocessed by various methods, including the Savitzky-Golay filter, Min-max normalization, rotation, and baseline correction, to optimize results of classification via KNN, Decision Tree, or Random Forest.\\nA new baseline calculation method was developed, which was essential for effective data preprocessing. After preprocessing, a significant difference was found between the spectra of brain and tumor tissue at the Raman shift 1460 cm^-1. The resulting program can accurately distinguish between healthy brain and tumor tissue with an accuracy of 89%, and has a tumor identification accuracy over 96%.\\nThis represents a significant improvement in the intraoperative identification of tumor tissue. In conclusion, the combination of Raman spectroscopy, data transformation, and machine learning can be an effective tool for surgeons to achieve radical and safe resection of gliomas, improving patient survival.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Pippal, Nikolas\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Gymnazium Olomouc - Hejcin\",\n        \"country\": \"Czech Republic\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25969\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:32.226047Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c9fcfe1fad43d385d2a18c2a04e38e8f2182cdea1539669b246f9dd080bc05e6\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25969\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:34.214890Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f4bbd9a3993c38b8b0859e28ec926f789be9b2f1efde69232e919b462edf2dcf\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25969\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CBIO058-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f4bbd9a3993c38b8b0859e28ec926f789be9b2f1efde69232e919b462edf2dcf\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25969\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:c9fcfe1fad43d385d2a18c2a04e38e8f2182cdea1539669b246f9dd080bc05e6\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CELL\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CELL009\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Elucidating Novel Mechanisms: Berberine Mitigates Cisplatin-Induced Hepatorenal Mitochondrial Dysfunction Through Preservation of Electron Transport Chain Integrity\",\n    \"abstract\": \"A high incidence of hepatorenal impairment in cancer patients treated with cisplatin has been reported. Berberine, a plant alkaloid possesses wide range of medicinal properties. Mitochondrial accumulation of cisplatin and subsequent damage to electron transport chain (ETC) plays a key role in the cisplatin-induced cell death. This study was aimed to elucidate the mitigative role of berberine against cisplatin-induced hepatorenal injury with an in depth focus on mitochondrial functions. Clone 9 and Human renal mesangial cells were treated with 10 \u00b5M berberine for 24 h followed by 20 \u00b5M cisplatin. Cell morphology and intracellular ROS generation (DCFDA), mitochondrial ROS and antioxidant status (RTPCR and Western Blotting), mitochondrial membrane pore transition (Swelling assay), apoptosis (Incucyte), membrane potential (TMRM uptake), respiration and oxygen consumption rate (Seahorse Pro analyzer), protein expression and activities of complexes II, III and IV, and ATP content were measured. Berberine pretreatment significantly reduced intracellular ROS levels and prevented cisplatin-induced cell death. An increase in mitochondrial oxidative stress and reduced antioxidant enzymes by cisplatin subsequently increased mitochondrial swelling and mPTP opening, apoptosis, membrane depolarization, and inhibition of electron chain complexes . Berberine effectively mitigated these deleterious effects, ameliorated mitochondrial functions and prevented cell death. In conclusion, this study has provided significant evidences that berberine preserved the integrity of ETC and mitigated cisplatin-induced hepatic and renal mitochondrial dysfunction  Hence, berberine may be considered as a potential adjuvant drug during and after chemotherapy with cisplatin.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Sridharan, Bhavana\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Little Rock Central High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AR\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25080\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:40.456620Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:23733ef0a4298b53be53c7e5ae8f4b5fe92582f7fe5f06aa2098dc53d864e578\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25080\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:41.582282Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:df348e8c41e4f1a89131ce2cd64b23fcd9e11b1950effb499f12d107b8fc9470\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25080\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CELL009-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:df348e8c41e4f1a89131ce2cd64b23fcd9e11b1950effb499f12d107b8fc9470\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25080\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:23733ef0a4298b53be53c7e5ae8f4b5fe92582f7fe5f06aa2098dc53d864e578\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CELL\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CELL031\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Non-Trivial\",\n        \"raw\": \"Non-Trivial: 10 scholarships for Non-trivial\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Identification of Survivin as a Novel Longevity Biomarker: Towards Developing Novel Anti-Aging Therapeutics\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Cells enter the senescence state when aging occurs, an irreversible cell cycle arrest. This exhibits an age-related increase in the levels of Senescence Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP), resulting in chronic inflammations and age-related diseases. Senolytics, drugs that selectively clear senescent cells, have limited applicability, prompting the need to discover new natural ones. Survivin is an anti-apoptotic crucial for cell cycle regulation. Survivin is over-expressed in cancers and aged fibroblasts, however its role in adipocyte aging is not well understood. This project aimed to study survivin's role in the aging process of breast adipocytes as a potential therapeutic target to treat age-related inflammations. It also aimed to target survivin with a natural compound called Withaferin A, as a novel senolytic to prevent age-related diseases. To achieve these objectives, various biological techniques were utilized. These included oil-red staining, which detects lipid droplets, immunocytochemistry to assess cell proliferation, RT-qPCR to analyze gene expression levels, immunoblotting and ELISA to measure protein levels, and cell transfection. Results indicated that survivin and phospho-survivin increased with age in breast adipocytes leading to a notable elevation in inflammations. Interestingly, treating adipocytes with Withaferin A significantly reduced survivin and phospho-survivin levels, causing a remarkable reduction in inflammations. When survivin was over-expressed in young cells, it led to an increase in inflammations indicating that it is survivin-dependent. This study identifies survivin as a potential therapeutic target for age-related inflammations in breast adipocytes and highlights the efficacy of Withaferin A in mitigating inflammations.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Almazroei, Lana\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Dar Al-Tarbia Al-Hadetha\",\n        \"country\": \"Saudi Arabia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25420\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:42.365357Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:58b9984c7cd2b7c8586b6e982f39eac2df60693d22d8dcf6422539aa0926a698\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25420\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:43.658025Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c0dd4dc469935390edc7b9e4afbf00ecb1749b427b4b7a4694544c852c846e1f\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25420\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CELL031-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c0dd4dc469935390edc7b9e4afbf00ecb1749b427b4b7a4694544c852c846e1f\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25420\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:58b9984c7cd2b7c8586b6e982f39eac2df60693d22d8dcf6422539aa0926a698\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CELL\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CELL036\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n        \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Tinted Truths: Revealing the Relationship Between Tartrazine and the Dysregulation of Retrotransposons and p53 Expression in Drosophila melanogaster\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The p53 gene is a tumor suppressor in the human body that is mutated in 50-60% of human cancers. p53 acts to suppress retrotransposons (jumping genes) within the genome which are prevalent in a multitude of diseases and cancers. This study aimed to find a possible link between the consumption of tartrazine (yellow five food coloring) and increased retrotransposons. The purpose was also to see if Curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) could suppress retrotransposon activity in the genome, similar to 3TC (a suppressor of retrotransposon activity). The study was done using the UAS-Gal4 system in Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly). Firstly, a fly cross was done that caused the dysregulation of retrotransposons in the genome of the progeny, which in turn increased p53 expression.  The flies were fed with the test compounds throughout their life cycle. The F1 generation female ovaries were dissected to observe the percentage of GFP (indicative of retrotransposon activity) that was found in the genome. After performing a T-Test, it was proven that Tartrazine caused a statistically significant increase in retrotransposon activity and hence p53 activity, while curcumin was similar to the control group. 3TC  showed a statistically significant decrease in dysregulation of retrotransposons. This suggests that tartrazine may be causing the derepression of retrotransposons within the genome resulting in p53 activation. This information could help with the prevention of diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's, etc. Hence, tartrazine could be causing the onset of such detrimental diseases and these effects could be mitigated by using curcumin instead.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Gummaraju, Manya\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Plano East Senior High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25740\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:44.280835Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8366c1bafe287e4d975aff018f8876989889b1534c0ae5b75d9deeb7f824d847\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25740\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:45.737272Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:750e3053a8d1c245c8a08b17d960aeccadb6abb7ff1aebd8b5d946c1da33f575\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25740\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CELL036-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:750e3053a8d1c245c8a08b17d960aeccadb6abb7ff1aebd8b5d946c1da33f575\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25740\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:8366c1bafe287e4d975aff018f8876989889b1534c0ae5b75d9deeb7f824d847\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CELL\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CELL044T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Mechanistic Analysis of Intraneuronal Amyloid Beta Aggregation Caused by Cellular Dysfunction in Alzheimer\u2019s Disease\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Alzheimer\u2019s Disease (AD) affects tens of millions of people around the world as the most prevalent form of dementia. A hallmark of AD is the intracellular and extracellular aggregation of the misfolded amyloid beta protein, which contributes to neurodegeneration. While the formation of extracellular amyloid beta plaques is well characterized, pathways for intracellular accumulation and resulting cellular dysfunction are less clear. The goal of this study was to identify and characterize the dominant cellular mechanisms for amyloid beta aggregation.\\nTo do so, the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line was transfected with the APPSwe plasmid, which produces amyloid beta\u2019s precursor protein. Cell lines were treated with one of three chemicals to replicate stress conditions in cellular organelles: hydrogen peroxide to induce general oxidative stress, rotenone to induce mitochondrial stress, and tunicamycin to induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Cells were then stained for amyloid beta-specific antibodies and for cell death. Microscopy, followed by analysis via ImageJ software, was used to determine the chemical, and therefore cellular stress pathway, that induced the most amyloid beta aggregation in cells.\\nTunicamycin most prominently promoted aggregation when measuring the proportion of cell clusters expressing amyloid beta. A significant difference was present compared to both rotenone and hydrogen peroxide for both transfected and non-transfected cells. These results indicate that the ER stress pathway, and thus the cellular protein folding response, most influence intracellular amyloid beta aggregation. This points to therapeutics and preventive options targeted at the ER as potentially viable for combating AD.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Balaji, Ananya\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Ames High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"IA\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Balaji, Avyay\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Ames High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"IA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25818\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:46.367773Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:38aabee6fc41cd04e7e67d1876c45f8bbcdba4cd88fd7f22f927f5b962f7b8de\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25818\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:47.844218Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:958bd591ecea22f5fa9d53f2492ffef6cbfebf0f1e82626cc56fe9576b46c881\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25818\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CELL044T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:958bd591ecea22f5fa9d53f2492ffef6cbfebf0f1e82626cc56fe9576b46c881\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25818\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:38aabee6fc41cd04e7e67d1876c45f8bbcdba4cd88fd7f22f927f5b962f7b8de\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CELL\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CELL045T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"In vitro and in silico Evaluation of Embryogenesis Inhibition Activity of Ethanolic Extracts of Chico (Manilkara zapota) Bark Against Gastrointestinal Strongyle Eggs\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Strongyloides, a group of parasites identified in ruminants, had displayed a growing resistance against commercial anthelmintic treatments which has caused economic losses in livestock and agriculture especially in continents like Asia, Europe, and South America. This study aimed to evaluate the embryogenesis inhibition activity of ethanolic extracts of the tannin-rich chico (Manilkara zapota) bark against gastrointestinal strongyle eggs through an in vitro and in silico evaluation.\\nFor the in vitro evaluation, the chico bark extract at varying concentrations were prepared. Fecal samples identified with strongyle eggs underwent fecalysis and were subjected to the different treatments. The embryogenesis inhibition rate was calculated after data collection. In silico molecular docking of gallotannins, ellagitannins, and ivermectin-B1a with tubulin alpha-1b was conducted using AutoDock Vina and visualized in ChimeraX and PyMol.\\nIn vitro results showed that the higher the concentration of the chico bark, the higher the embryogenesis inhibition rate. Statistical treatment revealed that the extracts of 15.2 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL had no significant difference with ivermectin. Additionally, the extract of highest concentration showed 90.06% effectiveness in inhibiting the development of the eggs. In silico results indicated similar biological activity between tannins and ivermectin-B1a, supporting the extract's mode of action against eggs.\\nIn conclusion, the in vitro results showed that the chico bark extract inhibited embryogenesis and its effectiveness was comparable to ivermectin. Additionally, the in silico evaluation suggested similar biological activity between tannins and ivermectin. Further in vivo and toxicity assays should be conducted by future researchers.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Rentuza, Michaela Ria\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Cebu City National Science High School\",\n        \"country\": \"Philippines\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Macabata, Mikaella Rose Emereene\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Cebu City National Science High School\",\n        \"country\": \"Philippines\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Secuya, Wesly\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Cebu City National Science High School\",\n        \"country\": \"Philippines\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25968\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:48.656205Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:eae525b166bf896f13a1260b46d6bb4bca451a72f3e31c8a46c637baae08d3c8\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25968\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:49.955230Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b4c207ebcd6dc2f3c435f9a7f67f1be73f7e7c44ee55ebf1a54d7c9cf5db6c02\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25968\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CELL045T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b4c207ebcd6dc2f3c435f9a7f67f1be73f7e7c44ee55ebf1a54d7c9cf5db6c02\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25968\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:eae525b166bf896f13a1260b46d6bb4bca451a72f3e31c8a46c637baae08d3c8\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM010\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"M.L.C.E Larvicide: Garcinia mangostana Pericarp and Citrus aurantifolia Leaves Combined Extracts as a Novel Natural Larvicide for Aedes aegypti Larvae\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The rise of vector-borne diseases, particularly dengue fever has highlighted the need to enhance mosquito control. Aedes aegypti is the mosquito species responsible for the rapid transmission of dengue fever, Zika virus and Chikungunya. However, the current mosquito control using synthetic larvicides may lead to a negative impact on the environment, and larvae might develop increased resistance. Hence, natural product-based larvicide is crucially demanded as an environmentally-friendly alternative for mosquito control. This study investigated the larvicidal activity of the combination of Garcinia mangostana pericarp extract and Citrus aurantifolia leaves extract, named the M.L.C.E Larvicide against A. aegypti larvae. Each bioassay consisted of 20 larvae and more than 50 larvicidal bioassays had been conducted at different concentrations of extracts (from 0.025%w/v to 0.4%w/v). The exposure to M.L.C.E caused a significant behavioral change in larvae, thus leading to larval inactivation and 100% mortality at 0.1%w/v. M.L.C.E Larvicide exhibited a greater performance than that of its individual extracts (p<0.05). The combined extract exhibited a similar performance of larvae mortality when compared to the commercialized larvicide, Temephos after 16 hours of exposure. M.L.C.E Larvicide was found to contain bioactive compounds including alpha-mangostin and other GC-MS detected small metabolites such as caryophyllene and germacrene D. They were likely to be the main contributors interfering with the larval development and physiological processes, leading to morphological alterations and larvae mortality. In conclusion, the study highlights the potential of M.L.C.E Larvicide as a natural, eco-friendly and sustainable alternative for mosquito control towards A. aegypti larvae.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Chuah, Yee Jia\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sultan Ismail\",\n        \"country\": \"Malaysia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24787\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:50.575673Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0deaa3546246450df83d9bfa80b96424bb6a8156644021587253883cf12f30de\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24787\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:52.083833Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:44d192fe2c31da7cffc874439ba147e2601da0ce317e4aa6d2a167b3b7816cba\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24787\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM010-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:44d192fe2c31da7cffc874439ba147e2601da0ce317e4aa6d2a167b3b7816cba\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24787\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:0deaa3546246450df83d9bfa80b96424bb6a8156644021587253883cf12f30de\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM016T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"BioPower: A Biochemical Redox-Flow Battery\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Climate change drives governments around the world to switch from carbon-based energy to renewable sources. Wind and solar power are very popular, yet storing enough energy for night or times without wind remains a challenge. A convenient solution are batteries. Most batteries are metal based, yet the required resources are not endless, they are unevenly distributed around the globe, often associated with environmental degradation and their disposal is not always without risks. Therefore, batteries which do not use toxic chemicals, esp. metals or metal salts are of great interest. Such batteries would be much simpler and safer to produce and to dispose, they would be less expensive, non-flammable and ideally non-toxic, they would be capable to store energy loss-free. Currently there are no such batteries commercially available, but they are in focus of research groups worldwide.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Trapp, Julia\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Landheim Ammersee\",\n        \"country\": \"Germany\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Trapp, Alexander\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Landheim Ammersee\",\n        \"country\": \"Germany\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24730\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:52.700120Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1cc07e3285ebff17cf99b46eb5489845b4d9d23a74fd90b98df4d3b779c943f3\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24730\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:54.129570Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:cb7341e6a4555ffa57ae4d8d505399e41b9d2dee65acc4fb6f95ccc55b219760\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24730\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM016T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:cb7341e6a4555ffa57ae4d8d505399e41b9d2dee65acc4fb6f95ccc55b219760\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24730\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:1cc07e3285ebff17cf99b46eb5489845b4d9d23a74fd90b98df4d3b779c943f3\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM017T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Mary Kay Inc.\",\n        \"raw\": \"Mary Kay Inc.: Second Prize\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"HidroQapa: Waterproof Bioplastic Made From Chitosan Extracted From Shrimp Shell Waste\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Several tons of crustacean waste are generated globally due to the mass consumption of seafood such as shrimp, lobster, crab, etc. These are a reservoir of renewable resources such as chitin and derivatives (e.g. chitosan), proteins, calcium carbonate, and pigments. These raw materials that are considered \\\"waste\\\" to the fish industry can be reused to create sustainable and biodegradable products, also reducing waste of resources and pollution of the environment.\\nShrimp shell chitin is obtained by deproteinization, demineralization, and de-pigmentation processes. Chitosan is obtained by deacetylation of chitin. This is a natural, low toxicity polymer that can be manufactured in the form of films, fibers, sheets, and gels. It also has important biological, physiological and pharmacological properties. In addition, the functional groups of this biopolymer allow its use as a hydrophobic agent.\\nThus, this project aimed to synthesize a waterproofing bioplastic in the form of a biofilm for fabrics and other materials, made from chitosan extracted from shrimp shell waste, within the Aquaculture and Fish Industry theme. The product will have to be incorporated into the fabric during the manufacturing process, and these fabrics will have to be disposable, such as medical gauzes, due to the high biodegradability of the polymer.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Mauritty, Frederico\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Colegio Valsassina\",\n        \"country\": \"Portugal\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Filipe, Madalena\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Colegio Valsassina\",\n        \"country\": \"Portugal\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24924\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:54.745851Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ac58a2439b8273e5222e755f7b8ddbe58f0ceacf58412695e967e9f9b7f774ad\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24924\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:56.212574Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f36993d3095a1cc9c6773a18ec08a69eca4ae22f7117d56ed7a89dd2dcc9e63c\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24924\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM017T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f36993d3095a1cc9c6773a18ec08a69eca4ae22f7117d56ed7a89dd2dcc9e63c\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24924\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:ac58a2439b8273e5222e755f7b8ddbe58f0ceacf58412695e967e9f9b7f774ad\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM027\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Light-driven Adaptive Camouflage Structures Based on Photoprogrammable Printing Ink\",\n    \"abstract\": \"In nature, many animals change their colors or shapes to adapt to various environments, sparking a research trend in environmental adaptive materials. Light-responsive cholesteric liquid crystal materials have attracted extensive attention from researchers due to their remote, contactless, and dynamically adjustable properties. However, the development of a wide-ranging and precisely controllable helical superstructure remains a significant challenge, primarily due to the lack of suitable photoswitches and the unpredictability stemming from their low viscosity. Therefore, this study focuses on light-responsive chiral diarylethene liquid crystal systems, aiming to address the limitations in the current light-controlled liquid crystal systems, such as a narrow dynamic tuning range and poor precision control. By optimizing the ratios of chiral photoswitch (3.8 wt%), liquid crystal molecule (96.2 wt%), and polymer ink (100 wt%), the viscosity of the liquid crystal system is enhanced, striking a delicate balance between precise stable printing of patterns and dynamic wide-ranging tuning. This research introduces a class of flexible liquid crystal superstructures that are photoprogrammable, wide-ranging manipulable, and precisely printable. Specifically, we have successfully achieved a wide range of reflection colors from 470 nm to 800 nm on different kinds of flexible substrates, including PET, paper and wood. These innovative superstructures advance the development of adaptive camouflage materials, revealing the underlying scientific principles behind adaptive structural colors in nature. According to this research result, they hold significant potential in advanced anti-counterfeiting and national defense camouflage applications.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Xu , Shengjie\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Shanghai Foreign Language School Affiliated to SISU\",\n        \"country\": \"China\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24985\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:56.841795Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:14779adad0e9918d757dbd5348c2b902c4fd19363c94095263ffccc895e3ff60\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24985\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:58.344361Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:dbab81b7c5db223499c0815a67f4af0a8dd14afc67ec2e4c325dc4405eda4294\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24985\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM027-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:dbab81b7c5db223499c0815a67f4af0a8dd14afc67ec2e4c325dc4405eda4294\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24985\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:14779adad0e9918d757dbd5348c2b902c4fd19363c94095263ffccc895e3ff60\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM030\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: Full Scholarship from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals(KFUPM) (and a $400 cash prize)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: NOT TO BE READ -- $400 cash prize for each Full Scholarship from King Fahd University award recipient\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society: Second Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Next-Generation Coating: Tunable Self-Healing Material for Intelligent Protection of Metal Surfaces\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Metal surfaces are of vital importance in aerospace, automobile, and food industries, where they are often coated to prevent corrosion and chemical reactions with surroundings. Surface defects and mechanical damage of these coatings can lead to severe problems: the release of toxic metals into food poses significant human health risks. My research focuses on developing self-healing materials that automatically repair surface defects through supramolecular interactions, thereby improving the durability and safety of metal surfaces. I have designed and synthesized novel monomers that form hydrogen bonds and salt bridges upon random copolymerization, with their molecular structures confirmed via NMR spectroscopy. Utilizing efficient one and two-component random copolymerization methods, I have produced five polymer resins, specifically polyacrylic acids or polyesters based ones, varying in monomer structure and concentration. These resins were characterized chemically by GPC, DSC, and FTIR analyses. They can be easily applied on metal surface and rapidly solidified within 20 minutes upon heating. Their design allows for the consideration of the component ratio within the polymer network, carefully balancing mechanical strength with self-healing properties. Notably, a polyacrylate resin with a glass transition temperature of 26.31\u00b0C and polyesters with a lower polydispersity index (PDI) than commercial materials, were synthesized. Combinations of polyacrylate and polyester resins demonstrated enhanced self-healing ability from scratches and cuts. Future work will explore the design of new monomers and conduct gradient tests on monomer concentrations in polymer networks, further advancing the field of self-healing materials for metal surface protection.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Deng, Shuyi\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"YK Pao School\",\n        \"country\": \"China\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24975\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:30:58.981060Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7ed1cec4c448bf798a51ae138a6e120afa945b1f7d594b91b67a88aa24365fc8\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24975\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:00.441237Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a7b8d6565f3f618e72423ff9631e5d09fd196e854d8b132c73a575ad08cee500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24975\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM030-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a7b8d6565f3f618e72423ff9631e5d09fd196e854d8b132c73a575ad08cee500\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24975\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:7ed1cec4c448bf798a51ae138a6e120afa945b1f7d594b91b67a88aa24365fc8\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM058\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Chemical Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Chemical Society: Diploma of Recognition and $100 gift card\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Synthesis and Evaluation of a Low-Cost Biopolymer Encapsulant for Lead Sequestration in Halide Perovskite Solar Cells\",\n    \"abstract\": \"In recent years, single-junction perovskite solar cells with lead-halide frameworks have garnered considerable interest for their superior photovoltaic performance, facile fabrication, and tunable optoelectronic properties. However, concerns about lead toxicity and instability in lead-halide perovskite solar cells (LHPSCs) remain. Water infiltration through the perovskite layer along grain boundaries can lead to the formation of PbI2, the primary decomposition product containing lead in highly efficient solar cells. Given that the maximum permissible levels of lead in drinking water in the U.S. are 15 ppb (EPA), it is crucial to effectively control and restrict the release of dissolved lead-containing products into soil and water reservoirs from LHPSCs. In this project, the efficacy of an alginate-L-cysteine (SA-Cys) biopolymer film was explored for mitigating lead leaching from LHPSCs. Alginate, a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, was functionalized with thiol groups to enhance its adsorption and chelation of lead ions. The modified polymer was integrated outside the perovskite architecture through a multi-layer deposition strategy, resulting in a modified LHPSC that achieved a sequestration efficiency of 80% and retained over 97% of its original lead content under simulated rainfall. Electronic structure calculations using the PCM solvation model showed the SA-Cys monomer had improved lead-binding properties compared to its non-functionalized counterpart. A preliminary analysis of the performance of encapsulated cells demonstrated that SA-Cys had no impact on the PV output of the solar cells. This investigation provides valuable insights into addressing the challenges associated with lead leaching and aims to further enhance the performance of LHPSCs.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Meduri, Abhinav\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NC\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25531\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:01.067954Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:905266029a235e96887e549a9286b24655dfa4dc025b2bf2ef20b1510e60ff08\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25531\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:02.605690Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0348f6d9b28a411d0c136d5eb11bd87eb32cdb3537768648d87344b4ec627828\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25531\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM058-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0348f6d9b28a411d0c136d5eb11bd87eb32cdb3537768648d87344b4ec627828\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25531\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:905266029a235e96887e549a9286b24655dfa4dc025b2bf2ef20b1510e60ff08\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM062T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Modeling of Amino Acids' Chemical Reactivity Against Cancer\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The composition and structure of variable side chains in amino acids determine peptides' unique functions in a wide range of applications. The APD database served as the primary data source for theoretical modeling research on various amino groups and their properties in relation to\\namine composition, size, 3-dimensional structure, positive charge at the amino group, and the type and length of the side organic chain. Our research objective was to identify chemical, physical, and structural properties that define peptides' activity against both types of pathogens: viruses and cancers. There were 1,547 physicochemical features extracted with the propy package in Python, and these features characterize the sequence through the percentage of each amino acid present in the  sequence (amino acid composition, 20 features); the percentage of each pair of amino acids in the sequence (total of 400 features). Additional factors include correlations between pairs of amino acids in a specific feature, such as charge, polarizability, free energy, and van der Waals forces. We discovered that specific properties were correlated with all three targeted anti-disease activities: anti-virus, anti-cancer, and dual action. Our analysis revealed that specific pairs of amino acids possess the most important specific properties for anti-cancer and anti-virus activity. A promising framework for accelerated development of drugs with multiple targets is proposed to benefit experimental chemists by pre-selecting specific groups of amino acids based on their targeted reactivity against pathogens. This should lead to faster and more productive laboratory experiments, identifying more viable candidates for clinical trials.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Vasnetsov, Catherine\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The TASIS School in Dorado\",\n        \"country\": \"Puerto Rico\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Vasnetsov, Victor\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The TASIS School in Dorado\",\n        \"country\": \"Puerto Rico\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25682\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:03.224286Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7e47ba86614c7ad3a33e805f92425eae3466482421ca8c2590979395ca30a40f\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25682\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:04.672018Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fac4df437e5fbde8ed6b3ea1a55dcae029ca54e8e4a83cc7822c9c90b55e9e64\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25682\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM062T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fac4df437e5fbde8ed6b3ea1a55dcae029ca54e8e4a83cc7822c9c90b55e9e64\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25682\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:7e47ba86614c7ad3a33e805f92425eae3466482421ca8c2590979395ca30a40f\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM068\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Non-Trivial\",\n        \"raw\": \"Non-Trivial: 10 scholarships for Non-trivial\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Chemical Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Chemical Society: Diploma of Recognition and $100 gift card\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Optimizing Synthesis of mRNA Therapeutics\",\n    \"abstract\": \"When Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman developed mRNA therapeutics, they packaged mRNA in 4-component lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to prevent bloodstream degradation by RNases. Research has since shown that dendritic nanoparticles (DNPs) can similarly encapsulate mRNA therapeutics with greater stability. Unfortunately, more research is required to perfect the synthesis of Ionizable Amphiphilic Janus Dendrimers (IAJDs), molecules that self-assemble in buffer to create DNPs. This project optimizes synthesis of the IAJD hydrophobic region through new tosylated precursors allowing for different reaction conditions. 4-toluenesulfonyl chloride reacts with alcohols in large quantities at room temperature to form paraffins with optimal leaving groups for nucleophilic substitution. This makes formation of the dendrimer's branching paraffins more efficient with cleaner purification. This is partially from lower reaction temperature, preventing decomposition of dimethylformamide, the reaction solvent, and decomposition of alkylated reagents. Reactions for orthogonal synthesis were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and thin layer chromatography (TLC) which guided optimization of reaction and purification. Importantly, this first alkylation step dictates the efficiency of the entire orthogonal synthesis especially as IAJDs move into scaled production. After simplifying the synthesis schematic for the hydrophilic region from the hydrophobic building block in a prior project, this project's optimization remains the primary challenge in an efficiently optimized reaction scheme oriented towards accessibility. With this modification, production of DNPs can be simpler and cheaper for use as a universal component in all mRNA therapeutics.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Chenna, Srijay\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The Charter School of Wilmington\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"PA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25962\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:05.460946Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0ee772944695a9b793d9e5a39ae9144acb477244872aeaa3fa7b0691142cf3ee\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25962\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:06.755259Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:81670a610bcce8433d40f9d01018b67f45f328d97084343518b2ec532291c5ea\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25962\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM068-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:81670a610bcce8433d40f9d01018b67f45f328d97084343518b2ec532291c5ea\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25962\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:0ee772944695a9b793d9e5a39ae9144acb477244872aeaa3fa7b0691142cf3ee\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV004\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"ForestCast: Developing a Novel Convolutional Neural Network to Enhance Prevention of Fragmentation in the United States\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The United States lost 4.22 million acres of forest in 2021 - equivalent to 775 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Remote sensing is the most common model used to monitor deforestation. However, typical remote sensing models only achieve 66% accuracy, resulting in insufficient data for policy making regarding deforestation, specifically forest fragmentation. Fragmentation urgently needs proper management which requires higher accuracy, higher precision, and faster computation than remote sensing. This research aimed to develop ForestCast - the first computational program to enhance visualization of forest fragmentation data by i) masking clouds to create a dataset for training, ii) innovating a novel convolutional neural network (CNN) that visualizes fragmentation, and iii) comparing the results to remote sensing. Using Google Earth Engine (GEE), the clouds in the satellite imagery were masked, increasing visualization by 92% (p<0.001). The CNN was developed and trained to identify fragmentation using the dataset obtained from GEE, achieving 90.5% accuracy. ForestCast illustrated the strong relationship between urbanization and fragmentation in the US (p<0.005). In a case study comparison, it was discovered ForestCast had 24.5% higher accuracy and was almost 7 times faster than the average remote sensing model. In conclusion, ForestCast is a new model with higher accuracy and efficiency than remote sensing. These findings allow ForestCast to undergo refinement in future investigations for other common deforestation pressures like wildfires and agricultural expansion. Thus ForestCast has the potential to become an important cornerstone of national forest-monitoring programs.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Pasquale , Tristan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Wiregrass Ranch High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24727\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:07.373638Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a8069531bb9be320eb23ff2a9a94cbdf634cb5c3037cbdfaf8af92b5c2308ecb\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24727\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:08.851258Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4f5f2f1cfee19d2411938618c6bd5f6aa606534fac607ebfad8c2c56ad0cf43b\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24727\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV004-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4f5f2f1cfee19d2411938618c6bd5f6aa606534fac607ebfad8c2c56ad0cf43b\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24727\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:a8069531bb9be320eb23ff2a9a94cbdf634cb5c3037cbdfaf8af92b5c2308ecb\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV021\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Geographic Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Geographic Society: Excellence in Geography and Geospatial Science Award\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: First Award of $750 in each Regeneron ISEF Category,\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"National Ground-Level NO2 Predictions via Satellite Imagery Driven Hybrid Neural Networks\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Outdoor air pollution, specifically nitrogen dioxide (NO2), poses a global health risk. Land use regression (LUR) models are widely used to estimate ground-level NO2 concentrations by describing the satellite land use characteristics of a given location using buffer distance averages of variables. However, information may be leaked in this approach. Therefore, in this study, I leverage a convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture to directly pass pixel plots of satellite imagery for the prediction of U.S. national ground-level NO2. I designed CNN architectures of various complexity which inputs both image and numerical based data, testing both high and low resolution pixel plots. My resulting model accurately predicted NO2 concentrations at both daily (R2 = 0.898) and annual (R2 = 0.964) temporal scales, with coarse resolution imagery and simple CNN architectures displaying the best and most efficient performance. Furthermore, the CNN outperforms traditional buffer distance models, including random forest (RF) and neural network approaches. Additionally, with a novel graph neural network (GNN) based approach which leverages network interactions between monitoring sites, I developed a hybrid hierarchical GNN-CNN model which captures both short and long distance associations between monitors. The resulting hybrid model significantly improved prediction against new and unseen monitors. With the success of hybrid neural networks in this approach, satellite land use variables continue to be useful for the prediction of NO2. Using this computationally inexpensive model, I encourage the globalization of advanced LUR models as a low cost alternative to traditional NO2 monitoring.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Cao, Elton\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Fairview High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CO\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25020\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:09.468927Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b7a70f866a81fc512b19c5a7bb5005b236523ba5b785762fab38db6f6391f2c8\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25020\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:10.936535Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:84abccfdd0b58b868539471567cd6844214be76a872fc9266dbed745d9d00a56\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25020\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV021-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:84abccfdd0b58b868539471567cd6844214be76a872fc9266dbed745d9d00a56\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25020\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:b7a70f866a81fc512b19c5a7bb5005b236523ba5b785762fab38db6f6391f2c8\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV032\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Using Machine Learning Species Distribution Modeling as a Novel Approach to Efficiently Predict Forest Development Suitability\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Current reforestation practices are limited, with many failing to meet the necessary rates required for forest expansion. In view that commonly used multicriteria analyses introduce subjective decision-making rules, current approaches do not produce transferable models. This study aimed to develop a novel approach to efficiently generate forest development suitability assessments, determining which regions are most suitable for successful reforestation and afforestation. Using Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt), a machine learning species distribution model, this study developed an efficient method of assessing forest habitat suitability. The MaxEnt model determined which regions had a greater likelihood of containing forests. Forest presence data was then overlaid on the MaxEnt results, demonstrating which areas are not forested, yet have suitable ecological characteristics. The MaxEnt output demonstrated predictive capabilities with an AUC of 0.831. Considering that the model has predictive validity and that all data was acquired from routinely updated, publicly available datasets, this approach is both precise and procedurally feasible. Species distribution modeling and MaxEnt are traditionally used for species conservation, however, the current study employs these methods for novel exploratory development. This approach of determining forest development suitability has implications for large-scale reforestation projects due to their reliance on physical surveying. Additionally, this approach limits anthropogenic impacts, allowing for sustainable forest development. Results of the current study highlight the importance of using machine learning species distribution modeling on a large scale to plan efficient forest development projects for the future of our planet.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Muscal, Yoav\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25166\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:11.552697Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1e57e01db124389f0fd9d9cb125131684ee2240975e38e164779bef3486a43a0\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25166\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:13.027755Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:59575512682581873935d4cbc1b05019dfee5a692826e02dcc63426b37caa45e\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25166\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV032-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:59575512682581873935d4cbc1b05019dfee5a692826e02dcc63426b37caa45e\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25166\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:1e57e01db124389f0fd9d9cb125131684ee2240975e38e164779bef3486a43a0\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV050\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - NOAA\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - NOAA: Science Communication Award\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Novel Approach for Tropical Cyclone Track Forecast Across the Atlantic Basin\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Over the period from 2008 to 2022, the United States experienced 263 tropical cyclones in the Atlantic basin. The ability to accurately predict the track of tropical cyclones is essential for saving human lives and minimizing property damage. The Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS) is a sophisticated physics-based model with 21 ensemble members for tropical cyclone track predictions. To derive a consensus tropical cyclone track forecast from the 21 ensemble members, an average is calculated, herein referred to as GEFS Mean. However, the GEFS Mean has a large 5-day track prediction error when compared against the Best Track, which is the actual tropical cyclone track. To generate the tropical cyclone predicted track with minimal error, a CNN model was developed. Tropical cyclone storm data from 2008 to 2022 were processed to create multiple 5-day forecast sequences of the 21 GEFS predictions and corresponding Best Track. K-fold cross-validation was used to determine a more reliable accuracy score. The relative improvement percentage was evaluated for assessing the enhancement achieved by the CNN Model over the GEFS Mean. The CNN Model improved the GEFS Mean for tropical cyclones such as Hurricane Danielle (2010), Hurricane Ernesto (2012), Hurricane Harvey (2017), Hurricane Maria (2017), Hurricane Larry (2021), and Hurricane Ian (2022). The CNN Model generally outperforms the GEFS Mean and offers a more reliable and accurate prediction performance compared to the GEFS Mean. Future research will include incorporating other ensemble forecasting systems such as European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) for better tropical cyclone track prediction.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Agrawal, Nikita\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Whitney M. Young Magnet High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"IL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25261\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:13.644285Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:394f024ea8d9755564e30fc9f0387324d160027eaadb101a7fcc3bba277159a2\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25261\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:15.102388Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a34b78b3b8a2d471110a365f82d486283f195fda0e32e0fd695c8a59eae890e1\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25261\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV050-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a34b78b3b8a2d471110a365f82d486283f195fda0e32e0fd695c8a59eae890e1\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25261\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:394f024ea8d9755564e30fc9f0387324d160027eaadb101a7fcc3bba277159a2\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV054\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Novel Spinel Oxide Coatings on Stainless-Steel Mesh for Efficient Oil-Water Separation\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The depletion of water resources and environmental hazards associated with aging oil wells, including the release of oil-contaminated water, present grave threats to marine ecosystems and human health. Additionally, with approximately 14,000 oil spills annually, action is needed for innovative strategies in sustainable water management and oil extraction practices. A new solution to this challenge was a specially developed, anti-fouling stainless-steel mesh (SSM) surface coated with Co-NiFe2O4 spinel ferrites for efficient oil-water separation. A mechanically robust Co-NiFe2O4 coating, featuring a distinctive cluster structure composed of nanoneedles on stainless steel mesh, was synthesized using the hydrothermal technique. This involves chemical reactions conducted in a high-temperature and pressured environment. The resulting modified mesh surface efficiently separates oil/water mixtures with a remarkable separation efficiency rate of 99%. The SSM has exhibited superhydrophilicity/superoleophilicity in air and superoleophobicity underwater, displaying an oil contact angle (OCA) underwater measuring 151\u00b0. Advocating for mesh recyclability through reduce, reuse, and recycle principles not only minimizes traditional cleaning needs but also fosters environmental sustainability, as the results demonstrate the ability to produce this nanocomposite cost-effectively. This study introduces a novel superoleophobic/superhydrophilic mesh surface, fabricated through a straightforward, simple process, as a potentially highly effective material for oil-water separation due to its self-cleaning surface. This material shows significant potential for practical use in critical scenarios, such as oil spill mitigation, produced water separation, and the rejuvenation of aging oil wells.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"AlKadi, Yara\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Dhahran Ahliyya School\",\n        \"country\": \"Saudi Arabia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25332\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:15.724858Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2311345d3da5fec9d40ddcecd18d267717cba8788858a61096df1c423bd9bf39\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25332\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:17.199080Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:65f4f86bc2e404b08f16e74b5491ebf48472e3abff245a14b05a60a6c6a6c2f1\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25332\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV054-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:65f4f86bc2e404b08f16e74b5491ebf48472e3abff245a14b05a60a6c6a6c2f1\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25332\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:2311345d3da5fec9d40ddcecd18d267717cba8788858a61096df1c423bd9bf39\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV056\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"The Development of an Algorithm to Measure Aerosols in Clouds Using MODIS Satellite Data\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Absorbing aerosols represent significant uncertainties in environmental science and pose serious environmental issues worldwide, especially in urban and arid regions like the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region. Enhancing the accuracy of aerosol impact estimates on clouds and reducing the associated uncertainties are crucial for projecting future climate scenarios. Remote sensing technology, particularly high temporal resolution satellites like MODIS, plays a pivotal role in monitoring changing weather and terrestrial phenomena. However, the retrieval of aerosol data is complicated by the presence of clouds, as detecting particles within them can lead to improved aerosol estimates, thereby enhancing the spatial coverage in climate models This study addresses the complex task of retrieving absorbing aerosols within cloud formations by differentiating between cloud and absorbing aerosol particles, aiming to bridge the knowledge gap regarding cloud-aerosol interactions. It concentrates on analyzing clouds along the borders of the MENA region from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2023. The process for extracting aerosols from space-based observations involved multiple stages. It began with a visual comparison and the conversion of digital values to actual radiance measurements. Then, using a radiative transfer model to eliminate unwanted radiances from MODIS top-of-atmosphere (TOA) reflectance. The newly developed algorithm, which uses radiance data from MODIS bands 31 and 29, performs a subtraction operation to single out the radiance values attributable to absorbing aerosols. This approach promises to be a valuable tool for aerosol research as it increased spatial coverage and efficiency by 68%, thereby enhancing our understanding of the Earth's atmospheric dynamics.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Albakri, Yara\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Andalus International School Ash Shati Girls Section\",\n        \"country\": \"Saudi Arabia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25463\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:17.818262Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ad0036d2333166d509f9b54e551f337f7b8e8a0cd2889edf1fa189c2e36121a3\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25463\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:19.657175Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e77cc64f51ba716d6e690292d6f80bd9a383cecacd2cb34edff88bbf7b6a00a8\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25463\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV056-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e77cc64f51ba716d6e690292d6f80bd9a383cecacd2cb34edff88bbf7b6a00a8\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25463\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:ad0036d2333166d509f9b54e551f337f7b8e8a0cd2889edf1fa189c2e36121a3\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV060\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Reconstructing Late Pleistocene Changes in the Western Equatorial Pacific Thermocline and Analyzing the Viability of Coarse Fraction as a Temperature Proxy\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The Western Pacific Warm Pool (WPWP) is a crucial component of global climate and has direct influence in the modulation of heat throughout the global ocean. Changes in geochemistry in the vertical thermocline gradient are important indicators of the region\u2019s response to climate change. Here, we extend d18O records from 670 - 770 kyr at International Ocean Discovery Program Site U1486 (2\u00b022\u2019S, 144\u00b036\u2019E, 1332 m water depth??) located in the Bismarck Sea in the southern portion of the WPWP using two thermocline-dwelling foraminifera species Globorotalia tumida and Pulleniatina obliquiloculata and one surface dwelling species Globigerinoides ruber. Foraminifera samples were picked at 20 cm intervals working down core and prepared for mass spectrometry. Additionally, we compared coarse fraction data (wt %>63 um) from 0-670 kyr to d18O from the same time frame. We found that in certain time frames, most notably 200-670 kyr, changes in wt %>63 um anticipate changes in d18O by ~19 ka with a significant correlation demonstrated through a linear regression and t-statistic. More specifically, when the biomass of foraminifera, reflected by wt %>63, increases, ice volume displays a reflected increase. While coarse fraction alone does not provide consistently accurate information as a temperature proxy, when paired with d18O, it could provide confirmation and reinforce noticeable trends.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Hamilton, Miles\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Hastings High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25629\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:20.289928Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d44054af42a315d2dc277fdc2e48094062a2a993ede685692c7b0641cfdc525e\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25629\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:21.741568Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7f676a17d8635230e4d9e4b8edfde2e499cd3de3740860b7ecbb115de3054e99\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25629\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV060-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7f676a17d8635230e4d9e4b8edfde2e499cd3de3740860b7ecbb115de3054e99\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25629\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:d44054af42a315d2dc277fdc2e48094062a2a993ede685692c7b0641cfdc525e\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV077\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Comparison of Quantitative PCR and Metabarcoding Methods for the Enumeration of Sockeye Salmon Using Environmental DNA: Year 2 of an Ongoing Study\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Planetary biodiversity is declining at alarming rates. Species conservation depends on knowing what species are present in an environment and in what quantities. A keystone species in Alaska is Oncorhynchus nerka, commonly known as sockeye salmon. Traditional methods of quantifying this species are often costly, time-consuming, dependent on expertise, and environmentally invasive. Environmental DNA (eDNA) may provide an alternative quantification method that solves these problems. Our previous project determined that quantitative eDNA metabarcoding could accurately enumerate sockeye salmon in eight creeks in the Wood River watershed of Southwest Alaska. This project continues the previous year\u2019s investigation by analyzing the same eDNA samples using a second eDNA analysis technique: quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR), which is potentially more accurate than metabarcoding. Visual survey fish counts served as the gold standard. Samples underwent qPCR processing that produced species abundance estimates from the eDNA. qPCR abundance estimates were compared to those of visual surveys and eDNA metabarcoding. The results strongly supported qPCR\u2019s ability to accurately quantify sockeye salmon and established that an eDNA signal no matter the analysis method is a concentration estimate that needs to be corrected for volume surveyed. Visual counts were therefore divided by watershed area before being compared to eDNA counts. Overall, qPCR and metabarcoding methods appear comparable and both capable of serving as an alternative or supplement to traditional methods of species enumeration. However, if metabarcoding is used to quantify abundance across multiple sampling runs, it must be standardized with qPCR to account for variation in sequencing efficiency.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Djajalie, Elizabeth\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Thunder Mountain High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AK\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25887\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:22.357258Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:993a76cff1bf47bb5b5952d5fb8b6e703754ec292f95e293feb7607cbda63cc9\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25887\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:23.820658Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e63a4bb8970f56bc24d9e99c566161e18800bad58a4ff516ccc6a0dd70804b6a\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25887\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV077-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e63a4bb8970f56bc24d9e99c566161e18800bad58a4ff516ccc6a0dd70804b6a\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25887\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:993a76cff1bf47bb5b5952d5fb8b6e703754ec292f95e293feb7607cbda63cc9\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV092\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Pura Aerem: Computational Analysis and Prototype Optimization of a Novel Multi-stage Extension Designed To Reduce PM10, CO2, CO Exiting TWC-OC Catalytic Converters\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Ambient air pollution presents a 7 million annual mortality rate and devastating environmental impacts, with gas-powered vehicles among the leading contributors. The current technology used within gas-powered vehicles is the TWC-OC catalytic converter, converting gasses such as CO, HC, and NOX into CO2 and trace pollutants. The goal of this study is to enhance TWC-OC catalytic converter filtration efficiency through a multi-stage extension, Pura Aerem (PA), which utilizes diffusion-interception capture methods to reduce PM10 levels, photoelectrochemical oxidation (PECO) technology for carbon monoxide destruction, and C60 Buckminsterfullerene Multi-Walled Buckypaper (MWBP) screening used for CO2 encapsulation. Mat3ra Molecular Dynamic (MDS) simulations were conducted to optimize carbon nanotechnology. An artificial intelligence (AI) image segmentation analysis of scanning-electron microscope (SEM) images was used to analyze layer parameters for input into Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulations via GeoDict and Solidworks, simulating laminar exhaust flow, validating filtration efficiency and optimizing flow rate. Components were 3D printed according to specifications for modularity. Levels of PM10, CO2, and CO were sampled from four environments with a wide range of vehicles. Pura Aerem reduces Fine PM and Coarse PM by 99.275% and 99.587% (respectively), CO2 by over 92.844%, and CO by 100%. Chi-square tests indicated that there was a significant FPM and CPM reduction (p < 0.01). Individual stages also showed high filtration efficiency. Thorough sensitivity analysis conducted to determine PA\u2019s long-term effects on worldwide PM and gas emission levels within ambient atmosphere. PA is a promising emission solution for applications within internal combustion engines.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Sami, Shanza\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"West High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"IA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25806\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:24.443334Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ea5c2a8da9f5f95a34923969a1697e1c2476bc4bd4bb5efbe40fbdecda9ab9e8\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25806\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:25.929088Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:17609d493414c1f9e3f23f1c1749d9d87bf4ba4b3821ab712b2f7071e0bc9895\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25806\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV092-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:17609d493414c1f9e3f23f1c1749d9d87bf4ba4b3821ab712b2f7071e0bc9895\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25806\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:ea5c2a8da9f5f95a34923969a1697e1c2476bc4bd4bb5efbe40fbdecda9ab9e8\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV093T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - NOAA\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - NOAA: Judges' Award\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Algae as a Resource for Bioplastic Production: Evaluating Species-Specific Characteristics and Biodegradability of Closterium, Chlorella, Scenedesmus, Volvox, Spirogyra, Saccharina latissima and Alaria esculenta\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Plastic pollution, with an annual human ingestion rate of approximately 1.38 million grams/per year, requires sustainable alternatives. The development of biodegradable bioplastics from algae as a means to reduce environmental impact and combat climate change was investigated. Exploring the creation of bioplastics using green and brown algae, each processed through distinct chemical methods. Farming green algae under controlled conditions to optimize biomass production was followed by the extraction of biopolymers through flocculation. Brown algae bioplastics were developed by mixing dried algae with water, glycerol, and cornstarch. The aim was to evaluate the biodegradation, tensile strength, and melting point of these bioplastics, hypothesizing that Saccharina Latissima (brown algae) would exhibit superior properties because of its high growth rate, and substantial yield of polysaccharides and alginate. Biodegradation was tested using an analytical scale and water immersion; tensile strength was measured using calipers and a spring meter; the melting point was determined with a hot plate and thermometer. The Data confirmed that Saccharina Latissima bioplastics had a biodegradation rate of 1.2% per day, a tensile strength of 0.6 MPa, and a melting point of 65\u00b0F. The high alginate content in brown algae contributes significantly to the enhanced film-forming capabilities, flexibility, and transparency of the bioplastics. These bioplastics, with their varied properties, can potentially replace conventional plastics in numerous applications, ranging from water bottles to industry-level PVC pipes. This research underlines Saccharina Latissima's potential as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics, offering promising prospects for environmental conservation.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Chowdhury, Pretom\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Forest Hills High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Bennett, Madison\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Forest Hills High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Jeong, Joseph\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Forest Hills High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25849\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:26.557637Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:425dfc1f81f222f596f47e269b96c9760126ecce61ff7cc7733fad4c6bc7c6b1\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25849\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:28.055695Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6de94f1a680aa29604df1c74234d8d2d9743926ad96fd23dcc11d5b23f395949\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25849\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV093T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6de94f1a680aa29604df1c74234d8d2d9743926ad96fd23dcc11d5b23f395949\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25849\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:425dfc1f81f222f596f47e269b96c9760126ecce61ff7cc7733fad4c6bc7c6b1\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV101\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n        \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Investigating Concentrates of Uranium and Other Hazardous Metals/Metalloids in the Surrounding Environments of Uranium Contaminated Waters on the Navajo Nation\",\n    \"abstract\": \"This Environmental Science project brings to light the real issues the Navajo People face from health concerns to pollution on their sacred lands in a unique and resourceful way. It investigates the chemical contaminants of Uranium and other Heavy Metal/Metalloids in Carbon Rod, Soil, and Stick samples.\\nI chose three sample sites to collect data from based on their proximity to abandoned and active uranium mines, processing\u2019s, and disposals. Sample Site-1 was within the Black Mesa Mining District, in Northern Arizona. Sample Site-2 was near the Mexican Hat Uranium Disposal Cell, as well abandoned Monument Valley Uranium Mines, in Northern Arizona. Finally, Sample Site-3 was near the Sunshine Uranium Mine and the White Mesa Uranium Mill, in Utah. Uranium is mined in the form of crystal salts, which are soluble in water. Consequences of Uranium mining include contamination of the Navajo Nation\u2019s water supply, resulting in end-stage renal (kidney) disease more than three times the national average.\\nAn Oxford ED-2000 bulk X-Ray Fluorescence machine using Geologic Majors + Traces software identified 10 major metal and metalloid analytes from the 3 sample sites, as measured in weight percent for high concentrations and parts per million for trace concentrations. Highly toxic Arsenic, Mercury, Lead, Cobalt; less toxic Barium, Bismuth; as well as radioactive Uranium and Thorium were detected. Many of which surpassed thousand times more the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s Maximum Contaminant Level.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Redhouse, Haylei\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Navajo Preparatory School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NM\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25990\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:28.678952Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1aba9450129eed7f216bd4efe10ae20243761b7994def6d19484c80afe1b4ee4\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25990\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:30.156009Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3ae9eca85cf845b74ccd5b16acdfd890ed8b8b875183557a6fef767f7d0a7e7c\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25990\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV101-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3ae9eca85cf845b74ccd5b16acdfd890ed8b8b875183557a6fef767f7d0a7e7c\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25990\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:1aba9450129eed7f216bd4efe10ae20243761b7994def6d19484c80afe1b4ee4\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EBED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EBED001\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Design of Traction Inverter With SiC Semiconductors\",\n    \"abstract\": \"In recent years, the purchase price of fossil fuels has risen significantly, bringing alternative energy sources to the fore. The problem has affected not only fossil fuels but also electricity, resulting in substantial losses for public railways and transport companies. In September 2022, the Budapest Transport Company (BKV) did not receive any valid bids for the procurement of traction energy. The company's annual traction costs, which amounted to approximately 20 billion HUF, could potentially increase by a factor of 10 or 15. For Hungarian State Railways (M\u00c1V), the cost of 1 kWh of traction energy was 34 HUF in 2021. However, by 2022, this cost had already risen to 170 HUF, and in 2023, it further increased to 180 HUF.\\nTo address the aforementioned issues, an inverter optimized for railway traction will be developed, consisting of SiC MOSFETs. The inverter is a compactly designed, high energy density electrical device. Despite its small size, it is capable of delivering a power of 2.5 kW. For demonstration purposes, it can also be operated from a 230 V mains voltage. It is perfectly suitable as a general-purpose variable frequency drive. The device is pioneering in terms of general-purpose VFDs, as it offers outstanding performance compared to traditional IGBT-based VFDs, while maintaining low manufacturing costs.\\nThanks to the modular system, the power module of the device is interchangeable, allowing for a huge power density and higher input voltages.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Laskai, Szilveszter\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Fazekas Mihaly High School\",\n        \"country\": \"Hungary\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24579\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:30.772350Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2026da83563b273a6614cd7dfb832b19890dc3fcf48f6719f2507064ff992163\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24579\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:32.261794Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7cb593f68eb6ef2c18fb3580e35a1aaef0eb455f790e7091e1e0e17c99646dea\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24579\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EBED001-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7cb593f68eb6ef2c18fb3580e35a1aaef0eb455f790e7091e1e0e17c99646dea\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24579\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:2026da83563b273a6614cd7dfb832b19890dc3fcf48f6719f2507064ff992163\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EBED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EBED007\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE\",\n        \"raw\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE: Certificate of Honorable Mention, a 1-year free student membership to the INCOSE, and free virtual admission to the 2022 International Symposium of the INCOSE\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"GIVS: A Novel, Generative Artificial Intelligence Vision System for the Visually Impaired\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Vision is one of the most crucial senses. However, visual impairment - the inability to properly correct eyesight - has grown to affect more than 253 million people worldwide, with lifelong consequences. Despite the growing need to address visual impairment, existing electronic travel aids (ETAs) are limited in versatility and highly cost-prohibitive. The researcher devised a solution to this problem by developing a novel Generative Artificial Intelligence Vision System (GIVS). GIVS employs a multimodal generative AI model to provide vivid vision-to-text-to-speech descriptions of the user's surroundings, mimicking the natural language communication of a human assistant. The model architecture consists of an image encoder, querying transformer, linear projection layer, and large language model, which the user interacts with through voice commands on a smartphone. The researcher designed a wearable eyeglass frame with 2 cameras, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), LiDAR, and GPS sensors to provide accurate, real-time data, at a total cost of less than $90. Voice recognition was further developed to activate optical character recognition (OCR) text recognition and GPS/IMU-based navigation. Across multiple testing environments, GIVS exhibited a state-of-the-art mean detection rate and bounding box IoU for everyday objects. Furthermore, the generative AI achieved an A-rated BLEU-score, the OCR was accurate, and the navigation system showed minimal localization error in testing. The prototype was intuitive, user-friendly, and met all criteria and constraints, demonstrating the great potential generative AI offers in assisting the visually impaired.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Xu, Ryan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Jasper High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24929\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:32.880810Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f0fd530f3f8f7f0049d6f6f9ede3f52074260cf2a48fdd3a705bc84d8c81d259\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24929\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:34.345023Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b4ffca1c10bd7b526102813fd0c845e8ed60b895d15f4359b40baed9678127a6\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24929\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EBED007-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b4ffca1c10bd7b526102813fd0c845e8ed60b895d15f4359b40baed9678127a6\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24929\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:f0fd530f3f8f7f0049d6f6f9ede3f52074260cf2a48fdd3a705bc84d8c81d259\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EBED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EBED014\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n        \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"SkyCatcher: An Annular-Structured UAV for Enhanced Grasping and Delivery Solutions\",\n    \"abstract\": \"This paper introduces \\\"SkyCatcher,\\\" a novel annular-shaped retractable quadrotor UAV specialized for cargo transportation. Unlike other morphing quadrotors with complex platforms and challenging control dynamics, \\\"SkyCatcher\\\" features a unique ring-shaped design with all components distributed around the periphery, leaving a spacious circular center for package transport. This design efficiently utilizes the central space, and through an innovative mechanism involving only a servo motor for morphing, it achieves effective transformation across two degrees of freedom, allowing the drone to navigate through smaller spaces in its compact form. Moreover, the UAV is equipped with a feedforward PID control algorithm, complemented by a Model Predictive Control (MPC) for precise trajectory tracking, enhancing its flight performance. Furthermore, \\\"SkyCatcher\\\" incorporates a SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) algorithm that enables the drone to model and analyze its surroundings to avoid obstacles, deliver objects to precise locations automatically, and plan its route efficiently, which makes the drone especially useful in indoor environments. This paper details the design, manufacturing, and assembly processes of each component, including the construction of the electrical system and software tuning. Finally, the UAV is subjected to a series of experiments to test its capabilities and potential limitations, followed by iterative improvements and re-evaluations under more stringent conditions.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Xu, Zijun\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Saint Stephen's Episcopal School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24881\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:34.963765Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7c1695ed74fe57b6ff6d56ab5a00a58d1481ecddb873164cc2fa7fbd2e3a4cb5\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24881\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:36.407019Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:da95caf1b6a1541a40a45699d00298b5c8b485ea8c232ad298cde6a0829f2eb5\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24881\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EBED014-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:da95caf1b6a1541a40a45699d00298b5c8b485ea8c232ad298cde6a0829f2eb5\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24881\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:7c1695ed74fe57b6ff6d56ab5a00a58d1481ecddb873164cc2fa7fbd2e3a4cb5\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EBED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EBED022T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"DoorBully: A Mechatronic Locking System Enhanced by IoT Connectivity and Machine Learning for Rapid School Safety Lockdown Response\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Over the past two decades, educational institutions have witnessed an exponential increase in school shootings and gun-related threats, marking a prominent need for enhanced security solutions that are compliant with all Fire and Safety regulatory codes. The DoorBully system, a retrofittable security mechanism designed for educational environments, introduces a singular action or central command point door locking system. Its architecture integrates an electronic control system with a Peer to Peer (P2P) network, utilizing secure SSH connections and an isolated UPS for reliability during fluctuating power availability. The system features acoustic triangulation through machine learning algorithms, powered by Random Forest Regressor, for Sound Source Localization (SSL), enabling precise identification of gunshot origins within the facility. This capability is critical for quickly informing authorities about potential threats, thus optimizing emergency responses. Utilizing MQTT protocol for mesh network coverage, DoorBully ensures robust device communication, balancing data load efficiently across the network for real-time, web-hosted monitoring and control available to first responder via pre-provide APIs. This provides immediate updates on door statuses and environmental conditions, enhancing situational awareness during crises.The DoorBully system underwent rigorous testing across many educational institutions, subjected to various scenarios and levels of operational autonomy to assess responsiveness. Through iterative development, incorporating extensive data collection and feedback, we refined the system to ensure its advancement in both technological sophistication and reliability, resulting in a security solution adept at addressing modern safety challenges.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kumar, Rohan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Paul Duke STEM High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"GA\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Susskind, William\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Paul Duke STEM High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"GA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25046\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:37.030144Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6ec4d74e9e9a073b9d8a71a331ff2673027394921cba073e936a60bc60e1f820\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25046\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:38.506467Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:89f85e4319d73264e5569f3d9c6ea2d58c1a150772f9bd78615b364690c39059\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25046\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EBED022T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:89f85e4319d73264e5569f3d9c6ea2d58c1a150772f9bd78615b364690c39059\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25046\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:6ec4d74e9e9a073b9d8a71a331ff2673027394921cba073e936a60bc60e1f820\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EBED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EBED040\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE\",\n        \"raw\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE: Certificate of Honorable Mention, a 1-year free student membership to the INCOSE, and free virtual admission to the 2022 International Symposium of the INCOSE\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Mitigation of Pressure Injuries Utilizing an Inertial Wearable, Computer Vision, and Machine Learning\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Pressure ulcers, or pressure injuries (PIs), are localized areas of the skin and/or underlying tissue decay that typically occur over bony prominences due to prolonged pressure or friction. These ulcers can range from a pink spot on the skin to exposed bone and tissue. If they occur, PIs can lead to serious morbidity and mortality, emphasizing the need for prevention. Certain predispositions, such as poor circulation or malnutrition, can lead to faster progression and/or increased severity of the ulcers. PIs are reported in 10-30% of healthcare patients, making them one of the largest concerns in the field. To ensure the prevention of ulcers, it is suggested that a patient is rotated at least every 4 hours.\\nThis research utilizes a database of demographic and clinical features of a large patient data set and data analysis and machine learning to determine the higher risk predispositions and build devices to assist in the prevention of PIs. Two complementary monitoring systems are built utilizing the information acquired from the database and are based on the patient's position in a hospital bed. The first device is a non-invasive camera monitoring system, and the second device is an inertial wearable system utilizing an inexpensive microcontroller and gyroscope/accelerometer collecting vector data. Machine learning is applied to the data gathered by the inertial wearable and the camera monitoring system, linking the time a patient has not turned and alerting to the need to reposition the patient to relieve pressure points.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Trutschl, Maya\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Caddo Parish Magnet High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"LA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25637\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:39.121512Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d357f68c628cc89a701200fb3e6ccaa005343010a4a271c4eb3222f2fb4a301f\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25637\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:40.579562Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4bfd051c8a79030dbaa77b9654bcdfad8dd5295be7fd222c2597a2d5cf235054\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25637\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EBED040-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4bfd051c8a79030dbaa77b9654bcdfad8dd5295be7fd222c2597a2d5cf235054\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25637\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:d357f68c628cc89a701200fb3e6ccaa005343010a4a271c4eb3222f2fb4a301f\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EGSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EGSD002\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"One-step Synthesis of Amorphous ZnP2 Composite Anode Promoting the Fast-Charging Performance in Li-Ion Batteries\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) plays a decisive role in the development of consumer electronics and electric vehicles (EVs). However, the problems of range anxiety and time-consuming charging also become more prominent. Fast charging is regarded to be a key requirement for widespread economic success of electric vehicles, but fast-charging LIBs suffer from slow kinetics and lithium plating limited by the graphite anode under high current density. To achieve fast charging, finding low-cost and large-capacity anode alternative materials is promoted. As an alternative to graphite, a series of P-based phosphides have impressed many researchers for its many advantages to high electronic conductivity, high capacity and sufficient source as anodes for rechargeable batteries. Inspired by these facts, I implemented a strategy of one-step synthesis of ZnP2/Zn3(PO4)2/C for fast-charging LIBs with commercially available zinc oxide (ZnO), red phosphorus (RP) and conductive carbon (C) / Super P by using the high-energy ball milling method, which is more environmentally friendly and convenient than conventional method. The amorphous a-ZnP2/Zn3(PO4)2/C36 showed a good capacity of 1705 mAh/g with at 0.1 A/g, with a capacity retention of 99.15% after 500 cycles. Furthermore, a-ZnP2/Zn3(PO4)2/C36 provided 613 mAh/g at 20A/g(12C) after 2000 cycles with capacity retention of 85.3%, showing a better buffering effect on volumetric expansion during cycling(139%) than c-ZnP2/Zn3(PO4)2/C23 (169%). It is worth mentioning that this is the state-of-the-art cycling performance among all the reported Zn\u2013P system materials, and even transition metal phosphide (P\u2013/Fe/Co/Ni/Cu series) electrodes\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Leong, Pok Hei\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Pui Ching Middle School\",\n        \"country\": \"China, Macao Special Administrative Region\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24651\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:41.203134Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:391b5c654f8229640bd4c97a4abe9e81735ed55e44cb3b653e5a0f4a2a017af0\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24651\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:42.683489Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0bbd8578742cb5e8ad9f8b8e797c907a6dfeeb5ed41b5d1b797b4b1396f20f6e\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24651\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EGSD002-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0bbd8578742cb5e8ad9f8b8e797c907a6dfeeb5ed41b5d1b797b4b1396f20f6e\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24651\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:391b5c654f8229640bd4c97a4abe9e81735ed55e44cb3b653e5a0f4a2a017af0\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EGSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EGSD006\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"\u201cThe Bionic Leaf\u201d: Developing a Novel Bi-functional Nickel Oxide Catalyst to Use With the Bacterium Ralstonia eutropha for Artificial Photosynthetic Systems\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Annually, millions of lives are lost due to climate change-related factors, predominantly stemming from carbon dioxide emissions linked to fossil fuels. In this research, the development of a revolutionary \\\"bionic leaf\\\" capable of producing high-efficiency fuels by emulating photosynthesis is created. The engineering goal is to create a bionic leaf that would have a solar storage efficiency of 60% and create 10 mg/L of alcohol-based fuel after a sustained time of 100 hours while being environmentally sustainable and cost-effective. A key factor to achieve this engineering goal was the synthesis of a novel bi-functional catalyst material. Nickel oxide (NiO2) was synthesized with the sol-gel process to create 1D nano-rods. It was then doped with iron (Fe) to weaken the hydrogen bonds in the NiO2 to create oxygen vacancies. These oxygen vaccines and 1D nanorods improve conductivity and reaction speed. The resultant bi-functional catalyst material, combined with a binder solution and an amorphous photovoltaic cell, forms the basis of the final \\\"bionic leaf.\\\" This leaf is then incorporated in the three-electrode cell set-up with the genetically modified bacterium Ralstonia eutropha which had its PHB gene deleted to redirect its carbon flux to release an alcohol-based fuel more efficiently. Remarkably, over 100 charge and discharge cycles demonstrated no signs of degradation. Surpassing the engineering goals, the fuel exhibited a power density and energy density comparable to modern diesel, all achieved sustainably at a cost of $5. Future endeavors aim to further enhance solar efficiency and fuel production levels, exploring advanced nano-synthesis techniques.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Gurumukhi, Arya\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Plano East Senior High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24789\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:43.358299Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3e34766c13010ab0e3c136a20364d75fcbc8882cdaef500901e374bfb68bc04f\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24789\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:44.774125Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ab73d6ed8f1db59bac6659751487dcfecaaccfb6403f10bc0f9b589e5d783b1e\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24789\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EGSD006-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ab73d6ed8f1db59bac6659751487dcfecaaccfb6403f10bc0f9b589e5d783b1e\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24789\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:3e34766c13010ab0e3c136a20364d75fcbc8882cdaef500901e374bfb68bc04f\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EGSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EGSD015\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Increasing Green Hydrogen Production Accessibility:  Novel Synthesis of Maghemite Nanosphere Electrode for Bifunctional Alkaline Water Splitting\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Hydrogen has shown promise as the future of zero-carbon energy storage. However, partly due to the cost and synthesis complexity of electrocatalysts for Alkaline Water Splitting (AWS), 95% of hydrogen production continues to rely on fossil fuels. Given these considerations, this work demonstrates the synthesis of an inexpensive, novel maghemite nanosphere electrode for green hydrogen production. The electrocatalyst was prepared via a new process involving the aerobic transformation of a hydroxide precursor and the oxidation of a magnetite intermediate, resulting in the agglomeration of spinel structures, forming nanospheres. The electrode presented excellent activity in a KOH medium with low overpotentials, outperforming the standard RuO2 electrode at high rates in the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) due to the effect of cation vacancies on anion intermediate binding energy. The electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) of the electrocatalyst was increased by 274% and 335% for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) and the OER, respectively. Furthermore, the synthesized electrocatalyst demonstrated better stability over 120 hours than RuO2 and Pt due to the hydroxide precursor. Overall, this electrocatalyst has potential to increase the accessibility of green hydrogen generation worldwide via its extremely low cost, simplicity and industrial viability of synthesis, and globally available materials required, compared to other noble metal alternatives. This solvothermal method exhibits potential to be generalized to the synthesis of other transition metal oxide-based nanostructured materials. Similarly, the discovered pathway to produce magnetite from hydroxide in an aerobic environment has numerous applications in biomedical nanotechnology and inorganic synthesis.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ashley, Asa\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"KY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25042\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:45.387914Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b828d91c1df287e8cb6197aaf244b4a3509bca036ba202ed3b39706884672082\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25042\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:46.857290Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8a8521ab32c33ea444c712551534d94cbe104d469988dab1771fd4af9866166d\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25042\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EGSD015-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8a8521ab32c33ea444c712551534d94cbe104d469988dab1771fd4af9866166d\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25042\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:b828d91c1df287e8cb6197aaf244b4a3509bca036ba202ed3b39706884672082\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EGSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EGSD026T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Photovoltaic on Fleek! Power Optimization for Photovoltaic Systems Using Power Equalization\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Photovoltaic systems are becoming increasingly important. There is a central challenge to be solved here. Due to the series connection, the weakest cell always determines the total output. This results in massive avoidable power losses due to shading effects of the weakest cell.\\nWe developed a concept for this in which we support the weaker cells individually and thus achieve a balance in performance. This means that we only lose the effectively shaded area. We developed several versions of an electronic circuit board and software for this purpose. We then evaluated and optimized this in detail.\\nWe have provided proof of functionality. If a part of the system is shaded, our system measures the shading. The software processes the collected data and regulates the electronics. This transforms the current from the stronger cells into the shaded cells. As the power required for this comes from the stronger cells, our system works autonomously. As a result, all cells always have the same output and there are no avoidable losses.\\nWe were able to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our system. A cost estimate showed additional costs of only $35 per module, with an expected additional yield of 10-20% compared to a photovoltaic system without support. This makes our system significantly more efficient than previous systems. We can thus make a substantial contribution to the fight against climate change.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Eski, Stefanie\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Gymnasium Spaichingen\",\n        \"country\": \"Germany\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Bruetsch, Florian\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Otto-Hahn Gymnasium Tuttlingen\",\n        \"country\": \"Germany\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ludwig, Babett\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Gymnasium Spaichingen\",\n        \"country\": \"Germany\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24711\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:47.467986Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ea9c7b82c8c330d2a1273e0e7cee5c30aa7fbe9708f05c7a9b1a71ad288a1dca\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24711\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:48.955578Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f7bc3cdf90755ba66e7e8fb1b335307c4244af4bccad76ea76cd2001a92b220f\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24711\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EGSD026T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f7bc3cdf90755ba66e7e8fb1b335307c4244af4bccad76ea76cd2001a92b220f\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24711\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:ea9c7b82c8c330d2a1273e0e7cee5c30aa7fbe9708f05c7a9b1a71ad288a1dca\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EGSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EGSD027\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Development of Novel Bi-functional Catalyst for LOHCs as Sustainable Hydrogen Storage and\\r\\nTransportation Applications\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is an important goal. Hydrogen is a potential renewable energy source; however, cost-effective storage and transportation of hydrogen pose challenges. In this context, the practical implementation of liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) will be investigated. Currently two individual catalysts and reactors are needed for hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions. The study aims to prepare one catalyst in one reactor for both reactions. A series of catalysts was synthesized, x%Rh-y%M@CeO2, by dispersing Rh in combination with a variety of transition metals, M= Fe, Co, Ni, and Mn. Both processes were tested in a batch reactor, and GC-MS was used to identify the product conversion after the reaction. The highest conversion of toluene to methylcyclohexane (MCH) in the hydrogenation reaction was 84% and 100% selective using 10 mg of 0.5%Rh-10%Mn@CeO2 at 80\u00b0C under 40 bars of H2(g). while, the dehydrogenation reaction using 10 mg of same catalyst achieved 80% conversion and 100% selectivity of MCH to toluene at 200\u00b0C, 0 bars of H2(g). In contrast, other studies showed %>90 conversion and <90% selectivity however, using two different catalysts and reactors. Optimization of reaction conditions, temperature, pressure, catalysts' weight, and time duration of reactions was performed to improve overall product yield. The prospect of stable recyclability was tested over five runs, yielding consistent conversion and selectivity results. This study shows promising development for efficient and reversible catalyst demonstrated promising performance as an alternative solution for hydrogen storage and transportation processes.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Almutlaq, Shahad\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Dhahran Ahliyya School\",\n        \"country\": \"Saudi Arabia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25447\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:49.584246Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a9e50c6df1da2ac2ce5d2904677997a35ab11097531e4736338b39aa5f7f5cdd\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25447\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:51.086997Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0ba32397786fc23c6dcd97b5429e624e8fc645ef40e356d34543e30cbc67c785\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25447\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EGSD027-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0ba32397786fc23c6dcd97b5429e624e8fc645ef40e356d34543e30cbc67c785\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25447\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:a9e50c6df1da2ac2ce5d2904677997a35ab11097531e4736338b39aa5f7f5cdd\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EGSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EGSD034\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"PuraFlo: Centrifugation-Based Water Filtration System to Reduce Turbidity in Water Treatment and Ecosystems\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Sediment pollution, a type of water pollution, degrades drinking water quality, disrupts ecosystems, and increases environmental risks. Anthropogenic causes comprise 70% of sediment pollution, costing $16 billion in environmental damages annually (EPA). The project goal is to develop an efficient water turbidity reduction system.\\nPuraFlo was developed with 3 main components (Water Impeller, Centrifugator, Turbidity Separator) and 2 static components (Collector, Floating Platform). The design implements concepts of Porifera's hyperbolic geometry, the hurricane's logarithmic spiral, and rotational motion's relative acceleration.\\nPuraFlo, a centrifugation-based water filtration system, in 100L of turbid water, successfully reduces turbidity by 34% (1000-664 NTU) over 2.8 hours, using 2 Watts and a prototype cost of $29. PuraFlo maintains an efficiency of 10,989-14,375 mg of sediment/Wh at 1500 RPM for 72 hours. Water Impeller moves water using lift and drag on the blade's hydrofoil. Centrifugator provides an efficient flow path using the hyperbolic geometry with logarithmic spiral grooves. Turbidity Separator removes suspended solids through differential density, separating denser particles from the water. Collector diverts output water. Floating Platform continuously self-adjusts to water level. Solidworks flow simulations supported test results, exemplifying PuraFlo's optimized flow.\\nPuraFlo is the first important step in reducing turbidity in water treatment, minimizing chemical usage, reducing sedimentation time, and potentially saving $453K-$3.5M in annual operating costs in a local water treatment plant in treating 200-1000 NTU effluent. PuraFlo is important as it effectively reduces water turbidity, improves water quality, and mitigates sediment pollution.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Prawira, Jordan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Mountain House High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25727\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:51.708580Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a7e138e0c07c85b2d67b0ea0234b81cd9ac56fcefec0ba3ab8d4d3e136c4e9e0\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25727\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:53.170248Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0035905d5ebeb69a45eebc63e985948a03a8eed0408bfe5d539dd23b2c2d7e06\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25727\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EGSD034-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0035905d5ebeb69a45eebc63e985948a03a8eed0408bfe5d539dd23b2c2d7e06\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25727\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:a7e138e0c07c85b2d67b0ea0234b81cd9ac56fcefec0ba3ab8d4d3e136c4e9e0\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM006\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Gyno-Genix: A Quadrupled Biosensor  for the Early Screening of Multiple Gynecological Problems\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Gynecological issues affect 90% of the female population worldwide, but due to the similarity in their symptoms with other diseases, they are misdiagnosed. This project focuses on developing a risk assessment based questionnaire accompanied by a quadrupled lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) based test kit, leveraging urine samples for screening Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome(PCOS), Ovarian Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, and Uterine Fibroids. The competitive xLFIA test kit utilizes color indications on the test lines\u2014color presence indicates a negative result, while its absence signifies a positive result, with the control line ensuring the strip's functionality. This innovative combination of biomarkers yields an approximate accuracy of 90%, along with higher sensitivity and specificity. Validation through Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) confirmed successful binding of the coated antibody complex with antigens and the chromogenic HRP substrate, producing a discernible dark yellow color, affirming positive results in incubator reader analysis. This validation solidifies the selection of biomarkers for the non-invasive urinary metabolite screening test strip. The integration of this test kit with a comprehensive risk assessment based questionnaire will enable the evaluation and their likelihood of encountering gynecological conditions. The questionnaire is attached to a website with a special page dedicated to spreading awareness about the gynecological issues. By providing an accessible, easy-to-use, and non-invasive screening tool, this project aims to bridge the gap in early detection and timely intervention, thereby addressing the selected gynecological conditions.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Agrawal, Soumya\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's R.K. Sarda Vidya Mandir\",\n        \"country\": \"India\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24634\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:53.790375Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:60a6d4562b2121e60ace212d3aa3dce9465d6b6f1c808ba544532919ec1b0041\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24634\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:55.234912Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ec4898534c890eca6381c45232aa16b87b0c9ebd27d32e370460a9d72bd802b3\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24634\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM006-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ec4898534c890eca6381c45232aa16b87b0c9ebd27d32e370460a9d72bd802b3\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24634\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:60a6d4562b2121e60ace212d3aa3dce9465d6b6f1c808ba544532919ec1b0041\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM010\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"CereVis: A Novel Multimodal Comprehensive Surgical Assistance System for Brain Tumors Utilizing Machine Learning for Pre-Operative Planning and Intra-Operative Surgery\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Annually, brain tumors affect 90,000 people nationwide, and have 5-year survival rates as low as 5%. Surgery, the most popular treatment, hinges on accurate pre-operative planning & detection, where traditional methods are lacking. Outdated surgical technology and inaccurate segmentation lead to a 52-62% recurrence rate for tumor subtypes called gliomas. Additional challenges arise during surgery when the surgeon's tumor view is restricted, making it difficult to distinguish borders. This project aims to create a low-cost, comprehensive surgical assistance system using machine learning to reduce the recurrence of brain tumors, with a focus on gliomas. CereVis presents 1 model for detection, 3 for pre-operative planning, and 2 for surgery. Using a Support Vector Machine, CereVis uses highly correlated RNAs identified through RNA-Seq data found in an ELISA to detect potential GBM. The Tumor Classification Model distinguishes pituitary tumors, meningiomas, and gliomas. The Glioma Classification Model categorizes gliomas\u2019 grades and types between oligodendrogliomas, astrocytomas, and glioblastomas 1-4. CereVis's core is the 3D Segmentation Model, achieving a 99.631% wIoU for precise tumor delineation. An intra-operative system of CereVis employs three scalpel detection models, with accuracies from 90% to 97.6%, providing real-time 3D tracking of the scalpel. Lastly, CereVis includes a system regulating laser temperature during laser ablation brain surgery through Adaptive Dynamic Programming. Additional implications of the segmentation model include monitoring the medication effects of size-reducing drugs. CereVis has the potential to revolutionize brain tumor removal by serving as a pre-operative planner that properly informs surgeons and assists them during surgery.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Tadinada, Gopalaniket\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"North Oldham High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"KY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25035\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:55.933101Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:02acee029686c2edc0b7e35fbc1d3cad9e21433d541303a5d3c7d1194eb7564b\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25035\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:58.086019Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9553cd5b8f3aadb9da0a3101df79f817cf4a48fa8e34d271a3ef8cb351985aa0\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25035\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM010-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9553cd5b8f3aadb9da0a3101df79f817cf4a48fa8e34d271a3ef8cb351985aa0\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25035\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:02acee029686c2edc0b7e35fbc1d3cad9e21433d541303a5d3c7d1194eb7564b\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM037\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Novel, Cost-Effective, and Accessible 3D Printed Thrombectomy Device\",\n    \"abstract\": \"An estimated 100,000 deaths are caused by blood clots in the United States annually, higher than those by breast cancer and motor crashes combined. One common treatment option involves physically removing unwanted clots to restore\\nblood flow. However, stent-related complications include restenosis, clot breakage, and injury to the point of entry or vessel. To address these issues, biomedical engineers and scientists have been gradually uncovering the potential of 3D-printed thrombectomy devices. This research aims to improve current stent technology and mechanisms, utilizing an inner and outer sent supported by a guide wire designed to penetrate, attach, and discard the thrombus in various arteries and veins. This will be developed alongside two balloons aiding in placement and clot-fragmentation barrier. The components used were designed through NX CAD and\\nintensive research of anthropometric data was conducted to alleviate the current design limitations and allow flexibility. Through LIVE/DEAD\u2122 viability assay, the device demonstrated prominent proliferation on the outer stent, proving biocompatibility. Moreover, a computational load testing simulation was performed in Ansys Mechanical, as well as a fluid flow analysis in COMSOL Multiphysics. Minimal stress and strain of approximately 10% it\u2019s yield point and no major blood flow speed drop-offs demonstrated that the guide wire and stents have the strength needed to withstand the applicational force and maintain seamless blood flow through it. The surgical device offers the potential to alleviate the burden of blood clots on global healthcare to safeguard countless lives worldwide.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Alsowyan, Nasser\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Unaizah International School\",\n        \"country\": \"Saudi Arabia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25327\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:31:58.703548Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2b303f6437b985754f76ae61716f55e62cbec0cb324334e62e45daff87357567\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25327\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:00.146764Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b4790aaf2b8f810de168118333010e58e4e3d2725252b0f21076c50ea9f43fe7\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25327\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM037-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b4790aaf2b8f810de168118333010e58e4e3d2725252b0f21076c50ea9f43fe7\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25327\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:2b303f6437b985754f76ae61716f55e62cbec0cb324334e62e45daff87357567\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM044\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"DeepRet: Novel Multi-Stage Deep Learning-Based Low-Cost Retinal Imaging System to Enable Accessible Glaucoma Screening in Low-Resource Environments\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The world's leading cause of irreversible blindness, glaucoma is an aggressive collection of progressive optic neuropathies degrading the retina-brain connection. The primary challenge of glaucoma lies in its asymptomatic nature, necessitating a timely diagnosis to prevent progression into blindness. However, several barriers to diagnosis exist in low-resource environments such as the inaccessibility of ophthalmologists and necessary equipment to perform diagnostic tests, causing disproportionate rates of blindness in these areas. Despite advances in automated methods of retina-based glaucoma diagnosis, real-world application of these algorithms struggles to extend beyond controlled, in silico contexts. To overcome the variability and complexities of clinical settings, this study proposes DeepRet, a novel, multi-stage deep learning-based diagnosis framework specifically designed for integration into low-powered retinal imagers. DeepRet is trained on several task-specific datasets for image processing, super-resolution, and diagnosis and fused together to create a single, more powerful system. Evaluated on several metrics, DeepRet either meets or outperforms the state-of-the-art, demonstrating the broad performance of the system. This study also introduces a first-of-a-kind retinal fundus imager (RFI), combining low-cost electronics, 3D-printed parts, and a companion mobile application to create an accessible diagnostic device that is significantly cheaper and more portable than existing equipment. DeepRet is integrated into this imaging system and is validated in its practical performance to enhance the capabilities of low-powered equipment.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kalia, Rohan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Wheeler High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"GA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25407\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:00.747789Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c853ee19ea441873faff7c4ddfbffa771d6d3380743597c79e334630549329fc\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25407\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:02.214700Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3884f3d5de7fb1501ec104bba998922d3a8bd377adda3d41d0ebbacbef3e692c\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25407\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM044-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3884f3d5de7fb1501ec104bba998922d3a8bd377adda3d41d0ebbacbef3e692c\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25407\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:c853ee19ea441873faff7c4ddfbffa771d6d3380743597c79e334630549329fc\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM046\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Pro-Inflammatory Macrophages Induce Pyroptotic Death of \u00df-Cells: Modeling Macrophage-Mediated Pancreatic Endocrine \u00df-Cell Damage Using Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Vascularized Macrophage-Islet Organoids\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Diabetes is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Loss of functional pancreatic \u00df-cell mass is key to both type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D) diabetes. Islet macrophages have important roles in the pancreas during development and tissue homeostasis. Studies indicate that these macrophages also contribute to \u00df-cell death in T1D and TD2. However, the absence of a model that mirrors the cellular components of the human pancreas makes it difficult to dissect the key pathways involved in islet macrophage-mediated \u00df-cell death. Organoids mirroring human organs can now be generated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC). To study the mechanisms by which macrophages induce \u00df-cell death and the crosstalk involved between these cells, I constructed a novel human hPSC-derived vascularized macrophage-islet organoid model consisting of pancreatic endocrine cells, endothelial cells, and macrophages. To find potential mechanisms, I performed a comparative analysis of the organoids in the presence of unstimulated macrophages or pro-inflammatory macrophages. I found phenotypic evidence of pro-inflammatory macrophage-induced pyroptotic death of \u00df-cells, an inflammation-mediated form of programmed cell death. RNA seq analysis showed specific upregulation of genes associated with pyroptosis, including Gasdermin D, Caspase 1, Interleukin-18, High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), and N-terminal PYRIN-PAAD-DAPIN domain and a C-terminal caspase-recruitment domain (PYCARD). Together these data show that inflammatory macrophage-induced pyroptosis may lead to the loss of \u00df-cell mass in diabetic pancreas. These hPSCs-derived vascularized macrophage-islet organoids provide means for a more systematic understanding of immune cell-mediated damage of host \u00df-cell in diabetes.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Roy, Aadita\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Pelham Memorial High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25569\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:02.852795Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a679b47f6b5641da261588ed333cb4dc7576f27791afb7168e96df2a06ba2598\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25569\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:05.943323Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:85db4d636c416abb83e2a8162f931e0f0cca03840537a40ad650d1e61c947d54\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25569\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM046-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:85db4d636c416abb83e2a8162f931e0f0cca03840537a40ad650d1e61c947d54\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25569\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:a679b47f6b5641da261588ed333cb4dc7576f27791afb7168e96df2a06ba2598\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM051T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"SAAR: Surgical Aid for Anatomical Reconstructions Using Projector-Based Augmented Reality and Computer Vision Systems\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Accurate visualization of underlying anatomical structures is vital for precise surgical interventions, particularly in high-risk and minimally invasive procedures. Existing methods like fluoroscopy or camera-based systems divert the surgeon's attention to external displays, potentially increasing risk. This project proposes SAAR, a novel computer vision and projector-based navigational system that superimposes 3D anatomical reconstructions directly onto the patient's surgical site. SAAR employs a custom patient registration pipeline to convert preoperative CT scans into 3D reconstructions, which are then projected onto the surgical area using a calibrated projector system housed on a robotic frame mechanism. A splotch-based algorithm actively adjusts the frame to match the overlay to the patient's positioning, accounting for procedural movement. To augment surgical understanding, SAAR uses a custom convolutional neural network (CNN) with a U-net architecture for preoperative segmentation and identification of internal abnormalities. These regions of interest are highlighted via projection, guiding the surgeon's attention. Furthermore, SAAR leverages a custom-built CNN-LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory) architecture to predict 3D organ movement in the thoracic region. This feature utilizes biometric data, enabling dynamic visualization of the anatomy in real-time. The system was evaluated through extensive testing, involving training and validation on large datasets of publicly available CT and MRI scans. The accuracy of projection alignment was also rigorously assessed, demonstrating clinical viability. SAAR offers a pragmatic and cost-effective alternative to existing solutions that can potentially transform surgical visualization in a variety of environments.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Muthukkumar, Karthik\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Urbana High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MD\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Malarvasan, Tarun\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Urbana High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MD\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Sristy, Pranav\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Urbana High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MD\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25451\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:06.561471Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0738c0090690c13085e4649ccddc654e6270797a206405eed6d7275169ec9709\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25451\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:07.999027Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6a724d27a3d3e389619ed23c120f64a13cc97c69af8ca807584d6d181e4d8693\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25451\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM051T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6a724d27a3d3e389619ed23c120f64a13cc97c69af8ca807584d6d181e4d8693\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25451\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:0738c0090690c13085e4649ccddc654e6270797a206405eed6d7275169ec9709\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM054\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"NitinArm: Using Shape-Memory Alloy Actuation to Engineer a Lighter, Cheaper, More Dextrous, Trans-Radial Prosthetic\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Approximately 50 million people globally rely on technology to replace a missing appendage, 80% of whom cannot afford current solutions and are left with costly, immobile, bulky prosthetics. Among the most prevalent are trans-radial prosthetics; these devices intend to capture the arm\u2019s nuanced movement but grossly fail, achieving only 9 of the 27 degrees of freedom (DoFs) at upwards of $100,000. This inability to adequately imitate the hand and wrist is a product of the cost, size, and weight of the motors used. Hence the quality of life of amputees is significantly hindered. This research engineers a novel trans-radial prosthetic to utilize Nitinol, a low-cost, lightweight, shape-memory-alloy instead of motors. Nitinol has three phases\u2014twinned martensite (trained), detwinned martensite (deformed), and austenite (transition)\u2014and changes shape with temperature. To recreate 19 DoFs, Nitinol wires are trained in sets of two: one mimics muscle contraction, and the other expansion. By connecting the wires\u2019 ends, one is always in its detwinned phase, and by passing a current through the wire, it warms and transitions to its twinned phase, simultaneously deforming the paired wire, mimicking the expansion and contraction of muscles. These wires are then inlaid in a custom 3D-printed PLA-carbon fiber prosthesis which enables the replication of the abduction and adduction of the fingers and the isolated actuation of the phalanges, feats not accomplished in commercial prosthetics. This design displays a 110% increase in DoFs than current solutions at only $3000, 10% of the industry average. NitinArm\u2019s increased dexterity, lower costs, and lower weight improve millions of amputees\u2019 lives as it betters trans-radial prosthetics, and proves Nitinol applicability to all prosthetics.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Vatts, Shreyas\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"College Park High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25696\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:08.606969Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ca56492a16f1d906a1479587abe8aaba85805c916ce2f8c72cea47172b2c6027\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25696\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:10.780935Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4c107a46f4c9bf84435931e572afc737d61fdb96454eb43f41434a0580262d2d\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25696\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM054-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4c107a46f4c9bf84435931e572afc737d61fdb96454eb43f41434a0580262d2d\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25696\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:ca56492a16f1d906a1479587abe8aaba85805c916ce2f8c72cea47172b2c6027\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM062\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE\",\n        \"raw\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE: Certificate of Honorable Mention, a 1-year free student membership to the INCOSE, and free virtual admission to the 2022 International Symposium of the INCOSE\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Orthotic Hand Brace to Improve Range of Motion in Patients With Cerebral Palsy\",\n    \"abstract\": \"People with spastic cerebral palsy sometimes develop contractures in the hands that cause the hand to close in on itself, reducing the range of motion (ROM). For children who use their hands to learn about the world, this is a problem. Current treatments include orthotics, which tend to be bulky and uncomfortable, and electrical stimulation which has proven effective in alleviating pain and reducing spasticity. The objective of this device is to reduce the pain caused by contractures using electrical stimulation and stretch out with contractures with the orthotic. To test the device, the angles of each participant's fingers were measured without the device. Then, the angles of the fingers were measured with the orthotic on. The control group was measured without electrical stimulation, and the test group was measured with. Finally, the participants gave feedback for how the orthotic could be improved.  The average change in finger angles was 1.88\u00b0. The control group had a 0.67\u00b0 average change in angles higher compared to the test group. These results indicate that the proposed orthotic does increase ROM, and feedback from participants determined that the TENS unit did relax the muscles, however the TENS did not help improve ROM. Future testing will be done over a longer period to see the device's effectiveness over time. Children who have cerebral palsy deal with chronic pain and are limited by their reduced ROM, but this device can increase their ROM and overall quality of life. Keywords: cerebral palsy, contractures, range of motion, orthotic, electrical stimulation\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Caramanica, Sophia\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science at WPI\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25771\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:11.490269Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6462089806c29282ca5a57839420cf485850642e88aff4b08d1c54420f2774af\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25771\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:12.847560Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:cb68014213bb282d565cfd393e2c2e5804cf8f271e2f436b79442958c739f728\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25771\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM062-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:cb68014213bb282d565cfd393e2c2e5804cf8f271e2f436b79442958c739f728\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25771\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:6462089806c29282ca5a57839420cf485850642e88aff4b08d1c54420f2774af\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM069\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"FlexiSpine: An Adaptive Robotic Brace for Personalized Spinal Deformity Treatment\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Spinal deformity is usually a symptom cause by scoliosis. The current method of treating such disease is through a brace that fits around torso and hip to force the spine to display the normal curvature. The traditional bracing imposes several limitations due to their rigid, static, and sensor-less designs and inability to adapt to changes in the skeletal system in accordance with treatment. Forces and moments exerted by the brace cannot be measured or modulated, and the three-dimensional stiffness of the human torso has not been characterized, which are all crucial factors to be considered in bracing treatment. In the recent years, the concept of robotic spine exoskeleton is introduced to improve on the conventional bracing. This paper described the building of mechanical and control architectures for an active Thora-columbo-sacral orthosis for the correction of spinal deformities including scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis.\\nThe exoskeleton is composed of two Stewart-Gough platforms in series, each controlled independently the position. The position and the motion of the different region of spine could be controlled through each platform utilizing the six linear actuators. An AI agent is applied to analyze the severity of the deformities and perform recommended treatment that change correspond to the skeletal system.\\nIndex Terms\u2014Human torso stiffness, spine deformity, robotic spine brace, exoskeleton, AI\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Wang, Minran (William)\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Culver Academies\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"IN\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25825\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:13.451102Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1c08610530afaa6a7c039544750e5e506efe61f4d66b6a2b5112dfc069dc74ad\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25825\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:15.296935Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bf5f2a465f4e4cbb9c7d3141d145a91348dcba7729e447f69d4dd288c42ea677\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25825\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM069-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bf5f2a465f4e4cbb9c7d3141d145a91348dcba7729e447f69d4dd288c42ea677\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25825\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:1c08610530afaa6a7c039544750e5e506efe61f4d66b6a2b5112dfc069dc74ad\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV025\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"BioRegen Polymer: A Regenerative Approach to Upcycling Waste From the Seafood Industry and Paper Waste Into Innovative and Environmentally Regenerative Biobased Polymers and Data Analysis Using the ARIMA and Linear Regression Models\",\n    \"abstract\": \"This project resulted from an observation that conventional plastics are a significant cause for pollution in our environment and aims to develop a compostable, environmentally friendly polymer using waste from the seafood and paper industries. Through research, it was discovered that a composite made of chitosan (from shrimp shells), partially hydrolyzed collagen (from fish waste), and cellulose (from paper waste) could enhance both the physical and environmental properties of the material.\\nThe project has three phases: First, the creation of a biopolymer film by blending chitosan, collagen, and cellulose in six distinct proportions; second, the assessment of the resulting bioplastic's mechanical strength, biodegradability, toxicity to plants, water resistance, flexibility, and surface analysis using SEM; and third, the use of predictive analytics, specifically ARIMA and Holt's trend analysis using Python, to understand material behavior.\\nData analysis shows that a higher content of collagen improves the material's tensile strength  flexibility, and biodegradability, but slightly decreases its water resistance . Surface analysis results showed that the material surface was homogenous. The collagen matrix in gelatin significantly contributes to the strength and flexibility of the resulting bioplastic. Chitosan helps with water resistance due to its hydrophobic property. Cellulose adds strength to the bioplastic and also acts as a filler. These findings highlight the project's environmental benefits, in terms of upcycling waste materials to produce sustainable bioplastics.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Rajesh, Aswath\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Viera High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25185\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:15.928629Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e33ce2bca72a68503c5e577d46d653e9dd36fb8ff0f17b53705550afb1e24d30\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25185\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:17.356417Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7f988f63955320c28e3d1e4059dfb4a21cffd8834e52e622e28270e1bb96794c\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25185\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV025-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7f988f63955320c28e3d1e4059dfb4a21cffd8834e52e622e28270e1bb96794c\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25185\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:e33ce2bca72a68503c5e577d46d653e9dd36fb8ff0f17b53705550afb1e24d30\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV026\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Improvement and Empirical Testing of a Novel Autonomous Microplastics-Collecting Semisubmersible\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Since the beginning of modern plastic's invention nearly a century ago, the human species as a whole has continually increased its rate of plastic consumption and waste. Until recently, this pollution's impact was thought to come primarily from macroplastics, the most visible plastics which fill beaches, suffocate marine life, and are easily comprehensible by the general public. Despite this focus, within the last 20 years microplastics have become an ever-increasing source of concern as evidence of their environmental impact has grown rapidly. These microplastics have since been found everywhere from the Marianas Trench to the human bloodstream, and their negative effects on health have gradually become similarly well known. Despite this threat, no organization \u2013 public or private \u2013 has tackled this issue where it is most impactful \u2013 in the open water where microplastics are free to bioaccumulate and wreak havoc on ecosystems. This project thus aims to fill the gap in microplastic pollution management by creating the first device capable of directly removing these plastics from our ecosystems at scale. This is done by creating a device which autonomously trawls surface waters with a mesh of fine pore diameter. It has been found through empirical testing that microplastics can be collected quite efficiently using this method, and through modeling it is predicted that given relatively little investment, microplastic quantities in the Great Lakes could be reduced by 85-95% by 2050 if we take action now to solve this, one of the most pressing environmental issues of our era.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Isahaku, Luksina\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Nicolet High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"WI\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25227\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:18.037094Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d179b1c3ec2cf0753652790c785d16e1097255a3d0c25e89c52559e923c4b57d\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25227\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:19.412840Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c08aa6d61419e24b6ae67e84b2ab61b7e37be0aa3d2475073fc7fc3ced0f80e0\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25227\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV026-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c08aa6d61419e24b6ae67e84b2ab61b7e37be0aa3d2475073fc7fc3ced0f80e0\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25227\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:d179b1c3ec2cf0753652790c785d16e1097255a3d0c25e89c52559e923c4b57d\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV034\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Removal of Microplastics by Waste Plastics Based on Fenton-like Reaction: Waste Treat Waste\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Microplastics have become one of the new pollutants which have aroused international concern, and they even pose a potential threat to human health. In this project, a classical Fenton-like reaction was used to prepare carbon-based catalysts from waste plastics to treat microplastics. The research contents include carbonization of waste plastics by high-temperature carbonization method, preparation of carbon-based catalysts by loading Fe3O4 nanoparticles on their surfaces, characterization and analysis of the surface morphology and element distribution of carbon materials and catalysts by exploring the effect of acidification pretreatment on the magnetic properties of catalysts, and further exploring the effect of removing microplastics by Fenton-like reaction system under different conditions. The results show that the high-temperature carbonization method can convert waste plastics into carbon materials and the acidification pretreatment can help to improve the yield of the magnetic catalyst for subsequent recycling. It is also found that the reaction time is extended to 11 hours and the weight loss rate can reach 22.5%. The above results illustrate the feasibility of this project, and provide new ideas for the treatment of a series of microplastics and carbon-containing wastes, including plastics, coffee grounds, dried fruit shells, etc., and can be extended to various systems such as Light-fenton, so as to truly realize \u201cwaste treat waste\u201d.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Yang, Zhihan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"No. 2 High School Attached to East China Normal University\",\n        \"country\": \"China\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25084\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:20.032475Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fa80b728a6bb5d6f9f780490eb4d938a237ab2f5101e9d3105ea735cbeb79baf\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25084\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:21.537359Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7561039e25a22b61b046a9ae65f4712b1867a1abc7abb7b8961c0f7d51eaea35\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25084\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV034-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7561039e25a22b61b046a9ae65f4712b1867a1abc7abb7b8961c0f7d51eaea35\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25084\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:fa80b728a6bb5d6f9f780490eb4d938a237ab2f5101e9d3105ea735cbeb79baf\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV040\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Novel Framework Using Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to Create Land Resource Management Strategy Through Economic-Environmental Payoff Optimization\",\n    \"abstract\": \"This study proposes a generative AI procedure for managing land resources to optimize the payoff between economic and environmental benefit. Randomly selected land usage images in the northeastern United States were obtained from the Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics (MRLC) Consortium, classifying pixels into 16 land classes. Economic and environmental attributes, including GDP, employment, and air quality index, were acquired from the Bureau of Economic Analysis and Environmental Protection Agency. A conditional generative adversarial network (cGAN) performing picture translation (Pix2Pix) was trained to generate land layout images in the following procedure: (1) The generator model produced layout images that were sent to the discriminator model. (2) The economic-environmental payoff was balanced via a custom loss function in the discriminator using a deep neural network. (3) After training, a user-provided aerial image of land was passed to the model; the image was segmented by land type using a U-Net trained on MRLC land maps and Landsat satellite imagery. (4) The model output an optimal land usage layout aligning with geographic constraints of the user's area of interest (ex. water bodies, urbanized regions). The neural network yields an average R^2 of 80.2% across the economic/environmental characteristics, and the U-Net has a pixel classification accuracy of 88.1%. The GAN achieves a Frechet Inception Distance of 10.4, indicating that it successfully generates realistic land layouts comparable to real-world standards. The findings demonstrate a robust framework that recommends the optimal allocation of land resources to sustain economic growth without compromising environmental sustainability.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Banerjee, Sanchali\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"VA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25470\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:22.175336Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6ba05466ecce85a6e1dc87e3683a06ab114573080f0a45f97eb04795db19e218\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25470\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:23.671075Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:69ca22de233976cc194deff551b6da607315e8257f716db09682a2017b6fc0ea\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25470\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV040-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:69ca22de233976cc194deff551b6da607315e8257f716db09682a2017b6fc0ea\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25470\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:6ba05466ecce85a6e1dc87e3683a06ab114573080f0a45f97eb04795db19e218\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV048\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Multi-Functional High-Flux Superhydrophilic/ Supeoleophobic ZnO-Pillared MXene Membrane With Self-Cleaning Properties for Wastewater Treatment\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Wastewater is expected to increase by 24% in 2030, posing significant risks to health and the environment. Titanium carbide (2D MXene) membranes offer a potential solution for wastewater treatment due to their sieving characteristics. However, developing such membranes with efficient properties remains a challenge in addressing the discharge of complex wastewater. This project presents a novel ZnO-pillared MXene membrane for stable, environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and efficient treatment of oily and dye-contaminated wastewater. MXene was synthesized, hydroxylated, pillared, as a secondary species was inserted between layers, and deposited on an alumina ceramic support to fabricate the novel membrane. Three triplicates were conducted to prepare the membrane and all resulted in an average increase in MXene\u2019s interlayer spacing from 0.33nm to 0.55nm, representing a 66% enlargement. Membrane evaluation revealed a water flux of 7,630 LMH at 2 bar, showcasing 300% improvement in comparison to typical membranes. The synthesized membrane exhibited (>96%) and (99.4%) oil rejection and dye rejection, respectively. The anti-fouling and recycling capabilities were demonstrated over 15 oil-in-water cycles while maintaining a stable flux of 2,100 LMH and rejection above 96%, Also, 100 dye-filtration cycles were run with a flux of 2,000 LMH and average rejection of 98% resulting in a remarkable 105% increase in stability over average membranes. The membrane showcased self-cleaning properties under visible light, and the cost is less than the average membrane by 98%. The scalability allows for seamless integration into filtration systems across global water treatment facilities, contributing significantly to combat clean water scarcity challenges.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Alqasir, Asma\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Riyadh School for Boys and Girls\",\n        \"country\": \"Saudi Arabia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25405\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:24.391002Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:26baee9c1d18dbedc57c207758e16a60448a2ab641e642203a29a2060d96aacd\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25405\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:25.911831Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ebe7410476cf8e74adba2f4c360a6f1d6826d76d5712552f4b8b53564a64d1f0\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25405\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV048-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ebe7410476cf8e74adba2f4c360a6f1d6826d76d5712552f4b8b53564a64d1f0\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25405\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:26baee9c1d18dbedc57c207758e16a60448a2ab641e642203a29a2060d96aacd\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV055T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Sensor-Assisted, Noninvasive Monitoring for Operational, Investigative and Predictive Hive Health Management for Honeybee Colonies \u2013 Sustainable Bee Keeping\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Motivated to create an early warning system to predict Colony Collapse Disorder, our research focuses on developing a technological solution to constantly monitor beehive health. We present a platform that integrates data from a strategically deployed array of weight sensors, sensors measuring variables of the beehive & wirelessly transmitting measurements to the cloud using monitoring infrastructure to continuously assess health of beehives. The synchronous sampling of all sensors every hour allows us to form a multivariate time series that serves to: (a) provide immediate alerting in case a measurement exceeds predefined boundaries that characterize a healthy beehive and (b) based on historical data predict future hive health. Through analysis of collected data, a significant discovery emerged: approx. 150-200 hours before a collapse, weight patterns exhibit a notable increase in standard deviation. Using Pandas & Matplotlib, raw data is processed to parse time-series information. By employing the standard deviation within specific data windows, a transition point from a healthy to unhealthy state can be identified, enabling the prediction of hive collapses.  We have been able to test the predictions & understand that the data gives us a good indicator of how the hives are doing. Our algorithm detects when there is unusual activity. In our trials & testing period, we were able to monitor & salvage hives. Our goal is to roll out the technology & have been talking to weight sensor manufacturers to make it available to all beekeepers for free. Ultimately, saving bee colonies & enabling more crops to be pollinated will benefit us all. We believe that the the problem's importance along with the simplicity of this algorithm is the most effective part of this solution.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kumar, Suchir\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Westwood High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kashyap, Naithruv\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Westwood High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25663\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:26.529389Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7bb288d475eb1c413a982857401b289276c13585046a5463b51033c4e60811e7\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25663\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:28.031554Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:88259ad816e34da07952553bddfc4d5819924ce8491a12095d6e547153c20708\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25663\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV055T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:88259ad816e34da07952553bddfc4d5819924ce8491a12095d6e547153c20708\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25663\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:7bb288d475eb1c413a982857401b289276c13585046a5463b51033c4e60811e7\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV058\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Fondazione Bruno Kessler\",\n        \"raw\": \"Fondazione Bruno Kessler: Award to participate in summer school \\\"Web Valley\\\"\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Piezocatalysis with Optimized Turbulent Flow in Hydro Turbine for Eutrophication Remediation\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Eutrophication affects 65% of coastal and 53% of freshwater regions in the US but no scalable cyanobacterial degradation methods exist. Piezocatalysis harnesses mechanical energy to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in water, which degrade organic pollutants by oxidation without generating toxic residues. This study designed a novel hydro-turbine using bluff bodies that maximize kinetic flow energy available for aquatic remediation via piezocatalysis. MoS2-doped films exhibited first-order ROS chain reaction production when agitated in Anabaena (20 \u00b5g/L), and has potential to inhibit cyanobacterial positive feedback growth by converting nitric products into reactive nitrogen species. The inverted piezo-active flag model was computationally optimized to enhance polarization with turbulent energy and ensure rapid charge dispersion with flow-induced vibrations. The 90\u00b0 upstream triangle yielded maximum coefficients by effective flow separation (12.6 drag, 18.6 lift) and a flag length ratio of 0.75 was optimal while avoiding canceling zones. The optimized piezocatalytic hydro-turbine design yielded 78% remediation under 800gph for 60s (p=0.032). A minimum flow speed was identified by energy/order to be 0.5m/s, with 0.7W/(1g MoS2). Application depth of 0.3m-2m was identified with cyanobacterial concentration, turbulence needed for crossflow effectiveness, and speed; conditions are within industrial scalability standards. Chain reactions allow the remediation of still-water and high-volume downstream regions through tributaries. In the future, the device can be studied in environments with varying meander speeds and upstream ROS exposure times. The device presents a potential industrial eutrophication treatment applicable in ~93% of fluvial environments.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Zhao, Emily\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Manhasset High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25583\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:28.666594Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:784107b79b5b268fa6dd612a64bdf24da868b0c44dc19f9b8b5a3d376fa0595e\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25583\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:30.761250Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:478bb11440116325b9e0dc13ea9c9f159748a48f58e4edd124225f1489c1e98c\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25583\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV058-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:478bb11440116325b9e0dc13ea9c9f159748a48f58e4edd124225f1489c1e98c\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25583\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:784107b79b5b268fa6dd612a64bdf24da868b0c44dc19f9b8b5a3d376fa0595e\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV062T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"sPET: Miniature Enzyme From Metagenomic Mining for the Hydrolysis of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plays a pivotal role in modern packaging and textile industries, contributing to over 350 million tons of global production annually. Despite its widespread use, PET's resistance to degradation poses a significant threat to environmental sustainability. The inefficacy of current recycling techniques, with high operational cost and pollution, emphasizes the need for innovative solutions. The studies explore the potential of PET hydrolase enzymes, which offer a promising solution as they facilitate the biodegradation process without causing harm to the environment or relying on hazardous chemicals. However, existing PET hydrolases struggle with the high crystallinity of PET plastics and require substantial energy for effective degradation, rendering them difficult for use in industrial applications.\\nOur research aims to identify smaller enzymes capable of functioning at around ambient temperature to enhance cost-efficiency, operational feasibility, and the degradation of crystalline regions in PET. The use of metagenomic mining and tertiary structure analysis has facilitated the selection of enzyme candidates for cloning, expression, purification, and efficiency testing.\\nsPET, the discovered enzyme, was capable of efficiently digesting PET films at 37 \u00b0C, and it possesses a high denaturation midpoint of 65 \u00b0C. This characteristic suggests sPET can be used over extended periods for the enzymatic recycling of PET monomers. Furthermore, our research introduces strategies to improve the degradation capabilities of the enzyme through the engineering of residues. These findings illuminate a path for the real-world integration of such enzymes, offering a practical and sustainable solution to the pressing challenge of plastic waste management.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Pawabunsiriwong, Abhipiya\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Kamnoetvidya Science Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"Thailand\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Chaiwong, Pawonwan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Kamnoetvidya Science Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"Thailand\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Jiratthitijaroen, Wirunpat\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Kamnoetvidya Science Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"Thailand\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25376\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:31.415368Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fe7462f8b6f945adb284252dd2eec533fa7574d3e518d775501fc60c7e4c64ae\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25376\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:32.832341Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:cfec6c761b706492b96cfae9f7f6f4471e9389d35b2ea9846fa163ee94e225c1\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25376\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV062T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:cfec6c761b706492b96cfae9f7f6f4471e9389d35b2ea9846fa163ee94e225c1\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25376\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:fe7462f8b6f945adb284252dd2eec533fa7574d3e518d775501fc60c7e4c64ae\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV063\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Utilizing Machine Learning to Develop Image-Based Agricultural Optimization Software\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Hydroponic farming is rapidly gaining popularity because of its consistency and sustainability. Thousands of hydroponic farms are being built around the world as reliable food sources to match the increasing demand for food. Hydroponic farms are able to grow sensitive crops quickly and efficiently, but emerging technologies are inconsistently integrated within hydroponic production. My goal was to find a way to integrate emerging deep-learning technologies within hydroponic production to give the hydroponic farmer useful information about their crops. First, I needed to collect data from hydroponic farms to use for deep learning. I used nine hydroponic farms to simulate nine different growing conditions to grow champion collards, georgia southern collards, romaine lettuce, buttercrunch lettuce, blue scotch curled kale, and premier kale. Every week, I measured the shoot length and took pictures of these plants. After six weeks, I uprooted the plants to measure the chlorophyll content of the leaves, shoot length, root length, wet shoot mass, wet root mass, dry shoot mass, and dry root mass of the plants. This data was used to train a deep-learning model that is able to accurately predict these characteristics of a plant from a picture of the plant. I found that deep-learning models can be created to assist hydroponic farmers by giving them useful information about their crops. Systems involving deep learning are vital to the future of agriculture to ensure the sustainability of hydroponic farming. These technologies can be easily integrated into mobile applications or automated systems to improve hydroponic farming practices.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kratcha, Gavin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Hankinson Public School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"ND\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25878\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:33.596772Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:42cb03242b37ce8f0d74adc06c062143f03239cfee82d6d144ca00178e422e6f\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25878\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:34.904144Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4570b5673a494fa771ef62aebd551a8bf558f262c0d3d556ce87b2687a43b9eb\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25878\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV063-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4570b5673a494fa771ef62aebd551a8bf558f262c0d3d556ce87b2687a43b9eb\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25878\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:42cb03242b37ce8f0d74adc06c062143f03239cfee82d6d144ca00178e422e6f\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ETSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ETSD005T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Hawk Wing: A New Way to Improve Aircraft Efficiency Through Biomimicry\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Modern aircraft consume a lot of fuel. This provides high environmental and financial strain on society, and is a field where constant improvement and innovation is targeted. Hawk Wing is a project that focuses on implementing innovative biomimicry solutions in modern aviation to improve the overall performance of fixed wing aircraft. It addresses solutions such as morphing surfaces, or alternative stabilization methods. Formally, we consider the ways of integrating the following into the aircraft of the future:\\nThe effects of multiple, variable winglets.\\nWing designs which are based on a morphing surface, instead of fixed point airflow change, which current attitude control systems use.\\nMultiple variable winglets can be used to increase stability and control authority on any plane. They could also be the basis of a plane with high-efficiency modes at both high-altitude, and as a ground effect vehicle. They could be used to improve yaw control of wing-like planes in cross wind conditions.\\nMorphing wings would improve the airflow over the wing, providing a smooth angle transition instead of the harsh one currently presented by elevons. CFD software suggests significant increases in overall speed and lift would be attainable.\\nThe work presents the evaluations performed by CFD software and empirical tests based on a drone emulating a multiple, variable winglet airplane. Leveraging the customizability of the aircraft, greater stability was found at all stages of flight. The experiments that were conducted indicate that it is indeed possible to replicate the aforementioned methods to different developing\u00a0scales.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Buscu, Filip\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"International Computer High School of Bucharest\",\n        \"country\": \"Romania\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ghiberdic, David-Cristian\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"International Computer High School of Bucharest\",\n        \"country\": \"Romania\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Marinescu, Rares\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Liceul Teoretic International de Informatica Bucuresti\",\n        \"country\": \"Romania\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24812\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:35.605582Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:aecac09f76498482452e6e115cffd720d22837892e0de8f627b34dfbe67a29ac\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24812\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:36.963090Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ef45eac5acbacf0d84ca093583b23318ddb418293e8d329e5ecc82f0d3100d09\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24812\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ETSD005T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ef45eac5acbacf0d84ca093583b23318ddb418293e8d329e5ecc82f0d3100d09\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24812\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:aecac09f76498482452e6e115cffd720d22837892e0de8f627b34dfbe67a29ac\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ETSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ETSD011\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"An Accessible, Adaptable, 6-Axis, Low-Cost 3D Printed Robotic Arm Solution\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Robotic arms are useful in a variety of applications: manufacturing, de-palletization, artificial intelligence research, etc. However, on average, a typical robotic arm with 6-axis capabilities can cost many thousands to millions of dollars depending upon the payload, accuracy, repeatability, and workspace size. Additionally, if an arm needs to be utilized for a task requiring different constraints than originally intended, expensive modifications are needed to meet requirements. High initial costs and expensive modifications deter many independent researchers, small scholastic institutions, hobbyists, and others with limited budgets from having access to the possibilities that robotic arms offer. To address this issue, an adaptable, 6-axis, low-cost 3D printable robotic arm that is compatible with Robotic Operating System (ROS) was designed, built, and tested for those who can't afford industrial arms but who still need a comparable utility. The robotic arm was designed to have a maximum reach of 800mm at a standard length that it could be easily extended and modified for specialized tasks. Additionally, the robot was designed to have a repeatability of under 2mm, a payload of 1kg at the standard maximum length, an accuracy below 1cm, and a cost under $800. When refined and tested at the maximum length, the average repeatability was 1.13mm. The accuracy ranged from 0.07cm to 3.58cm with an average of 1.38cm. The maximum maneuverable payload was 0.644kg and the max holding load was 1.45kg for lifting at 800mm. Finally, the price, adaptability, and compatibility with ROS were successfully implemented.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Lucci, Frank\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"BASIS San Antonio Shavano Campus\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24870\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:37.579710Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e21f197d5b41edfc244693473e98f02270bc69f9444e38b025f97d8635e4fc3b\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24870\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:39.020861Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9c88030799df8acf6f3e3750588b6bf049395bb7858706a9dd5e2868ee2ceaf9\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24870\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ETSD011-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9c88030799df8acf6f3e3750588b6bf049395bb7858706a9dd5e2868ee2ceaf9\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24870\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:e21f197d5b41edfc244693473e98f02270bc69f9444e38b025f97d8635e4fc3b\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ETSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ETSD019\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Testing of an Insulative Reusable Heat Shield Based on Novel Aerogel Blanket Technologies Through Physical Heat Exposure\",\n    \"abstract\": \"In a world with more cost-saving, reusable systems in the aerospace industry than ever before, heat shields remain a largely disposable system which, in their reusable form, lack the thermal performance necessary for capsules reentering the atmosphere further out from Earth. This project seeks to investigate the use of aerogel blankets as a backing for highly-emissive ceramic tiles to improve the insulative properties of the TUFROC reusable heat shield system. Using a type K thermocouple, high-temperature bunsen burner, aerogel blanket squares, and a silicon-carbide tile, a simulation was set up where a thermocouple measured the temperature of the aerogel blanket facing away from the tile receiving heat from a high-temperature bunsen burner. Given an 8-minute period of heating at an average temperature of 896 \u00b0C, the peak temperature of the unexposed aerogel blanket was 62.2 \u00b0C, cooling to 25.4 \u00b0C over the course of a 40-minute cooling period. The capability of the aerogel blanket heat shield system presented here to block large amounts of heat from penetrating the opposite side of heating indicates potential in utilizing aerogel blankets over the industry standard for TUFROC insulative heat shield systems, silica blankets, and further experimentation of the system under more intense heating conditions could make space exploration to farther-removed locations more accessible for a greater number of people and countries.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Lee, Aaron\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The Meadows School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NV\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25190\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:39.655012Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bcfdc11e1bb3a5e56b5a4502993c14705bc0f284e13a124c1dbdf36cdd3f5549\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25190\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:41.091888Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:214613b0c3c7ec035a7931ea2f7a91a268e75a66e7d265e7a912b1815ca9f2d2\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25190\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ETSD019-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:214613b0c3c7ec035a7931ea2f7a91a268e75a66e7d265e7a912b1815ca9f2d2\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25190\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:bcfdc11e1bb3a5e56b5a4502993c14705bc0f284e13a124c1dbdf36cdd3f5549\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ETSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ETSD024\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Development of Efficient Underwater Robot Based on Quadruped Structure of Sea Turtles and Fish Fin Hydrodynamics\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Marine debris pollution and pipeline leaks pose significant threats to our fragile marine ecosystems, presenting hazards that are neither safe nor effective to address through manual labor. This study introduces a novel underwater robot, inspired by the multi-legged structure of sea turtles and the fin propulsion dynamics of fish, designed to offer an efficient and unobtrusive solution to these pressing engineering challenges. The robot features a cylindrical sealed capsule as its core, with a quadrupedal structure that allows it to navigate underwater and traverse the seabed, which ensures versatility in performing various tasks. A peristaltic pump facilitates buoyancy control, allowing the robot to adjust its depth by altering its weight. Remote operation is achieved through the Blinker APP via Wi-Fi, enabling accessibility and ease of control. This project endeavors to enhance the robot's propulsive efficiency by investigating the impact of fin shapes on velocity, utilizing both numerical simulation and empirical testing. Through the optimization of fin design, along with streamlined modifications to the leg linkage structure and adjustments to the robot's center of gravity, a marked improvement in swimming speed was achieved, increasing from 0.0357 m/s to 0.133 m/s. Further iterations focused on refining the mechanical arm's control algorithm for precise maneuverability and improving the robot's agility around underwater pipelines through enhancements in its turning radius and speed. The experiments have proven that these advancements facilitate the robot's application in underwater garbage removal and pipeline inspection, offering considerable practical value in addressing critical environmental and infrastructural issues.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Li, Hanlin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School\",\n        \"country\": \"China\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24981\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:41.707327Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e7bd037995a3f45abc177bbd362a7c72d5c212ba6255df2ca70b9a484b5372e8\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24981\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:43.139153Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:95c06a005c7bffc889ad9f556a74ef7121c5e3c894f492304292e7fffe31c003\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24981\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ETSD024-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:95c06a005c7bffc889ad9f556a74ef7121c5e3c894f492304292e7fffe31c003\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24981\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:e7bd037995a3f45abc177bbd362a7c72d5c212ba6255df2ca70b9a484b5372e8\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ETSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ETSD035\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"An Improved Color Filter Array Design Using Metafilters\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Color image sensors typically rely on absorbing filters arranged in the Bayer pattern (red, 2\u00d7green, and blue). Dye-and pigment-based filter arrays have several disadvantages such as photo- and thermal- instability, a multi-step fabrication process, and reduced camera sensitivity from absorption. These disadvantages have motivated the investigation of alternatives to reduce fabrication cost and enhance camera sensitivity. Most approaches focus on structure-based filters. Here I present an alternative, structure-based CFA that combines dielectric phase plates and pillar-based metasurfaces. The CFAs were fabricated using two-photon lithography (Nanoscribe Photonic Professional GT) with IP-Dip resist. CFAs have metafilter sizes of 13.2 \u00d7 13.2 \u00b5m, a pillar periodicity of 1.2 \u00b5m, and a focal length of 18 \u00b5m. This design allows the zero and first order focal spots to be captured by separate pixels on the image sensor. The total efficiency of the sensor, which is close to 60% across much of the visible region, significantly exceeds most Bayer arrays. The current design also offers a flatter spectral response, which may be desirable under some lighting conditions.. The maximum color error of the filters is 5.5?E and the average error is 2.9?E in CIE xy coordinates. These results are comparable or better than the errors of common cellular phone and DSLR digital cameras.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Thuringer, Alex\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Paul Laurence Dunbar High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"KY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25125\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:43.738142Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:94c763247ef4d5720501bd7e95c0199b59b10f8a957952c000d9bea053ec895e\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25125\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:45.204689Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ce279e11fb5d60ab84cebe4e2559a754cf87bb65931f5f2c1431fc8327f2cbd3\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25125\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ETSD035-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ce279e11fb5d60ab84cebe4e2559a754cf87bb65931f5f2c1431fc8327f2cbd3\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25125\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:94c763247ef4d5720501bd7e95c0199b59b10f8a957952c000d9bea053ec895e\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ETSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ETSD044\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Design and Analysis of Non-Pneumatic Tires With Hybrid Metamaterial Spoke: A Novel Approach\",\n    \"abstract\": \"As the market for Off-the-Road (OTR) tires grows (annual growth of 5.2%, valuing at $32 billion), consumers continue to demand driving efficiency and productivity, even as the equipment places additional stress and performance demands on tires. Although traditional pneumatic tires have dominated the market for years, they are easily punctured and require excessive maintenance, limiting their performance on rugged terrains. In recent years, non-pneumatic tires (NPTs) have posed a potential solution. NPTs replace air pressure with flexible-spokes, eliminating the risk of flats & rapid pressure-losses while increasing driving safety. In this research, different polyurethane (PU) spoke structures were studied under radial loading conditions. The Mooney-Rivlin 5 Parameter model was utilized to model the hyperelastic behavior of PU based on the uniaxial-test data obtained from the FEM test specimen. Based on the limitations of existing spoke structures, a hybrid metamaterial spoke design was created. The new spoke uses a negative-stiffness mechanism to increase recovery from deformation and maintain minimal stress levels compared to existing structures by 271.65%. The design is utilized in a tire assembly, which is covered with a tire casing, creating a closed tire design that prevents foreign debris from accumulating and causing vehicle imbalance\u2014a problem identified with conventional NPTs. The project utilizes nonlinear finite-element analysis to evaluate tire performance based on static, modal, and dynamic roll-over bump analysis. Results showcased that the new structure demonstrates a 17% improvement in durability and handling precision compared to pneumatic tires. Additionally, it offers better vibrational stability while maintaining comparable contact-pressure.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Shah, Siddhant\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Bhagawan Mahavir International School\",\n        \"country\": \"India\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24838\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:45.822221Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7c6eed5be641239b8f5a9c0e26afbe5fbf8c50f9822d3459279f93ae532770ee\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24838\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:47.339011Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a826a779e1fbeb241b65b9d95478675da2bf5ab4b178a7231bcb2100f8fb3006\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24838\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ETSD044-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a826a779e1fbeb241b65b9d95478675da2bf5ab4b178a7231bcb2100f8fb3006\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24838\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:7c6eed5be641239b8f5a9c0e26afbe5fbf8c50f9822d3459279f93ae532770ee\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ETSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ETSD050\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE\",\n        \"raw\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE: Certificate of Honorable Mention, a 1-year free student membership to the INCOSE, and free virtual admission to the 2022 International Symposium of the INCOSE\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"SkyLinker: UAV Autonomous Perpetual Solar Flight for Facilitation of Mobile Communication and Long-Distance Surveillance\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Expanding the applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) requires overcoming limitations in flight endurance imposed by current battery energy densities and adverse weather conditions like wind and cloud cover. This research aims to address these challenges by developing a high-payload autonomous UAV powered by solar energy, enabling extended flights spanning multiple days and potentially perpetually. After undergoing eight iterative versions and enduring seven crashes, a compact 2.40m wingspan aircraft weighing 1.55kg and accommodating a 1.42kg payload was engineered with autonomous navigation and self-stabilization capabilities in crosswinds up to 37km/h. The eighteen 3.6W solar panels generated 29W of electricity, surpassing the 8.43W required for sustained flight at 43km/h. Flight testing at 40\u00b0N latitude in September demonstrated a promising 25% minimum state-of-charge, 4.5hr excess flight time, and 6.1hr charge margin during a 24-hour day/night cycle. These performance metrics represent a significant improvement from previous solar-powered UAVs. With improved capabilities, this aircraft can be applied to facilitate mobile communication by housing antennas within the aircraft, replacing the need for cost-prohibitive cell towers. Additionally, this solar-powered UAV\u2019s expanded flight endurance can revolutionize surveillance applications, such as monitoring solar and wind infrastructure, assessing crop health, and surveying disaster zones for a more effective response. This novel aircraft constructed from just $580 in materials showcases the growing feasibility of constructing cost-effective solar-powered UAVs using current solar technology. Furthermore, this research contributes one of the first open-source 3D models in order to accelerate future UAV research.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Xu, Michael\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Delbarton School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NJ\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25477\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:48.058175Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d57f2602d9e3fdd15a04a6365bf6b87a87236811fae23df8861eeb4f2f8cb0b5\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25477\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:50.381101Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2ae94d78c47b04b7598a070a2efd10dba92d5dfce7e19233f19db47c180e9872\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25477\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ETSD050-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2ae94d78c47b04b7598a070a2efd10dba92d5dfce7e19233f19db47c180e9872\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25477\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:d57f2602d9e3fdd15a04a6365bf6b87a87236811fae23df8861eeb4f2f8cb0b5\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ETSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ETSD066\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology\",\n        \"raw\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology: Summer Camp scholarships (camp tuition and travel expenses, valued at up to $1,500)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n        \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"I.D.A.S - Interlocking Drone Aerial Swarm: Enhancing Thrust and Battery Configuration Flexibility\",\n    \"abstract\": \"My project explores a novel design of interlocking transformative drones that drastically increases the number of potential applications of drone swarms. With my design, drones in a swarm can dynamically attach to each other in midflight to form larger and more complex structures thus offering more configurability in their aerial capabilities.\\nThis report presents the methodology of designing such a drone. Each modular drone has a specially engineered frame allowing them to physically connect mid-flight and facilitate bi-directional data exchange. For the data exchange, I developed a customized code for the Teensy 4.1 microcontroller which allows it to act as a motor proxy. This innovative approach allows me to dynamically bypass one of the drone's flight controllers, allowing for one drone to assume a 'secondary' role under another's control which allows integration.\\nData was collected by creating a thrust stand with a strain gauge-based load cell, and measuring the thrust generated with various configurations. Incremental throttle inputs were applied, and the resulting data was recorded to evaluate the thrust benefits.  Additionally, the impact of connecting drones on battery life was measured by recording voltage telemetry data. The results show that by creating this dynamic system, multiple attached drones result in higher achieved thrust, and better battery life.\\nThis product has many potential applications. It offers maneuverable small drones that can reassemble to form larger drones that have more thrust, which is highly useful in rescue and factory settings. This can also be useful in recharging a larger drone midair.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Senthil, Yuvan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"BASIS Peoria\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AZ\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25896\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:51.013836Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:065a1d2e617b98ac43d3c3d517dc520d701349eb58c3016aae422cb5ceac8241\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25896\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:52.455835Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:339ff2b81291fc96742a76bbf0b32a0a208a98c2bc3e43ae2c8c1423cd201aff\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25896\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ETSD066-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:339ff2b81291fc96742a76bbf0b32a0a208a98c2bc3e43ae2c8c1423cd201aff\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25896\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:065a1d2e617b98ac43d3c3d517dc520d701349eb58c3016aae422cb5ceac8241\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Mathematics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATH\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATH005\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"On the Construction and Applications of Infinite-Dimensional Lie Algebra Weight Systems in the Theory of Vassiliev Invariants\",\n    \"abstract\": \"We explore knots. If we allow self-intersections, we get Singular knots. To distinguish different knots, invariant functions are used. A function from the set of knots to a ring is called a Vassiliev Invariant if when extended to singular knots (via the Vassiliev-Skein Relation) it vanishes on all knots with a given number of self-intersections. They are of interest, because of a conjectured way to approximate any knot invariant using them. All Vassiliev Invariants turn out to satisfy a certain topological property (4T Relation), and because of that, we consider all invariants, that satisfy it - we call them framed weight systems. There is a powerful construction for invariants coming from finite-dimensional Lie Algebras, which turns out not to be strong enough to span all possible framed weight systems. The main goal of the paper is to determine whether an extension of the construction for infinite-dimensional Lie Algebras suffices. We examine in more detail the construction for Loop algebras (a family of infinite-dimensional Lie algebras), proving that it produces framed weight systems, which are multiplicative, and their images commute with all elements of the extension of the universal enveloping algebra of the corresponding Loop Algebra (the space where the construction lives). We also go into more detail about the weight system coming from the Loop algebra built upon the Lie algebra sl2, giving an argument, which is a strong indication that it differs from the weight system of sl2, as well as presenting several chord diagram identities, which provide convenient connections.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Gyulev, Nikola\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Model High School of Mathematics \\\"Akademik Kiril Popov\\\"\",\n        \"country\": \"Bulgaria\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24935\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:53.079443Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:97f1ecca6a899bbdd89c68a1648de311a84eb3d0ef5d9213511ac270ab28cd81\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24935\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:54.526435Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:13532eeaea6bc943a57381d38b12646a2f3fe0e4a618fec5afc9675a4ba065b2\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24935\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATH005-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:13532eeaea6bc943a57381d38b12646a2f3fe0e4a618fec5afc9675a4ba065b2\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24935\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:97f1ecca6a899bbdd89c68a1648de311a84eb3d0ef5d9213511ac270ab28cd81\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Mathematics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATH\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATH014\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Mathematical Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Mathematical Society: Honorable Mention and One-Year Membership to AMS (for 5 projects with up to 3 team members per project)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate : Second Place Award \u201cMathematics\u201d\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Twisted Homogeneous Racks Over the Alternating Groups\",\n    \"abstract\": \"An important step towards the classification of finite-dimensional pointed Hopf algebras, which are algebraic structures with a wide range of fundamental applications to mathematics and physics, is the classification of finite-dimensional Nichols algebras arising from braided vector spaces of group type. This question is fundamentally linked with the structure of simpler algebraic objects called racks. Of particular interest to this classification is the type D condition on racks, a sufficient condition for a rack to not be the source of a finite-dimensional Nichols algebra. In this project, the type D condition in simple racks arising from the alternating groups was studied. Several families of twisted homogeneous racks arising from alternating groups are shown to be of type D, expanding upon previous work in this direction. This is important progress towards a general classification of twisted homogeneous racks of type D, and ultimately towards a classification of finite-dimensional pointed Hopf algebras.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Vulakh, Joseph\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Paul Laurence Dunbar High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"KY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25043\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:55.156104Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f8efa945be8ab5339f7ff3e0aff3fb50f02b4f8b8d1282b7fdcd52333002c4e3\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25043\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:56.582852Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:818ad6c81462bc7f7972cff1f19a39f8af4dbefb7603232836aaac9189c9f586\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25043\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATH014-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:818ad6c81462bc7f7972cff1f19a39f8af4dbefb7603232836aaac9189c9f586\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25043\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:f8efa945be8ab5339f7ff3e0aff3fb50f02b4f8b8d1282b7fdcd52333002c4e3\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Mathematics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATH\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATH021\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Serving Society Through Science\",\n        \"raw\": \"Serving Society Through Science: First Award of $1000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"The Perforation of p-adics: Closing a Gap in Hensel's Lemma Through the Convergence Inequality\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Hensel\u2019s Lemma is the foundation of p-adic number theory and, as discovered in this study, a possible way to revolutionize the math behind elliptic curve cryptography. It works by lifting a root f(a) of a polynomial f to a root mod p, which can be more effective at finding integer solutions where none may exist otherwise. A common method of proving Hensel\u2019s Lemma involves the following inequality which bounds the distance between a p-adic solution and its nth approximation: |{alpha} - a_n|_p = (|f\u2019(a)|_p) * (|f(a)/f\u2019(a)^2|_p)^2^(n-1). Showing the values of n for which this \u2018convergence inequality\u2019 becomes an equality is vital for the practical use of p-adic approximate roots. However, such equality has never been proven for any values of n > 10, making our current understanding of its behavior incomplete. The goal of this study was to show that the inequality holds as an equality for greater values of n (and then all n), which I constructed a computer program in Python to demonstrate numerically. Then, I was successfully able to show equality for all values of n by induction, supported by the program\u2019s outcomes. Thus, I amended our understanding of the inequality\u2019s behavior, which I showed to be directly applicable to approximating rational points on elliptic curves, a tactic that could save hundreds of millions of dollars per year on cybersecurity in the US if harnessed. No such proof has been documented before, making this a novel discovery.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Uzun, Imaad\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"New Rochelle High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25626\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:57.198783Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ad03294a118ae297514a369b4a0ebd8aeca6d80c0f812bbfb4545b8bf5733f02\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25626\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:58.680703Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fdfbd0c0113f6cafe90958cbeba922ead5a878372137c394200bd0460c25ab3f\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25626\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATH021-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fdfbd0c0113f6cafe90958cbeba922ead5a878372137c394200bd0460c25ab3f\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25626\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:ad03294a118ae297514a369b4a0ebd8aeca6d80c0f812bbfb4545b8bf5733f02\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Mathematics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATH\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATH025\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Mathematical Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Mathematical Society: Honorable Mention and One-Year Membership to AMS (for 5 projects with up to 3 team members per project)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Linear Group of Seventh Chord Transformations\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Seventh chords are widely used in music. What are the relationships between different seventh chords? Can these relationships be explained mathematically? This research classifies transformations between seventh chords into six types using Euler's principle, namely U_1, V_1, W_1, U_2, V_2, and W_2. Each of these transformations is in matrix form. This research constructs a group generated by these transformations and names this group the General Transformation Group (GT). This research claims that every element in GT can be expressed in a unified form. This research also determines that GT is isomorphic to the semi-direct product of Z_2 and the internal direct product of three Z_12, and its center is isomorphic to the internal direct product of three cyclic groups of order 2. By using this group, we can examine the transformation between dominant sevenths and half-diminished sevenths from a generalized 4-chord perspective. This group also gives musicologists a theoretical guideline to seventh chords and their relationships and provides musicians and auto accompaniment with a clear picture of the usage of seventh chords. This research encourages further research into transformations of chords beyond seventh chords, aiming to broaden the applicability of the GT group's principles.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Huang, Songtianze\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Hangzhou Foreign Languages School\",\n        \"country\": \"China\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24962\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:32:59.305633Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:97a9c4f4bac6c43165375cf9975b8a82a0d875e0727b82215fbc3d611a48ec30\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24962\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:00.783102Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a0531fcf9f5d4ab6c5bd6ea607e22fac7c217dfe34a37ab64e17edfb7365c2c7\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24962\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATH025-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a0531fcf9f5d4ab6c5bd6ea607e22fac7c217dfe34a37ab64e17edfb7365c2c7\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24962\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:97a9c4f4bac6c43165375cf9975b8a82a0d875e0727b82215fbc3d611a48ec30\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Microbiology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MCRO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MCRO002\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Ketones Produced by Bacillus subtilis Bacteria: Assessing Inhibition and Morphological Changes on Deadly Bat Fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Year 9)\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Bats, like bees, are a keystone species benefiting the environment and saving farmers billions of dollars in chemicals. However, since 2006, millions of bats in North America have died of a disease called White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) caused by a deadly fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd). This cold-loving fungus wakes bats in wintertime. With little food available, the bats become weak, starve, and die.\\nIt was confirmed that naturally occurring soil bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, found in bat habitats, produce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that inhibit Pd. In early 2023, five categories of VOCs produced by Bacillus subtilis with antifungal properties were identified: Alcohols, Acids, Ketones, Benzothiazoles, and Sulfurs, but not tested on Pd. The purpose of this study tests four VOCs from the ketone category for antifungal properties against Pd: A) 3-Hydroxy-2-butanone, B) 2-Nonanone, C) 2-Heptanone, and D) 2-Undecanone. Two inhibition assay tests, five replicates each, were performed with each ketone against Pd. ImageJ was used to analyze and calculate the change in fungal growth after fourteen days. Inhibition from two ketones was statistically significant at p<0.001. A third ketone caused weak inhibition, but not significant at p<0.01. The final ketone caused no inhibition; thus no significance. Additionally, structural and morphological changes were observed in the treated Pd. Chitin, the polymer structure of the fungal wall, was examined for effects after exposure to each ketone. These results show that the use of organically-produced chemicals, ketones, found in natural bat habitats, can provide a treatment to mitigate the fungus.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Carpenter, Calvin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"All Saints Episcopal High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24845\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:01.406109Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:747bf9d6a5adea6071e3191f0d56934de0891030e38bc418886a22f640ff274f\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24845\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:04.089411Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:53c99f42c67f74ee8996d37ac0ece6bc673124e6659940e88bd29a3c4468dad5\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24845\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MCRO002-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:53c99f42c67f74ee8996d37ac0ece6bc673124e6659940e88bd29a3c4468dad5\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24845\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:747bf9d6a5adea6071e3191f0d56934de0891030e38bc418886a22f640ff274f\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Microbiology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MCRO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MCRO013\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Innovative Sustainable Bioplastic Production: Unleashing the Potential of Crustacean Waste Through a Novel Microbial Synthesis\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Fossil fuel-derived plastics, including microplastics, cause significant environmental pollution, necessitating sustainable solutions. While biodegradable plastics are key for sustainability, their limited degradation conditions pose challenges. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), synthesized from sugars and oils by microorganisms, offer a promising solution for degradation in diverse environments, including marine and cold soils. However, high cost of microbial feedstocks hinders economic viability of PHA production. Approximately 8 million tons of crustacean shells are discarded annually worldwide. The widespread and low-cost availability of these shells, which are rich in polysaccharide chitin, suggests their potential as viable feedstock for PHA production. This research aimed to discover and analyze microorganisms capable of producing PHA from crab shells, originating from soil with high crab shell accumulation in Toyooka City. For the first time, GC-MS confirmed a bacterium that synthesizes PHA from crab shells and powdered chitin, classified as a previously unidentified species through genome analysis. Furthermore, the discovery of two distinct long circular contig with significantly different GC contents in the bacterial genome suggests that it is composed of two symbiotic bacteria. Detailed gene analysis has revealed a mechanism whereby one symbiont depolymerizes chitin into sugars, while the other not only shares this depolymerization capability but also utilizes these sugars for efficient PHA synthesis. This highlights the intricate synergistic interaction that underpins efficient PHA production from crustacean shells. These discoveries offer ecologically novel insights, present an innovative approach to PHA production, and significantly advance a circular society.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ikegami, Towako\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Kindai University Toyooka High School\",\n        \"country\": \"Japan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24930\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:04.727758Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e37438d84d6e2677bd609cbb26ba83f0e72b3b346ddf8986d9e5da51fbf3e4a4\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24930\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:06.266636Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ab59e7dd8b7431fef4929c1d54801f02e9c8fb6035830fe9f0d642c6c1e1c61d\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24930\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MCRO013-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ab59e7dd8b7431fef4929c1d54801f02e9c8fb6035830fe9f0d642c6c1e1c61d\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24930\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:e37438d84d6e2677bd609cbb26ba83f0e72b3b346ddf8986d9e5da51fbf3e4a4\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Microbiology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MCRO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MCRO014\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo Evaluation of Antidiabetic, Antifungal, Antioxidant, Larvicidal, Bioelectricity and Anticancer Activity of Six Native Plant Species: Innovations for Novel Drug Discovery\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Plant-based natural products are utilized as active ingredients in herbal medicines, and studying their bioactivities leads to better understanding of their possible medicinal value. The present study aims to evaluate 6 bioactivities of Pseudophoenix sargentii, Byrsonima lucida, Glandularia maritima, Illicium parviflorum, Pinus elliottii, and Ulmus alata, preceded by phytochemical and antibacterial properties determined during my past study. Leaves were shade dried, powdered and underwent sonication extraction before rotary evaporation with two solvents, ethyl acetate (EA) and water, separately. Utilizing varied concentrations of leaf extracts, antifungal activity (disk-diffusion assay), larvicidal activity, antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging assay), antidiabetic assays in vitro, anticancer activity (onion-root tip), and bioelectricity analysis (plant microbial fuel cell- 3 anodic configurations) were conducted. B. lucida plants demonstrated higher voltage production across stainless steel and activated carbon anodic configurations (0.153\u00b10.056 V). The EA extracts of B. lucida showed statistically significantly greater antifungal activity against Candida glabrata (2.58\u00b10.06 cm- 0.4 g/ml), the highest larval mortality in Aedes taeniorhynchus and Culex quinquefasciatus after 48-hour incubation (10.5\u00b10.2 and 12.3\u00b10.2, respectively), the highest antioxidant activity (42.46%) and the highest a-amylase and a-glucosidase inhibition (IC50, 1.10 mg/ml and 0.20 \u00b5g/ml respectively). The greatest mitotic activity inhibition (mitotic index, 0.40\u00b10.02 at 0.2 mg/ml) was shown by the EA extract of I. parviflorum. Out of six tested native plant species, B. lucida demonstrates the highest potential for development of novel pharmaceutical drugs for noncommunicable diseases.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Fernando, Nishini\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Dunbar High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25199\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:06.894960Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0ba8e311cbd94682a48735559793e1c756f233d58e35a58cd1f89c391e80ab74\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25199\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:08.334777Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a910a441ac07dbbc5e35ea2a40975627aa54cc44d77c9a34c3a89e1049b20915\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25199\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MCRO014-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a910a441ac07dbbc5e35ea2a40975627aa54cc44d77c9a34c3a89e1049b20915\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25199\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:0ba8e311cbd94682a48735559793e1c756f233d58e35a58cd1f89c391e80ab74\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Microbiology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MCRO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MCRO025\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Developing a Cost-Effective Alternative to Treating Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a poorly understood disease that is characterized by the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. Our current and most researched treatment for SIBO is rifaximin, which is not only an incredibly costly antibiotic that insurance companies tend to not cover, but it is also an ineffective antibiotic with an average eradication rate of 60% and a relapse rate of 45%. This experiment focused on developing a cost-effective alternative to treating SIBO. The alternative treatment consists of Berberis vulgaris and Azadirachta indica, two plants that possess high levels of antimicrobial compounds. These plants were combined with pure ethanol, pure water, or 1:1 ethanol water dilutions to determine their efficacy in 96-well plates assays upon Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Micrococcus luteus, five bacteria associated with SIBO. These assays recorded fluorescence, or the viability of bacteria, and compared the treatment to rifampicin, an alternative for rifaximin. In all assays, the alternative treatment decreased bacterial growth at a more consistent and effective rate than that of rifampicin. The results of these experiments portray the new treatment\u2019s abilities at being an effective, cheaper, and more accessible treatment alternative to rifaximin. This new development has the ability to aid millions by improving patient quality of life, reducing antibiotic usage, and preventing harmful bacterial overgrowth in weakened hosts. The treatment is currently being tested upon mammalian cell cultures and will later undergo bioassay guided fractionation (BGF).\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Garcia, Isabel\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Isaac Bear Early College High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NC\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25517\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:08.955068Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7603c3ea31b552a21afbd5333c807f8241883dd68a1c1970283c8df50102c536\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25517\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:11.266345Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:911e8262033f6dc2ebb7e4c6d17472b07e355a0f1b4e9cf855d5c4f5a4809081\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25517\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MCRO025-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:911e8262033f6dc2ebb7e4c6d17472b07e355a0f1b4e9cf855d5c4f5a4809081\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25517\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:7603c3ea31b552a21afbd5333c807f8241883dd68a1c1970283c8df50102c536\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PHYS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PHYS001\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Magnetic Field-Assisted Nanopatterning of Two-Dimensional Materials for Future Electronics\",\n    \"abstract\": \"After half a century of development, the technology of silicon-based electronic devices is gradually approaching its limits. Devices such as computers and cell phones start to require more power, generating a significant amount of heat. To overcome these problems, scientists are exploring future materials as replacements for silicon. Two-dimensional (2D) materials like graphene and others with unique properties are considered fantastic candidates for future electronics. For example, electrons in graphene behave like light, resulting in very fast movement and generating much less heat. 2D materials have emerged as the forefront of quantum material research in both physics and materials science. To manufacture electronic devices, 2D materials must be patterned into nanostructures. For this purpose, one of the key requirements is etching. The quest for new etching technology suitable for 2D materials has emerged. In this project, I designed and conducted experiments to achieve nanopatterning of graphene by significantly enhancing a newly developed, low-cost, high-efficiency, and environmentally friendly method called the magnetic field-assisted hydroxyl radical etching (MAHRE) method. My research establishes that MAHRE could be a remarkable solution for etching 2D materials at a nanometer scale, not only in research labs but also in the industry for fabricating electronic nanodevices using 2D materials. This advancement will undoubtedly stimulate the application of 2D materials and offer new advantages for information technology, benefiting humankind.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Mu, Aimee Yixuan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Shanghai High School International Division\",\n        \"country\": \"China\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24703\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:11.882302Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:635eff2e4a292feb0016f51c7a8f7e45dd310e66580211ee81e339a56563e8aa\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24703\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:13.352084Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bce4efa055c7279c8d55035c048a569fea114014efb11fd7e768accff6a0ba20\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24703\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PHYS001-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bce4efa055c7279c8d55035c048a569fea114014efb11fd7e768accff6a0ba20\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24703\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:635eff2e4a292feb0016f51c7a8f7e45dd310e66580211ee81e339a56563e8aa\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PHYS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PHYS019\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Celestium: Optimized and Accurate Planetary and Interplanetary \\r\\nSatellite Modeling via Utilization of Novel Algorithms and Advanced Differential Equations\",\n    \"abstract\": \"In 2022, the Satellite Industry Association reported a staggering 45% increase in the number of operational satellites, resulting in an orbital population exceeding 7,000 around Earth. With the growing reliance on satellite technology, the demand for precise and dependable orbit modeling has increased. This project aims to help aid this problem through the creation of Celestium, a sophisticated software solution engineered to compute satellite orbits while accommodating a spectrum of perturbations, including J2 effects, atmospheric drag, etc. Celestium enables users to define satellite orbits through two methods: the basic position (r and velocity (vectors or the Keplerian Orbital Elements (KOEs) set comprising semi-major axis (a), eccentricity (e), inclination (i), true anomaly (?), argument of periapsis (?), and the right ascension of the ascending node (O). The transformation between the perifocal frame of reference (PQ) and the Earth-Centered Inertial frame (ECI) is accomplished using a translation matrix (R_(PQ?ECI)), allowing for an r and v to be generated from the KOEs (which then is numerically integrated via the Runge-Kutta method). Celestium incorporates perturbations by adjusting a derived acceleration equation. The accuracy of Celestium\u2019s simulations aligns closely with empirical data collected by NASA for satellite trajectories. Additionally, Celestium accommodates various attitude maneuvers, including Hohmann transfers, further enhancing its versatility.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kumar, Nikhil\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"KY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24983\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:13.961157Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4bee10692c23b1a97dfbacbdcf50f82c2c458db76cee677603558293fe917215\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24983\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:15.450072Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:25fe1fbdc7b16241dacc89055f29daf9186774d5ea19d2353d6b913d00dd976f\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24983\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PHYS019-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:25fe1fbdc7b16241dacc89055f29daf9186774d5ea19d2353d6b913d00dd976f\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24983\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:4bee10692c23b1a97dfbacbdcf50f82c2c458db76cee677603558293fe917215\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PHYS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PHYS020\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Precession, Nutation and Dynamic Trajectory of a Magnetic Rod in an Axisymmetric Magnetic Field\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Precession and nutation in dynamical systems have been of long-standing research interest. Manifesting in systems as diverse as spinning tops to celestial bodies like planets, understanding these motions offer a window into the intricate dance of forces governing such systems. One example of a previously unexplored system exhibiting precession and nutation is that of a magnetic rod in an axisymmetric magnetic field. This project aims to study this system through qualitative, quantitative, and experimental means. A theoretical model was formulated using Newton\u2019s Second Law and the torque equation, accounting for energy dissipation. One unique aspect of this system compared to other systems exhibiting precession and nutation is the presence of the non-linear magnetic force and torque, which were modelled by considering both magnets as current carrying cylinders. Experimentally, the dynamic trajectory and relevant degrees of freedom of the rod were measured using image binarization and ellipse fitting. This was used for a systematic investigation into how the nutation, precession and petaloid-like trajectories are affected by number of magnets, initial angular velocity and other relevant parameters. Theoretical predictions and experimental results show a good agreement. This work has various engineering applications such as centrifuge design, and could be used to introduce students to the concepts of precession, nutation and the magnetic force.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Koh, Martin Zhen Xuan (School: NUS High School of Mathematics &amp\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": null,\n        \"country\": \"Singapore\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Science)\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": null,\n        \"country\": \"Singapore\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25051\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:16.077204Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9d6482212b4f0ab15ceef3c277d4e8bc30d23151f289dd64b88787162abbb961\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25051\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:17.546995Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0337bc3f6b9ca9b2c961026ec1f78633be4c9284c2b6ec082b26cfcbca2193b3\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25051\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PHYS020-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0337bc3f6b9ca9b2c961026ec1f78633be4c9284c2b6ec082b26cfcbca2193b3\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25051\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:9d6482212b4f0ab15ceef3c277d4e8bc30d23151f289dd64b88787162abbb961\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PHYS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PHYS023T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Development of an Inexpensive, High-Performance, Easily-Assembled, Low-Dispersion Astronomical Spectrograph\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Two years ago, the astronomy club of the National Institute of Technology Yonago College devised a method for monitoring Earth\u2019s ozone layer through spectroscopic observations during total lunar eclipses. Given the simplicity of this method, we aimed to propose collaborative observations with astronomy clubs across Japanese high schools. However, the lack of spectrographs in most high schools and many Japanese public observatories due to their expense and complexity posed a challenge. Consequently, we undertook the task of developing an affordable and easily assembled spectrograph. The proposed spectrograph features a computer for controlling the rotation angle of the diffraction grating, enabling precise switching between the zeroth- and first-order spectra, which was not possible with other spectrographs. This allows a single camera attached to the spectrograph fulfills dual roles: slit viewing and spectroscopic observation, whereas other spectrographs use two cameras to perform both. Notably, the spectrograph offers low dispersion and captures the visible light spectrum in a single shot, boasting a resolution of R = 1,000 capable of resolving sodium D lines. This resolution is more than 1.5 times higher than the resolution of other spectrographs of the same price as this spectrograph. Moreover, it facilitates the measurement of rotational speeds of galaxies, a capability unavailable with conventional low-dispersion spectrographs. Utilizing readily available components such as telescope connecting rings streamlines fabrication, rendering the spectrograph easy to construct with minimal processing and inexpensive. Already operational at a local public observatory, the spectrograph's designs will soon be made accessible on our college website.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Yoshida, Hiroaki\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"National Institute of Technology, Yonago College\",\n        \"country\": \"Japan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Maeta, Kohtaro\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"National Institute of Technology, Yonago College\",\n        \"country\": \"Japan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kanetsuki, Shotaro\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"National Institute of Technology, Yonago College\",\n        \"country\": \"Japan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24786\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:18.173842Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:76469ec9f2f7aa5a764f7b22cd32a48c8b6c87b931e18309d5fcea5987d3bbd3\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24786\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:19.651294Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:26dd6cc9252f0660b4cd9d800777b18cc0b100b626b2e84d784683185edc4c81\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24786\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PHYS023T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:26dd6cc9252f0660b4cd9d800777b18cc0b100b626b2e84d784683185edc4c81\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24786\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:76469ec9f2f7aa5a764f7b22cd32a48c8b6c87b931e18309d5fcea5987d3bbd3\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PHYS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PHYS034\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Gear-Based Topological Mechanical Metamaterials\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The ability to engineer metamaterials with properties and functionalities not found in nature is a revolutionary concept with exciting technological applications. Mechanical metamaterials use mechanisms as fundamental building blocks to achieve novel behaviors. In recent years, topology has transformed our understanding of physics, ranging from electronics to photonics. This project combines these two lines of developments to address the natural question of whether the ideas of topology extend to mechanical metamaterials. In this work, I studied geared mechanical metamaterials. The addition of rotational degrees of freedom expands the basic elements available for designing materials, resulting in new phenomena. I studied metamaterials based on the Martini and Hexachiral lattices. Initially, I optimized the design and manufacturing process, focusing on factors such as cost, production time and repeatability. Then, I conducted a series of experiments to analyze the behavior of these prototypes under various types of deformations. I determined the presence of localized edge zero modes, a key characteristic of topological materials, and investigated how rotational degrees of freedom affect the global stability of the materials. Finally, I determined the compatibility matrices for the metamaterials based on the Martini and Hexachiral lattices and performed a computational study of the effects of varying lattice geometries. My computations revealed the specific geometries at which topological phase transitions occur. The convergence of topology and mechanical metamaterials is a nascent field. The concepts investigated in this work hold great potential for applications ranging from nanomachines to unraveling the intricate mechanisms driving morphogenesis in living organisms.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Franco de la Matta, Belen\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Bergen County Academies\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NJ\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25357\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:20.301945Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f8c8267ffcefde87ca171dada7e68a8dde445f4256a0a738daee6f3fadd91a41\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25357\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:21.749701Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6160349c9070b20a1278b96e43b964845b489132bbc41544ca0fefcdc24eee1d\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25357\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PHYS034-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6160349c9070b20a1278b96e43b964845b489132bbc41544ca0fefcdc24eee1d\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25357\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:f8c8267ffcefde87ca171dada7e68a8dde445f4256a0a738daee6f3fadd91a41\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PHYS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PHYS047\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Novel Computer Vision Approach to Radial Velocity Extraction for Exoplanet Detection\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Studying the Radial Velocity (RV) of stars led to the first definitive detection of an exoplanet in 1995 and has since contributed to the discovery of several thousand exoplanets. Cross-correlating spectral data with a template mask has been the standard approach to RV extraction. In the last decade, scientists have been actively seeking enhanced RV extraction techniques to boost precision, simplify procedures, and reduce the overall computational workload.\\nIn this proof-of-concept research, we present a novel approach that utilizes computer vision (CV) techniques to analyze stellar spectra and accurately extract RVs. We first constructed 2D spectral line images from the raw stellar data and devised several enhancement approaches to make the images more suitable for feature detection. We then applied CV techniques to detect, match, and transform features between two images. We successfully extracted RV information using this novel method.\\nWe tested our method on four real stellar data sets measured by the Yale Extreme-precision Spectrograph Stellar Signals Project (ESSP). We found that it yields results comparable to an industry-standard method in both time and frequency domains. From the sensitivity test outcomes, it is evident that the CV method exhibits a high level of robustness against diverse model settings and can effectively handle potential measurement noise. Its fast speed in RV extraction also positions it among the fastest methods available.\\nThis novel computer vision-based RV extraction technique, combined with advancements in instrumentation, could push the RV extraction resolution further below the 1 m/s level to identify star-exoplanet systems similar to our Sun-Earth and eventually discover real habitable exoplanets.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Gan, Katelyn\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Sage Hill School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25612\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:22.367441Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2fdbb8d8f1cc0645f8438b693fecada8ae6ffabcc335ebd1938e2860ec4ae158\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25612\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:23.850498Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:74033903b7bf8055a3fc23ed6616c27693260e6661ce9072522771afee791fe7\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25612\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PHYS047-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:74033903b7bf8055a3fc23ed6616c27693260e6661ce9072522771afee791fe7\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25612\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:2fdbb8d8f1cc0645f8438b693fecada8ae6ffabcc335ebd1938e2860ec4ae158\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PHYS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PHYS053T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Comparison of the Spiral Wave on the Fabric and the Gravitational Wave From the Orbiting Binary\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Gravitational waves are caused by fluctuations in the curvature of spacetime from Einstein's general theory of relativity. When black holes or objects with high mass orbit each other or collide, energy is lost in the form of gravitational waves. In some previous studies, this phenomenon has been visualized from waves on a fabric that are generated by the rotation of a roller. However, it is not possible to simulate gravitational waves perfectly because of the discontinuous data collection, the relationship between the rotation speed and the wave speed on the fabric, the manual control of the device pressure, and the consideration of the system's momentum conservation law were not considered. This may result in the waves in these studies being different from the gravitational waves detected from real phenomena. Therefore, the research team wanted to improve the simulation of gravitational waves on a fabric by controlling the motion of the source to be as close as possible to the real phenomenon in the inspiral phase of a compact orbiting binary system, which obeys the law of conservation of angular momentum. By collecting the distance of the wave displacement from a point on the fabric at any time and comparing the data with the strain signal of LIGO from the real phenomenon. The research team found that the characteristics of the frequency and amplitude of the waves on the fabric increased or decreased in the same way as the phenomenon. However, the characteristics were different when considering the size of the change affected by the order of magnitude. Therefore, the improvement of the demonstration can explain the trend of the behavior of gravitational waves from a compact binary system in the inspiral phase.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Sawangsawai, Kanisorn\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Kamnoetvidya Science Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"Thailand\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Thanakulkairid, Phudit\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Kamnoetvidya Science Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"Thailand\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Feng, Bemikha\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Kamnoetvidya Science Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"Thailand\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24749\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:24.448107Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e5847b0226c5d9dbbb253cde245c3d6272f0c17d1607690634006ae4e61ac2af\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24749\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:25.942300Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9c7bd54b74997c58d93f36ccba51527df9d8b571c63fd77c01435b19ea36e8cf\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24749\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PHYS053T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9c7bd54b74997c58d93f36ccba51527df9d8b571c63fd77c01435b19ea36e8cf\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24749\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:e5847b0226c5d9dbbb253cde245c3d6272f0c17d1607690634006ae4e61ac2af\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PHYS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PHYS060T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"From Curveballs to Global Shipping: The Impact of Surface Conditions on the Magnus Effect\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The Magnus effect is a phenomenon where a rotating sphere or cylinder generates a force perpendicular to the airflow. Smooth, vertical Magnus cylinders incorporated into cargo ships act like a sail to convert perpendicular crosswinds into thrust. Such applications have reduced net fuel consumption by 30%. Little research has investigated the impact of surface conditions, an important variable in fluid dynamics. We aimed to fill this research gap, hypothesizing that maximizing surface roughness and dimple density would yield the highest lift-to-drag ratio, a measure of efficiency. The setup consisted of a motor-driven spinning cylinder on a two-axis force detection system to measure downforce and drag in a wind tunnel. Surface roughness was altered by wrapping the cylinder in sandpaper and dimple density by using thin, 3D-printed, dimpled sheaths. Data was analyzed using a paired two-tailed t-test. For each variable, 3 trials were completed with each trial spanning 10 seconds, and collecting 100+ data points. Dimples did not show a significant increase in efficiency (SD 5%, p=0.25) while medium surface roughness (relative roughness of 0.048) increased efficiency by 120% compared to smooth (SD 3%, p<0.03). The benefits of surface roughness diminish at finer and coarser extremes. Utilizing our pre-established Reynold's number, we extrapolated our findings, projecting fuel savings of 55.8% for cargo ships that incorporate Magnus cylinders with appropriate roughness. Future work will focus on additional variables, such as raised dimples or a combination of dimples and roughness.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Angiras, Vishnu\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Shrewsbury High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MA\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Mishechkin, Misha\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Tahanto Regional High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25786\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:27.377339Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c152f1db8f3c577334b0c15389ecbb9a4c4feddbe7ebaa856605f36967dd4c40\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25786\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:28.436575Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:59fc6ceda46a53e02e6c1b7e069909f17fa5dd309448ee909af0f4be123171da\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25786\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PHYS060T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:59fc6ceda46a53e02e6c1b7e069909f17fa5dd309448ee909af0f4be123171da\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25786\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:c152f1db8f3c577334b0c15389ecbb9a4c4feddbe7ebaa856605f36967dd4c40\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PLNT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PLNT006\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Combating Huanglongbing Through the Development of a Non-phytotoxic Oxytetracycline Formulation and Novel Fluorescence-Based Detection System\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Huanglongbing (HLB), more commonly known as citrus greening, is a devastating disease caused by bacteria that colonize tree phloem, restrict nutrient flow, and cause symptoms such as fruit drop and reduced fruit quality. In Florida alone, it has reduced the citrus industry's value from $9 billion to merely $3 billion in recent years. Foliar application of two EPA-approved antibiotics for combating citrus greening, Oxytetracycline (OTC) and Streptomycin (STM), have been used in field settings for several years with no significant success. The EPA recently approved OTC for trunk injection, the only treatment available to citrus growers in Florida. However, the OTC formulation causes trunk damage due to low pH and OTC phytotoxicity, and there is no current solution to this problem. Furthermore, there is a need for a detection system to monitor OTC levels in the plant to ensure the treatment is effective. This research focuses on the development of a Oxytetracycline (OTC) formulation using biocompatible inert materials including Ocimum sanctum phytochemicals that solubilizes OTC at a neutral pH to alleviate phytotoxicity. Additionally, a unique paper-based sensor has been developed that improves the inherent fluorescence property of OTC and can therefore be used to check OTC levels in leaf tissue.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Santra, Moitri\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Oviedo High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24887\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:29.119768Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e322e133a2317bbc9094943fdfdc955cf655f8acfee1566d5bdecc49c40e96dc\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24887\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:30.496456Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8d09a0deb3ec12fa8a771e0bdfd34499c55c0df9fe03ac6f5ac3e1f1f6686be9\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24887\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PLNT006-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8d09a0deb3ec12fa8a771e0bdfd34499c55c0df9fe03ac6f5ac3e1f1f6686be9\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24887\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:e322e133a2317bbc9094943fdfdc955cf655f8acfee1566d5bdecc49c40e96dc\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PLNT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PLNT017\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Rising Temperature, Falling Immunity: Plant Stomatal Defense Relies on Heat Sensitive Protease\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Global warming poses a significant threat to plants by weakening their defense, exacerbating disease outbreaks and threatening global food security. However, limited attention is given to the effect of temperature under pathogen attack on the closure of stomata, critical portals for pathogen entry. Recent research has revealed that XCP1 is a heat-sensitive protease in charge of processing PR1 into the immune cytokine AtCAPE9. In this study, I hypothesize that stomatal immunity hinges on the heat-sensitivity of XCP1. Using Arabidopsis as a model system, I have developed a precise plant microclimate setup. The study demonstrates that even brief heat stress episodes can obstruct XCP1 activity, persistently compromising stomatal immunity even after temperatures return to normal. Our findings highlight the crucial role of XCP1-mediated production of AtCAPE9 in heat-compromised stomatal immunity. Additionally, the exogenous application of AtCAPE9 effectively restores heat-compromised immunity. This discovery presents promising opportunities for developing transgenic and non-transgenic strategies to improve plant defense against pathogen invasion and reduce yield losses in a warming climate.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Lin, Ching-Min\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Taipei Municipal Chien Kuo High School\",\n        \"country\": \"Taiwan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24759\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:31.196511Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:91c827ecb64bdd19385f24fec727510d5f9bc08d7521aa30d4d291b695ea782a\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24759\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:32.634532Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ee8296e2e10e429a2019f5a549b8c76cc07f7757eb7dfa3fbe03c0d1d4e5bc5e\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24759\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PLNT017-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ee8296e2e10e429a2019f5a549b8c76cc07f7757eb7dfa3fbe03c0d1d4e5bc5e\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24759\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:91c827ecb64bdd19385f24fec727510d5f9bc08d7521aa30d4d291b695ea782a\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PLNT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PLNT019\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Growth Promotion of Hydroponic Lactuca sativa var. capitata and Microgreen Raphanus sativus When Exposed to Pseudomonas psychrotolerans Consistently Throughout the Growth Period\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The fight to end global hunger in a sustainable fashion has been a struggle. There are still few agricultural technologies aiding the situation. Using the bacterial endophyte Pseudomonas psychrotolerans we determined if the growth of hydroponic Lactuca sativa var. capitata and microgreen Raphanus sativus increases post-inoculation. Both hydroponics and microgreens are possible technologies to aid world hunger troubles.\\nWe inoculated half of the hydroponic plants and the microgreen plants with 10\u00b5L (OD 600 = 1.0) of Pseudomonas psychrotolerans and half with a control solution. The plants were grown beneath LED lighting for nine weeks (hydroponics) and two weeks (microgreens). Observations of length, height, number of leaves, dry mass, and wet mass were recorded. Data was analyzed using a One-Way ANOVA test. This work was hands-on and bridged across multiple disciplines.\\nInoculated hydroponic plants demonstrated significantly larger sizes, in dry mass (p<8.2x10-12) and wet mass (p<7.95x10-10). They also had greater mean leaf growth (17 leaves vs. 13 leaves),  increased length (39cm vs. 33cm), and height (11cm vs. 8cm). Inoculated microgreen plants also displayed a difference in the mean number of leaves (5 vs. 4).\\nThis study demonstrated Pseudomonas psychrotolerans has a positive effect on the growth of Lactuca sativa var. capitata and Raphanus sativus. Future experiments will utilize various plant species to determine whether the effects of Pseudomonas psychrotolerans are universal or localized to Lactuca sativa var. capitata and Raphanus sativus. The innovative use of bacteria within this study has laid the groundwork for research to promote humanity's future.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Fromm, Leah\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"East Hampton High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25139\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:33.329186Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2c5332f2643e0fc29d5803d17495af3a353817124bd7c778f23116fe97c25b7b\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25139\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:34.708613Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ec28ff5ba29daa49e7b3aff5eaaf514368531fcc550ee68cadffa2ecd0b4989b\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25139\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PLNT019-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ec28ff5ba29daa49e7b3aff5eaaf514368531fcc550ee68cadffa2ecd0b4989b\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25139\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:2c5332f2643e0fc29d5803d17495af3a353817124bd7c778f23116fe97c25b7b\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PLNT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PLNT040\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"The Effects of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Polymer on Bioactive Compounds of Juniperus procera (L). Plant\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Juniperus (L.) is the second most prevalent genus of conifers worldwide. This study focuses on Juniperus procera (L.) because of its natural abundance of photochemical components that have potential antioxidant, insecticidal, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. Nevertheless, the abundance of bioactive chemicals in existing natural sources is limited. Therefore, the exploration of novel methods for inducing the generation of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants is an expanding field of research. This investigation suggests utilizing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a water-soluble synthetic polymer, to enhance the production of bioactive chemicals in Juniperus procera (L.). For the present study, explants of Juniperus procera were subjected to PVA in 0.0, 30.0, 50.0 mg/L. For each treatment, five explants, three jars per treatment, in total 45 explants, were cultured under laminar conditions for a month. Subsequently, the levels of bioactive compounds were evaluated using a UV spectrophotometer with ferruginol standard.  In addition, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to evaluate ferruginol compounds. Furthermore, (Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) was utilized to measure the antioxidant activity of plant extract. The findings of this investigation show beneficial outcomes regarding the effects of PVA treatment at a concentration of 50mg/L. These effects include a significant enhancement in phenol content by approximately 200%, a considerable elevation of ferruginol concentration by 115.7%, and a substantial increase of antioxidant activity in plant extracts by 128%. Thus, the results of this research hold great importance in multiple sectors such as medical, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food, economics, and environment.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Almalki, Layan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Alfaisaliah Islamic Schools\",\n        \"country\": \"Saudi Arabia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25368\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:35.394474Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:630873cf3d6cf95d6781925e61b75de8c03024ed54f2450cd5aee34862cf4cea\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25368\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:36.786639Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6d00bd12033f20b02e4e8af805c618480eeaa5834ff4c9b6153a7d25d057a4a5\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25368\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PLNT040-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6d00bd12033f20b02e4e8af805c618480eeaa5834ff4c9b6153a7d25d057a4a5\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25368\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:630873cf3d6cf95d6781925e61b75de8c03024ed54f2450cd5aee34862cf4cea\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PLNT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PLNT041T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Evaluation of Cuscuta Interaction With Arabidopsis thaliana Expressing RUBY Reporter\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Cuscuta, known as dodder, is a parasitic plant which draws all necessary resources from its host through the formation of haustoria, root-like organ structures. Its hosts include Arabidopsis thaliana, a flowering dicotyledon. RUBY is a reporter DNA construct recently developed which codes for three enzymes in the metabolic pathway of betalain, a red pigment. The goal of this study was to evaluate the transfer of betalain from Arabidopsis modified with 35S:RUBY construct to dodder using spectrophotometric assays and sectioning of haustorial attachments. Of the planted RUBY-Arabidopsis, some expressed the construct, while others silenced it. After these hosts had flowered, C. campestris and C. gronovii were attached to the stems and leaves. Haustorial attachments were harvested and extracted in distilled water. After being spun in a centrifuge, the supernatant of each sample was read for absorbance at 535 nm. Sectioning was performed with a vibratome or by hand under a microscope. Two extractions were performed and analyzed. A Welch\u2019s ANOVA compared haustoria absorbance of both Cuscuta species on expressing and silenced hosts, and results (p=0.121) indicated there was no significant difference between the mean of any group. However, photographs of cross-sections taken under microscope showed patches of pigment in both Cuscuta species on expressing and silenced hosts. These results indicate that betalain is present in the parasite, but that it may have been mRNA crossing the haustorium and synthesizing the pigment, rather than betalain alone being transferred.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Reczek, Kane\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Roanoke Valley Governor's School for Science and Technology\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"VA\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Mizuba, Hannah\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Roanoke Valley Governor's School for Science and Technology\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"VA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25355\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:37.642313Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7d618b91a8b81bcf1b474e1eae733a570376226c750ea7421c8d6cd63382b4a3\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25355\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:38.868791Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4e4c7a1c8fb0855fe68a6fb4caacb3a4669d9096af52ca88dfd0ed0c8cf1faa2\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25355\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PLNT041T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4e4c7a1c8fb0855fe68a6fb4caacb3a4669d9096af52ca88dfd0ed0c8cf1faa2\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25355\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:7d618b91a8b81bcf1b474e1eae733a570376226c750ea7421c8d6cd63382b4a3\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PLNT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PLNT045\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Utilizing Tobacco Mosaic Virus as a Viral Vector in the in Planta Production of Antimicrobial Peptides\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Despite major advancements in biological sciences and technologies, we have yet to tap into the full potential of plants. They have the ability to produce a variety of proteins, some of which can be life saving. One of these are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), considered next-generation antibiotics with their broad-spectrum activity against a plethora of pathogens. Also, bacteria have a much lower propensity to develop resistance to them. However, the clinical application of AMPs is impeded by the economic challenges associated with their large-scale production. This study investigated the utility of Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) to produce AMPs in the Nicotiana benthamiana plant to facilitate a simpler, quicker peptide production. Included was the genetic design of the previously reported AMP sequence called 1082 AMP in the TMV genome to facilitate its incorporation into the plant. Sanger sequencing was performed to confirm the successful cloning of the 1082 AMP gene into the TMV genome, followed by western blot analysis to detect the 1082 AMP expression in N. benthamiana plant confirming the TMV utilization to produce AMPs. Subsequently, the mean inhibitory concentration assessment and an NPN-dye permeability assay demonstrated a retained antimicrobial activity of the 1082 AMP on several pathogenic drug-resistant bacteria including K. pneumoniae, A. Junii, E.coli, and S. aureus. These results exhibited a successful production of the 1082 AMP in plants with a retained bioactivity, providing a promise for TMV uses to produce peptides for clinical use as an alternative as we move into the post antibiotic era.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Radi, Tamara\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Jeddah Knowledge International School\",\n        \"country\": \"Saudi Arabia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25461\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:39.611628Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:203336c49fe33a284df9d0f8c1d7d18d632bd7eb8583cd8c125740350e1cf514\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25461\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:41.413728Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8ec8bdcbdcba897e82f39ba3ae62435cab609686387e560a4215895741344558\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25461\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PLNT045-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8ec8bdcbdcba897e82f39ba3ae62435cab609686387e560a4215895741344558\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25461\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:203336c49fe33a284df9d0f8c1d7d18d632bd7eb8583cd8c125740350e1cf514\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PLNT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PLNT047\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"The Efficacy of Rhodophyta as a Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer Through Okra and Arabidopsis Growth, Pigment Concentration and Macronutrient/Micronutrient Distribution Using Tender Energy Spectroscopy\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Invasive Rhodophyta (red macroalgae) species Dasysiphonia japonica & Gracilaria are threatening environmental and human health by outcompeting native seaweeds and releasing toxins from harmful algal blooms (HABs). This project takes advantage of Rhodophyta\u2019s bioavailable nutrient content to repurpose these otherwise devastating species into a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers. This study tests the efficacy of D. japonica and Gracilaria as Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer (SLF) as a foliar spray and soil drench respectively on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) growth and chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoid pigment concentration. SLF was diluted and tested at varying concentrations based on application, and compared to a chemical fertilizer. Additionally, arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) was grown in plant-based agar plates combined with concentrations of Gracilaria SLF and chemical fertilizer. Arabidopsis plants were analyzed with Tender Energy Spectroscopy on the National Synchrotron Light Source 2. Elemental distribution maps of P, K, Ca, S, Cl, etc. were constructed using energy spectrums of 2400 eV and 4200 eV, revealing SLFs\u2019 and chemical fertilizers efficiency in providing nutrients necessary for plant development, densely located at the plant's axil and leaves sustaining future growth. Overall, in each tested factor, SLF groups performed similarly to each other, more effectively than the control group, and as effective as the chemical fertilizer. T-tests and ANOVA tests were used to confirm statistical significance. These results support that SLF can be a viable substitute for chemical fertilizers and offer a multi-purpose solution that can mitigate eutrophication and future HABs while removing an invasive species to protect our coastal environment.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Curran, Jessica\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Westhampton Beach High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25590\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:42.036697Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:449e3d3ed0e224a761ee9b1c7940c17e2c4bcea6482ca462d16510f38c55c16e\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25590\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:43.559281Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fea7d6010b79a61ec5ca1ed92593d553b2c8e320b330e1e3391f40c8977b8fae\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25590\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PLNT047-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fea7d6010b79a61ec5ca1ed92593d553b2c8e320b330e1e3391f40c8977b8fae\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25590\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:449e3d3ed0e224a761ee9b1c7940c17e2c4bcea6482ca462d16510f38c55c16e\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ROBO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ROBO003\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Trojan Microrobots for Digestive Tract Treatment\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Oral administration is a common drug delivery way in our daily lives. However, achieving precise target delivery and ensuring medication efficacy in the digestive system with complex pH environments is challenging. Motivated by the \\\"Trojan Horse\\\" story, we proposed a multilayer magnetic hydrogel oral \\\"Trojan Microrobot\\\" for on-demand release driven by a gradient magnetic field. The inner hydrogel shells enclosed designated drugs and magnetic microparticles. The outer hydrogel shells enclosed the inner hydrogel shells, magnetic microparticles, and pH neutralizers. Fabricated by the hanging drop method, the spheroid microrobots have a size of 1-3 mm, facilitating oral medicine delivery. Inspired by creatures rolling on the ground, the robots were driven to move via surface rolling, realized by a rotating gradient magnetic field produced by a five-axis motion platform carrying a rotating magnet. In-vitro and ex-vivo experiments were performed to demonstrate the rolling microrobots with well-controlled movement direction and destination and their disintegration layer by layer, which relied on the ratio of the fabrication materials. The biosafety test was conducted by co-culturing with zebrafish embryos, revealing the safety of the microrobots for living organisms. The microrobots can deform to pass through narrow channels via deformation and stay stable in acid and alkaline in-vitro environments. The robots can also be controlled to deliver and release containers in a bovine intestine ex-vivo. These results revealed the advantages of the Trojan microrobot in cargo delivery with almost no loss, remote controlled release, and less damaged drugs by pH environment. It is a promising approach to advance next-generation precision oral therapies in the digestive system in vivo.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Xu, Ziheng\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Pui Ching Middle School\",\n        \"country\": \"China, Macao Special Administrative Region\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24658\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:44.173427Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:00562f8f5803e023f44e865b2af0e8083c82e3c193bcaff7b23046b0cdb3dfbb\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24658\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:45.644151Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:907a4f2793cf906e45f1728836189a7ac65c68fe7e4e805f388c91ef5d108b43\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24658\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO003-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:907a4f2793cf906e45f1728836189a7ac65c68fe7e4e805f388c91ef5d108b43\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24658\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:00562f8f5803e023f44e865b2af0e8083c82e3c193bcaff7b23046b0cdb3dfbb\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ROBO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ROBO013\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n        \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"GaitGuardian: Real-Time Freezing of Gait Prediction and Progression Analysis for Parkinson's Disease\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Over 10 million people worldwide are diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder significantly impacting daily life. Freezing of Gait (FoG), affecting around 80% of advanced PD patients, is a severely disabling symptom where individuals are temporarily unable to move, leading to an increased risk of balance loss and falling. In response to these challenges, especially in underdeveloped areas with minimal access to proper treatment, GaitGuardian, composed of FoG prediction, fall detection, and PD progression analysis, was deployed onto a Raspberry Pi, offering an accessible and low-cost solution for improved quality of life. First, for the FoG prediction component, a machine learning ensemble model, reaching 99.87% accuracy, was trained on angular features extracted from the Daphnet dataset consisting of real-time sensor data from 10 PD patients, to detect FoG periods 2 seconds before their occurrence and play an auditory cue to reduce the severity of FoG periods. Next, for fall detection, an XGBoost model, reaching 99.76% accuracy, was trained on features from the SisFall dataset containing sensor data from young and elderly individuals, and was paired with an emergency contact feature. Finally, for PD progression, two Random Forest Regressors, with R-squared values of 97.7% and 97.4%, were trained on vocal features from the Oxford Parkinson's Disease Telemonitoring Dataset to predict separately total and motor Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores as PD progresses. Overall, GaitGuardian can predict FoG, detect falls, and analyze the progression of PD while outperforming state-of-the-art models, demonstrating its beneficial impact on PD patients.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Bankapur, Viren\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Independence High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24865\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:46.277375Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a346a78617bfef492fb6db2db78e38b393711ff60e3511e59e1701f095bc11a4\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24865\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:47.733370Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:da652ecc87936c58881651080582a6ca167b1fa1f521d6318f4c8af1fec4cc89\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24865\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO013-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:da652ecc87936c58881651080582a6ca167b1fa1f521d6318f4c8af1fec4cc89\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24865\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:a346a78617bfef492fb6db2db78e38b393711ff60e3511e59e1701f095bc11a4\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ROBO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ROBO028\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Syncardia: AI at the Heart of Early Cardiovascular Disease Detection\",\n    \"abstract\": \"In the contemporary landscape of medical technology, the integration of machine learning (ML) with wearable electrocardiograms (ECGs) presents a groundbreaking approach to cardiovascular disease detection. This study expands the abilities of ML algorithms in interpreting ECG data from wearable devices for early and accurate identification of cardiovascular anomalies. Traditional methods of cardiovascular monitoring often require invasive procedures or stationary equipment, limiting their accessibility and viability for early diagnosis. In contrast, wearable ECGs offer continuous, non-invasive monitoring. The application of ML models such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) enables clinically viable interpretation of these datasets without a clinician, overcoming the severe scaleability limitations that currently plague the wearable ECG market. By targeting the early detection of cardiovascular irregularities, potentially reducing the incidence of late-diagnosis related complications. Moreover, the predictive capabilities of ML models facilitate proactive healthcare interventions, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. Our analysis further discusses the potential of these models in personalizing patient care, considering individual health profiles and historical data for tailored treatment strategies. The amalgamation of wearable ECG technology with advanced ML models thus marks a significant stride towards innovative, efficient, and patient-centric approaches in cardiovascular healthcare.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Thomas, Ethan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Ransom Everglades School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24602\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:48.354215Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:dc7bacd8f1c2443d66e2f3a63d2e3b2630ebdff1951836f43ec2028d817fa02b\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24602\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:49.804306Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f0d2c80da92123c5f262fdc7e01f034471ca3a16caaee764a2ceb61165def56d\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24602\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO028-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f0d2c80da92123c5f262fdc7e01f034471ca3a16caaee764a2ceb61165def56d\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24602\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:dc7bacd8f1c2443d66e2f3a63d2e3b2630ebdff1951836f43ec2028d817fa02b\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ROBO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ROBO032\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Shanghai Science Association for Young Talents\",\n        \"raw\": \"Shanghai Science Association for Young Talents: Award\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Tremor-Adaptive Assistive Dining Solution: A Robotic Arm Integrating Computer Vision and Active Stabilization for Enhanced Autonomy\",\n    \"abstract\": \"In the context of an increasingly technological society and a demographic trend towards an aging population, the challenge of aiding individuals with compromised hand functionality in conducting activities of daily living\u2014such as self-feeding\u2014has emerged as a critical societal concern. This study introduces a novel automatic feeding system, leveraging a 6-axis robotic arm that incorporates servo control, computer vision, deep learning, and filtering technologies. These components synergize to facilitate precise feature detection and efficient feeding under highly unstable conditions. The system features a versatile mechanical framework and an anti-shaking mechanism, employing inverse kinematics and gradient descent algorithms to achieve stable and accurate operation of the robotic arm. To counteract environmental vibrations, the system includes a dual-servo anti-tremor assembly, which has demonstrated a significant reduction in food spillage by 74%. The control mechanism integrates sophisticated algorithms, including Kalman filtering for the fusion of sensor data and predictive control, thereby improving the robotic arm's responsiveness and adaptability. For precise localization of facial features, the system utilizes 3D Time-of-Flight (TOF) cameras in conjunction with OpenCV and Dlib frameworks, applying neural network models to identify essential facial coordinates accurately. Furthermore, the integration of YOLO (You Only Look Once) algorithms for gesture recognition enhances the system's autonomy and interactive capabilities with users. This research has successfully developed an automated robotic feeding system through real-time data processing to assist individuals with neurological impairments in self-feeding, while adapting to their dynamic needs.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Shao, Tianhao\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School\",\n        \"country\": \"China\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25013\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:50.421357Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:626a64620da27040e223a8dcdb145b27826b03b45319187fecb43c5b67e49628\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25013\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:53.569749Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:123c075935beb44348eb0c36d71d3835ceff3c4c0e5de12285e0950baff73edb\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25013\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO032-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:123c075935beb44348eb0c36d71d3835ceff3c4c0e5de12285e0950baff73edb\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25013\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:626a64620da27040e223a8dcdb145b27826b03b45319187fecb43c5b67e49628\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ROBO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ROBO035\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Association for Computing Machinery\",\n        \"raw\": \"Association for Computing Machinery: Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE\",\n        \"raw\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE: Certificate of Honorable Mention, a 1-year free student membership to the INCOSE, and free virtual admission to the 2022 International Symposium of the INCOSE\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"The Virtual Cardiologist: Three Deep Learning Pipelines in an Inexpensive Portable Device and Web/Mobile Application for Rapid Cardiovascular Diagnosis and Clinical Decision-Making\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Background: Heart disease is the foremost cause of death worldwide, and specialty care such as cardiologists and expensive Doppler echocardiograms are scarce in rural areas. There is significant variability among physicians in interpreting heart sounds and 2D echocardiograms from more basic, widely available tools like stethoscopes and point-of-care ultrasound devices (POCUS), leading to treatment delays. Methods: 26 Deep-learning models were tested to optimally [a] stratify severity of aortic stenosis from POCUS 2D echocardiogram images [b] estimate cardiac ejection fraction (heart failure) from POCUS 2D echocardiogram videos and [c] identify pathologic heart murmurs using digital stethoscope recordings. The top performing model for each was integrated into a portable, inexpensive Raspberry-Pi device (Virtual Cardiologist), mobile application, and website. Each model was tested on two independent datasets to ensure accuracy. The heart murmur algorithm was also tested on 323 patients by recording their heart sounds via a custom and digital stethoscope in an outpatient setting for clinical validation. Results: The three top-performing models outperformed cardiologists and previous AI methods. The aortic stenosis model (AUC=0.89) utilized EfficientNet, a CNN with compound scaling built on a pre-trained computational backbone. The ejection fraction model (EchoSwin) incorporated Microsoft Swin transformers modified for video input (MAE=5.6). The heart murmur model employed an LSTM Autoencoder algorithm (AUC=0.92). Conclusion: The Virtual Cardiologist can serve as an accurate tool for patient assessment and triage for referral to tertiary care in remote areas with limited specialty care. This is the first tool of its kind for detection of multiple cardiovascular morbidities.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Mehrotra-Varma, Shiv\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Clovis North High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25252\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:54.375606Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d206d826785038cad737dde56a8fcf541d35ead941b4dc354b17aa268bc2d154\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25252\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:55.748541Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fdb5fb540747b0b0b3206ff2c605cbe66b04cffcfbe624eedebfb1d9d4e2e858\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25252\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO035-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fdb5fb540747b0b0b3206ff2c605cbe66b04cffcfbe624eedebfb1d9d4e2e858\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25252\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:d206d826785038cad737dde56a8fcf541d35ead941b4dc354b17aa268bc2d154\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ROBO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ROBO036T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development\",\n        \"raw\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development: USAID Science for Development First Award - Global Health and Nutrition\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"SCOMAE: Diagnosing Tuberculosis From Cough Acoustics Using Supervised COntrastive Masked AutoEncoders\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Tuberculosis (TB), a leading cause of infectious disease death worldwide, disproportionately affects lower-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). When diagnosed early, TB is very curable, but when left undiagnosed for long periods of time, it can be deadly to the patient and spread throughout the community. Especially in LMICs, current diagnostic methods are slow, resource-intensive, and inaccessible, resulting in the prolific spread of TB within the host and within communities. In order to eradicate TB and ameliorate health disparities, more accessible and scalable diagnostic methods must be introduced. Cough, the most common symptom of TB, exhibits unique acoustic characteristics that vary across different respiratory diseases, suggesting potential for diagnosis based on cough sounds. Previous attempts to develop a machine learning-based algorithm to detect TB from cough audio have largely been unsuccessful due to limited availability of labeled data. In this work, we design and implement a novel self-supervised learning architecture optimized for TB detection from cough sounds, combining Masked Autoencoders and Supervised Contrastive Learning. We pretrain our network on a vast corpus of audio data and then fine-tune it on a dataset of labeled cough recordings from TB patients. Evaluated on a public benchmark, our model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.843 on the task of TB detection from cough sounds, outperforming all published techniques to the best of our knowledge. This breakthrough not only sets a new standard for cough-based TB diagnosis, but also marks a significant stride towards the global eradication of TB.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Xu, Michael\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The Taft School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Nabulsi, Faisal\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Acalanes High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25100\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:56.375572Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:99e01b296086d48d840f11f2ddabc9cdec6d1df5422099f0297b2cff429801b5\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25100\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:57.830811Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bbdbfa0c8cd90503afc903e63609c2e58b14100dc26d11e65ab7275a3ced0327\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25100\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO036T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bbdbfa0c8cd90503afc903e63609c2e58b14100dc26d11e65ab7275a3ced0327\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25100\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:99e01b296086d48d840f11f2ddabc9cdec6d1df5422099f0297b2cff429801b5\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ROBO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ROBO047\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Qorvo\",\n        \"raw\": \"Qorvo: Qorvo Innovator Award - 2nd Place\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Extraterrestrial Exploration Hexapod With Tactile AI-Based Gait Adjustment\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Extraterrestrial exploration has predominantly employed rover robots due to their proven reliability. Recent research, however, suggests that legged robots, with their superior mobility and agility enabled by adaptive locomotion systems, may offer a more effective solution for navigating extraterrestrial terrains. This study focused on developing a hexapod robot equipped with a tactile AI-based terrain recognition system capable of adjusting its gait accordingly. The development process began with the mechanical design and 3D printing of the robot's components, followed by the integration of a servo motor-powered system. Subsequent programming efforts yielded a variety of gaits tailored to specific environmental challenges and a hybrid gait for enhanced data collection through both tangential (friction) and normal (hardness) force measurements facilitated by a pressure sensor, taking advantage of a tactile AI\u2019s superiority in extracting physical force features. A multilayer neural network was then designed to classify the collected tactile data, enabling the robot to predict the type of terrain it encountered and adjust its gait dynamically. Experimental validation was conducted across continuous test fields featuring PVC, cardboard, and sand surfaces, which differ in friction and hardness. The robot demonstrated an 80% success rate in terrain recognition and navigation across 20 trials even with a relatively small dataset, showcasing its potential as a versatile tool for future extraterrestrial missions.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Wei, Haodong\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Cranbrook Kingswood School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MI\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25434\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:58.475413Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4465935e4ba2846d3cf4bcc48f880fe9a75b6f152e7bc3ea4aaba40b79d9deef\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25434\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:33:59.897616Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b9b1515790c717938b4e9a26780e0d3ea4ee1029cb3ee6427afd7c76c66611a1\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25434\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO047-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b9b1515790c717938b4e9a26780e0d3ea4ee1029cb3ee6427afd7c76c66611a1\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25434\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:4465935e4ba2846d3cf4bcc48f880fe9a75b6f152e7bc3ea4aaba40b79d9deef\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ROBO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ROBO065\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Optimal Sparsification and Low-Rank Decomposition of Deep Reinforcement Learning Policies for Surgical Robot Task Automation\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Deep reinforcement learning(DRL) has shown significant promise in a wide range of applications including computer games and robotics. Yet, DRL policies require very long training times resulting in dense policies with excessive number of network connections. These dense DRL policies are prone to overfitting and consume massive computing resources limiting their performance in real-world applications such as robotic surgery. Pruning, and singular-value-decomposition have been proposed to achieve model sparsification and compression to limit overfitting and reduce memory consumption. However, they resulted in sub-optimal performance with significant decay in rewards. L1 and L2 regularization have been proposed for sparsification in autoencoders, but they do not induce optimal sparsity due to their bias toward larger weights and their implementation in DRL is not apparent.\\nI developed a novel L0-regularization framework using an optimal sparsity map to sparsify DRL policies and promote their decomposition to a lower rank without decay in rewards. I evaluated my L0-regularization framework across five environments (Cartpole, Acrobat, LunarLander, SuperMarioBros and Surgical Robot Learning) using several on-policy and off-policy algorithms. I demonstrated that the L0-regularized DRL policy in the SuperMarioBros environment achieved 93% sparsity and gained 70% compression while outperforming the dense policy by 200 points. Additionally, the L0-regularized DRL policy in the Surgical Robot Learning environment, achieved a 36% sparsification and gained 46% compression, while significantly outperforming dense policies, providing solid evidence that L0-regularized sparse DRL policies are very effective in limiting overfitting and reducing computational resource requirements.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Goddla, Vikram\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Detroit Country Day School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MI\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25777\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:00.539475Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:237a085c4e21244f1b79a3b7b888a53ecd0f2dcc01788f0c6634525e5ef27489\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25777\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:01.964213Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5b4f56c15a4ae80a18e906ad4f45ac47b7e51e662f14f599b373ce533d8cf439\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25777\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO065-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5b4f56c15a4ae80a18e906ad4f45ac47b7e51e662f14f599b373ce533d8cf439\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25777\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:237a085c4e21244f1b79a3b7b888a53ecd0f2dcc01788f0c6634525e5ef27489\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ROBO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ROBO078\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Office of Naval Research on behalf of the United States Navy and Marine Corps\",\n        \"raw\": \"Office of Naval Research on behalf of the United States Navy and Marine Corps: The Chief of Naval Research Scholarship Award of $15,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE\",\n        \"raw\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE: Certificate of Honorable Mention, a 1-year free student membership to the INCOSE, and free virtual admission to the 2022 International Symposium of the INCOSE\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Zenith Soar X-4: Autonomous Drone for Autonomous Drone for Disaster Relief and Detection\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Background: Escalating natural disasters demand rapid, efficient, and safe response solutions. This project introduces a cost-effective autonomous drone system designed for disaster relief and emergency response.\\nObjective: To develop a drone that enhances response times, increases safety for rescue teams, and provides real-time crisis data.\\nMethods: The Zenith Soar features cameras, sensors, dual GPS, and magnetic positioning systems, connecting with up to 40 satellites for precise navigation. Its advanced algorithms support reliable detection and mapping, while a 24,000 mAh battery allows for extended flights. The drone body, designed for cost-efficiency and ease of replacement, is 3D-printable in under 10 hours with components mounted on a removable tray for quick transfer. Key capabilities include live video streaming, thermal imaging, automated target detection, 3D mapping, and autonomous operation. After three redesigns, the drone was optimized for durability and lightweight construction using high-temperature ABS. It was initially trained to detect and map human presence but can be adapted for various targets and tasks.\\nResults: Testing showed the drone can accurately map locations and autonomously detect individuals from 150 feet, with a flight duration over an hour and a range of nearly 500 meters. Its design and autonomous nature enable effective operation across diverse environments.\\nThis drone system promises significant advancements in disaster response efficiency and safety, leveraging cutting-edge technology to meet critical challenges.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Williams, Daniel\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"East Coweta High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"GA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25973\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:02.632379Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:924ef78f60f9169663b206b66d8581aed16918749bd68936f012b524477ac442\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25973\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:04.042188Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a090a8b1286efda1097b37c4901eb7f2237cbaa12a6ff4d89731ed12b34234da\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25973\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO078-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a090a8b1286efda1097b37c4901eb7f2237cbaa12a6ff4d89731ed12b34234da\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25973\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:924ef78f60f9169663b206b66d8581aed16918749bd68936f012b524477ac442\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Systems Software\",\n    \"category_code\": \"SOFT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"SOFT006\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"FlashGuard: Developing Epileptic Activity and Trigger Content Detection Software Using a Computer-Based Application for Real Time Monitoring and Seizure Reporting\",\n    \"abstract\": \"In the virtual realm, individuals with photosensitive epilepsy encounter challenges using electronic devices exposed to visual stimuli. These stimuli, characterized by rapidly flashing elements in high contrast, can trigger seizures, rendering the Internet and computer applications unpredictable and hazardous for affected individuals. To address this issue and enhance accessibility, a novel approach was devised to assess the average rate of frame changes on a user's screen. This innovative method involves converting frames to the CIELAB color space, replicating human perceptual qualities, and calculating the average grayscale of the resulting differential frame. The weighted average of the last 30 differentials is then fed into a logistic regression model embedded in FlashGuard, the compiled application. Unlike browser extensions, FlashGuard is compatible with all computer applications and provides real-time analysis, surpassing current models that rely on recorded data. During testing, FlashGuard demonstrated an 80% accuracy and a 76% precision in identifying True Positives for seizure-inducing videos. Anticipated to be more effective in real-world scenarios with more variation in virtual environments, FlashGuard serves as a proactive solution, preempting seizure-inducing stimuli and thereby increasing device accessibility for photosensitive individuals. This application acts as a safety barrier, allowing users to engage with devices while mitigating the risks associated with potentially harmful stimuli.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Pendyala, Ishan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Friendswood High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24864\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:04.733580Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e7213dad1c04d573809bf1d2c06ac8ee1cebdccd23128cf29182b0e724375855\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24864\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:06.123371Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:573a5731090e0ad1aba9b391c8f44ea7568d0a7f2e5cd2a2f65880d2414a3e20\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24864\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/SOFT006-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:573a5731090e0ad1aba9b391c8f44ea7568d0a7f2e5cd2a2f65880d2414a3e20\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24864\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:e7213dad1c04d573809bf1d2c06ac8ee1cebdccd23128cf29182b0e724375855\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Systems Software\",\n    \"category_code\": \"SOFT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"SOFT013\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Remote Detection and Severity Classification of Parkinson's Disease Using Markerless Videos in Uncontrolled Settings\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Parkinson's Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Yet, it lacks a cure. Timely detection and treatment can significantly slow the progression of symptoms, yet access to neurologists is a challenge, particularly in rural and remote regions. Therefore, this study aims to develop a system for the detection and classification of PD using in-the-wild videos for early-stage diagnostic evaluation. For this research, a novel dataset consisting of videos from open-source domains with varying PD intensities and gait abnormalities was constructed. Using a human pose estimation (HPE) model, HPE images were generated from the videos. Scaled and centered HPE images were used to extract joint coordinates to train a 10-tree Random Forest Classifier (RFC), and generate spatiotemporal images\u2014images produced by the superposition of the average of 17 HPE images. 7 modified classification models (ViT-Tiny, ViT-Small, ViT-Base, ResNet-18, ResNet-34, 5-layer ConvNet, and 6-layer ConvNet; each incorporating the previously trained RFC as an additional layer) were trained on 19218 spatiotemporal images. Using shallower models required less computational resources for training and inference compared to state-of-the-art models. Training on spatiotemporal images communicated greater computational information to the models, while incorporating the RFC provided greater global context during the classification. Upon testing on 2402 images, the models surpassed state-of-the-art performance, with ResNet-18 and ResNet-34 both achieving 99.88% accuracy. The models were tested in a clinical trial (n=27). All models displayed an accuracy close (within 5%) to the performance observed on the testing dataset, with ViT-Base and ResNet-34 achieving an accuracy of 96.30%.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Dhoot, Arav\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Neerja Modi School\",\n        \"country\": \"India\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24611\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:06.829489Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e8df1c27ef8405bb5d8230d0efda2163e319b8ca3425fd7219f4703dc3e95ba6\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24611\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:08.185565Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:745a2e67d7e75bb5e31dedc4dbb1ec6184e62c8fce7001d828c7eaac50013d23\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24611\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/SOFT013-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:745a2e67d7e75bb5e31dedc4dbb1ec6184e62c8fce7001d828c7eaac50013d23\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24611\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:e8df1c27ef8405bb5d8230d0efda2163e319b8ca3425fd7219f4703dc3e95ba6\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Systems Software\",\n    \"category_code\": \"SOFT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"SOFT015\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"SignalGrab: A Machine Learning Approach to Helping Color Blind Drivers\",\n    \"abstract\": \"There are nearly fourteen million individuals with color blindness in the United States. Many individuals with color blindness struggle with differentiating between red and green traffic signals, particularly at night when other visual cues are unavailable. This can lead to traffic hazards for both them and those around them. SignalGrab is a novel approach to solving this problem through a machine-learning-powered mobile app that drivers can use to easily recognize traffic signals. A specialized dataset was created, containing nearly six thousand labeled images of traffic signals at night in diverse conditions. This dataset was used to train a custom machine-learning algorithm that was embedded in an Android app, built using Android Studio. The app has a minimalistic user interface and provides audible information about the type of approaching traffic lights to minimize driver distractions. SignalGrab reliably solves the issue of traffic light recognition for color-blind drivers. In real-life testing, SignalGrab correctly recognizes traffic signals with an accuracy of 97.1 percent.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Mandic, Bora\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Saint Paul Academy and Summit School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MN\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25086\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:08.801815Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1fcab305f519e5c2341b1e6716e16c85c05a87274627fa3a2c689bc30d04e64a\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25086\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:10.232245Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a6e9aa93f0fd7826e7c36763d547e2f379aed5f95d846ecffe9a4cbde360a03d\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25086\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/SOFT015-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a6e9aa93f0fd7826e7c36763d547e2f379aed5f95d846ecffe9a4cbde360a03d\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25086\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:1fcab305f519e5c2341b1e6716e16c85c05a87274627fa3a2c689bc30d04e64a\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Systems Software\",\n    \"category_code\": \"SOFT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"SOFT023\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"EmSafe: Further Improving the Emergency Call Service and the Development of Digital Emergency Management Infrastructure for Industrial, Event, and Public Use\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Despite the improvements made to the Emergency Call Service by the original EmSafe Project, numerous issues have been found that impact the safety and security of people around the world. Emergency Management systems for public spaces and events are severely lacking and do not provide information in an easily understandable or accessible way. Further, GPS based systems have proven inaccurate when used indoors, impacting the ability for event and public space emergency response teams, as well as state-run Emergency Services to provide support when they cannot find the people they have been tasked with helping. Further, fly-in fly out workers in various fields have had difficulty accessing location specific emergency management information, which is often only shared in an inaccessible email or during onboarding training. This lacklustre approach to sharing this crucial information results in several preventable mining deaths each year in Australia alone. To resolve these issues, the EmSafe project was updated and two new pieces of software were developed. EmSafe Beacons were developed to allow for highly accurate, scenario specific responses to emergencies that occur in public spaces. This software can work on all devices and uses physical stickers to determine the location of a user inside a building. EmSafe for Industry was developed to support fly-in fly-out workers and provide them with location-specific emergency management information. This software can run with or without GPS support, ensuring workers anywhere in the world can access jobsite specific information. This research and development can enhance emergency response tactics for public spaces, events, job sites, and Emergency Service systems worldwide.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kumar, Rahul\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Brisbane Grammar School\",\n        \"country\": \"Australia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24897\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:11.493593Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2201bec21cb4502d0e671f617c5a6082795fbc285a1ae3033e7bb585097f1c1b\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24897\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:12.563377Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2f6d1f6f3609a1faa0ab5aea02ad5d2348f04433adb16edbf54f684d1713031a\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24897\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/SOFT023-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2f6d1f6f3609a1faa0ab5aea02ad5d2348f04433adb16edbf54f684d1713031a\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24897\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:2201bec21cb4502d0e671f617c5a6082795fbc285a1ae3033e7bb585097f1c1b\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Systems Software\",\n    \"category_code\": \"SOFT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"SOFT033\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate : Second Place Award \u201cCybersecurity\u201d\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Improving the Ransomware Detection/Mitigation Proof-of-Concept With Machine Learning\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Ransomware attacks render data unusable and demand a ransom in order to restore data integrity. These attacks cost billions of dollars every year at the individual, industrial, and national security levels. As ransomware poses a big threat to computer systems today, research in the field is active. However, there is greater emphasis with regard to prevention, rather than incident response. Preventative systems, while effective, can be bypassed by attackers, given enough time. Incident response aims to address this issue by mitigating attacks as they happen. Key extraction can be used for incident response when dealing with ransomware. By intercepting the ransomware's encryption key, restoring data can be done without payment of ransom. Random forest models were constructed to test the feasibility of using machine learning in combination with this technology, due to the time-sensitive nature of key extraction. To do so, a large dataset comprised of 30,000 samples was developed by testing binaries and outputting behavioral data. Afterwards, 100 random forest models were built with different random states to test the efficacy of random forests. The models demonstrate that machine learning can be incorporated into the system with a better detection rate than the previous proof-of-concept (99.3% versus 66.7%). Additionally, the efficiency of the random forest is viable for use with key extraction. In the future, this integration can be further developed to become more optimized and have better capability in defeating  advanced ransomware. Additionally, different models can be used to analyze their advantages over the random forest in ransomware detection.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Song, Eric\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Yorktown High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25562\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:13.421752Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:19143f2259a2c75082d4829bf9680e427bcdf4c4e02c908af6d1c5db59a99e77\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25562\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:14.604373Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3cc93c00115b2057dc6386bd576150e93adde45e17ec5916a20075c67e86a3e6\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25562\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/SOFT033-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3cc93c00115b2057dc6386bd576150e93adde45e17ec5916a20075c67e86a3e6\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25562\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:19143f2259a2c75082d4829bf9680e427bcdf4c4e02c908af6d1c5db59a99e77\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Systems Software\",\n    \"category_code\": \"SOFT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"SOFT051\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"LISES: Legislative Information Simplification and Enhancement System for Mitigating Information Asymmetry in Governmental Policies\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The goal of this study was to create an enhanced yet accessible system to generate simplified summaries of governmental policies, thus enhancing public understanding and mitigating information asymmetry through cognitive psychology. L.I.S.E.S. (Legislative Information Simplification and Enhancement System), a novel pipeline integrating GPT-4, a Large Language Model (LLM), achieves this goal. The system leverages the Gunning Fog Index (GFI) and Flesch-Kincaid Score (FKS) for readability assessment, with results indicating a 121.5% FKS increase from full bills and a 52.3% enhancement over provided summaries. GFI metrics reveal a 61.8% and 44.5% decrease from full and provided texts, respectively. Consistently high ROUGE-L scores across six Legislative Congresses reflect robust information retention. To augment summaries below the 0.5 ROUGE-L benchmark, L.I.S.E.S. employs a feedback loop utilizing a Genetic Algorithm, refined by a novel fitness function integrating FKS, GFI, and ROUGE-L, yielding a 29.89% average improvement in ROUGE-L scores. Additionally, to evaluate the cognitive load of the created summaries, a specialized Psycholinguistic Cognitive Load Neural Network (PCL-NN) model was developed.  This model exhibits superior performance in calculating the cognitive load of AI-generated summaries, with a correlation coefficient of 0.93, which outclasses standard LSTM and CNN models. The PCL-NN validates the quality of the summaries and their cognitive accessibility by demonstrating a 15.7% improvement in accuracy and a 21.5% error reduction relative to other models. L.I.S.E.S. not only streamlines the conveyance of legislative information but also embodies the transformative potential of AI in fostering informed civic engagement.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Vemula, Maruthi\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NC\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25510\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:15.225876Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4a3666ba16c98bb86102831507c8b5b516aedede0ec503e2d24e1c13489321f7\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25510\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:16.686126Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d20d60a3d216f83cd8a5ec68aee56cd3b7efca6b9b71a826187948eb5d4b1168\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25510\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/SOFT051-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d20d60a3d216f83cd8a5ec68aee56cd3b7efca6b9b71a826187948eb5d4b1168\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25510\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:4a3666ba16c98bb86102831507c8b5b516aedede0ec503e2d24e1c13489321f7\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Technology Enhances the Arts\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TECA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TECA014\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Tactron: A Low-Cost Refreshable Tactile Graphics Display\",\n    \"abstract\": \"One of the greatest challenges for blind and visually impaired individuals (BVIs) is in learning STEM subjects. Many key concepts, like graphs and molecules, are hard to comprehend without tactile feedback, and learning is currently severely restricted by limiting tactile graphic books. Similarly, representative tactile exhibits in art museums would greatly benefit the enjoyment of art for BVIs. However, most museums can unfortunately only afford to accommodate blind patrons through semantic descriptions. Refreshable tactile graphics displays, which dynamically create custom tactile graphics, are an emerging solution. However, these displays are expensive, with the cheapest being Orbit Research\u2019s Graphiti, which costs $25k. Tactron was designed and built in this project as a low-cost alternative. The primary innovation of Tactron is using a single-actuator mechanism, driven by a coreXY-style plotter, to push up individual pins. The material cost of Tactron is just $117, a 99.5% reduction over the Graphiti. Tactron is also easy to assemble and modify\u2014all components are 3D printed, laser cut, or standard parts. Tactron uses U2net\u2019s salient object detection to isolate image subjects, which OpenCV then processes to create edge outlines. Then, a custom compiler translates the outlines into GCode movement instructions, which are then sent to and plotted by the Arduino Uno R3 that controls Tactron. The first prototype had a 96% success rate from image to displayed pins. It will be further improved through more streamlined software for independent learning, a higher resolution mechanical design using molded pins, and a faster and more developed plotter. Tactron\u2019s low cost and ease of use will make STEM and art appreciation much more accessible for millions of BVIs worldwide.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Yao, Matthew\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Walla Walla High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"WA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25133\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:17.382659Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9c5319a5af02fc8fe6b9db34a1272a3521c8f83074a9d8a3f564135a9125bb4a\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25133\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:18.812644Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:385cd790605d61bd18b40158b08d7bda8b8e3b9fc94023802ae6c85bae13587f\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25133\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TECA014-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:385cd790605d61bd18b40158b08d7bda8b8e3b9fc94023802ae6c85bae13587f\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25133\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:9c5319a5af02fc8fe6b9db34a1272a3521c8f83074a9d8a3f564135a9125bb4a\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Technology Enhances the Arts\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TECA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TECA021\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"TALK: An American Sign Language Computer Program\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Around 1-1.5 million people became deaf in the United States later in life. How can they be taught American Sign Language (ASL)? To provide a solution to this problem, the researcher created a computer application written in Python that can detect different handshapes, allowing anyone to learn ASL at their own pace.\\nFirstly, the researcher created two programs: One that uses the researcher's dataset to create a trained model and one that uses that trained model to recognize hand shapes and create new datasets. Using the latter program, the researcher created their own dataset, allowing them to create a model for the main program to use. The researcher then tested each sign individually and analyzed the program's ability to recognize each hand shape.\\nMost of the signs that got tested were able to be detected. However, the signs R and U get mixed up frequently, which makes sense; from the computer's perspective, R and U are only slightly different. Other than that, most of the signs work very well.\\nIn conclusion, the researcher concluded with a program that could accurately read 93-95% of common signs in ASL. Combining sign and hand detection needs to be more seamless, but in the future, the researcher plans to improve and refine their program to help counteract this.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Secillano III, Miguel\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Vanguard High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24654\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:19.408929Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9c822bbfb31051d1466d5f755ad5c809716579200e087314114076df4bfcfd69\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24654\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:20.868475Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:83a45512cc63fb35af4b56d21fc09f7c020af43e245c5d3d029038d1943cefbc\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24654\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TECA021-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:83a45512cc63fb35af4b56d21fc09f7c020af43e245c5d3d029038d1943cefbc\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24654\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:9c822bbfb31051d1466d5f755ad5c809716579200e087314114076df4bfcfd69\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TMED021\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Novel Therapeutic Approach for Peripheral Neural Sheath Tumors\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant cancer predisposition syndrome that affects 1 in 3,000 individuals indiscriminately. It is primarily characterized by the growth of peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNST) all over the body. A common PNST manifestation of NF1 is a plexiform neurofibroma (PN), and ~15% of PNs progress to malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). To date, there are no effective therapies for MPNSTs, as tumor location complicates surgical resection, radiation therapy is last-line due to secondary malignancies, and there is no FDA-approved drug for MPNSTs. These challenges result in a dismal five-year survival rate of ~16%. Novel treatments to solve these issues are needed. Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP), a technology initially developed for space propulsion, has recently been investigated as a novel cancer therapy. It generates reactive oxygen and nitrogen-generating species, increasing oxidative stress within cancer cells leading to cell death. CAP has also demonstrated selectivity towards malignant cells. However, CAP has yet to be tested in any NF1-related context. Herein, the effect of CAP on NF1-related MPNSTs was investigated. NF1-mutated cell lines were found to be significantly more sensitive to CAP exposure in vitro compared to wild-type cell lines and demonstrated cell death in a dose-dependent manner. CAP also demonstrated in vivo efficacy for MPNST xenografted tumors, slowing tumor growth. This is the first application of CAP for NF1-related PNSTs and provides a preclinical basis for translating the novel therapeutic modality for the treatment of MPNSTs and other NF1-related tumors.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Shah, Sahil\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The Waterford School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"UT\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25209\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:21.510015Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f55cf7034661b3ddb2611a44e37cfa71b0d89abbe22b5d6e96715df900a0b66f\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25209\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:23.383637Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4198948bf1e4195a49831b533b830066da47e811a94dc83cad916f8e658208c2\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25209\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TMED021-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4198948bf1e4195a49831b533b830066da47e811a94dc83cad916f8e658208c2\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25209\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:f55cf7034661b3ddb2611a44e37cfa71b0d89abbe22b5d6e96715df900a0b66f\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TMED023T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Field Study on Arsenic in South Texas Drinking Water: Assessing Risk and Identifying Solutions\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Arsenic is toxic. The primary goal of this research is to scientifically detect and quantify arsenic levels in drinking water due to local residents\u2019 concerns and assess the potential health implications and identify solutions. Water was collected from nineteen locations along Military Highway in Cameron County, and each sample was analyzed with a field testing kit under three trials and verified with mass spectrometer testing at Texas A&M University. The hypothesis that arsenic will be present at high levels\u2014but under the state and federal limit of 10 parts per billion (ppb)\u2014and will be related to geographic location, was partially true. The arsenic concentration was not always below EPA/state limits; results showed arsenic above 10 ppb in five locations, with the highest reading recorded at 10.6 ppb (mass spectrometer) from two locations. Overall, the samples were at higher levels, with an average of 7.06 ppb, which is notable because some states have a 5 ppb limit. Along with arsenic, other heavy metals were found above the EPA standard, such as Zinc and Iron. The locations that possessed the highest concentrations of arsenic were geographically clustered together. Other relatively high readings (8.8 ppb, 8.9 ppb, 9.4 ppb, 9.5 ppb) were also found in geographic clusters. Because there is no amount of arsenic a person may be safely exposed to, all sites with arsenic present a critical hazard to the general public. Recommendations from other states should be considered to educate residents and address this issue.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Garcia, Alan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Veterans Memorial Early College High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Pineda, Zeviel\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Veterans Memorial Early College High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25222\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:24.004593Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a4bc3c34c3e04e667a339227ad7e66653abec7c333b6a172cc7869c30e75a1af\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25222\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:25.430721Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d7608364fb12caffe8293cac1a2f4a3b1cbed25e64d2b251385878b9ef8fbf04\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25222\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TMED023T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d7608364fb12caffe8293cac1a2f4a3b1cbed25e64d2b251385878b9ef8fbf04\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25222\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:a4bc3c34c3e04e667a339227ad7e66653abec7c333b6a172cc7869c30e75a1af\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TMED032\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Novel Genomic Variant Algorithm for Identifying the Pathological Mechanism of Rare Genetic Diseases in Order to Target Personalized Therapies\",\n    \"abstract\": \"I propose a method that enables the development of treatments for the 350 million people worldwide suffering from 7,000 rare genetic diseases. Genomic therapies for rare genetic diseases are possible if the underlying genetic variations are known due to the invention of gene editing technology such as CRISPR. However, these therapies are prohibitively expensive and are typically only employed and justified in cases of diseases with large cohorts, such as sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis. Ongoing research is being done to reduce these expenses in the hope that they will become economically viable in the near future. In order to enable personalized patient care, it is essential to identify genetic variants of clinical significance. Without the identification, targeted therapies may not be developed. In the case of many rare genetic diseases, very few people have the disease, leading to small cohorts. It is presently difficult and expensive to identify the underlying genetic variants of clinical significance because whole genome sequencing analysis requires large cohorts on the order of 100 people. I developed a novel genomic variant algorithm to identify the variants of clinical significance for cohorts as small as two by augmenting whole genomic sequencing with clinical presentation of the disease, mode of inheritance, generational data, and organ-specific gene expression. I demonstrate the method to two members of a family suffering from Children\u2019s Interstitial Lung Disease (ChILD), a rare genetic disorder affecting 1 in 100,000 individuals in the United States. Using this method, I identified a variant of clinical significance for ChILD in the CLEC4M gene. The method is extensible to all rare genetic diseases.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Crawford, Mia\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"University School of Milwaukee\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"WI\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25249\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:26.050207Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:48b7986aae061ad731bb04192b8edf0c6dda79d0e93cb64a14ffdde92f6a20ac\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25249\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:27.487549Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:448c237aca3ed42b7fde26ea49c80451d8fb08b92a18dfd491ab07793f64f562\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25249\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TMED032-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:448c237aca3ed42b7fde26ea49c80451d8fb08b92a18dfd491ab07793f64f562\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25249\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:48b7986aae061ad731bb04192b8edf0c6dda79d0e93cb64a14ffdde92f6a20ac\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TMED037\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: First Award of $750 in each Regeneron ISEF Category,\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Advancing Wound Infection Assessment by Utilizing pH-Sensitive Curcuma Longa, Phase II\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Wound care is an essential part of patient healthcare. However, infections worldwide are increasing at a record rate due to disease, microbes, and antibiotic resistance. Unfortunately, preventing such infections is challenging due to the lack of early warning assessment for wound health. To bridge this critical gap, a novel early-warning wound infection detecting system was developed that uses the natural pH-indicating properties of turmeric to indicate wound infection before it spreads to other parts of the body. Turmeric\u2014a bioactive antibacterial compound\u2014was used to change color in the bandage in response to varying pH environments. The color difference was measured using Red-Green-Blue Color Analysis. Infected wounds typically exhibit an alkaline pH of 9-10, distinct from the pH range of 6-8 in uninfected wounds. A rigorous litmus test involving 10 chemical substances and 9 pH levels was conducted, of which an alkaline compound emerged as the most suitable for simulating infected wounds, and an acidic compound was used to mirror the body's wound-healing response. Subsequently, three bandage materials were tested. Of specific interest was the finding of the RGB color analysis of materials, which revealed organic 100% cotton cloth as statistically significant over commercially used Band-Aid, exhibiting high observed absorbency and recorded color changes at pH 9 of 100% of the samples. This cost-effective and eco-friendly use of turmeric is the first-ever approach that provides healthcare professionals with a non-invasive assessment of their patient wounds that identifies infections before spreading while avoiding antibiotic usage. This bandage holds promise for reducing infection rates and drug resistance when combined with sanitation practices.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Mukadam, Ishita\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Maharishi School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"IA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25315\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:28.096651Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2f3737122bcd19fae826b11177af4ef32804de1827aaa9fec8d662cff47e8af6\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25315\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:31.120078Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b207268a26b0aaea9547faec2abac3b7f89fc5da1a3e99cf18ec15436ba14d3a\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25315\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TMED037-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b207268a26b0aaea9547faec2abac3b7f89fc5da1a3e99cf18ec15436ba14d3a\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25315\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:2f3737122bcd19fae826b11177af4ef32804de1827aaa9fec8d662cff47e8af6\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TMED045T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Lifestyle Synchronization of Medullary Sponge Kidney Patients\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Despite its incurable nature, MSK Life Sync offers AI-driven support to manage Medullary Sponge Kidney (MSK) disease to enhance life quality for sufferers, including children. As highlighted by a healthcare survey in Egypt, there is a vital demand for accessible health monitoring technologies among lower and middle-income groups. This project seeks to provide these communities with the tools and knowledge for effective health management and disease prevention. A mobile application was developed for patients and doctors, featuring scanning, tracking, and chatting capabilities. Patients manage their health through the app, while doctors access patient data to monitor their progress. An AI model has been enhanced for accurately classifying kidney radiologic images, using real-case datasets from Radiopaedia. Additionally, a device with a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) sensor for measuring urine salinity and a temperature sensor for system isolation has been integrated and connected to Google Firebase for real-time database updates. Furthermore, a chatbot within the app provides immediate responses to inquiries about kidney diseases. The system underwent thorough experimentations, demonstrating a high validation accuracy exceeding 90% with the generation of lifestyle instructions, ensuring a system response within 5\u20137 seconds. This study presented a system for MSK management with a device embedded in TDS and temperature sensors for condition monitoring, coupled with Firebase for cloud storage and an AI model for kidney imaging classification within a mobile application with high diagnostic accuracy and quick responses. Future goals include manufacturing a portable device and collaborating globally to improve chronic kidney disease care.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"AlDakrany, Adham\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Kafr EL-Sheikh STEM School\",\n        \"country\": \"Egypt\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Seddik, Mohamed\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Kafr EL-Sheikh STEM School\",\n        \"country\": \"Egypt\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25282\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:31.775631Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:87d6c0a988ed57687a1cd0a4b29392e1a00c3a868bbb639521f4a5fce6368cde\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25282\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:33.194276Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8230fd069d764c2ff78f8a94da34ef727d92bb94e5097ccf3f0ac6553a4ac7d0\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25282\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TMED045T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8230fd069d764c2ff78f8a94da34ef727d92bb94e5097ccf3f0ac6553a4ac7d0\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25282\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:87d6c0a988ed57687a1cd0a4b29392e1a00c3a868bbb639521f4a5fce6368cde\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TMED047\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"The Secrets of Healthy Aging: Semi-Automated Discovery of Natural Senolytics\",\n    \"abstract\": \"As populations around the world grow older and pandemics ravage global health, the burdens of age-related diseases, such as arthritis, heart disease, and cancer, are increasingly prevalent. A primary driver of these age-related diseases is cellular senescence, a process where cells stop dividing. Senescent cells accumulate in the body as humans age and can cause inflammation, tissue/organ dysfunction, tumor formation, and other negative effects. The removal of senescent cells has benefits, such as the alleviation of age-related disease and possibly the reversal of natural aging itself. Existing drugs that can eliminate senescent cells, termed \u201csenolytics\u201d, are either unselective or barely available in natural foods. As aging and age-related disease is a problem all humans will face, it is essential to ensure the widespread accessibility of senolytic drugs. Thus, the discovery of novel senolytic drugs that are highly abundant in natural sources is of crucial need. Yet, drug discovery remains an incredibly expensive and painstaking process, leading to the unaffordability of modern drugs. A novel automated drug discovery pipeline was developed to efficiently screen over 70,000 natural compounds, focusing on their drug-like and pharmacokinetic properties, natural food abundance, and crucially, their ability to inhibit proteins essential for the survival of senescent cells. This automated screening resulted in the discovery of 11 novel potential senolytic drugs that are highly abundant in natural foods without compromising selectivity. These drug candidates could present a solution for numerous life-threatening diseases, saving billions of lives, while being accessible to all, irrespective of socioeconomic barriers.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Chaganti, Tesko\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Canton High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MI\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25387\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:33.852549Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5fbc63f79a592ecd22ec257b46a1df90f2f37b4bda4b4d6c2f781b85f4a88e24\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25387\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:35.245403Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b93fc79f41993ef53661ed5910b075eb14eea72b5d1a3efa9fe4c7d4a3276814\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25387\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TMED047-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b93fc79f41993ef53661ed5910b075eb14eea72b5d1a3efa9fe4c7d4a3276814\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25387\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:5fbc63f79a592ecd22ec257b46a1df90f2f37b4bda4b4d6c2f781b85f4a88e24\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TMED053\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Oral Delivery of Anticoagulant Dabigatran via a Mg-Micromotor Encapsulant Within a Gastric-Resistant Tablet for Ischemic Stroke Treatment\",\n    \"abstract\": \"A novel, targeted, therapeutic oral delivery system was designed as a blood-thinning treatment to prevent ischemic stroke, caused by blood clots. Dabigatran (Db), is an anticoagulant medication that inhibits free and fibrin-bound thrombin. However, the drug is not able to withstand gastric fluids, and effectively reach the small intestine for absorption. To provide stable and effective delivery of Db past the stomach, it was uniquely encapsulated on magnesium micromotors, with SiO2, PLGA, and chitosan layers, producing 30\u00b5m Db-PLGA-SiO2-Mg microparticles. Dissolution studies in simulated intestinal fluid demonstrate timely release of Db from microparticles within 6 min following arrival. 1mg of these microparticles were incorporated into 80%-starch/20%-baking soda to create a 10mg Db-minitablet (DMT). In a simulated in-vitro experiment within gastric fluid, the treatment was successfully delivered to the intestine after withstanding stomach fluid for 1-2 hours. Once in the small intestine, the DMT dissolved, releasing Db-PLGA-SiO2-Mg microparticles for H2-gas self-propulsion towards the intestinal walls, for Db absorption. To support the functionality of the encapsulated Db delivery, experiments were designed to measure the blood-thinning capability of Db-PLGA-SiO2-Mg microparticles, versus untreated and free-Db. While untreated-blood coagulated in 5 min, blood treated with free-Db coagulated in 11.4 min. Finally, analogous-dose Db-PLGA-SiO2-Mg microparticle-treated blood coagulated in 19.0 min, likely due to the microparticle\u2019s unique dissolution properties. The results of this work highlight the stable delivery of Db-PLGA-SiO2-Mg microparticles through the stomach gastric fluids, where it then self-propels through the small intestine, and is quickly absorbed.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Wang, Lula\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Greenwich High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CT\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25508\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:35.866976Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f321893e1733eb9065461c59ee39b3b2d75e9108820d6cbd1353e1b9683e0e91\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25508\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:37.342875Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0fc480397dadecded917a1fce6fff9d8f5fdf85f9b867c6d046993a7b1f9f6f9\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25508\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TMED053-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0fc480397dadecded917a1fce6fff9d8f5fdf85f9b867c6d046993a7b1f9f6f9\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25508\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:f321893e1733eb9065461c59ee39b3b2d75e9108820d6cbd1353e1b9683e0e91\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TMED060\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Enabling Scalable Precision Medicine With STAD: A Novel Computational Platform for Early Recurrence-Free Survival Prediction and Biomarker Discovery in Digital Pathology for Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Gastrointestinal cancers affect 1.1 million people and are responsible for >875K deaths annually, making them the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Late detection of recurrence leads to a 6% survival rate, yet current clinical systems fail to risk-stratify, with a status quo of 53% concordance. This research presents the first low-cost, integrative computational platform to predict the recurrence-free survival rates of gastrointestinal cancer patients two years in advance by leveraging patients' diagnostic tissue slides. First, ~410K histopathology images are preprocessed by training a ResNet-18 model to remove noise, identify cancerous tissue, and generate probabilistic labels. By pro?ling this information, the model generates datasets of varying tissue types, which are used to train the Cox Proportional Hazards convolutional neural network. The model adaptively evaluates prognostically relevant tissue regions and predicts a risk score for each patient. The identification and prediction models achieved AUROCs of 0.94 and 0.98 across 35 institutions, surpassing all existing clinical techniques. The model's automated analysis of the primary cancer site with limited ground truths offers clinicians the first digital biomarker of recurrence-free survival, sparing patients from overaggressive therapies by providing vital insights into future clinical events. This scalable, affordable, and comprehensive solution can be generalized to other cancer types and diseases and will lead to better clinical outcomes, allow physicians to construct robust, personalized treatment plans earlier, and prevent recurrences from occurring in the first place, saving millions of lives. This work can also be scaled to other medical imaging modalities, further expanding its impact.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Chandrasekhar, Vrishank\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Lynbrook High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25540\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:37.962963Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:83bf9ead8de22a9d2f42a0d010f1a6a871a3dfb3bde00c173c37d8211290ae33\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25540\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:39.415512Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3b9d046d80f06410d3cf86ddf7972f98bbba21af67f35257c7bf631a53b0e6b8\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25540\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TMED060-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3b9d046d80f06410d3cf86ddf7972f98bbba21af67f35257c7bf631a53b0e6b8\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25540\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:83bf9ead8de22a9d2f42a0d010f1a6a871a3dfb3bde00c173c37d8211290ae33\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TMED077\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n      \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Grand Award\",\n        \"place\": \"Fourth Award\",\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Fourth Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"EyeSpeak: A Real-Time, Non-Invasive Tear Test for Detection of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) affects over 280 million individuals globally, but less than 25% of those affected receive proper care. Early detection is vital for timely intervention and treatment but is hindered by the lack of a definitive clinical test. Current depression detection and diagnoses rely on patient-reported symptoms, lacking quantifiable biomarkers and leading to frequent misdiagnoses. This study aimed to address this gap by investigating tear fluid as a non-invasive point-of-care test for MDD. LC-MS/MS-based proteomics analysis, conducted on samples from 15 MDD patients and 15 healthy controls, yielded a pool of 1,042 tear proteins. Quantitative analysis using MaxQuant and Perseus software packages identified distinct protein expression patterns, revealing 116 upregulated and 89 downregulated proteins in MDD. Applying stringent criteria and comparing with previously reported potential depression biomarkers found in blood and cerebrospinal fluid, three key biomarkers\u2014matrix metalloproteinase-9, interleukin-8, and STAM-binding protein\u2014were selected as tear biomarkers for MDD. ELISA validation demonstrated 100% accuracy in a validation cohort (n=20). For real-time testing, an electrochemical sensor, EyeSpeak was developed using a Sensit Smart biosensor. EyeSpeak demonstrates 99% accuracy, costs 80 cents, and takes 20 minutes for a MDD test. EyeSpeak outperforms the current \\\"gold standard\\\" for MDD diagnosis (PHQ-9 form and psychologist evaluation) by enhancing accuracy by 1.5-fold and saving hundreds of dollars and months of time per patient. This novel approach holds promise as a quantitative gold standard for MDD screening and diagnosis, which could lead to widespread use.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Xiao, James\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"North Allegheny Senior High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"PA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25741\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:40.053652Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3b21dcdd012c214a8c881ffbc609a3cf8a0b259021bb408e0e65a8671199bd3e\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25741\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:41.561474Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:de7fc340a70c2dd75eff5b6c29eae2469ff08ea3f775cd441236223d8e14b978\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25741\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TMED077-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:de7fc340a70c2dd75eff5b6c29eae2469ff08ea3f775cd441236223d8e14b978\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25741\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:3b21dcdd012c214a8c881ffbc609a3cf8a0b259021bb408e0e65a8671199bd3e\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ANIM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ANIM004\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Non-Trivial\",\n      \"raw\": \"Non-Trivial: 10 scholarships for Non-trivial\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Non-Trivial\",\n        \"raw\": \"Non-Trivial: 10 scholarships for Non-trivial\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Analysis of the Larvicidal Biopotential of Jua Bravo (Solanum viarum Dunal) on Mosquito Larvae Causing Tropical Diseases\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Disease-causing mosquitoes represent a public health problem as they are vectors of various arboviruses, such as dengue, chikungunya, and zika, which can cause serious sequelae in those infected, such as microcephaly, Guillain-Barr\u00e9 syndrome, chronic inflammatory rheumatism postchikungunya, and others. From this perspective, the research aims to investigate the action of the active principles of the extract from Ju\u00e1 Bravo (Solanum viarum Dunal) as a potential biolarvicide against culicidae dipterans. The methods to achieve the goal were: Collection of the material; Extraction of the extract; Conducting phytochemical experiments; Evaluation of the toxicity of the Solanum viarum extract on the larvae of Aedes aegypti and Anopheles sp. Among the samples subjected to bioassays, it was observed that saponin 1 and 2, which contain two sugars in their osidic unit, showed the best larvicidal activity, with an LC50 value of 100 \u00b1 0.31 and 100 \u00b1 0.24 mg/mL after application at a concentration of 400 mg/mL over a period of 24 hours. The application on mosquito larvae at a concentration of 20-100 \u00b5g/mL showed larvicidal activity in 12 hours of 20%, in 24 hours the larvicidal activity was 60%, and in 72 hours it was 100%. The mortality of 20 Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae exposed to the active principles in 72 hours was: glycoside (85%), steroid (56%), anthracenic (58%), and coumarin (63%). In the genetic tests with mosquitoes that came from controlled larvae, all underwent sexual dimorphism (100%), i.e., they had no capacity to reproduce, making the diseases inactive. Thus, the study indicates the importance of using natural extracts in the entomological control of Aedes aegypti and Anopheles sp in the evaluation of economically viable alternative means.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Braga, Pedro\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Escola Santa Teresinha\",\n        \"country\": \"Brazil\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24733\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:42.163383Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:40c28dff64453eb255646dde2104e020d6718040d8a2df130c893ebb96a7db3b\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24733\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:43.616113Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0571598604a9d3a6b30749e83a403a74ddb40ff614a8b82e779a492d22cce1cb\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24733\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ANIM004-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0571598604a9d3a6b30749e83a403a74ddb40ff614a8b82e779a492d22cce1cb\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24733\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:40c28dff64453eb255646dde2104e020d6718040d8a2df130c893ebb96a7db3b\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ANIM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ANIM008\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Long Island University\",\n      \"raw\": \"Long Island University: Presidential Scholarships\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Long Island University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Long Island University: Presidential Scholarships\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Why Is the Mare Acting Like a Stallion?: Novel Test to Diagnose Granulosa Cell Tumor\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Granulosa cell tumor (GCT) in mares is a significant concern in veterinary medicine. These tumors primarily affect the ovaries and constitute about 85% of all tumors related to the reproductive tract, impacting the mare\u2019s behavior, reproductive function, and athletic ability. Early detection is crucial to mitigate the effects of GCT and keep mares fit for breeding and sports. The aim of this study was to develop an accurate, cost-effective alternative to the current invasive, expensive ultrasound, and biochemical analysis used to diagnose GCT from equine blood. A systematic approach was designed to study the expression of ovarian granulosa-theca cell hormones such as anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), inhibin A, inhibin B, activin A, activin B, and testosterone in eight GCT cyst fluids to identify which of these hormones leak into blood circulation. These hormones were measured using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent assays in 26 GCT-positive, 26 GCT-negative, and 181 random subjects for clinical differentiation. The results indicated hormones with elevated levels in cyst fluid corresponded to high levels in serum. Mean AMH concentrations in cyst fluid and serum were 2622.3ng/mL and 17.03ng/mL, respectively. AMH showed the best clinical differentiation (six-fold, p-value<0.0001) between GCT-positive and GCT-negative subjects. ROC analysis revealed an excellent AUC for AMH (0.993), followed by inhibin B (0.842). To implement the AMH test in the diagnostic setting, a cutoff point of 5.6ng/mL was established. The AMH test demonstrated diagnostic accuracy of 96.1% and was improved to 100% by adding inhibin B measurements. AMH measurements can now be established as a stand-alone test for equine GCT diagnosis. This AMH test ($10) will reduce the current testing cost ($300) by 30-fold.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kumar, Melina\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Clear Lake High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24867\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:44.221527Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c7470ba5b9f0b8770f082a699322276e59bb7470390e0db0127783395b7c5722\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24867\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:45.685555Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:cbaa2d06eb029ed781e194d055487a7590e72b3b14ee5363dcfa6466e62bbbc5\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24867\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ANIM008-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:cbaa2d06eb029ed781e194d055487a7590e72b3b14ee5363dcfa6466e62bbbc5\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24867\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:c7470ba5b9f0b8770f082a699322276e59bb7470390e0db0127783395b7c5722\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ANIM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ANIM016\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n      \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: First Award of $750 in each Regeneron ISEF Category,\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"The Effects of Electrical Stimulation on Planaria Tissue Regeneration\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Cellular regeneration is a primary process necessary for the reconstruction of impaired tissue following an injury. In contrast to acute wounds, chronic wounds are characterized by prolonged regeneration leading to an increased susceptibility to infection and potential nerve damage. The role of electrical signals is crucial in initiating regenerative processes integral to wound healing. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of external electrical stimulation in enhancing wound healing by facilitating the targeted delivery of electrotherapy to the injury site and promoting the directional migration of regenerative molecules. Wound healing was modeled by the regeneration of bisected freshwater brown planaria. It was hypothesized that planaria exposed to electrical stimulation would have a significantly lower regeneration time compared to unexposed planaria. Electrical current of varying voltage groups (1-Volt, 3-Volts, and 5-Volts) was delivered through a DC power supply in an electrolyte solution. Complete regeneration was measured by the development of prominent photoreceptors in the eye as observed under a microscope. All exposure groups exhibited shorter average regeneration times compared to the control group. A Single-Factor ANOVA statistical analysis followed by a series of Two-Sample t-tests with adjusted Bonferroni correction values confirmed a statistically significant difference between the control group and the 3-Volt group. The accelerated regeneration observed in the 3-Volt exposure group supports that electrical stimulation can enhance wound healing processes after an injury. Future applications of electrotherapy supported by the results of this study may be used to promote tissue regeneration in individuals with chronic wounds.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Anand, Ashu\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Alabama School of Fine Arts\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24997\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:46.298532Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f6f9139b16af61d01920c80ff3fc27be864951f5685090b33e595e698d798941\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24997\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:47.768999Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c51778e2a374b21f702a9129491f9d0d78fea7a4b96538a461e301a2d0161f7c\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24997\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ANIM016-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c51778e2a374b21f702a9129491f9d0d78fea7a4b96538a461e301a2d0161f7c\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24997\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:f6f9139b16af61d01920c80ff3fc27be864951f5685090b33e595e698d798941\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ANIM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ANIM024\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n      \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n        \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Analysis of Equine Gut Microbiota by Living Environment\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The gastrointestinal tract microbiome is vital for proper nutrition, balanced metabolism, and a healthy immune system and is foundational for understanding diseases and ailments related to microbiota imbalance. This project analyzed the diversity of the equine gut microbiome by living environment to better understand the external factors that influence gut bacterial species and thus impact animal health. Manure samples were collected from horses (n=30 total) in three unique living situations: full turnout on pasture grass, partial turnout, and no turnout where horses live in box stalls. Bacterial DNA was extracted and the V3/V4 regions of the highly conserved 16S gene were amplified via PCR. Ten out of the thirty original samples exhibited sufficient DNA, as established by gel electrophoresis, and 16S metagenomic sequencing was performed. Data cleaning, quality control, and alpha diversity analyses were performed with mothur and QIIME2 software. Complete microbial composition, including species abundance, was visualized and summarized at different taxonomic levels. Equine manure samples from partial and full pasture groups demonstrated very diverse gut microbiomes. However, no statistically significant differences in bacterial diversity across groups were found. Further investigation into equine gut microbiota diversity can suggest optimal living environments and diets to enhance horse health.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Tittel, Lauren\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Oregon Episcopal School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"OR\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25087\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:48.378677Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d9a7c647f6e2305ce7577cc79255197c7c72152c5796cecc2d5e054784743cc9\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25087\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:49.817697Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:42c21f0bbb165964cea47db7b104bc8621494559e68c87643fe87787f4029370\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25087\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ANIM024-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:42c21f0bbb165964cea47db7b104bc8621494559e68c87643fe87787f4029370\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25087\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:d9a7c647f6e2305ce7577cc79255197c7c72152c5796cecc2d5e054784743cc9\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ANIM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ANIM027T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society\",\n      \"raw\": \"Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society: First Life Science Award of $1,200\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society: First Life Science Award of $1,200\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Identifying New Sponge Species From Qatar Marine Environment Using Molecular Techniques\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The Arabian Gulf, known for its extreme conditions, supports a diverse marine ecosystem. Its isolation and harsh environment have led to a high number of unique species. However, much of the marine life here remains unexplored, offering potential for new discoveries. Sponges, in particular, are intriguing for their ability to filter large amounts of water and produce antibacterial compounds. Despite their importance, our understanding of sponge diversity in the region, especially around Qatar, is limited.\\nAim: This study aimed to use molecular techniques to identify two potentially new sponge species found in Qatar's marine environment.\\nMethods: We selected two sponge species, \\\"Chalinula qatari\\\" and \\\"Suberites luna,\\\" obtained from the Environmental Research Center. We extracted DNA and amplified specific genes using PCR. Sequencing and analysis were performed using various software.\\nResults: Our analysis revealed that \\\"Chalinula qatari\\\" and \\\"Suberites luna\\\" are indeed new species, forming a distinct branch in the phylogenetic tree. This highlights Qatar's unique marine biodiversity.\\nConclusion: This study marks a significant genetic exploration of sponge species in Qatar's waters. It emphasizes the importance of further research to uncover more undiscovered species and broaden our understanding of marine life in the region.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Albloshi, Fajer\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Qatar Technical School For Girls\",\n        \"country\": \"Qatar\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Aljalahma, Alanood\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Qatar Technical School For Girls\",\n        \"country\": \"Qatar\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25433\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:50.433700Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:803d056b714a14b79f2dae857cfa1bce1e53f20039290339cf7551b04dd9820a\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25433\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:51.919148Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1539614968934a79dbb2d8d49ab7f2dedc910300a44b712bb9b8d16185e8f774\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25433\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ANIM027T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1539614968934a79dbb2d8d49ab7f2dedc910300a44b712bb9b8d16185e8f774\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25433\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:803d056b714a14b79f2dae857cfa1bce1e53f20039290339cf7551b04dd9820a\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ANIM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ANIM037\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"American Psychological Association\",\n      \"raw\": \"American Psychological Association: Complimentary student affiliate memberships\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Psychological Association\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Psychological Association: Complimentary student affiliate memberships\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Psychological Association\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Psychological Association: Third Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Concentration-Dependent Effects of Dietary Niacin and NAD+ in Longevity, Memory, and Motor Function of Drosophila melanogaster\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Niacin is an essential nutrient for life. It serves as a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a critical coenzyme for ATP production, DNA repair and gene expression. In humans, niacin deficiency is detrimental, and can result in death. However, the effect of niacin taken at doses exceeding the daily recommended amount remains unclear.  In the Drosophila Parkinson model, flies exhibit severe cognitive and motor dysfunction. Studies showed that, in these mutant flies, niacin and NAD+ supplements improve motor and neurological functions. As aging flies exhibit motor and neurological dysfunction similar to those of Parkinson mutants, I investigated whether dietary niacin and NAD+ supplements could enhance metabolic and cognitive functions in aging flies. Consistent with previous reports, I observed that flies live 8-9 weeks, accompanied by gradual, age-related declines in cognitive and motor abilities. My findings reveal that high concentration (50 mg/100 g) of niacin or NAD+ adversely affects the normal aging process of flies. Flies given high doses live less and exhibit signs of motor and cognitive dysfunction at younger age than untreated groups. I show that these detrimental effects occur in a dose-dependent manner. Intriguingly, supplementation with a milder dose of niacin (10 mg/100 g) had the opposite effect. In files older than 5-6 weeks, mild doses of niacin improved longevity, motor function and short term memory. Experiments are underway to study the mechanism by which varying concentrations of niacin affect the health of flies. Taken together, these results suggest that moderate niacin supplements may offer partial mitigation of senescence in flies.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"So, Olivia\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Harvard-Westlake Upper School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25511\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:52.535691Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c562e3e5196499002500b818150685d33a4b3524ecc2cb5f76d65e3172ca7d1e\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25511\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:54.047738Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c63a56d2f8a563e9d1599cd4f65cc2955275582e8c5914c341ccb098e5902614\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25511\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ANIM037-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c63a56d2f8a563e9d1599cd4f65cc2955275582e8c5914c341ccb098e5902614\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25511\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:c562e3e5196499002500b818150685d33a4b3524ecc2cb5f76d65e3172ca7d1e\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ANIM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ANIM041T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n      \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n        \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Investigating the Apoptotic Induction Potential of Various Chemical Food Preservatives on Caenorhabditis elegans\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Despite the ubiquity of food preservatives in modern-day cuisine, the holistic range of their effects has yet to be adequately explored. The purpose of this experiment is to examine whether these different food preservatives can induce caspase-based apoptosis in animal tissue specifically due to caspase 3-related protein expression in Caenorhabditis elegans (chosen because of the homologous conserved pathways that it shares with humans).\\nThe methods involved a unique protocol: C.elegans were incubated with preservatives of concentrations from 6.25-50 mM (similar to physiological concentrations found in regulated packaged foods) and a negative control of distilled water for 6 hours, and subsequently fixed with ethanol, permeabilized using antibody wash with detergent, and imaged with anti-tubulin and caspase-3 antibodies applied. Protein expression was measured using confocal microscopy and the ImageJ imaging program to calculate the fluorescence of the imaging assay, representing the level of caspase expression.\\nCitric Acid had significantly more caspase 3-related protein expression than Sodium Benzoate and Sodium Nitrate. However, most of the preservatives induced more expression than the control, except for some Sodium Nitrate treatment groups. Statistical analysis was done using an Unbalanced Two-way ANOVA and Tukey Multiple Comparison tests.\\nThe results insinuate that the common food preservatives Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, and (to a lesser extent) Sodium Nitrate induce caspase 3-related protein expression leading to apoptosis. This has implications for not only the safety and regulation of overconsumption of food preservatives, but also the field of oncology, as inducing apoptosis in cancerous cells is a novel potential treatment for fighting cancer.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Nayak, Jishnu\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Arizona College Prep High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AZ\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Patel, Ohm\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Arizona College Prep High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AZ\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25836\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:54.732299Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d527decc599c6860f7983ee28053988040126a4cd3853dd99df09711606165c5\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25836\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:56.121862Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bb8d0c28bd59040174cd8cb6278071ecd1e4d68eb809253496d22d8f36fc0764\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25836\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ANIM041T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bb8d0c28bd59040174cd8cb6278071ecd1e4d68eb809253496d22d8f36fc0764\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25836\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:d527decc599c6860f7983ee28053988040126a4cd3853dd99df09711606165c5\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Animal Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ANIM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ANIM049\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"NC State College of Engineering\",\n      \"raw\": \"NC State College of Engineering: Alternates (not read aloud)\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"NC State College of Engineering\",\n        \"raw\": \"NC State College of Engineering: Alternates (not read aloud)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Anti-Vivisection Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Anti-Vivisection Society: Awards of $3,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"DOGMA (Dogs' Oncological Genomic Metabolite Analyzer): Diagnosis of CMTs in Dogs Using a Machine Learning Model\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Canine mammary tumors (CMTs) represent the most common neoplasia in female dogs. Histopathology analysis is considered the gold standard for classification but is invasive and does not always lead to diagnosis. This study aimed to create a novel AI-powered diagnostic model leveraging urinary metabolite profiling to diagnose malignant masses and copilot tumor grading of CMTs. This study employed a large-scale dataset from MetaboLights Repository containing 55 tumor-specific urinary metabolites in 156 dogs collected using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Various commonly used machine learning algorithms, such as Random Forest (RF), were implemented to build and optimize the models. Results were reported in confusion matrix form in accordance with STARD-AI guidelines. Additionally, feature engineering was utilized to determine each variable\u2019s discriminative power. Overall survival (OS) by metabolic grade was compared using log-rank-test. The Malignant Versus Benign (MVB) RF model performed the best (94.74% accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity). Tumors were graded with 82.35% overall accuracy, 72.73%/78.57%/81.82% precision, and 72.73%/91.67%/90% recall among Grade 1/2/3, respectively. Feature importance in MVB and tumor grading models ranged from isopropanol (-0.01) to taurine (0.04) and 3-indoxylsulfate (-0.02) to creatine (0.07), respectively. Median OS differed among Grade 1/2/3 (not reached, not reached, 181 days, respectively; P<3.45e-14). This study demonstrates the use of non-invasive metabolic profiling and artificial intelligence to allow for efficient and accurate diagnosis and grading of CMTs. Future AI-powered diagnostic tools could inform human breast cancer research as well as transform lab reports and medical data into actionable insights.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Wang, Asher\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Holicong Middle School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"PA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=26002\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:56.738731Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:90baf607a59bd1f29aab7000b96c0fd08cd8828328ec78192eca13507d5ecd07\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=26002\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:58.215113Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d654bb664e5b666cfe9544dca18e4ada8325a067cc0bfbe908700dd8d37adca5\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=26002\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ANIM049-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d654bb664e5b666cfe9544dca18e4ada8325a067cc0bfbe908700dd8d37adca5\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-26002\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:90baf607a59bd1f29aab7000b96c0fd08cd8828328ec78192eca13507d5ecd07\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biochemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BCHM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BCHM008\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Drug, Chemical &amp\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Drug, Chemical &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Associated Technologies Association (DCAT)\",\n        \"raw\": \"Associated Technologies Association (DCAT): DCAT First Prize\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Analysis of Novel Multi-Enzyme Formulation's Synergistic Implications for the Enhanced Interventional Disruption of E. coli Biofilms\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Biofilms are intricate and stratified bacterial communities anchored on various surfaces, such as medical devices, surgical equipment, teeth plaque, etc. Contemporary treatment methods - antibiotics and sterilization - are ineffective against the rigid matrix structure consisting of various exopolymers. Thus, the microorganisms thrive and contribute to nosocomial infections, SSIs, and loss of life. This research focuses on utilizing enzymes to hydrolyze the exopolymers and disrupt the biofilm structure. This project is a continuation of a previous project validating the potential of enzymes to degrade biofilm. Now, a novel multi-enzyme formulation containing proteinase K and DNase I aimed at adhesion proteins and eDNA, respectively, is applied to explore increased potency than individual applications. A 24-well microtiter plate biofilm assay was performed and repeated three times with the enzymes applied individually and synergistically. The plate was split into six columns: blank, negative control, proteinase K, DNase I, Synergy 1, and Synergy 2 with twice the concentrations. Each assay was performed over three days with E. coli inoculation, enzyme application, and crystal violet staining. The CV-stained plates were read under OD540-590 for biofilm measure. The results were analyzed through the percent difference from the negative control, and the synergistic combinations showed increased disruption of the biofilms than the individual applications (p<0.05). This proved that multi-enzyme formulations procure more significant disruption of biofilms, implicating their use to develop practical applications to eradicate biofilms. A one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey HSD were the statistical tests utilized to affirm the differences and significance of the results.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Balasubramanian, Muhilan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Ballard High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"KY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25002\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:34:58.828839Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b20238f07cf049be36ce2c14b81f9e0174a4ac2500e949868237c458fb029eca\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25002\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:00.316124Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:63fc7bf5bca2f0030ea5a6db29d0b03b3f3134ccd46fc70d16db272c885c78c3\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25002\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BCHM008-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:63fc7bf5bca2f0030ea5a6db29d0b03b3f3134ccd46fc70d16db272c885c78c3\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25002\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:b20238f07cf049be36ce2c14b81f9e0174a4ac2500e949868237c458fb029eca\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biochemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BCHM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BCHM033\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"American Chemical Society\",\n      \"raw\": \"American Chemical Society: Diploma of Recognition and $100 gift card\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Chemical Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Chemical Society: Diploma of Recognition and $100 gift card\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"The Effect of Liposomes on Drug Delivery of Ascorbic Acid\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, has been identified as a potential cancer therapeutic due to its abundance, specificity to cancer cells, and low toxicity. In high doses, it has the capacity to induce oxidative stress in cancer cells, which tend to lack catalase, resulting in apoptosis. However, vitamin C tends to be unstable. Liposomes may be a promising carrier to stabilize vitamin C due to their low cost, high versatility, and ability to exhibit the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect in tumors. The purpose of this project is to determine the efficacy of liposome-encapsulated vitamin C as a therapeutic by measuring encapsulation efficiency and drug delivery rate. Liposomes were created by using the pro-liposome method, where the lipid phosphatidylcholine was mixed with Tris HCl buffer and ethanol. Then, a solution of Tris HCl buffer and vitamin C was added to the solution to be encapsulated. Encapsulation efficiency was determined by centrifuging the liposome solution in an ultrafiltration tube. In order to measure drug delivery, the liposome solution was dialyzed, with 10 mL samples of the external solution being extracted every hour for 24 hours. Each of these samples was titrated with iodine with starch solution as an indicator. Compared to vitamin C alone, liposomal vitamin C returned a much more stable delivery rate with greater retention in solution. Each hour, beginning with hour 18, revealed a statistically significant difference in drug release rate (p < 0.05), with the exception of hour 20, where the p-value was 0.103. The encapsulation efficiency of the liposomes was 81.67% on average. The results indicate that liposomes can be an effective method to stabilize and deliver vitamin C for cancer therapeutic applications.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Nguyen, Thien-Nhi\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"West Shore Junior/Senior High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25756\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:00.984562Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d201bf32fae4b9823867fddd41b6d186b183cfe55d195a1fd44065ea8edbbca2\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25756\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:02.408446Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0fe62befae7b79dd4655ca4c1d0c63167235531e4dd5a3a9c70580c7b1361a58\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25756\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BCHM033-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0fe62befae7b79dd4655ca4c1d0c63167235531e4dd5a3a9c70580c7b1361a58\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25756\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:d201bf32fae4b9823867fddd41b6d186b183cfe55d195a1fd44065ea8edbbca2\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biochemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BCHM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BCHM036\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"NC State College of Engineering\",\n      \"raw\": \"NC State College of Engineering: Scholarship to attend NC State Engineering Summer Camp\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"NC State College of Engineering\",\n        \"raw\": \"NC State College of Engineering: Scholarship to attend NC State Engineering Summer Camp\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"On the Synthesis of Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles From Eggshells via the Sol-Gel Method\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Around one in five people worldwide are diagnosed with Osteoporosis, a disease that causes gradual loss of bone mass leading to increased risk of fractures, drastically reducing life expectancy. Hydroxyapatite [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2], more commonly referred to as HAp, is a compound gaining increasing attention in the Biochemical and Medical fields due to its high osteocompatibility and surface area, making it ideal for treating this disease; moreover, it can be used to coat implants to stop the body from attacking foreign material. In this novel testing of HAp synthesis, eggshells were used as the calcium carbonate source and diammonium phosphate as the phosphate group. Through repeated trials, the optimal HAp initial reaction time was found for nanocrystal width, conductivity, hardness, and yield. Overall, the best trial produced ~46.82 g of nanoparticles with a width of around 80 nm with ~98% purity at the cost of only $15 compared to the average cost for implants of $3500. Ultimately, this product can be scaled for distribution in economically developing areas at a much lower cost than previously\u00a0developed.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Luthra, Viraj\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Chantilly High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"VA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25943\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:03.005423Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:74153fb3cbd79b2d5fe3eb1df695a1dc4e2e6b81d92e30b198e9ec4c45a774d0\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25943\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:04.499230Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b459ad0e471edcb749e29efb4b058b2fcabbc9b43e1f9c7d473f8c456bfc316e\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25943\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BCHM036-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b459ad0e471edcb749e29efb4b058b2fcabbc9b43e1f9c7d473f8c456bfc316e\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25943\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:74153fb3cbd79b2d5fe3eb1df695a1dc4e2e6b81d92e30b198e9ec4c45a774d0\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BEHA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BEHA010T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n      \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Finding Relief in Back Pain Through an Accessible Laptop Stand\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Our project aims to solve the issues that come with poor posture. We will be creating a laptop stand to solve and prevent back pain. Our participants will be students within the age range of 15-16 years old. They will be seated on a chair and measured while using a laptop stand and without it. Their arm, knee, hip, and ankle angles will be measured and then calculated to see percent errors and statistical differences. There will be minimal risk and only a small amount of personal data collected. Overall, our project will focus on solving the problem of poor posture and back pain among students at our school to help them perform and feel better during their work hours.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Corpuz, Nichelle\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Waipahu High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"HI\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Galacgac, Zea Hope\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Waipahu High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"HI\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25010\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:05.127592Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:54dc38afa0abb51b548a6ce9d78459a85b09cb6a0f509c53b6b8c10a6e1ba6c3\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25010\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:06.603656Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6fd745a63bab178fc5c97c6d8baffff35f19d3e6727aa3828bd2adfbdb11dec7\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25010\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BEHA010T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6fd745a63bab178fc5c97c6d8baffff35f19d3e6727aa3828bd2adfbdb11dec7\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25010\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:54dc38afa0abb51b548a6ce9d78459a85b09cb6a0f509c53b6b8c10a6e1ba6c3\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BEHA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BEHA011T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society\",\n      \"raw\": \"Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society: Second Behavioral and Social Science Award of $800\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society: Second Behavioral and Social Science Award of $800\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council\",\n        \"raw\": \"Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council: The  Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Counil awards will recognize 10 projects in the following categories: &#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tAgriculture and Water Management&#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tPersonalized Healthcare&#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tClimate and Sustainability&#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tEmerging Information Technologies\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Sensor-Integrated Wearable Device for Support During Autism Spectrum Disorder Meltdowns by Applying the Deep Pressure\u00a0Stimulation\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The project addresses the challenge of managing meltdowns in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a condition marked by difficulties in communication and social interaction. Globally, ASD affects approximately 1 in 100 children, with Jordan reporting a notably high prevalence of 92.1%. Meltdowns, characterized by overwhelming reactions to stimuli, are common among individuals with ASD, often leading to behaviors such as stimming and crying. To combat this issue, the project introduces an innovative vest equipped with sensor technology and deep pressure application. These sensors, including those for heart rate, skin temperature, vibrations, and GSR(Galvanic Skin Response), accurately detect early signs of meltdowns. Upon detection, the vest applies gentle pressure similar to a massage, aiming to calm the child and reduce the risk of self-harm. Testing conducted on 33 children with varying severity levels of ASD yielded promising results. These included decreased heart rate, increased skin temperature ,reduced vibrations and increased GSR. In summary, the device effectively manages meltdowns, mitigates the risk of injury, and alleviates anxiety through the application of deep pressure stimulation theory.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Al-Momani, Dana\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Jubilee School\",\n        \"country\": \"Jordan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Al-Shobaki, Layan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Jubilee School\",\n        \"country\": \"Jordan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24631\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:08.142561Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:441e1eeb0d0bfaf9a94fa34a83aa42a144e46788d0c698c809146cbc1bdf229f\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24631\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:09.235143Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ee775676a031be4093a43bfa8b5b2c4dc63e4de7705b581070651bb01058d89c\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24631\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BEHA011T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ee775676a031be4093a43bfa8b5b2c4dc63e4de7705b581070651bb01058d89c\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24631\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:441e1eeb0d0bfaf9a94fa34a83aa42a144e46788d0c698c809146cbc1bdf229f\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BEHA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BEHA012T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"American Psychological Association\",\n      \"raw\": \"American Psychological Association: Complimentary student affiliate memberships\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Psychological Association\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Psychological Association: Complimentary student affiliate memberships\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Psychological Association\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Psychological Association: Third Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Searching for \\\"Magic Pill\\\": A Novel Adenosine Modulator in the Treatment of Schizophrenia and Stress-Related Disorders\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Schizophrenia and stress-related disorders impose significant health challenges on patients and societal resources. To address these pressing needs, a novel compound, the Novel Adenosine Modulator (NAM), extracted from Gastrodia elata, a Chinese herbal medicine recognized for its calming properties, has emerged. Our study aims to investigate NAM's therapeutic potential in treating these mental illnesses. Two mouse models, exhibiting schizophrenia- and stress-related behaviors induced by drugs and stress, respectively, were utilized. In Experiment 1, schizophrenia-like behaviors were induced in mice using the NMDA receptor antagonist, MK-801. We conducted three distinct behavioral experiments to assess NAM's efficacy against positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia in mice. NAM effectively mitigated hyperlocomotion induced by MK-801 in the open field test, indicating its potential for treating positive symptoms without severe side effects. However, it did not influence MK-801 induced sensorimotor gating deficits. In Experiment 2, unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) was employed to induce stress-related disorders such as anxiety and depression. Four behavioral experiments were conducted to evaluate depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors. NAM treatment notably ameliorated anhedonia in the sucrose preference test, suggesting its efficacy in addressing depressive symptoms of stress-related disorders. Collectively, our findings underscore NAM's promising therapeutic potential for alleviating positive symptoms of schizophrenia and depressive symptoms of stress-related disorders. The neural mechanism underlying its therapeutic effects is worth further investigation.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Tsao, Yu-Pin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Taipei Municipal Chien Kuo High School\",\n        \"country\": \"Taiwan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Fu, Shao-Chieh\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Taipei Municipal Chien Kuo High School\",\n        \"country\": \"Taiwan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24756\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:09.854412Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6ba541ef7da2e346575905ac62b87592de0e50c9ad18cf6d04935e905aa2b06b\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24756\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:11.282234Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e0eec36e2d44b07c5e4782bd0741b9805f59c9f4519960a6a1b77ccb028adfcb\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24756\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BEHA012T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e0eec36e2d44b07c5e4782bd0741b9805f59c9f4519960a6a1b77ccb028adfcb\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24756\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:6ba541ef7da2e346575905ac62b87592de0e50c9ad18cf6d04935e905aa2b06b\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BEHA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BEHA019\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n      \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n        \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Illuminating Minds: Shining a Light on Atypical Dyslexia Therapies\",\n    \"abstract\": \"This study assesses the impact of Rapid Automatized Naming (RAN) therapies on reading speed and accuracy in students with dyslexia, with a nuanced examination of how RAN deficits interact with socioeconomic status (SES), alongside gender, ethnicity, pre-kindergarten education, and ADD/ADHD diagnoses. By comparing baseline and final reading test scores, this research aims to uncover the specific benefits of RAN therapies for 1st to 4th grade students diagnosed with dyslexia.\\nParticipants engaged in targeted RAN interventions designed to bolster orthographic processing, and their progress was meticulously analyzed. The findings revealed that RAN therapies significantly enhanced reading proficiency for all students, particularly those who showed signs of RAN deficits, highlighting the critical role of such therapies in dyslexia intervention strategies.\\nMoreover, the study illuminated the complex interplay between SES and reading achievements. Lower SES was associated with a higher prevalence of RAN deficits and lower baseline reading scores. Yet, students from lower SES backgrounds demonstrated marked improvements post-therapy, suggesting that RAN therapies may be especially beneficial in bridging educational disparities.\\nWhile SES was a significant factor, the analysis also considered the effects of several other demographics, finding that RAN therapy's effectiveness did not correlate with these variables. This comprehensive approach highlights the importance of implementing RAN therapies into dyslexia treatment programs, offering a useful tool for enhancing reading skills across diverse student populations, with particular implications for addressing the educational challenges associated with lower SES.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Dickinson, Madilyn\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"St. Patrick Catholic High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MS\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25171\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:11.894059Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:427798d51b2f5300fc42390930c20bcbf003390dca4166e6d4d0d9dd8095a9d4\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25171\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:13.344128Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:10ab685e3da5e83a85ec8129fbbb2a6afebed493e719c46ad9d99471b914250b\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25171\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BEHA019-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:10ab685e3da5e83a85ec8129fbbb2a6afebed493e719c46ad9d99471b914250b\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25171\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:427798d51b2f5300fc42390930c20bcbf003390dca4166e6d4d0d9dd8095a9d4\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BEHA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BEHA024\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n      \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n        \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Using Bidirectional Transformer Neural Networks for Advancing Gender Bias Recognition in STEM Job Advertisements\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Gender disparity persists in most STEM fields, where men vastly outnumber women. Recent research shows that gendered wording in advertisements for STEM jobs may have a significant influence on the appeal of a job to potential female applicants. To increase awareness and potentially address such gender bias in STEM job ads, it is important to identify the bias as clearly and accurately as possible. Previous research has attempted to predict gender bias in STEM job ads by using a simple word-counting and summation approach. This paper fine-tunes a deep learning language model, Google's Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers, for the specific task of recognizing biased language in STEM job ads by training the altered model on a large dataset of STEM job advertisements. This machine learning model has the advantage of a more holistic semantic understanding of the language in these ads due to its use of transformer neural networks. The analysis yields two main results. First, the ads are biased toward masculine language, in line with the findings of previous research. Second, the machine learning approach predicts gender bias in STEM job ads with high accuracy and is able to outperform the word-counting and summation approach.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Van Zandweghe, Nina\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Solon High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"OH\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25417\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:14.099820Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:10b1dc45dad6862d598a0f05076509c7eaaff55234662cd0293971405f72ce53\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25417\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:16.361867Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e333ccc28fcfcf3981e25108d67f2c5336901d97706d077c318a7d8f4b88bd3f\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25417\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BEHA024-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e333ccc28fcfcf3981e25108d67f2c5336901d97706d077c318a7d8f4b88bd3f\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25417\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:10b1dc45dad6862d598a0f05076509c7eaaff55234662cd0293971405f72ce53\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BEHA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BEHA028T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society\",\n      \"raw\": \"Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society: First Award Behavioral and Social Science Award of $1,200\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society: First Award Behavioral and Social Science Award of $1,200\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"The RIGHT Model: A Novel Personal Development Tool for Adolescents\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Deficit in learning and social skills during the COVID-19 pandemic causes a decrease in personal development (PD) among adolescents. Thus, we developed The RIGHT Model based on Cognitive Behavioral Theory and PD theories, as a PD tool to improve adolescents\u2019 self efficacy(SEF), self esteem(SES) and regulatory focus(RF). A quasi experiment design was used to study the effectiveness of The RIGHT Model towards SEF, SES and RF. A sample of 124 adolescent participants was divided into control and experiment groups. Adolescents\u2019 SEF, SES and RF levels in both groups were evaluated by self report using the General Self-Efficacy Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Regulatory Focus Questionnaire 3 times: pretest, posttest and 2 months follow-up. A repeated measures ANOVA analysis showed that experimental group\u2019s mean differed significantly between time points. SEF [F(1.362,70.838)=19.903, p<.001], SES [F(1.567, 81.500)=21.618, p<.001], promotion focus (PMF) [F(1.484,77.169)=4.01, p=.033] and prevention focus (PVF) [F(1.924, 100.062)=62.634,p=<0.001]. Post hoc tests using the Bonferroni correction revealed that SEF mean increased by .194 between pretest and posttest (p<.001) and then increased .25 between posttest and follow up (p=.017). A significant difference in the SES mean between pretest and posttest (.316), p<.001, but no significant difference between the posttest and follow up (p=.688). Post hoc tests also indicated a significant difference in the PMF mean (.211) between pretest and posttest (p=.014) then increased .094 between posttest and follow-up (p=1.00) while PVF was tested significantly different .509 between pretest and posttest (p<.001) and decreased .490 between posttest and follow-up (p<.001). In conclusion, The RIGHT Model significantly improved the adolescents' SEF, SES and RF. Therefore, it is viable to utilize The RIGHT Model as an effective PD tool on improving adolescents' psychological well-being.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Neoh, Sher Meng\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Heng Ee High School\",\n        \"country\": \"Malaysia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Keng, Jia Hui\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Heng Ee High School\",\n        \"country\": \"Malaysia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ng, Wan Yunn\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Heng Ee High School\",\n        \"country\": \"Malaysia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24696\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:16.975755Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6903c4ebb997bfa626adc120411d41331a7061e939ddd887e66deaae603eaec8\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24696\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:18.459847Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9de85850bab3d1db9cd66a856216734ad6ddabb738b1852311db0c55a401d58b\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24696\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BEHA028T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9de85850bab3d1db9cd66a856216734ad6ddabb738b1852311db0c55a401d58b\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24696\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:6903c4ebb997bfa626adc120411d41331a7061e939ddd887e66deaae603eaec8\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BEHA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BEHA032\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development\",\n      \"raw\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development: Second Award Education and Youth\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development\",\n        \"raw\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development: Second Award Education and Youth\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Prevention of Gun Violence Through the Buffering Effects of Intellectual Humility in Traumatized Psychopaths\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Gun violence has become a threatening phenomenon that has been affecting the lives of Americans nationwide. Two main traits that show a predisposition towards gun violence are psychopathy and trauma. I focused on the interaction between childhood trauma and psychopathy, and I analyzed how intellectual humility affects this relationship. When looking at the relationship between these two traits, I found that psychopathy had a positive relationship with trauma (r  = 0.75,  p < 0.001).  This means that there is a highly reactive at-risk population (traumatized psychopaths) that is more likely to use guns for violent purposes. Additionally, a moderation analysis showed that the relationship between trauma and psychopathy was moderated by intellectual humility F(3, 157) = 74.16, p < 0.001. So, systematically teaching the concepts associated with intellectual humility in schools could decrease the likelihood of traumatized psychopaths committing an act of violence. Additionally, a subscale of intellectual humility had a positive relationship with psychopathy (r  = 0.38, p < 0.001). This means that psychopathic individuals are more likely to change their minds. This indicates that persuasive methods may be used to reason with psychopaths and prevent them from pursuing gun violence. This study utilizes novel relationships to help understand and address those who are prone to gun violence and outlines a proof of concept tool to mitigate gun violence predispositions in at-risk populations.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Shah, Maya\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Martin STEM School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25684\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:19.068016Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a78ba460ef868833093aea591999ffa6a448ba9a61a59db7a3bc55bb7a0f8c5a\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25684\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:20.544552Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bf97e2f49261b558b8f535623cc5a367f77a7dd6e9ba2b809f79ca86715c7ac1\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25684\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BEHA032-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bf97e2f49261b558b8f535623cc5a367f77a7dd6e9ba2b809f79ca86715c7ac1\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25684\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:a78ba460ef868833093aea591999ffa6a448ba9a61a59db7a3bc55bb7a0f8c5a\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BEHA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BEHA048\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"American Psychological Association\",\n      \"raw\": \"American Psychological Association: Complimentary student affiliate memberships\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Psychological Association\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Psychological Association: Complimentary student affiliate memberships\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Psychological Association\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Psychological Association: Third Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"The Recursive Relationship Between Personalized Music Choice and Adolescent Mental Wellness: An Empirical Study\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Music streaming has enabled music choice to transition from a collective social listening experience to a personalized one. This research, for the first time, relates the two facets of music choice when in a specific mental wellness state with the impact of music chosen on mental wellness. Adolescents (N = 80) were asked the kind of music they would choose when in specific mental wellness states. They were also asked about the impact different types of music had on them. It was found that there is a recursive relationship between music choice and music impact in various mental wellness states. For example, in a sad/hurt state, listeners choose to listen to slow and soft music, which in turn makes them sadder; in a happy/excited state listeners choose to listen to loud and fast music, which increases excitement. This recursive relationship reinforced by the trend towards music personalization may exacerbate mood volatility with the possibility of pushing the listener to become excessively happy (leading to risky decisions, such as substance abuse) or excessively sad (with mental health challenges like depression).  Future research to develop a user-centered adaptive mobile health app that technologically augments the listener's chosen music in each mental state, with other songs from their library can be an effective mood regulation strategy. Given the ready availability of music streaming on mobile phones, and with self-recorded mental wellness data now available in iOS17, this strategy can become an essential continuous mental health intervention strategy to support adolescent mental health.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Gupta, Aanya\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Horace Mann School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25813\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:21.162744Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8371a021f6034cc8d296b9485a6ed75bf295be44afe3eedc5b2b2adaf13ed5cc\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25813\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:22.603237Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:617b9ff39bace4a868fbcf19cdbcca4f7be3c689ebd98600e6706fac33a4fbdc\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25813\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BEHA048-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:617b9ff39bace4a868fbcf19cdbcca4f7be3c689ebd98600e6706fac33a4fbdc\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25813\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:8371a021f6034cc8d296b9485a6ed75bf295be44afe3eedc5b2b2adaf13ed5cc\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Behavioral and Social Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BEHA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BEHA054\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development\",\n      \"raw\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development: Third Award Education and Youth\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development\",\n        \"raw\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development: Third Award Education and Youth\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Review of the Use and Promotability of Mental Health Apps by Teenagers\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Suicide is the second leading cause of death in teens and young adults, emphasizing the urgent need for effective adolescent mental health care. Three hundred seventy-four teenagers assessed the Rose Mental Health app. In addition to providing demographic information, participants rated their likelihood of using and recommending the app on a 1-10 scale, with ten being the highest. The net promoter score based on the results of the survey was 16.04. The likelihood of personal app use significantly influenced the likelihood of recommending it (p = 2.09 x 10^-32). Teens who had previously used a mental health app were more likely to recommend the app to a friend (p = 1.59 x 10^-5). Gender also played a role, such that females and non-binary individuals were more likely to recommend the app (p = 0.003585). Race was not found to be a statistically significant factor regarding how likely teenagers were to recommend the app to a friend or use the app's features, suggesting that mental health app companies do not need to target different racial groups with different techniques. The study highlighted specific features, including mental health articles, personalized content, daily journaling, and questionnaires, to be helpful to teens and drive their preferences. Demonstration of mental health apps increased the likelihood of adoption. These insights underscore the importance of targeted strategies for promoting mental health awareness and care among teens.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Goyal, Nira\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Martin County High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25780\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:23.211601Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a55fac4cb0ba295e5b9f59535e3dedf7e6030478b61fb9426f5075a71b1c6877\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25780\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:24.682068Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1b6429a5f893cca597f90e5244fc50a61a66cfa1a879ab2d6987b97aa2b27f2a\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25780\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BEHA054-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1b6429a5f893cca597f90e5244fc50a61a66cfa1a879ab2d6987b97aa2b27f2a\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25780\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:a55fac4cb0ba295e5b9f59535e3dedf7e6030478b61fb9426f5075a71b1c6877\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED003\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"NC State College of Engineering\",\n      \"raw\": \"NC State College of Engineering: Alternates (not read aloud)\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"NC State College of Engineering\",\n        \"raw\": \"NC State College of Engineering: Alternates (not read aloud)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"E-cadherin Expression as a Predictor of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Early Onset Colorectal Cancer\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death. This is because during early stages, CRC is difficult to catch, which means that treatment can only be offered after the cancer has progressed. Usually, people over the age of 50 have to worry about CRC. However, data has been showing that cases of Early Onset CRC are becoming significantly more frequent. In order to solve this, E-cadherin, a protein meant to support cell structure, was studied. This experiment tested whether E-cadherin expression could be used as a predictor of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), which is a process that heavily contributes to cancer metastasis. For this experiment, tissue sections of various cancer stages underwent a rehydration process, an antigen retrieval process, fluorescence-linked immunoassay, and exposure to primary and secondary antibodies. All of these steps were meant to stain the E-cadherin within the tissue, so that after it had been processed, you could visualize how E-cadherin expression changed based on cancer progression. After analyzing the data, it's safe to say E-cadherin expression can be used to predict EMT, as the photos taken of the slides support that hypothesis. They depict how the E-cadherin expression decreased as the cancer metastasized. This data is vital for patients because their E-cadherin can tell them how advanced their cancer is, and make getting treatment easier. While there isn't a cure for cancer yet, this experiment will allow for efficient diagnosis and treatment for the cancer that no one should have.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Bhandare, Anika\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Sebring High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24623\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:25.302970Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:993bbb584e659c08c2103e31c5f9f549f73e9e19c2093ae8a715641225abaa68\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24623\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:26.745368Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c5ef5221f5428e3da385b4fef753047c94228f7ddfd80df12294a8a2397c5c2a\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24623\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED003-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c5ef5221f5428e3da385b4fef753047c94228f7ddfd80df12294a8a2397c5c2a\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24623\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:993bbb584e659c08c2103e31c5f9f549f73e9e19c2093ae8a715641225abaa68\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED019\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"NC State College of Engineering\",\n      \"raw\": \"NC State College of Engineering: Scholarship to attend NC State Engineering Summer Camp\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"NC State College of Engineering\",\n        \"raw\": \"NC State College of Engineering: Scholarship to attend NC State Engineering Summer Camp\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Accelerating Breast Cancer Diagnoses: Leveraging Machine Learning to Accurately Predict Breast Cancer Presence and Growth With Hormonal Data\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Mammography, currently the primary method implemented for breast cancer screening/detection, often produces false negatives (1 in 8). Additionally, there exist prolonged delays during diagnosis (median 61 days from first symptoms to diagnosis). These two setbacks allow for cancers to spread, enabling a Stage 1 tumor with a 99% 5-year survival rate to quickly metastasize into Stage 4 cancer with a 30% 5-year survival rate. The underlying objective of this research was to determine the feasibility of developing a more accurate, alternative detection method: a machine-learning model able to predict tumor status (tumor presence binary prediction) and stage (per AJCC guidelines) of breast cancer using hormonal data. Implementing patient case datasets from the NCI GDC Data Portal, the researcher developed models from various machine-learning algorithms, of which the Random Forest Classifier (RFC) and the Histogram-based Gradient Boosting Classifier (HGBC) performed best, each displaying 96.00% tumor status prediction accuracy. Compared to 1 out of 8 cancer-containing mammograms that produce false negatives, the RFC model displayed only 1 out of 67 false negatives. The models could not as effectively predict tumor stage, however, with the best model (RFC) displaying a mere 66.03% accuracy. The results not only provide novel insight into the correlation of female-specific hormones with the metastasis of breast cancer but also offer significant evidence for a more accurate, alternative method for breast cancer detection. The researcher anticipates in vitro validations to test the machine-learning models\u2019 applicability to real cancer tissue, marking a significant step toward clinical implementation.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kim, Joshua\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"McCallie School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TN\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25089\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:27.361355Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1a4b447dbccf4e7b1b00c3b2dd48d474f89d12b2c6f787427e2d1dcb892ec650\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25089\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:28.805632Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:de770a1e2256e1952c896ea08afed106bd4d68936540319ae005546ce0c5d858\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25089\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED019-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:de770a1e2256e1952c896ea08afed106bd4d68936540319ae005546ce0c5d858\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25089\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:1a4b447dbccf4e7b1b00c3b2dd48d474f89d12b2c6f787427e2d1dcb892ec650\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED020\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society\",\n      \"raw\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society: Second Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society: Second Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Early Detection of Ankylosing Spondylitis Using Analysis of Breathing Patterns With Neural Networks\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Ankylosing Spondylitis a type of rheumatic autoimmune disorders where normal body cells attack musculoskeletal cells, making bones' weak joints unstable and prone to fractures. This can cause congestion in the rib cage area, changing breathing patterns, and chest expansions in different areas of the torso. The prototype uses 5 internal measurement units around the chest to map chest movement and expansion in all dimensions. The data is used to determine the displacement and angular change of the chest. The IMU data is then transferred wirelessly using wifi for further data processing. To calculate distance traveled/chest expansion, the second integral of acceleration is used, and it is calculated using the trapezoidal integration method twice. The angular velocity data provided by the IMU is also integrated using trapezoidal integration to find the euler angles which are converted to quaternions to avoid gimbal lock. The linear acceleration vector provided by the IMU is rotated to align with the global frame using quaternion multiplication and calibration quaternions, and the angle of rotation is determined by aligning the relative gravity vector with the absolute z axis The aligned quaternion is then obtained and any angular changes in the IMU are also compensated for by rotating the acceleration vector accordingly. After putting the data through a Kalman filter, an LSTM model is trained for early detection of seronegative spondyloarthropathies with the accuracy of approximately 95%.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kochhar, Jayveer\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Jamnabai Narsee International School\",\n        \"country\": \"India\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24850\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:29.432105Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:897f87f9b676ea4e9ec93a4503ce55a6fae15076b48eeb5291de864a6d66d0dd\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24850\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:30.866039Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e12c4453c764dfb8491b16ee02a14bd0dd574792240520122af33ee466ae1d76\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24850\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED020-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e12c4453c764dfb8491b16ee02a14bd0dd574792240520122af33ee466ae1d76\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24850\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:897f87f9b676ea4e9ec93a4503ce55a6fae15076b48eeb5291de864a6d66d0dd\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED029\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n      \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n        \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Unraveling the Achilles' Heel of Human Tumors: Moving Towards Inducing Mutational Meltdown by Deciphering the Most Deleterious Mutational Processes\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Although previous research has studied the subfields of cancer genomics and population genetics separately, they have rarely merged. This study combines the knowledge of mutational signatures (used within oncology research), distribution of fitness effects, DFE (used within population genetics), and EXchangeability (EX) scores (used within biochemistry). This novel crossover between statistics and biochemistry into cancer research allows potential therapeutic strategies to be introduced to induce the most harmful mutational processes in tumor cells to ultimately achieve a mutational meltdown of the tumor population. This research investigates the mean deleterious effect of known somatic mutational processes in humans. For the first time, the DFE of each mutational process found in human tumors is constructed. The project was conducted by downloading data from the 1000 Genomes Project and splitting the polymorphism data by their 3mer mutation class. The diffusion method dadi was used to infer the distribution of fitness effects of new non-synonymous 3mer mutation types in a large sample of 100 Yoruba individuals. SBS90 and SBS22 were found to be the most deleterious somatic mutational signatures. We validated DFE inferences using an orthogonal measure based on deep mutational scanning. Close examination of the mutational spectra for both signatures revealed predominantly T>A mutations. This study has implications towards inducing mutational meltdown in specific tumor populations.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Shil, Auhona\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"University High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AZ\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25220\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:31.487442Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a9b1e76d45505d5df7b87254ef7054edb39466cef3a841a130fd0a13a41a9dc5\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25220\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:32.940813Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:96030843531969868e76eedc225e343d3c3444ab6a57fa483bc0255b4df5127b\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25220\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED029-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:96030843531969868e76eedc225e343d3c3444ab6a57fa483bc0255b4df5127b\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25220\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:a9b1e76d45505d5df7b87254ef7054edb39466cef3a841a130fd0a13a41a9dc5\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED040\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council\",\n      \"raw\": \"Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council: The  Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Counil awards will recognize 10 projects in the following categories: &#x0D\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council\",\n        \"raw\": \"Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council: The  Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Counil awards will recognize 10 projects in the following categories: &#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tAgriculture and Water Management&#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tPersonalized Healthcare&#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tClimate and Sustainability&#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tEmerging Information Technologies\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"The Effect of Sugar Substitutes on Amyloid-BETA Plaque Aggregation: A Novel Link Between Type 2 Diabetes and Alzheimer's Disease\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Amyloid-beta is a protein that can misfold into pathological fibril aggregations and lead to the formation of plaques in the brain\u2014one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer\u2019s disease (AD). While the causes of AD are not well understood, there exists strong evidence for a correlation between type 2 diabetes and AD. Researchers at the University of Paris found that individuals who had type 2 diabetes for over 10 years were more than twice as likely to also have AD at age 70, hazard ratio (HR) of 2.1.\\nWhile the connection between diabetes and Alzheimer\u2019s is strong, the link may not be direct causality; underlying factors could explain the correlation. Individuals with diabetes often consume artificial sweeteners as an alternative to natural sugars. The Framingham study found a link between artificial sweeteners and AD. They reported that daily consumption of artificial sweeteners almost tripled the risk of AD (HR 2.9).\\nMy research explores a potential mechanism underlying the correlation between type 2 diabetes and AD by comparing the effect of artificial sugar substitutes to natural sugar (glucose) on amyloid-beta aggregation. A Thioflavin T assay was used to measure fibril formation. Data was collected and analyzed using a multimode microplate reader.\\nAmyloid-beta plaque aggregation was found to be significantly higher in the presence of artificial sugar substitutes compared to the glucose control. My research suggests a potential dietary linkage underlying the correlation between type 2 diabetes and AD, and it provides evidence of a novel mechanism by which artificial sugar substitutes could contribute to Alzheimer\u2019s pathology.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Hinkle, Paige\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Wilson High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"PA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25271\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:33.563469Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a5cdd013813242f01aa6ad16322290dbed7c46bc5ac76c40a97c8c3a81402eb2\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25271\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:35.006583Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bb551fb7f822782a19e4ea691e59dae760cb973e17e6e587f9e0b08e0ff3f7cb\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25271\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED040-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bb551fb7f822782a19e4ea691e59dae760cb973e17e6e587f9e0b08e0ff3f7cb\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25271\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:a5cdd013813242f01aa6ad16322290dbed7c46bc5ac76c40a97c8c3a81402eb2\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical and Health Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"BMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"BMED082\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology\",\n      \"raw\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology: Summer Camp scholarships (camp tuition and travel expenses, valued at up to $1,500)\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology\",\n        \"raw\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology: Summer Camp scholarships (camp tuition and travel expenses, valued at up to $1,500)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Obesity and Fresh Food Access: New Evidence and Solutions From Geospatial Data\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Background\\nObesity is generally modeled as a problem associated with socioeconomic (income, education, etc.) and genetic (age, race, etc.) factors. This study shows that, after controlling for these known covariates, (lack of) access to fresh foods has significant additional power to explain obesity rates.\\nMethods\\nI merge data from several sources. This allows me to present results from multivariate regressions to estimate the explanatory power of the usual socioeconomic and genetic factors in modeling obesity rates, and then examine if access to fresh food has any incremental power to explain obesity rates. I then provide some direction on how geospatially-weighted regressions can be used to identify and optimally locate mobile food-pantries to tackle the food access issue as well as low-income issues.\\nResults\\nOverall, I find that while the known socio-economic and genetic covariates have the expected explanatory power, access to fresh food is a separate, incremental, and important factor that explains obesity. The effect of low access to fresh food on obesity is not just evident in racial minorities and poor populations, indicating that this is a pervasive factor that increases obesity. Notably, within Black populations, the effect of fresh food access on obesity is stronger than that of poverty.\\nConclusion\\nAfter controlling for the known factors that affect obesity rates, I find an additional explanatory power of access to fresh foods on obesity. Public policies to reduce or eliminate food deserts can not only tackle nutritional deficiency but also impact the growing rates of obesity in the U.S. My estimates show that there is room to improve the optimal locations of mobile-pantry efforts organized by local food banks and the Feed America program.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Tripathi, Saswat\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Parkway West High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MO\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25951\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:35.641831Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7597652b649d561b31b813ada2c83db12b5b61bc997d37fd4d378a3aa78a8ebb\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25951\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:37.216613Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8bc90a5eff0feebc960ab4b38a0e0ecad71e0fdd1754d9c8d6d6b056f134b94e\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25951\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/BMED082-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8bc90a5eff0feebc960ab4b38a0e0ecad71e0fdd1754d9c8d6d6b056f134b94e\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25951\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:7597652b649d561b31b813ada2c83db12b5b61bc997d37fd4d378a3aa78a8ebb\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CBIO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CBIO010\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n      \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n        \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Using Machine Learning to Detect Sequential Patterns in the Temporal Ordering of Dynamic States as Candidate Biomarkers for Parkinson's Disease\",\n    \"abstract\": \"This study investigates the relationship between the sequential organization of the brain, measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans, and both rest and task-based differences in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. The project uses an artificial neural network trained on sequences of repeating states of dynamic functional connectivity among neural networks to match pairs of different event vectors from subjects. The potential significance of this research is that it could provide evidence for the effectiveness of fMRI tools such as GIFT and FSL in analyzing resting state networks along with dynamic networks and could be used to approach bigger problems, such as diseases like Parkinson's, from a new perspective. The study used a cohort of patients with Parkinson\u2019s imaged at UAMS, which includes data from over 12 subjects with 2 task and resting state scans, and utilized ICA-AROMA to reduce motion artifacts. The hypothesis is that if the accuracy of the trained classifier is greater than chance, it will support the idea that the sequential organization of brain states could be further mapped to find possible biomarkers. The classifiers in this experiment were able to match individuals across resting and non-resting pairs based on the sequential organization of resting state and dynamic networks with an accuracy well over chance. These results provide statistical evidence to support the notion that patterns in the sequential organization of dynamic functional connectivity in the brain can be reliably measured across resting and task conditions. This novel approach could be used to identify candidate biomarkers in the dynamic expression of brain states that would assist researchers in understanding the biological bases of Parkinson's disease.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Younus, Yahya\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Little Rock Central High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AR\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25005\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:37.858997Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6680f2cb6e613f103c8cc511f5eefaaf15fd9c620eda76ca6464b05ba937ec20\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25005\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:39.548761Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a362fb51ccf2731f96d40c23232b1721b48e1dcefb0938e345fa1630212b7265\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25005\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CBIO010-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a362fb51ccf2731f96d40c23232b1721b48e1dcefb0938e345fa1630212b7265\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25005\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:6680f2cb6e613f103c8cc511f5eefaaf15fd9c620eda76ca6464b05ba937ec20\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CBIO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CBIO012\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n      \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n        \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A-BiRD: Automated Bird Recognition Device \u2014 Revolutionizing Ornithological Research for Global Bird Conservation\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The global bird population decline due to climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction is a critical challenge. Addressing this global issue is vital for biodiversity preservation and understanding environmental changes. Reliance on inconsistent, often citizen-sourced data hinders accurate tracking of avian declines. The presence of humans collecting data directly affects bird behavior and produces data of variable quality.\\nA-BiRD addresses these challenges. It\u2019s data and analysis yields insights into species preferences, habitats, and bird migration patterns without human intervention. It employs Cornell University\u2019s BirdNET-Analyzer for identification and cueing, its own algorithm for direction finding, and pandas for data processing, graphing, and analysis.\\nIn a Tucson field study from 09/2023 to 01/2024, two A-BiRD devices successfully collected unbiased data, revealing insights into bird diversity and behaviors during Fall Migration. Accurate species identification and triangulation occurred even with multiple simultaneous bird songs. A total of 98 different bird species and 21,131 combined birdsong events were identified. The study's conclusions highlight changing migration patterns, peak activity periods, and shifts in daily bird species dominance.\\nOngoing research and testing are shaping A-BiRD into a practical tool. This positions it as an innovative device that unites communities in safeguarding global bird diversity. Leveraging Arizona's diverse ecosystems, A-BiRD presently contributes locally with immediate impacts on avian research in Southern Arizona. Looking forward, A-BiRD devices hold the potential to address broader environmental challenges, making a significant impact on both local and global bird conservation efforts.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"McGill, Finnegan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Tanque Verde High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AZ\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25192\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:40.983353Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d6ab9e8204574394f7a0d4e7c893b360c731c0846b0ac9c3814a2423d5e19e9d\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25192\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:43.422998Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:35bffbbd9e6fae7f4104a1e0d5f0a55651fec96d0dfd60ec1feedb89c90546f0\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25192\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CBIO012-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:35bffbbd9e6fae7f4104a1e0d5f0a55651fec96d0dfd60ec1feedb89c90546f0\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25192\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:d6ab9e8204574394f7a0d4e7c893b360c731c0846b0ac9c3814a2423d5e19e9d\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CBIO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CBIO013\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Non-Trivial\",\n      \"raw\": \"Non-Trivial: 10 scholarships for Non-trivial\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Non-Trivial\",\n        \"raw\": \"Non-Trivial: 10 scholarships for Non-trivial\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Atomically Yours: Novel DeepGraphDTI Takes Fight Against Future Pandemics to the Next Level\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The World Health Organisation\u2019s Blueprint Priority Disease Nipah henipavirus\u2019 (NiV) deadly pandemic potential has been evidenced by outbreaks across the world. High mortality rates of up to 91% across countries such as India, Malaysia and Philippines renders it distressing as no approved vaccines and therapeutics exist to this date. Current in silico methods to discover a cure rely on molecular docking and dynamics which are computationally intensive and time-consuming. Hence, deep learning Drug-Target-Affinity (DTA) models, able to predict drug-target interactions within seconds, present an attractively accelerated approach to circumvent tedious protein and chemical environment preparations required for simulations. Present DTA architectures encode protein residues for learning, often using Convolutional Neural Networks that neglect structural information. To greatly enhance the predictive prowess of DTA models, this study curates novel Graph Neural Network model DeepGraphDTI, which builds graph representations of proteins from atomic-level properties by converting protein sequences into Simplified Molecular-Input Line-Entry System strings, allowing high-resolution structural attributes to be extracted. DeepGraphDTI surpassed performances of existing state-of-the-art models, proving itself a potent tool for diverse applications in drug discovery such as unearthing novel drugs against emerging pathogens. In this study, DeepGraphDTI identified potential inhibitors against the NiV attachment and fusion glycoproteins from 1,040 drugs in the Global Health Priority Box, Pandemic Response Box and Pathogen Box, which were further verified by molecular docking. 7 promising drugs were thus selected for future in vitro and vivo experimental evaluation.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Lim, Wan Qin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Hwa Chong Institution\",\n        \"country\": \"Singapore\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25053\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:44.217939Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5702366a7d0bc264decc9e63c451d946f8fa2f828b38b609e2e9dc02c2085821\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25053\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:46.438474Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:236ae2c70652daf60a2a0353a26a1878905272b696f8087ee3ebd14da7fff418\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25053\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CBIO013-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:236ae2c70652daf60a2a0353a26a1878905272b696f8087ee3ebd14da7fff418\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25053\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:5702366a7d0bc264decc9e63c451d946f8fa2f828b38b609e2e9dc02c2085821\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CBIO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CBIO016\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n      \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n        \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Combating the Drug Epidemic: A Machine-Learning Framework to Predict Novel Drug-Drug Interaction Risks of Illicit Drug Abuse\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Each year, the escalating drug epidemic causes over 100,000 deaths in the US. 80% of these mortalities result from multiple drug use toxicity, which yields unpredictable and potentially fatal drug-drug interactions (DDIs). Thus, it is imperative to discover and prevent DDIs responsible for severe adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Five major drugs\u2014Methamphetamine, Heroin, Cocaine, Oxycodone, and Fentanyl\u2014are responsible for 95% of all overdoses. To discover interactions, I used machine-learning to analyze the ADRs and pharmacological profiles of all 13,117 FDA-approved and 2421 illicit drugs, including their targets, transporters, and enzymes extracted from SIDER and DrugBank. The similarity of drug profiles provides the molecular basis for DDIs, computed with the Jaccard Index. DDI predictions were performed using two machine-learning models: elastic-net logistic regression (GLMnet) and extreme-gradient boosting (XGBoost). In total, I discovered 2746 total interactions, including 841 novel ones. Novel DDIs and severe ADRs were individually found for methamphetamine (novel:199, severe:41), heroin (novel:75, severe:8), cocaine (novel:273, severe:131), oxycodone (novel:116, severe:42), and fentanyl (novel:178, severe:75). GLMnet and XGBoost achieved excellent AUC accuracies at 0.89 (95% CI:0.88-0.90) and 0.93 (95% CI:0.92-0.94), respectively. Further validation was completed with FAERS, a repository of reported ADRs. Overall, this innovative framework predicts novel DDIs and derives a severity spectrum for the world\u2019s five deadliest drugs\u2014critical for combating the drug epidemic. Moreover, this algorithm is readily applicable to other prescription and nonprescription drugs, enhancing drug safety and efficacy.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Wang, Dean\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Century High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MN\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25019\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:47.206455Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c7f8bd1fb868cc395e235fbac9e801be2a87f1113764f4a40e98b154fa79f99d\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25019\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:49.132606Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9eaa0b63a92893202554b55e02b883b9bb97abc179522a8cdaa32c0a58dfed56\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25019\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CBIO016-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9eaa0b63a92893202554b55e02b883b9bb97abc179522a8cdaa32c0a58dfed56\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25019\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:c7f8bd1fb868cc395e235fbac9e801be2a87f1113764f4a40e98b154fa79f99d\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CBIO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CBIO033\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence\",\n      \"raw\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence: Honorable Mention (do not read aloud). Winners receive a student level membership. Information is included separately in the SAO Portal.\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence\",\n        \"raw\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence: Honorable Mention (do not read aloud). Winners receive a student level membership. Information is included separately in the SAO Portal.\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence\",\n        \"raw\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence: AAAI Student Memberships for each finalist that is part of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Prize Winning projects and 5 Honorable Mention winning projects (up to 3 students per project) (in-kind award / part of the 1st-3rd prize)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence\",\n        \"raw\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence: AAAI Membership for the School Libraries of All 8 Winners (in-kind award / part of 1st-3rd prize and honorable mentions' prize)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Deep Semi-Supervised Domain Generalization Approach for Epileptic Seizure Prediction Using Electroencephalography (EEG)\",\n    \"abstract\": \"According to the WHO, nearly 50 million people suffer from epilepsy, one of the most common neurological diseases. Deaths caused by epilepsy have doubled over the past decade. Epilepsy is characterized by abnormal brain activity, leading to recurrent seizures. Each seizure manifests as sudden, uncontrolled bursts of electrical activity in the brain, and the injuries and restrictions on daily life underscores the urgency of finding effective methods for epileptic seizure prediction. Electroencephalogram (EEG) devices that output brain activity as waves are used for detection. This project aims to use deep learning techniques for the early prediction of epileptic seizures, an unsolved problem. Previous models have two limitations: being biased on specific datasets and devices used for training, and being sensitive to noise. A semi-supervised-based domain generalization method was developed to create a seizure prediction model that solves these problems. It consists of two phases: representation learning and transfer learning phase. To achieve high precision, the proposed method utilizes a representation learning approach. Here, a feature-swapping mechanism that effectively disentangles seizure-related EEG features is introduced, proved by the t-SNE feature maps visualization. During transfer learning, the pre-trained network is trained to output the probability if the input EEG indicates a seizure.  The proposed model achieves exceptional performance, with an accuracy of 90.53% and 94.88% on the NICU and Epileptic Seizure Recognition datasets respectively in within-dataset evaluations. It outperforms the previous methods on average by 19.35% in cross-dataset evaluations. This robust improvement opens up promising possibilities for real-world clinical applications.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"An, Sunwoo (Ria)\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Loomis Chaffee School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CT\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25412\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:49.858621Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:89b9a679ab2cccfa815117bf12a8753e59411440291366554c2a016fc56e187d\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25412\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:51.708163Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:183b75244b4ab67818df4353af7f304fd129a36c836601003c30b8fa46345f3e\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25412\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CBIO033-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:183b75244b4ab67818df4353af7f304fd129a36c836601003c30b8fa46345f3e\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25412\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:89b9a679ab2cccfa815117bf12a8753e59411440291366554c2a016fc56e187d\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CBIO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CBIO036\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n      \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: First Award of $750 in each Regeneron ISEF Category,\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Lens Into Vision: Modeling the Stimuli-Driven Differential Responses of Lobula Columnar Cells in Drosophila\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Vision is a critical mode of perception that guides behavioral responses in many organisms. It is loosely grouped into two stages, sensing by photoreceptors and processing, further divided into levels ranging from low to high depending on the nature of the information being processed. Currently, while the functions of certain types of neurons are known for processing at a lower level, a comprehensive understanding of the exact mechanisms for processing at all levels is lacking. As testing using parameterized stimuli has proven to be insufficient for discovering which characteristics drive responses, the focus turns to the use of computational methods like deep learning to simulate neuronal activity. In this study, the Drosophila visual system was chosen for both its simpler anatomical structure and conserved mechanisms with higher organisms. To build interpretable models capable of simulating lobula columnar (LC) cells in the fruit fly brain, nineteen models, each corresponding to one LC cell type, were trained on a self-compiled dataset of over 300 dynamic stimuli paired with neuronal responses. An average correlation coefficient of 0.54 was found, indicating a moderate to strong correlation between predicted and ground truth responses. Upon plotting heatmaps of linear filter weights for each model, the mechanisms, scope, and level of processing behind each LC's computations could be interpreted. Collectively, these can help identify possible sequential interactions between different LC types. Further analysis also revealed these heatmaps' utility for identifying neuron types likely to be a part of the same functional group. By balancing complexity and interpretability, these models allow for more efficient investigations into the mechanisms behind visual processing.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Wong, Erin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"William A. Shine Great Neck South High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25536\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:52.408938Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f787f989c8143569250f1778f0b83d9d34b65c6e1d9aaa1ae761e928a2cb5487\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25536\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:54.073319Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f38b3f5c75e9b02db480754a241b8011fdc87063e50cb8e834d6cf586b92e1dc\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25536\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CBIO036-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f38b3f5c75e9b02db480754a241b8011fdc87063e50cb8e834d6cf586b92e1dc\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25536\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:f787f989c8143569250f1778f0b83d9d34b65c6e1d9aaa1ae761e928a2cb5487\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Computational Biology and Bioinformatics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CBIO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CBIO057\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Fondazione Bruno Kessler\",\n      \"raw\": \"Fondazione Bruno Kessler: Award to participate in summer school \\\"Web Valley\\\"\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Fondazione Bruno Kessler\",\n        \"raw\": \"Fondazione Bruno Kessler: Award to participate in summer school \\\"Web Valley\\\"\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Gut Microbiome-Cardiometabolic Disease Spectrum Association Analysis Using Machine Learning\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The human microbiome is a term for the community of microorganisms living in the human body. The composition of the microbiome has the ability to influence the expression of various diseases in humans, and this phenomenon is often studied by analyzing it. In this study we sought to examine whether machine learning is a reliable tool for predicting the state of various cardiometabolic diseases based only on the gut microbiome. The research compared between the predictive abilities of different models on a dataset containing sequenced & assembled microbiomial data, and analyzed the bacteria that influence these models the most. In the research, it was found that some models can be used as effective diagnosis tools for some diseases. In addition, specific correlations were found between the presence of specific bacteria and diseases, such as E. coli and Type 2 Diabetes, Streptococcus bacteria and Coronary Artery Disease and many more. These findings show that machine learning can be an accurate, efficient and cheap solution for diagnosing various diseases, and that the gut microbiome has  substantial influence on these diseases. Future studies may use the approaches developed in this project for further analysis of microbiomial data. The code developed for this research has been published as open source software, and despite it having some research specific optimizations, it can be implemented on any dataset, not necessarily microbiome-related.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ramot, Gil\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Ilan Ramon\",\n        \"country\": \"Israel\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25918\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:54.826567Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:97688c23fe2c503cc613089c32716d160b26aca37b57cb627bc0cd570c45160c\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25918\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:56.927010Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:cb2ce3c3d09593620b06d2f990182b21674a7357b0e7bb5d31b6ae4130d4bfe9\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25918\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CBIO057-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:cb2ce3c3d09593620b06d2f990182b21674a7357b0e7bb5d31b6ae4130d4bfe9\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25918\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:97688c23fe2c503cc613089c32716d160b26aca37b57cb627bc0cd570c45160c\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CELL\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CELL018T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"The Scientific and Technological Research Council of T\u00fcrkiye  TUBITAK\",\n      \"raw\": \"The Scientific and Technological Research Council of T\u00fcrkiye  TUBITAK: 1st Prize Award\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"The Scientific and Technological Research Council of T\u00fcrkiye  TUBITAK\",\n        \"raw\": \"The Scientific and Technological Research Council of T\u00fcrkiye  TUBITAK: 1st Prize Award\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Modeling the Possible Connection Between the Variation of Homozygous Birc6 Gene and the Premature Ovarian Insufficiency on Zebrafish (Danio rerio)\",\n    \"abstract\": \"200 million of the human population is affected by infertility\u2014a disease that can develop in both men and women due to various reasons\u2014which causes a decrease in the individuals reproductive capacity. Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) is a type of infertility occurring in women. It may occur due to various external factors as well as a result of genetic variations. After analyzing Whole Exon Sequencing (WES) of a family, a rare homozygous variation was detected in the BIRC6 gene which is an apoptotic inhibitor. This variation was observed in female members only and these individuals have been diagnosed with POI. This has led us to a hypothesis framing a possible connection between POI and BIRC6 gene. In our project, we used the CRISPR/Cas9 method to create a variation in the birc6 gene according to the detected variant. A gRNA targeting the variation region was synthesized and injected to single-cell stage zebrafish embryos along with recombinant Cas9 protein using the microinjection method. For the verification of our knock-out model, HRM Analysis was executed. Subsequently, by Sanger sequencing in F0 generation mutant embryos, crispants, the success of the variation was evaluated. The morphologies of the crispants, observed with a light microscope for 5 days, were examined. The expression of the BIRC6 gene and the anti-apoptotic genes presumed to be connected was evaluated by qPCR analysis. It was observed that the expression of all anti-apoptotic genes was reduced in crispants, strengthening our hypotheses. The success of the knock-out model encouraged us to broaden the scope of our study with a knock-in model. We believe that our model will contribute to therapeutic approaches and drug studies to be developed against infertility.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Unuvar, Deren\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Izmir Ozel Ege Lisesi\",\n        \"country\": \"Turkey\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ovul, Zeren\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Izmir Ozel Ege Lisesi\",\n        \"country\": \"Turkey\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24818\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:57.608081Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4922ef98bab6ea8f6c3a558ccee357b7c9594911a0cb7201ce92d20fd1771043\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24818\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:35:59.324589Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:67d26c78d7541b3d3144357faf06e76b9138d92c43f3d5ef59a585105bbf090d\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24818\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CELL018T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:67d26c78d7541b3d3144357faf06e76b9138d92c43f3d5ef59a585105bbf090d\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24818\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:4922ef98bab6ea8f6c3a558ccee357b7c9594911a0cb7201ce92d20fd1771043\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CELL\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CELL020\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n      \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: First Award of $750 in each Regeneron ISEF Category,\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Investigating the Impact of Parasitic Worm-Induced Secretions on Anaphylaxis\",\n    \"abstract\": \"A sharp rise in food allergies during the last century has left millions with this chronic, often life-threatening condition. In fact, nearly all known autoimmune diseases are being diagnosed at higher rates than ever before, even after accounting for improvements in diagnosis techniques. Leading theories attribute this rise in immune disorders to a lack of exposure to \u201cOld Friend\u201d pathogens that evolved alongside humans for millennia. This study attempts to prove the veracity of the \u201cOld Friends\u201d hypothesis by reintroducing human tissue to the conditions created by Necator Americanus infection, determining whether the presence of N. Americanus is able to \u201cundo\u201d existing autoimmune disorders. This study simulated N. Americanus infection using the two major secretory products of the helminth, cytokines IL-4 and IL-10. Americanus has been shown to be able to inhibit the anti-parasitic effects of the body\u2019s IgE antibody pathway through a complex mixture of molecules whose secretion from epithelial cells is induced by worm infection. Because IgE is also responsible for activating mast cells in chronic inflammatory disorders, it was theorized that parasitic worm-induced secretions would be able to alleviate inflammation through IgE inhibition. The cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 were administered to blood samples and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the presence of key inflammatory molecule tryptase. Optical density data gathered by microplate reader showed that there was a significant decrease in inflammation through IL-4 stimulation but not through IL-10 stimulation.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ririe, Ethan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Blacksburg High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"VA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25118\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:00.073081Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5fccf81fafdf4a67755a68b6a377cadb26eaf301d65b6d47849768cfd5238a4b\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25118\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:01.605638Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e29c1eeb993d46e14f7b678a6a1a767bbbcdb1acf55fe7da2a14362d11f30d73\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25118\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CELL020-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e29c1eeb993d46e14f7b678a6a1a767bbbcdb1acf55fe7da2a14362d11f30d73\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25118\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:5fccf81fafdf4a67755a68b6a377cadb26eaf301d65b6d47849768cfd5238a4b\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CELL\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CELL027\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n      \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n        \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"The Function of p53 in Intestinal Epithelium Wound Healing\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The intestines are a crucial part of the digestive system, aiding in digestion and nutrient absorption. They feature a columnar barrier of intestinal epithelial cells, called the intestinal epithelium, that is responsible for absorbing nutrients and defending against antigens. The barrier possesses unique regenerative processes that renew its lining every 3-5 days, whilst maintaining almost identical cell structure and cell type ratio. The intestinal epithelium is studied for its role in stem cell nodes and monolayer development regarding cell signaling and intestinal epithelial wound healing. The tumor suppressor gene, P53, has been linked with leader cell behavior during cell migration in MDCK monolayer development.\\nThrough study, we observed the function of p53 during intestinal epithelium wound healing, with the GiLA1 organoid line and p53-mNeonGreen and H2B/iRFP protein trackers. A live-cell imaging movie encapsulated the development of the organoid monolayer and was further analyzed through automated cell tracking. Immunofluorescent staining for Ki67 was used to compare the protein expressions within various cell types.\\nWe observed three transient and unique p53-positive cell types during wound healing. One of these types displayed a canonical p53 response, suggesting a different role for the other subtypes. We identified p53WAR (Wound Associated Repair) cells as essential leaders of collective cell migration during wound healing. We further discovered localized p53 in Ki67 high cells originating from the stem cell nodes. Lastly, most Wound Associated Epithelial (WAE) cells were p53-negative, but showed a transient increase in p53 after wound closure, suggesting a role for p53 in re-differentiation.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Mallick, Sohini\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"University High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AZ\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25172\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:02.260389Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d72968520ce099adfeb199b933505411a8bd14bbf9fdc44f4231f17fec3ae9a0\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25172\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:03.853309Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d703869a26e705de44ffe9bf48c92ae8cf31e3b356f08d450aa071b53a52d298\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25172\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CELL027-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d703869a26e705de44ffe9bf48c92ae8cf31e3b356f08d450aa071b53a52d298\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25172\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:d72968520ce099adfeb199b933505411a8bd14bbf9fdc44f4231f17fec3ae9a0\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CELL\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CELL033\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Drug, Chemical &amp\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Drug, Chemical &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Associated Technologies Association (DCAT)\",\n        \"raw\": \"Associated Technologies Association (DCAT): DCAT First Prize\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Mary Kay Inc.\",\n        \"raw\": \"Mary Kay Inc.: Third Prize\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Rock the Metals! Investigating Manganese as a Trigger of Malignancy and Metal Transporters as Targets in Cancer Treatment\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Metals and their transporters influence cell behavior in cancer, and previous research demonstrated that manganese promotes malignancy. Therefore, if metal transporters are essential in maintaining the metallome, do variations in extracellular Mn alter transporters\u2019 expression? To model tumor microenvironment metallome dynamics, lung carcinoma (LLC) cells were incubated in high-Mn culture medium for 24 h, followed by 48 h of recovery in standard medium. Real time-PCR and ICP-OES techniques were applied to analyze cells and medium, respectively. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism 5 software. Data obtained are in accordance with previous work, confirming DMT1 transporter\u2019s negative regulation in high-Mn medium. It was observed that such regulation negatively correlates with Mn concentration, increasing at low-Mn and decreasing at high-Mn. Other transporters (ZIP8, ZnT1 and FPN1) also showed changes, an interesting finding, since not all are direct Mn transporters. Also, cells previously exposed to Mn-rich environment showed they are capable of secreting this element back into the medium upon return to standard conditions. These data demonstrate that tumor cells oscillate between Mn uptake and secretion, perpetuating a Mn-rich tumor microenvironment that promotes a complex and regulated network. Future experiments will involve cell migration to evaluate the impact of cell-secreted microenvironmental Mn on tumor cell invasion, and analysis of X-ray fluorescence data obtained by the group to unveil Mn subcellular distribution in LLC cells. DMT1 inhibitors will also be tested regarding efficiency in reversing Mn-promoted malignancy. This innovative project presents great potential to the development of new therapeutic targets in cancer treatment.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"de Araujo Pereira da Silva, Carolina\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Instituto Federal de Educacao Ciencia e Tecnologia do Rio de Janeiro\",\n        \"country\": \"Brazil\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25499\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:04.510165Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3387b01ee3fe7c4b14e27d8f7bae64f9889c6b68ff52b2350e367892be2f91cf\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25499\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:06.054861Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6680472a1fd977a5169c8fcae7efc195319b6246b12ec4ddae10fecbdeba7a9c\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25499\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CELL033-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6680472a1fd977a5169c8fcae7efc195319b6246b12ec4ddae10fecbdeba7a9c\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25499\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:3387b01ee3fe7c4b14e27d8f7bae64f9889c6b68ff52b2350e367892be2f91cf\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Cellular and Molecular Biology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CELL\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CELL043\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n      \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n        \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Dissecting Glioblastoma: CRISPR Knockout of Hif-1ALPHA Disrupts Downstream Targets\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 Alpha (Hif1a) contributes to cancer growth in most solid tumors. Because normal cells do not generally require HIF1, it is a potential target. How cancer will adapt to inactivation is unknown. Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) in conjunction with Cas-9, has previously been used to inactivate HIF1a in the glioblastoma cell line U251. DNA sequencing showed genome editing did occur in three of the U251 cell clones: CR2, CR5, and CR6. Hypoxic whole cell lysate was prepared and used in the enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to measure HIF1a and its target proteins GLUT1, VEGF and PDK1. Nuclear extract was used to measure HIF1/DNA binding. The ELISA and DNA binding showed that CR2 and CR6 are not producing HIF1a but CR5 is, and it binds DNA. CR5 sequencing showed that the gene was edited. However, previous research showed that CR5 had no active HIF1a. Surprisingly, the GLUT1 assay showed that CR2 and CR6 make the same amount of GLUT1 as the control. CR5 is producing less GLUT1, but is still showing to be active. VEGF results mirror the results of HIF1a, as expected, while PDK1 shows no difference in any clones. Others have shown GLUT1 and PDK1 are regulated by HIF1a. This shows that cells can adapt to HIF1a inactivation and regulate them through alternate pathways. This indicates CRISPR can be used to knock out Hif1a effectively to create cell lines for detailed study of HIF1a in glioblastoma.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Bawden, Neve\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Bountiful High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"UT\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25440\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:06.806239Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2efe9b5721bd0de81e8f0719b33f37f7953090a5abfcfd3ef7f8b8632f50faed\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25440\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:08.265790Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6382eb334dd61563038797e6f8dc91f197881d48a79835d06509c936e4f2dc9c\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25440\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CELL043-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6382eb334dd61563038797e6f8dc91f197881d48a79835d06509c936e4f2dc9c\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25440\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:2efe9b5721bd0de81e8f0719b33f37f7953090a5abfcfd3ef7f8b8632f50faed\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM015T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n      \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: First Award of $750 in each Regeneron ISEF Category,\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Natural Eutectogels as a Novel Material for Green Wearable Electronics\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The rapidly growing field of wearable electronics faces a critical challenge: the development of materials that are compatible with human tissue. Traditional materials such as hydrogels and ionogels have a lack of tolerance and often result in rigidity, discomfort, and potential biological hazards. Our project introduces a transformative solution: a eutectogel-based artificial ionic skin that is sustainable, low cost, non-toxic, and readily accessible.\\nEutectogels are formed by the polymerization of a deep eutectic solvent (DES) and are an innovative material constructed from hydrogen bond donors (HBD) and acceptors (HBA). Our unique contributions are the incorporation of natural derivatives into the HBD and HBA selection and the integration of cellulose-based derivatives such as cotton, which enhance the mechanical properties of the gel. Through extensive testing, we have identified an optimal combination and ratio of DES components, resulting in an eutectogel that improves upon previous versions in many properties such as adhesion, flexibility, stability and motion sensitivity.\\nThese enhancements not only allow for the production of thinner, sensitive interfaces capable of effectively capturing and transmitting biopotential signals but also ensures excellent adhesion and stability for a wider range of applications. Our work represents a development towards more sustainable and reliable biopotential monitoring for patients.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Huang, Claire\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Fairview High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CO\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Zhang, Sophia\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Fairview High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CO\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24905\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:08.917217Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9f63f256addc02bf74f827f808a8149a3bcec9d2f418f50e9c05a80c3a913679\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24905\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:10.393711Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fdae5f25cbc6438e4c11e5c08e3b25d5c08fa103bbc3565b193b8f2d8ff59233\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24905\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM015T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fdae5f25cbc6438e4c11e5c08e3b25d5c08fa103bbc3565b193b8f2d8ff59233\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24905\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:9f63f256addc02bf74f827f808a8149a3bcec9d2f418f50e9c05a80c3a913679\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM035\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"American Chemical Society\",\n      \"raw\": \"American Chemical Society: Third Award of $2,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Chemical Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Chemical Society: Third Award of $2,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n        \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Novel TMOS-Dependent Synthesis of Water-Stable CsPbBr3-SiO2 Nanoparticles for Bioimaging Applications\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Perovskite nanocrystals carry significant promise in the field of intracellular sensing. When in proximity with radiolabeled analytes, fluorescent nanoparticles emit photoluminescent signatures that can be used to quantify and locate intracellular species, whilst minimally disrupting the structure and/or function of these target molecules. However, existing perovskite nanosynthesis methods have been hampered by high reagent costs, the consumption of large quantities of toxic organic solvents, and rapid particle degradation in aqueous environments, such as those encountered within living cells. Here, the reagent tetramethylorthosilicate (TMOS)  is investigated as a means to enhance the aqueous stability and optic properties of CsPbBr3 perovskite nanoparticles, compared to traditional, more costly fluorocarbon reagents (such as 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyldimethylchlorosilane). The ability of TMOS to preserve and increase perovskite signal intensity through a proposed CsPbBr3-SiO2 core-shell mechanism suggests new opportunities for the use of nanocrystal biosensors in cost-efficient, multiplexed analysis of small-molecule signaling cascades, potentially offering unique spatiotemporal insights into the in vivo origins of known pathological phenotypes.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Lam, Katherine\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"University High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AZ\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25176\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:11.100424Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:566094958a81f14e8240414f46a1fd98596790781fdc30a47bebbb357d1bc6c2\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25176\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:12.541712Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:dfe27fc01206a718d412dc24424dce711faa55f919252543517dbf40592053a2\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25176\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM035-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:dfe27fc01206a718d412dc24424dce711faa55f919252543517dbf40592053a2\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25176\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:566094958a81f14e8240414f46a1fd98596790781fdc30a47bebbb357d1bc6c2\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM039\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: NOT TO BE READ -- $200 cash prize for each Enrichment award recipient\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: Mawhiba Universal Enrichment Program awards (and a $200 cash prize)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"External Magnetic Field Enhanced Plasmonic Au-WO3 Thin Films for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting\",\n    \"abstract\": \"In the evolving world of sustainable energy, hydrogen production by photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting stands out as a highly promising approach. Yet, challenges like limited light absorption and complex electron flow management often prevent achieving maximum efficiency. In this study, these challenges are addressed through two key aspects. The first is the plasmonic phenomenon, which significantly enhances light absorption by localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). This electromagnetic mode arises from the interaction between the free electrons of gold and light photons, forming an efficient light-harvesting mechanism. Furthermore, a crucial element is applying an external magnetic field that exerts a substantial influence on the behavior of electrons. The magnetic field applies the Lorentz force, which organizes the electron spin and significantly reduces recombination rates. The hypothesis of this research is that integrating an external magnetic field with the plasmonic effects in PEC systems will significantly enhance light absorption, optimize electron spin, and consequently elevate hydrogen production. Experiments were conducted on two sets of FTO glass substrates: one with WO3 deposited first, then gold nanoparticles coated on top, and the other in reverse order. Significantly, in comparison with pure WO3, the Tauc plot confirmed a decreased band gap in WO3-Au thin films, from 2.75 eV to 2.59 eV, markedly enhancing light absorption capabilities. When subjected to a magnetic field, LSV measurements demonstrated that the stable WO3-Au thin films exhibited double the efficiency compared to pure WO3. This approach aims to overcome existing barriers and boost the efficiency of PEC systems.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Alangari, Saleh\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Riyadh School for Boys and Girls\",\n        \"country\": \"Saudi Arabia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25449\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:13.187368Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:15a1739670387f846e2344e1358bb0795102ad2ea4fbb4492a34a5cbaace12c9\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25449\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:14.753757Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d92f3c78be356480d6801e5ed96a7da24d1c5107da3d5d7662b64a8f83dd74dd\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25449\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM039-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d92f3c78be356480d6801e5ed96a7da24d1c5107da3d5d7662b64a8f83dd74dd\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25449\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:15a1739670387f846e2344e1358bb0795102ad2ea4fbb4492a34a5cbaace12c9\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM045\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Drug, Chemical &amp\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Drug, Chemical &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Associated Technologies Association (DCAT)\",\n        \"raw\": \"Associated Technologies Association (DCAT): DCAT First Prize\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Evaluation of Antimalarial Activity of Artemisinin Derivatives by the Reaction with Fe(II) Ion in Micelles\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Artemisinin, a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from a plant, is currently used as a superior antimalarial agent. Because of a recent discovery of artemisinin-resistant parasites, there is an urgent demand for further studies on artemisinin. The purpose of this research is to prepare novel artemisinin derivatives and to develop a simple method to evaluate their antimalarial activity. First, I focused on two novel artemisinin derivatives having an arylamino group at C-10 and methyl artesunate, and achieved their syntheses successfully. The structure of these new products was identified by the analyses of IR, \u00b9H- and \u00b9\u00b3C-NMR spectra. Second, based on the generally accepted mechanism of antimalarial activity of artemisinin, I investigated reactivities of artemisinin and its derivatives with Fe(II) using micelles as a reaction field. The reactivities with Fe(II) were examined by the following two methods: measurement of a decrease in Fe(II) concentration with UV-vis spectra and measurement of oxygen consumption in a lipid peroxidation induced by the reaction of artemisinin derivatives with Fe(II). The results obtained by both methods demonstrated higher reactivities of the new derivatives compared to artemisinin. Moreover, the relative order of the reactivities of artemisinin and its derivatives was roughly coincident with that of their antimalarial activity against malaria parasites. Thus, it is revealed that the measurements of reactivities of artemisinin derivatives with Fe(II) in micelles established in this research can be employed as a simple screening method to evaluate their antimalarial activity.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Tsukai, Yumi\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Tokushima Municipal High School\",\n        \"country\": \"Japan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24926\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:15.402652Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c0c66b1132b1ee0879480b4f524c3781e0f9214f82f0d8232914973050bd7a39\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24926\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:16.930972Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8cc9a88746e84a87f19e9a856954db91f1bd4629213639a59e1328d957aa8c71\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24926\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM045-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8cc9a88746e84a87f19e9a856954db91f1bd4629213639a59e1328d957aa8c71\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24926\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:c0c66b1132b1ee0879480b4f524c3781e0f9214f82f0d8232914973050bd7a39\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM046T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"American Chemical Society\",\n      \"raw\": \"American Chemical Society: Diploma of Recognition and $100 gift card\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Chemical Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Chemical Society: Diploma of Recognition and $100 gift card\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Dyes Adsorption Using Activated Carbon From Coffee Capsule Grounds\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Brazil is a world leader in coffee production and is the second-largest consumer. As a result, over 1,000,000 t of coffee grounds accumulate in landfills yearly and decompose, releasing greenhouse gasses. An option to reuse grounds is as an adsorbent to treat textile effluents, which contain dyes harmful to water and the earth. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the composition, structure, properties, and dye adsorption capacity of activated carbon obtained from coffee capsule grounds using different chemical activator agents. During preparation, grounds were collected from capsules, dried, macerated, sieved, and impregnated with phosphoric acid or zinc chloride before being pyrolyzed, washed, and dried. Solids were characterized by ash and moisture content, thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, specific area, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Removal activity was evaluated by carbon contact with methylene blue solution during defined time intervals. Concentration after adsorption was determined by visible spectroscopy. Results showed that coffee grounds had low moisture (6.5%) and ash (1.8%) content, favorable to adsorption. Pyrolysis temperature was adequate to obtain carbons with different surface functional groups, and solids morphology changed with the activators employed. Adsorption tests indicated that activated carbons were efficient in removing dye from water (98-100%), and the best activator was phosphoric acid, which sample presented the highest carbon content and specific area (789 m\u00b2/g). Therefore,  activated carbons from coffee capsule grounds are an economical and sustainable way to remove dyes from textile effluents and prevent damage caused by inadequate residue disposal.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"da Costa Franca, Alana Carolina\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Instituto Federal da Bahia (IFBA) - Campus Camacari\",\n        \"country\": \"Brazil\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kanashiro da Hora, Emily\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Instituto Federal da Bahia (IFBA) - Campus Camacari\",\n        \"country\": \"Brazil\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Nunes Santana, Caio\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Instituto Federal da Bahia (IFBA) - Campus Camacari\",\n        \"country\": \"Brazil\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25456\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:17.683600Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5de86dafdced4d997e143d28ad442656fa2954a901f655bc4efe86c1e5f5b434\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25456\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:19.041800Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3fc371db3720e1cf2853ebcfb5c6db32eb7ab2911dfd58b2a52ba0fb4b694a12\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25456\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM046T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3fc371db3720e1cf2853ebcfb5c6db32eb7ab2911dfd58b2a52ba0fb4b694a12\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25456\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:5de86dafdced4d997e143d28ad442656fa2954a901f655bc4efe86c1e5f5b434\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM049\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"YM American Academy\",\n      \"raw\": \"YM American Academy: Third Award of $500.00\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"YM American Academy\",\n        \"raw\": \"YM American Academy: Third Award of $500.00\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Quantifying Live Cell Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation Condensates\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is the formation of biomolecular condensates that house various chemical reactions. The dysregulation of LLPS has been linked to tumorigenesis and neurodegenerative diseases. LLPS is quantified by the frequency of condensates, size, shape, and a condensate\u2019s specific role. The methods used to count the number of condensates vary so a standard approach to quantify condensates that will enhance reproducibility and enrich acquired data is needed.\\nThis program was created by testing procedures to segment the cells, bring out the condensates, and then actually count up the condensates in each cell for every slice slice in an image. Every step was combined into one program that runs in about 1.5 minutes for 60 images. The program was tested by using images where LLPS can be observed.\\nResults of the counts obtained from the program showed an overall constant trend as expected from cells with no outside interference, other than the addition of salt at one point, where changes did occur. There was not a clear way to analyze for accuracy of the program because of the nature of this program, which was to create a standard.\\nBecause the results mostly follow expected trends, this solution can be validated as a preliminary step. The next step would be to get ground truth datasets using high resolution microscopy to quantitatively define if condensates are in or out of plane. After refinement of procedures, this program could be utilized in medical research.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Gan, Lilian\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"University High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25575\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:19.810867Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:22f9a97e25ba7550ecb268100c17922d70bfe9ab6f286040bc5d2867f14f4796\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25575\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:21.137961Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5bc1c06cf5cb7fec4db07239914f54b71c19cd5e3e1554919cb4e607f43f524c\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25575\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM049-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5bc1c06cf5cb7fec4db07239914f54b71c19cd5e3e1554919cb4e607f43f524c\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25575\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:22f9a97e25ba7550ecb268100c17922d70bfe9ab6f286040bc5d2867f14f4796\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM061\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: Full Scholarship from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals(KFUPM) (and a $400 cash prize)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: NOT TO BE READ -- $400 cash prize for each Full Scholarship from King Fahd University award recipient\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Obtaining a Polyadsorbent From the Natural Diatomite to Purify Wastewater From the Ions of Heavy Metals\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Highly toxic heavy metals find their way to living organisms through water and air. Emission of wastewater to water resources only proliferate the harm and health implications of exposure to heavy metals.\\nApplication of diatomite, which is a highly porous siliceous rock, to clear wastewaters is an economically viable solution. Nonetheless, in its natural form, such material lacks the sufficient sorptive properties. The research aimed to investigate means to enhance adsorptive properties of the modified diatomite to extract ions of heavy metals: cadmium, lead, zinc, and copper. In this study, diatomite was activated through two phases: first ion-exchanging metals on the surface were removed and replaced with H+ by using aqueous HCl solution; next, making use of NH4OH solution, protons of H were replaced with OH- . Subsequently, adsorption in static conditions was conducted for 0,25- 5 hours and sorbent\u2019s composition was analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The results showed that over 95% of Cu2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Zn2+ adhered to diatomite at an optimal time of 60 minutes. The adsorbed diatomite was also successfully desorbed with 1 mol of HCl solution and washed with distilled water.  Repeated activation allowed desorbed diatomite to perform as an adsorbent again. Hence, it was proved that diatomite could act as a reusable adsorbent, a polyadsorbent in other words.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Zhaksygaliyeva, Sayazhan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Miras International School\",\n        \"country\": \"Kazakhstan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25712\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:21.761865Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1b67c6daf266dc4e58a8357ff927f44288bc2776a17ab9ed12f2b5b1d7338bb2\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25712\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:23.266043Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1a358bc5a02111212801a5474d3645d5812196f5559416c254e56a3aa6c619dd\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25712\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM061-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1a358bc5a02111212801a5474d3645d5812196f5559416c254e56a3aa6c619dd\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25712\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:1b67c6daf266dc4e58a8357ff927f44288bc2776a17ab9ed12f2b5b1d7338bb2\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM064\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"YM American Academy\",\n      \"raw\": \"YM American Academy: First Award of $3,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"YM American Academy\",\n        \"raw\": \"YM American Academy: First Award of $3,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Unveiling New Horizons in 2D Materials: Computational Discovery of a Metallic Boron Nitride Monolayer\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) monolayer, sharing the same crystalline structure and isoelectronic properties with graphene, is well-recognized for its wide band gap semiconductor nature (~6 eV) attributed to the predominantly ionic BN bonds. Addressing the diverse requirements of applications has driven the exploration for stable boron nitride configurations featuring considerably reduced band gaps, particularly those with metallic characteristics. Herein, using density functional theory (DFT) computations and inspired by our discovery of the highly aromatic (BNN)6 molecular structure, which can serve as building blocks, we theoretically designed a novel two-dimensional (2D) boron nitride material that exhibits metallic behavior driven by the intriguing phenomenon of electron conjugation. Our computations showed that this new BN monolayer is kinetically stable and has decent thermodynamic, mechanic, and thermal stabilities, indicating its high feasibility for experimental realization. This work unveils a hitherto unexplored 2D BN material distinguished by its unique geometric configuration, metallic attributes, and the high likelihood of successful experimental production. It is another example to vividly demonstrate the importance of chemical concepts in rational materials design, and further extensions likely result in other novel 2D materials with exceptional properties.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Chen, Jerry\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Saint John's School\",\n        \"country\": \"Puerto Rico\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25343\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:23.904098Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:54e6ed3e003f7ffbe14fcdf52cfa1cfa84dbb0ab9781378450775cbd8fa7ebf2\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25343\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:25.369656Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4ffa4c85de046850e0d3eb912a6cd6ecfbfca0171cdaef255aa815a01abb5a3f\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25343\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM064-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4ffa4c85de046850e0d3eb912a6cd6ecfbfca0171cdaef255aa815a01abb5a3f\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25343\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:54e6ed3e003f7ffbe14fcdf52cfa1cfa84dbb0ab9781378450775cbd8fa7ebf2\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Chemistry\",\n    \"category_code\": \"CHEM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"CHEM067\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n      \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"The Ultimate Plant-Powered Bike Lube\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The project aims to explore the use of plant corrosion inhibitors compared to toxic bike chain lubricants on carbon steel bike chains. Current bike maintenance companies use petroleum and toxic chemicals which are both toxic to the environment and for the user as well. A series of tests were conducted to identify the most efficient plant-corrosion inhibitor solutions for carbon steel. The most efficient solution was found to be MCT Oil, Oreganum Vulgare, Wormwood Oil, Pine Needle, and Tea Tree Oil, outperforming Rock N Roll Gold, the leading bike lubricant brand. The project suggests that using plant-based lubricants for bike chains could reduce environmental impact and potentially have applications in various industries, including military, automotive, aerospace, manufacturing technology, construction, and oil recovery.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Dunn, Brandon\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Fremont High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"UT\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25831\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:26.026198Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a35652bbf77e9577f7a1c6123c8b76f2e5ff6647d607824d52238375dbe9263b\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25831\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:27.461867Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ecfc90cff5f4854c5e6321560500086e6c03923fb41214cf9dc85dc75eb2c17b\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25831\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/CHEM067-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ecfc90cff5f4854c5e6321560500086e6c03923fb41214cf9dc85dc75eb2c17b\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25831\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:a35652bbf77e9577f7a1c6123c8b76f2e5ff6647d607824d52238375dbe9263b\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV003\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Florida Institute of Technology\",\n      \"raw\": \"Florida Institute of Technology: Full Tuition Presidential Scholarship\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Florida Institute of Technology\",\n        \"raw\": \"Florida Institute of Technology: Full Tuition Presidential Scholarship\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n        \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Tree Rings as a Potential Monitoring Tool for Saltwater Intrusion\",\n    \"abstract\": \"This project assessed whether slash pine tree (Pinus elliottii) ring growth could be used to track rates of saltwater intrusion. If ring growth of non-halophytic pine trees is impacted by saltwater, then tree rings could be used to track saltwater intrusion since they would have smaller rings.\\nTree cores were collected at eight sites along a coast-to-inland transect near the Lower Suwannee River. The independent variable was sample site distance from the Gulf of Mexico. The dependent variable was tree ring width. The control group consisted of duplicate cores collected from one tree at each site to determine if ring growth was consistent within individual trees.\\nTree cores were collected using an increment tree borer, stored and dried in paper straws, mounted on wooden bases, and sanded to increase ring visibility. The cores were scanned, and ring widths were measured using photo-analysis software. The tree ring widths were compared between sites and to extreme high tide events.\\nThe hypothesis was supported because tree ring growth declined following extreme high tide events, demonstrating that trees are useful for saltwater intrusion monitoring. After extreme high tide events, ring growth rates declined by more than 40% compared to the average growth of the prior four years. Declines persisted for up to four years. After Hurricane Dennis in 2005, site ring width averages decreased by 46% to 60%. Saltwater intrusion impacts extended 25.6 kilometers inland from the coast. Rainfall was not a statistically significant driver of growth at six of the seven impacted sites.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"McBride, Alynza\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"South Sumter High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24783\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:28.093450Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:50555e147f0bb59fa0d5ef54f61695dd80c5a5d0ffcbd1791a57bc41ac96b315\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24783\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:29.587848Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1bcd2ee7a7c25eb0d02135c388e3f9b7a9b82a5e278db6c610ca4855e669f7b2\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24783\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV003-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1bcd2ee7a7c25eb0d02135c388e3f9b7a9b82a5e278db6c610ca4855e669f7b2\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24783\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:50555e147f0bb59fa0d5ef54f61695dd80c5a5d0ffcbd1791a57bc41ac96b315\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV031\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n      \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n        \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Ferrofluid Extraction of Microplastics\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Overwhelming research shows microplastics are found in the environment, as well as in the majority of American fish, water, and even meats. While its long-term effects on humans and environments are not clearly known, it is imperative to test water sources, as water is critical to life. The hypothesis was if the ferrofluid extraction method was used to test local waters, microplastics will be extracted.\\nA control sample was established by combining homemade microplastics and water. Local waters from the San Pedro River, Parker Canyon Lake, and Patagonia Lake were tested to extract microplastics with ferrofluid and magnets, and the solution was examined under the microscope.\\nIn the control sample where microplastics were added, microplastics were detected in the ferrofluid. However, microplastics were not detected in the local water samples tested.\\nThe hypothesis was confirmed. The known microplastics were extracted with the ferrofluid from the control sample, and identifiable traits of the microplastics were not detected in the lake and river test samples. The results showed microplastics are able to be extracted using the ferrofluid extraction method. In addition to preventing plastic from being disposed of into oceans, this method should be considered to be used to clean ocean waters since approximately 12.7 million metric tons (MT) of plastic are being dumped into the oceans per year. Microplastics are known as a foreign substance to the human body and environment, thus there is a critical need to test if they are reaching local waters.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Gavin, Juliannah\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Veritas Christian Community School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AZ\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25224\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:30.211868Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1c23eb9b57b44f3b299b7f079ac8da68e551a08bb63f6a1e417611894d7e79cf\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25224\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:31.692250Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ddb2279d65c3797cd3db2337aa4215b6b746337a018c732ce0e729feda419e3a\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25224\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV031-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ddb2279d65c3797cd3db2337aa4215b6b746337a018c732ce0e729feda419e3a\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25224\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:1c23eb9b57b44f3b299b7f079ac8da68e551a08bb63f6a1e417611894d7e79cf\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV058\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"National Geographic Society\",\n      \"raw\": \"National Geographic Society: Excellence in Geography and Geospatial Science Award\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Geographic Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Geographic Society: Excellence in Geography and Geospatial Science Award\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Forecasting Post-Wildfire Vegetation Recovery in California Using a Convolutional Long Short-Term Memory Tensor Regression Network\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The increasing wildfire frequency and size have posed growing challenges for re-establishing plants after wildfires, making the study of post-wildfire plant regrowth essential for creating effective plans to recover ecosystems. Previous research has predominantly focused on unraveling and analyzing the key ecological and biogeographical factors that influence post-fire succession. This research proposes a novel approach for predicting and analyzing post-fire plant recovery. Using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) as our metric to quantify vegetation, we develop a Convolutional Long Short-Term Memory Tensor Regression (ConvLSTMTR) network that predicts future NDVI based on short-term plant growth data after fire containment. The model is trained and tested on 104 major wildfires in California from 2013 to 2020 with burn areas larger than 3000 acres. The integration of ConvLSTM with tensor regression enables the calculation of an overall logistic growth rate k using our model's predicted NDVI time series. Overall, our k-value predictions demonstrate impressive performance, with 50% of predictions exhibiting an absolute error of 0.12 or less, and 75% having an error of 0.24 or less. Finally, we employ Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) and K-nearest neighbor (KNN) clustering to determine trends in similar post-wildfire recovery, providing valuable insight into areas of high and low recovery rates. Our study pioneers the combined use of tensor regression and the ConvLSTM, and introduces the application of UMAP for clustering similar wildfires. Taken together, this study contributes to the advancement of predictive ecological modeling and holds the potential to inform future post-fire vegetation management strategies.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Liu, Jiahe\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Edgemont High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25614\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:32.318932Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:cb2980ce30ffa09a66a3fd5867ddca2306798183371ba7c1850197540445111e\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25614\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:33.788472Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6f81140650f2ee22971f15a9b98e73439fb1cef6641ff848f6c4495ae1151420\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25614\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV058-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6f81140650f2ee22971f15a9b98e73439fb1cef6641ff848f6c4495ae1151420\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25614\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:cb2980ce30ffa09a66a3fd5867ddca2306798183371ba7c1850197540445111e\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV070\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council\",\n      \"raw\": \"Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council: The  Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Counil awards will recognize 10 projects in the following categories: &#x0D\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council\",\n        \"raw\": \"Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council: The  Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Counil awards will recognize 10 projects in the following categories: &#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tAgriculture and Water Management&#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tPersonalized Healthcare&#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tClimate and Sustainability&#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tEmerging Information Technologies\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Forward Modelling of Climate Change-Induced Sedimentation and Effects on Coastal Ecosystems\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Future climate trends threaten to disrupt sedimentation processes through changing precipitation patterns, affecting river discharge and sediment loads, and sediment runoff to coastal regions. This presents emerging risks to anthropogenic environments and coastal ecosystems such as coral reefs, wetlands and seagrass meadows, potentially impacted by sedimentation through ecological degradation and decreased biodiversity. Current research highlights the need of incorporating sedimentation processes\u2019 potential effects on ecosystems in developing conservation management strategies. The project created a hundred-year simulation of future sediment erosion/deposition for the Burdekin region, in tropical Queensland, Australia adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef, as a \u2018proof of concept\u2019 for the process to be applied elsewhere in aiding conservation. Precipitation and other data were based on future climate change projections, Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), developed by the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6). The project used Badlands, a surface process model which simulates sediment erosion/deposition and stream discharge. Results corroborated with the hypothesis of the positive effect of discharge on sedimentation (geometric mean p-value of 0.0498). Simulations also highlighted areas of the Burdekin region susceptible to elevated coastal sediment erosion/deposition such as Ingham and Magnetic Island (cumulative sediment deposition > 9m). Particularly, the research provided an open-source framework to analyse sedimentation patterns using freely accessible software, documentation and data. This promotes open science, allowing for conservation management strategies formulated by stakeholders or academics with limited technical abilities or access to research capital.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Hao, Kevin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Knox Grammar School\",\n        \"country\": \"Australia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24967\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:34.690502Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:20f16e6601faf06e77fad349e8438350770d1b31d6b08a8b032c2c275634cd29\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24967\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:35.904729Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0e1fb78531a8db952c48fa4dbb5d10962600aaa09bfe552fe74bc7a7f63ccc9c\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24967\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV070-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0e1fb78531a8db952c48fa4dbb5d10962600aaa09bfe552fe74bc7a7f63ccc9c\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24967\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:20f16e6601faf06e77fad349e8438350770d1b31d6b08a8b032c2c275634cd29\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV079\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"National Geographic Society\",\n      \"raw\": \"National Geographic Society: Excellence in Geography and Geospatial Science Award\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Geographic Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Geographic Society: Excellence in Geography and Geospatial Science Award\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Flood Mitigation of Tarlac City Through 3D Simulation of Groundwater Discharge to Flood Inundation Using Rainfall Prediction and Integration of Spatio-Temporal GIS in Hydrodynamic Models\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The Philippines, ranking as the third most vulnerable nation to natural disasters on a global scale, faces escalating danger posed by typhoons and floods, resulting in significant human casualties, property destruction, and economic repercussions. Among the regions susceptible to such hydrological threats, Tarlac City stands out as particularly prone to inundation. This research aims to address this challenge by proposing the development of a 3D spatio-temporal Geographic Information System (GIS) along with a hydrodynamic model, specifically designed to replicate flood inundation induced by rainfall, groundwater discharge dynamics, and surface flooding occurrences in Tarlac City. It emphasizes its proficient application of advanced methodologies for flood prediction and risk assessment within Tarlac City. Results showed that the Long- Short Term Memory Neural Network effectively anticipates rainfall patterns, while hydrological data facilitated the development of a 3D digital elevation map. The elevation of the areas ranges from 44.69 ft to 57.55 ft, while the low-lying area, Amucao, has an elevation of 24.38 ft to 32.5 ft. This information supplements groundwater discharge data to create a flood inundation model, enabling the identification of flood-prone regions. Moreover, areas in San Vicente, San Roque, Part San Sebastian, San Isidro, Maliwalo, Matatalaib, Tibag, F. Ta\u00f1edo were prone to minimal to severe risks of flooding. In conclusion, this research augments the disaster preparedness within barangays in Tarlac City susceptible to flooding, contributing significantly to risk mitigation.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Guinto, Arnon Yzabel\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Tarlac National High School\",\n        \"country\": \"Philippines\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25763\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:36.911570Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e1202e6bb75c21ddf02a6b9480fd142876513c955a6d43b3bb86706607a1c981\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25763\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:38.071044Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1f5f64102bc9dedd10f3dcc1a7549974d454472a8bab7c3730c053d52d4ce1e9\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25763\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV079-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1f5f64102bc9dedd10f3dcc1a7549974d454472a8bab7c3730c053d52d4ce1e9\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25763\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:e1202e6bb75c21ddf02a6b9480fd142876513c955a6d43b3bb86706607a1c981\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Earth and Environmental Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EAEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EAEV086\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n      \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n        \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Aquatic Toxicity of Sunscreen Ingredients in Freshwater Ecosystems\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The impact of the main inactive ingredient in sunscreens was tested on freshwater ecosystems using Daphnia magna as a model species. My previous experiments (2023) showed that \\\"reef-friendly\\\" non-nano zinc oxide caused the most detriment to Daphnia magna, and further experimentation has been done to understand the impact of active versus main inactive sunscreen ingredients on the results. In this year's experiment, four non-nano zinc oxide sunscreens were tested, three water-based, one alcohol-based, and pure zinc oxide powder at concentrations of 1 and 2 mg/L. Five daphnia were added to each solution in three replicates. I hypothesized that the non-nano zinc oxide powder would have the least detrimental effects to the daphnia due to the lack of inactive ingredient, while the alcohol-based sunscreen would be the most harmful, due to the presence of alcohol as main inactive ingredient. The mortality of the Daphnia magna was recorded and contrary to my hypothesis, the results revealed that solubility of the sunscreen was the main factor contributing to mortality, regardless of the main inactive ingredient. In addition, the zinc oxide powder proved itself to be harmful, exposing the harm of the substance on freshwater environments. The supposed \\\"environmentally friendly\\\" UV filter was not safe to Daphnia magna and advertising regarding sunscreens can be misleading as the full scope of the toxicity of zinc oxide beyond coral reefs is neglected. Marketing as \\\"environmentally friendly\\\" should be regulated further to improve awareness of the consumer's impact on the natural world.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Sinha, Mallika\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"BASIS Peoria\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AZ\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25917\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:38.684216Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1d313aa86f60adbd25fb30f6b6e0fe0c80b4aef15d5b3c99e3de5aabf2950883\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25917\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:40.202662Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ecf444f0b705d8d6afa9ebe682c42809ba1652843208d662b9f737b841f7ce78\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25917\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EAEV086-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ecf444f0b705d8d6afa9ebe682c42809ba1652843208d662b9f737b841f7ce78\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25917\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:1d313aa86f60adbd25fb30f6b6e0fe0c80b4aef15d5b3c99e3de5aabf2950883\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EBED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EBED003\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate\",\n      \"raw\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate : Second Place Award \u201cPrinciples of Security and Privacy\u201d\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate : Second Place Award \u201cPrinciples of Security and Privacy\u201d\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Terahertz Gap Communication Using Black Body Radiation\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The most significant remaining frontier of radio encompasses the band of frequencies from 300 GHz to above 30 THz, known as the terahertz (THz) gap. This range is too high to generate with semiconductors and too low to generate with optics. The best THz signal generation method uses black body radiators; any object with greater than zero Kelvin temperature emits electromagnetic radiation. Current black body radiation based THz communication devices transmit information extremely slowly; this project aims to reach data rates faster than current devices.\\nThe transmitter uses a metal ceramic heater (MCH) at 570 K, emitting around 30 THz peak. Electrical modulation is impossible because black body radiators are heaters with significant rise and fall time. Instead, mechanical modulation (MM) uses a motor to move an opaque object into the beam to control data transmission. The receiver uses a pyroelectric sensor to detect incoming data, while a high-density polyethylene filter reduces incoming noise. A microcontroller regulates the modulator and logs receiver data.\\nAt one meter, Stage 1 achieved a data rate of .5 bps, three times that of any previous black body radiator device, and a signal-to-noise ratio of 11 dB. Stage 2 increased the modulator speed and receiver sample rate and can achieve 10 bps, 20 times that of Stage 1. Future work includes replacing the receiving sensor for a higher sample rate and adding a field-of-view limiter to reduce noise. This device provides a basis for further experimentation in the THz gap.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Dorminy, Jonathan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Sola Fide Home School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"GA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24576\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:40.822172Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4d71908318150a7bb3f0fd28ae6e7b12f085d4d244f552ee8a350422562ef34e\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24576\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:42.344073Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:820dbac0a935043a91c62fecd346586bad2368c286b3feb23b1cab7303f1c340\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24576\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EBED003-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:820dbac0a935043a91c62fecd346586bad2368c286b3feb23b1cab7303f1c340\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24576\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:4d71908318150a7bb3f0fd28ae6e7b12f085d4d244f552ee8a350422562ef34e\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EBED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EBED006T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development\",\n      \"raw\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development: Second Award Working in Crisis and Conflict\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development\",\n        \"raw\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development: Second Award Working in Crisis and Conflict\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Mesh Network-Integrated Multi-Robot Team With Electronic Nose for Human Detection Under Rubble in Post-Disaster Scenarios\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Catastrophic natural phenomena like earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis have\\ncaused widespread devastation, resulting in significant loss of life and property damage. In 2023, during the Turkey-Syria Earthquake and Marrakesh-Safi Earthquake, nearly 210.000 people were injured and 65.000 people lost their lives due to the inability to be detected in time under the rubble. Search and rescue teams currently use accosting listening devices and radar units. But these technologies are immobile and difficult to reach because of their high cost. We observed these issues leading to fatalities as individuals. This inspired us to work on this problem. Our project aims to develop a heterogeneous robot team that collaborates to detect people under the rubble in post-disaster scenarios. Each robot type in our team is designed to meet the harsh conditions of the wreckage. We\u2019ve developed a \u201cstation robot\u201d to move on the rubble and carry our operation robots, and smaller robots called \u201coperation robots\u201d to move under the rubble and detect people. Operation robots have microphones to listen to sounds and an \u201celectronic nose\u201d that includes sensor arrays to detect human odors and other metabolic tracers during their biological activities. We\u2019ve trained a machine-learning model to detect and track these tracers. Also communication and coordination are major problems in search and rescue operations. We\u2019ve used mesh network topology for continuous and long range communication between our robots. We\u2019ve developed a desktop application to display data of robots and detected human information to the search and rescue teams. We\u2019ve tested our project in a real-like debris field. Overall, our project offers a low-cost and innovative solution for search and rescue operations.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ozcan, Muhammet Basar\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Ataturk High School of Science\",\n        \"country\": \"Turkey\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Demir, Burak Eren\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Ataturk High School of Science\",\n        \"country\": \"Turkey\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Celik, Salih\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Ataturk High School of Science\",\n        \"country\": \"Turkey\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24741\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:42.964018Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6fc7e6f8bda20b3c86d5c88fad13f5dc0f10973a1bc1a4cd5b7a07ed6e1c2e81\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24741\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:44.428924Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6b2fb7bf0b6401d195d2afac4c78889f6f7f5d2b6daef8bb74e04f82e9feafbf\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24741\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EBED006T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6b2fb7bf0b6401d195d2afac4c78889f6f7f5d2b6daef8bb74e04f82e9feafbf\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; 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These inconveniences are solved for refractive visual aberrations by means of so-called computational \u201con-screen glasses\u201d which make displays appear clear to those suffering from myopia, hyperopia, and higher-order aberrations (through a generalized method) without the need to wear glasses. We present the framework for creating a live vision correcting display (VCD) by employing the existing method of deconvolving the on-screen image with a point spread function (PSF) associated with the eye. We present unique contributions in terms of a) reduction of ringing artifacts through masking the pre-filtered image, b) increase of contrast and reduction of colour distortion by changing the image colour space to YUV/YCbCr (operation solely on luma channel), and c) calculating a real-time PSF by which to deconvolve the screen given spherical coordinates with respect to the image, based on distance from the screen and angular deviation; this is necessary so that the PSF does not appear distorted from non-normal angles of view relative to the screen.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Balaji, Akhilesh\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Neev Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"India\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ramu, Dhruv\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Neev Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"India\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24578\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:45.061175Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1b1a21007e679c2109b28bb333b6d756a3c2c2feac07248682f3687b7e6eacf6\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24578\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:46.778987Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3098895d5d283c316070eba5770464e0168df10003588d3d4d90b6017e64bdd7\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24578\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EBED010T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3098895d5d283c316070eba5770464e0168df10003588d3d4d90b6017e64bdd7\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24578\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:1b1a21007e679c2109b28bb333b6d756a3c2c2feac07248682f3687b7e6eacf6\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EBED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EBED021T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council\",\n      \"raw\": \"Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council: The  Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Counil awards will recognize 10 projects in the following categories: &#x0D\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council\",\n        \"raw\": \"Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council: The  Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Counil awards will recognize 10 projects in the following categories: &#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tAgriculture and Water Management&#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tPersonalized Healthcare&#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tClimate and Sustainability&#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tEmerging Information Technologies\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Comprehensive Assistive System for Enhancing Independence in Individuals with Quadriplegia\",\n    \"abstract\": \"This project introduces an innovative assistive technology designed to significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with quadriplegia. It presents a unified technology platform that integrates essential daily functions\u2014communication, entertainment, mobility, and environmental control\u2014into a single, user-friendly system. This unified system is navigated effortlessly through a face-controlled mouse, allowing users to direct the cursor with nose movements and perform clicking actions effortlessly using lips movements. Despite potential variations in the range of head movements among individuals with quadriplegia, the system effectively leverages even limited movement to facilitate interaction and control tasks efficiently. Furthermore, voice commands along with customizable facial gestures tailored to the user's needs can be incorporated for enhanced usability, where applicable. The system offers an advanced communication suite, featuring adaptable text-to-speech functionalities seamlessly integrated with the WhatsApp messaging application, ensuring a dependable communication channel. Entertainment options are readily available, including user-friendly media playback, and specially designed video games. Furthermore, the system introduces cutting-edge mobility solutions, allowing for accurate navigation of wheelchairs in any direction. It also includes comprehensive environmental control capabilities, enabling users to adjust various elements of their surroundings, such as lighting, with ease. Leveraging a pre-trained AI model for facial detection and tracking, the project ensures precise interaction and usability. The entire system operates on a laptop, foregoing the need for specialized equipment and thereby extending its accessibility to a broader audience.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Al-Malki, Sultan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School for Boys\",\n        \"country\": \"Qatar\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ghanem, Talal\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School for Boys\",\n        \"country\": \"Qatar\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25293\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:47.445198Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:023fc251993de11da20866955d0c72060a20cfd201a6d08658530b93b40953e8\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25293\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:49.101209Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e78b2aacca0c896d8e3e03e4ff9ba9082dc4e38374e4bd8c95a80624dd0ac800\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25293\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EBED021T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e78b2aacca0c896d8e3e03e4ff9ba9082dc4e38374e4bd8c95a80624dd0ac800\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25293\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:023fc251993de11da20866955d0c72060a20cfd201a6d08658530b93b40953e8\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EBED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EBED024\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n      \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: First Award of $750 in each Regeneron ISEF Category,\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Development of a Multi-Sensor System to Prevent Child Vehicular Heatstroke\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Purpose: Children mistakenly left and trapped in cars can be victims of heatstroke, sometimes resulting in hospitalization, injury, and death. From 1990-2023, the average child vehicular heatstroke deaths per year was 38, one every nine days. I wanted to become part of the solution to protect children and help prevent future deaths by developing a multi-sensor alert system for when children are left in a hot car.\\nProcedure: This project builds upon two prior years when I integrated a micro-controller, infrared camera, temperature algorithm, and an optical camera machine-learning model to manually determine a baby alert. This year's project added a Tensor Flow Lite model that ran an image recognition locally and autonomously on a Raspberry Pi 4 computer and automatically sent a text when a child in danger was determined. I added image recognition for the infrared camera by training on the infrared data. I then developed a code which automatically read data from the infrared camera, transformed the 64-pixel data into an image, and sent this image through the trained model. I also wrote a code that integrated calls to the Tensor Flow Lite codes, compared sensor results to check several different/redundant alarm cases, and sent a text through the Raspberry Pi computer 4G Hat on alarm.\\nResults: I ran multiple trials to test different plausible scenarios: different car temperature, baby presence/absence, and different skin tones of baby dolls. The results correctly identified all alarm/non-alarm scenarios with little false positives/negatives.\\nConclusions: By analyzing data collected, I concluded that I successfully created a system that identifies and alerts for a baby in danger in a hot car. I hope this system can contribute to ending child vehicular heatstroke deaths.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kerr, Clara\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The Athenian School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25313\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:49.725849Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:35d9f6884261c19c37e0aeea1c4bd8cf108b31a34a0a4f9298093ccd7bcd1aa8\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25313\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:51.225002Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9764f01cb1aae6981732fda0ba65b5447d757b6f7b9cfd75be703f9b18dccef5\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25313\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EBED024-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9764f01cb1aae6981732fda0ba65b5447d757b6f7b9cfd75be703f9b18dccef5\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25313\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:35d9f6884261c19c37e0aeea1c4bd8cf108b31a34a0a4f9298093ccd7bcd1aa8\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Embedded Systems\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EBED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EBED027\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"K. Soumyanath Memorial Award\",\n      \"raw\": \"K. Soumyanath Memorial Award: First Award of $3,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"K. Soumyanath Memorial Award\",\n        \"raw\": \"K. Soumyanath Memorial Award: First Award of $3,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"K. Soumyanath Memorial Award\",\n        \"raw\": \"K. Soumyanath Memorial Award: $1,000 will be awarded to the winner's school.\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Detecting Forest Fires and Park Visitors in Distress Using Radio Systems\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The purpose of this project was to develop a minimally intrusive system to monitor forests and visitors well being. The process I went about to create this system involved research, designing, coding, troubleshooting, then testing. My research primarily involved researching component compatibility, radio frequency regulations, and ArduinoCode Documentation. To design the wiring and code I watched some basic Arduino tutorials and EdrawMax to make a schematic. Coding and troubleshooting involved testing code segments and having the components work properly. Once the device worked I tested the GPS by standing in various positions and comparing the GPS readings on Google Maps to my actual position. The GPS had an accuracy of + or - 3 meters. Then I went to Town Creek Park to test the range. Every 10 meters I tested the signal by sending five signals and counting how many the receiver received. The devices were able to communicate up to 60 meters away from each other. Further research will involve testing 915 mhz transceivers that can transmit up to 500 meters because their wavelength. All this system needs is a little weather protection and then it could be effective in the field.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Parsons, John\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Auburn High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25424\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:51.854726Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3e0ba393739904834ad505308a64ed5eac31508daa1188958acaedbe5cba9569\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25424\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:53.363981Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:488fb88928eda811254ad9e3dc1b5062aac6eccc0fe4ddaf9c2a01d4be816858\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25424\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EBED027-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:488fb88928eda811254ad9e3dc1b5062aac6eccc0fe4ddaf9c2a01d4be816858\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25424\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:3e0ba393739904834ad505308a64ed5eac31508daa1188958acaedbe5cba9569\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EGSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EGSD020\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology\",\n      \"raw\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology: $2,000 tuition scholarship (renewable for up to 4 years)\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology\",\n        \"raw\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology: $2,000 tuition scholarship (renewable for up to 4 years)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Efficiency of a 3D-Printed Pico-Hydroelectric Generation System Using a Fused Deposition Modeling Printer\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Several studies have shown that hydroelectric generation systems using an undershot water wheel can reach an efficiency of around 65%; however, making these generation systems out of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) polymers has yet to be accomplished. This paper aims to report if a 3D printed hydroelectric generation system produced on a very small, or pico-, scale is able to be compared to current-day systems made of more traditional materials. This will be tested by first creating a 3D model of all system components, including the water wheel, enclosure, and gearing. During the creation process of the 3D models, previous research done throughout the scientific community will guide the design to theoretically maximize efficiency. After the creation of the models, they will be printed out, assembled, and then tested. If efficiency is the same as systems made of traditional materials, 3D-printed FDM polymers could become a new material that is worthwhile to utilize in pico-hydroelectric generation systems. At the date of submission, several tests have been completed that show an average system efficiency from the tested flow rates range of upwards of 57.6%.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Wibbenmeyer, Simon\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Perryville Senior High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MO\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25191\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:54.000379Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:cbdd86e1a8f873b9d69cb39395e5a697eb7a56e65b111a5eebd9ed4da80ed7e1\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25191\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:55.438821Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5313c9a8fd7634fc9a223a5eab1219f53a52d24d735b6ed47641cc3850dcc01e\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25191\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EGSD020-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5313c9a8fd7634fc9a223a5eab1219f53a52d24d735b6ed47641cc3850dcc01e\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25191\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:cbdd86e1a8f873b9d69cb39395e5a697eb7a56e65b111a5eebd9ed4da80ed7e1\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EGSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EGSD030\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n      \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n        \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Serving Society Through Science\",\n        \"raw\": \"Serving Society Through Science: Second Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Self-Adjusting Resonating Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Collector Based on a Cantilever Structure\",\n    \"abstract\": \"While our modern society has successfully electrified the majority of the globe, there remain areas where geography and terrain significantly hinder the installation of conventional electricity infrastructure, making access to electricity challenging. This abstract introduces an innovative approach to localized electricity generation through a Self-Adjusting Resonating Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Collector. This design targets the omnipresent but underutilized vibration energy from human activities to natural occurrences. By incorporating a cantilever and sliding mass structure with customized spring steel and friction control module, the device intelligently self-adjusts to resonance, thereby enhancing energy efficiency, according to simulation experiments, by 464.6% on average. Preliminary experiments and statistical analysis have also been conducted on the piezoelectric plates to identify the most effective amplitude and frequency parameters, aiming to maximize power output.\\nFurthermore, the research applies this novel approach to real life. A wearable device is designed for walking or running conditions. Noticing that the vibration from walking exists not only in the vertical degree of freedom, this research designs another structure targeting horizontal vibrations and maintaining the self-adjusting resonating feature. Besides, another device for biking has been built. Each power-generating module generates around 1J every 5 minutes of walking, while several modules could be easily installed together due to the simplicity of the structure.\\nThis research not only proposes a sustainable method to extend electricity access to remote areas but also contributes to the broader application of renewable energy in overcoming geographical and infrastructural barriers.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Wang, Jiayang\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Menaul School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NM\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25654\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:56.061841Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fd0cb29f7c36d26f92e6b5f378ca035b19d1f342765c413be3650546f273e4f4\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25654\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:57.523824Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f1206d29669aae0bfc0ea56d1b8fa612fc10be4f16a2db3ff404c1d8f7dc1afd\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25654\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EGSD030-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f1206d29669aae0bfc0ea56d1b8fa612fc10be4f16a2db3ff404c1d8f7dc1afd\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25654\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:fd0cb29f7c36d26f92e6b5f378ca035b19d1f342765c413be3650546f273e4f4\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EGSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EGSD031\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n      \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: First Award of $750 in each Regeneron ISEF Category,\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Harvesting Energy at Your Fingertips: Harnessing Mechanical Energy from Typing for Sustainable Power Generation\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Electricity production is one of the greatest contributors to CO2 emissions, with its utilizations ranging from the heating of households to the charging of electronic devices. Piezoelectricity is the phenomenon in which electrical charge is accumulated in response to applied mechanical stress.  While piezoelectric technology is widely recognized for its energy conversion capabilities, its integration in small-scale energy harvesting remains relatively unexplored. An application within computer keys is investigated in this study. A prototype for a singular computer key optimized for piezoelectric energy harvesting was designed, constructed, and tested. The average force exerted on a computer key was determined to be 1.6N through testing with a force probe. Potential differences of hard and soft piezoelectric plates in response to said force were compared, but found to have no significant difference in ability to produce voltage. A computer key was constructed incorporating one of the PZT plates, and was tested over a period of 10 seconds, yielding a peak of 0.403V per keystroke when subjected to 1.6N of force. This study provides evidence that this piezoelectric key design can effectively generate electricity through typing, and is the first to successfully integrate piezoelectric energy harvesting material into an everyday appliance. This design offers a clean and more sustainable power source for laptops, thus contributing to reducing our carbon footprint and dependence on non-renewable energy sources through renewable small-scale energy generation technology.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Giuseppi , Sienna\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Pelham Memorial High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25630\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:58.147748Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9546ab9c7ab530275caf1f2afb5efa7270badc34df2a01d5e5da6988c5cc9168\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25630\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:36:59.628476Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:79b6d65d6be3adcd0b1b377ebe89621af74c5c58895b8a617f84554e477bd1a7\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25630\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EGSD031-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:79b6d65d6be3adcd0b1b377ebe89621af74c5c58895b8a617f84554e477bd1a7\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25630\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:9546ab9c7ab530275caf1f2afb5efa7270badc34df2a01d5e5da6988c5cc9168\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EGSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EGSD041\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology\",\n      \"raw\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology: $2,000 tuition scholarship (renewable for up to 4 years)\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology\",\n        \"raw\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology: $2,000 tuition scholarship (renewable for up to 4 years)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Exploring the Use of Leaf Biomimicry and Electromagnetic Induction for Electricity Production\",\n    \"abstract\": \"This project aims to maximize electricity production from wind energy, which is limited in\\ncities due to space constraints. The prototype, with its green wall design, uses channelling winds\\naround buildings and leaf biomimicry to generate electricity in a reduced space using\\nelectromagnetic induction. To build the small-scale prototype, a frame was constructed, an\\nelectromagnetic field was generated, artificial leaves were installed, and a circuit was created.\\nCircuit tests were conducted to determine the voltage and electrical power generated by the\\nprototype. Other tests included decorative vs. 3D-printed leaves to determine which were more\\neffective at capturing wind and converting it into electricity. As a result, the prototype generated\\nan average final voltage of 4.0 mV at speed level 1, 4.2 mV at speed level 2, and 4.9 mV at speed\\nlevel 3, indicating that the prototype can generate electricity regardless of wind speed. This\\nindicates a direct proportionality, as a higher wind speed generates a higher voltage. In addition,\\nthe 3D printed leaves produced higher voltage at higher wind speeds, while the decorative leaves\\nwere effective at producing higher vibration at lower wind speeds. With the improvements of\\nconverting the prototype to full-scale, it will be possible to maximize the production of electricity\\nand meet the needs of buildings. Therefore, the project can use leaf biomimicry and\\nelectromagnetic induction to capture high and low wind speeds and convert them into electricity.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Echevarria Rivera, Grace\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Escuela Bilingue Especializada en Ciencias y Matematicas Papa Juan XXIII Secundaria\",\n        \"country\": \"Puerto Rico\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25755\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:00.755672Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:278eea62b76ab9cd21b7baa7d07479128b4220406054606a8ac3560cbff424f7\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25755\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:01.835644Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7a52f7c88dc9fc9d94b8df33aed68075d6351fa2dd8128f4aaeaf1c6e5dc4397\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25755\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EGSD041-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7a52f7c88dc9fc9d94b8df33aed68075d6351fa2dd8128f4aaeaf1c6e5dc4397\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25755\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:278eea62b76ab9cd21b7baa7d07479128b4220406054606a8ac3560cbff424f7\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EGSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EGSD047\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n      \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Waste to Watts: Converting Locally Sourced Organic Waste Material Into Activated Carbon Based Supercapacitors\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The world's increasing demand for energy and concerns over the environmental impacts of current battery production methods highlight the need for more sustainable energy storage solutions. Supercapacitors (SCs) are one such energy storage solution as they store energy electrostatically, eliminating the need for environmentally harmful materials like those used in batteries. Thus, in this project, I created an activated carbon (AC) based SC out of AC processed from renewable waste material like brewer\u2019s spent grain (BSG), a common organic waste byproduct of the brewing process, and saltwater (SW).\\nThe BSG AC was produced as environmentally friendly as possible, through the activation of carbonized BSG via superheated steam during pyrolysis. An iodine absorbance test showed that the BSG AC absorbed 972.06 mg of iodine per gram, 870% more than regular carbon and only 4% less than commercial AC, confirming successful activation.\\nThe BSG AC was then used to create an SC with a SW electrolyte, chosen for its relatively low environmental impact compared to other popular electrolytes. This SC was tested against a supercapacitor of identical construction made using commercial AC.\\nTesting revealed that the BSG AC SC could achieve a maximum voltage of 1.2V, capacitance of 158.64 F, specific capacitance of 453.26 F/g, energy density of 5.2 mWh/g, and a power density of 0.2654 W/g.  Although the commercial AC SC showed a 20% increase in performance in most areas, the results were promising. They demonstrated the potential for supercapacitors made from low-value waste materials like BSG and SW to be viable, environmentally friendly, and renewable energy storage solutions that can pave the way for the future of clean energy storage devices the world desperately needs.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Rohilla, Shrey\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The Classical Academy - North\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CO\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25966\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:02.546207Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:63c66df806bdc3e3c14fe917a24d40be145c5f7f207ca5cba0047958f8441fee\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25966\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:04.027068Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a9a0e709470fa2ff98d0680ab978297bddc08c65829b7fd4d2e65342d2e5cb77\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25966\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EGSD047-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a9a0e709470fa2ff98d0680ab978297bddc08c65829b7fd4d2e65342d2e5cb77\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25966\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:63c66df806bdc3e3c14fe917a24d40be145c5f7f207ca5cba0047958f8441fee\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design\",\n    \"category_code\": \"EGSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"EGSD048\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology\",\n      \"raw\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology: Summer Camp scholarships (camp tuition and travel expenses, valued at up to $1,500)\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology\",\n        \"raw\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology: Summer Camp scholarships (camp tuition and travel expenses, valued at up to $1,500)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Renewable Energy Using Peltier Tiles\",\n    \"abstract\": \"This science fair project is about Peltier tiles and determining if the heating and cooling of this device is an ample form of electricity. Peltier tiles will be used to harness energy to produce a temperature difference from the heat of the sunlight and cooling of an ice pack by using the Thermoelectric effect. The difference in temperature between the sun and the cold plate on the Peltier tile will produce a voltage. Data and calculations of voltage and current passing through the circuit need to be gathered.\\nThe Thermoelectric effect is the direct conversation of temperature difference to electric voltage. Peltier tiles can be used in any application where a temperature difference is involved to create energy. A series circuit of Peltier tiles will create a temperature difference by heating one side of the Peltier tile and the cool plate creates the cold side of the Peltier tile to create the voltage. Four varying resistors will be placed across the circuit to compare voltage output and current flow. Measuring the voltage output will determine if the thermoelectric device can serve as an efficient renewable energy source. Testing the efficiency of Peltier Tiles as a renewable energy source can provide less developed areas with electricity for societal applications.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Castro, Jessica\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Saint Pius X High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NM\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25991\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:04.751284Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:810e79375edd649aa3d3cdaf63d0d24be967a1f572a819d5f9159f36963d5b54\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25991\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:06.137235Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:31a82dc95e4f82f49775b62777a643cdd4b292ad6e5383450c88f15205aea288\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25991\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/EGSD048-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:31a82dc95e4f82f49775b62777a643cdd4b292ad6e5383450c88f15205aea288\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25991\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:810e79375edd649aa3d3cdaf63d0d24be967a1f572a819d5f9159f36963d5b54\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM001\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE\",\n      \"raw\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE: Certificate of Honorable Mention, a 1-year free student membership to the INCOSE, and free virtual admission to the 2022 International Symposium of the INCOSE\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE\",\n        \"raw\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE: Certificate of Honorable Mention, a 1-year free student membership to the INCOSE, and free virtual admission to the 2022 International Symposium of the INCOSE\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Tableware Jitter Elimination Technology for Parkinson's Patients\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The neurological condition of Parkinson's disease causes involuntary shaking of the hands and body, leading to frustration with eating. Current tableware with jitter elimination technology on the market is extremely expensive, such as Gyenno Spoon, 299 USD, and Liftware Steady, 195 USD. They also cannot complete the detection and diagnosis of patients\u2019 conditions. Through engineering design and technological innovation, this project developed a low-cost jitter elimination technology that is applied to IoT and minimizes the impact of tremors during eating. It uses artificial intelligence to adapt tableware to various jitter records of the patient's condition and provides a diagnosis. The prototype uses the ESP32 development board as the main control, an MPU6050 gyroscope for motion attitude detection, and a MacBook as the server. The system completes the information transmission between the prototype and the server through the MQTT protocol. It can store the data in the cloud, use the PID algorithm and MLP algorithm for motion control, and use an AI model to diagnose the disease according to the data stored in the server. A 54% decrease in food spilled using the technology was shown, and medical experts on Parkinson's disease also look forward to the product. Additionally, it only costs about 5% of Gyenno Spoon and 7% of Liftware Steady. This technology demonstrates the potential of computerized motor control and artificial intelligence in the medical field, providing new solutions to problems in specific groups.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Yuan, Susie\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Dulwich College Beijing\",\n        \"country\": \"China\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24708\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:06.754269Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c36be9b9c6908675da1ba73f8599d1abf4a16cbcf1781a85f0065247b3508205\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24708\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:08.241515Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:126b6089a1d9f7ca7f12cad5a7e107d7f9d1d5fc9baf40684dc0533cfcb1760f\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24708\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM001-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:126b6089a1d9f7ca7f12cad5a7e107d7f9d1d5fc9baf40684dc0533cfcb1760f\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24708\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:c36be9b9c6908675da1ba73f8599d1abf4a16cbcf1781a85f0065247b3508205\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM017\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n      \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n        \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"GlaucoScreen: A Novel Deep Learning-Based System for Glaucoma Detection and Progression Monitoring\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Glaucoma, an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve, is the second-leading cause of blindness worldwide. Swift diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma is crucial to prevent any glaucoma-induced vision loss; however, this is not usually achievable in developing countries due to their lack of medical personnel and resources. This research aims to solve this through GlaucoScreen, an inexpensive, accessible system for both reliable glaucoma detection and accurate real-time progression monitoring. The first component of the GlaucoScreen system is the smartphone attachment. This attachment allows for the cheap and precise capture of a retinal fundus. The retinal fundus image (RFI) is then uploaded onto the mobile application to be processed by three different deep learning models. First, in order to reduce the computation needed by subsequent models and emphasize diagnostic features, the optic disk region of the RFI is localized and segmented out by the optic disk segmentation model. This model, employing the U-Net architecture, has an intersection-over-union score of 95.11%. The segmented optic disk image is then analyzed by the glaucoma detection model, which has an accuracy of 98.68%, and finally the progression categorization model, which has an accuracy of 95.88%. The glaucoma detection model utilizes a novel convolutional neural network architecture, while the progression categorization model utilizes the InceptionV3 architecture. GlaucoScreen is unique in that it monitors the progression state of glaucoma, which is crucial for its treatment, while also providing a cost-effective method of retrieving RFIs. Through GlaucoScreen, anyone from anywhere around the world will have access to quality glaucoma care.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Milkuri, Siddhartha\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Bentonville High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AR\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25346\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:08.857219Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2a5c6116d77038be196ac875d9225ecd9bc6d2915e8f675abc7612648d619bfc\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25346\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:10.349235Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c228266c5de36fc4d4b09fd4f17ab3872c1f94af54f24c51753a301ce1a9d891\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25346\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM017-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c228266c5de36fc4d4b09fd4f17ab3872c1f94af54f24c51753a301ce1a9d891\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25346\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:2a5c6116d77038be196ac875d9225ecd9bc6d2915e8f675abc7612648d619bfc\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM025\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"National Anti-Vivisection Society\",\n      \"raw\": \"National Anti-Vivisection Society: Awards of $3,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Anti-Vivisection Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Anti-Vivisection Society: Awards of $3,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Developing Optimal Fused Deposition Modeling Surfaces for Cell Growth in Lab-On-A-Chip Applications\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Lab-on-chip (LOC) technology is a developing nanotechnology that has promising applications in cell and tissue engineering. These devices must be hydrophilic, non-toxic, and inexpensive. Current LOC devices are fabricated using resin-based Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printers. SLA resins have significant drawbacks, such as cytotoxicity, limited selection, inaccessibility, and high costs.  Conversely,  Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing opens doors to more biocompatible materials such as ABS and PLA at a fraction of the cost. This design project aims to determine the viability of FDM-printed chips as cell growth surfaces by developing and optimizing a hydrophilic prototype surface. The research follows a rapid prototyping process whose aim is to lower the water contact angle, a key indicator of hydrophilicity. The prototype demonstrates strong cell adhesion characteristics and low water contact angle, which confirms its biocompatibility.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Dixit, Suraj\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Kalamazoo Area Mathematics and Science Center\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MI\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25419\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:11.086543Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9fdc5e73cd4bfb4dcfe6686dc6cf856c0ba310d8178c293e991ec9fd1d5e2a8c\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25419\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:12.976594Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bd43a3fa4c29fc85a666ba2181f2430d6d9fb96c3fccf6d4af5fc3a00a4d9a1a\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25419\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM025-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bd43a3fa4c29fc85a666ba2181f2430d6d9fb96c3fccf6d4af5fc3a00a4d9a1a\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25419\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:9fdc5e73cd4bfb4dcfe6686dc6cf856c0ba310d8178c293e991ec9fd1d5e2a8c\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM041\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE\",\n      \"raw\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE: Certificate of Honorable Mention, a 1-year free student membership to the INCOSE, and free virtual admission to the 2022 International Symposium of the INCOSE\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE\",\n        \"raw\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE: Certificate of Honorable Mention, a 1-year free student membership to the INCOSE, and free virtual admission to the 2022 International Symposium of the INCOSE\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"NeuroHAT: Democratizing Brain-Wellness Monitoring \\r\\nDeveloping  A Wearable System with fNIRs & EEG Multimodality Classification Engine & Miniaturized Device\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The human brain is one of the most unknown yet essential parts where many life threatening diseases such as strokes, Alzheimer's Disease (AD), and Parkinson's Disease (PD) begin silently. Brain signals have long been used to diagnose brain dysfunctions. However, most methods require in-clinic, expensive, stationary, and diagnosis-focused brain imaging after symptoms surface and damage occurs. NeuroHAT aims to fill the gap in a safe, affordable method for routine brain-wellness monitoring that detects brain dysfunctions and provides insights on naturalistic state. NeuroHAT is a two-part system: First, EEG and fNIRs cross-informed data preprocessing for artifact removal and XGB and CNN dual detection engine. Second, a miniaturized helmet with 16 EEG and 16 fNIRs channels on a 10-10 Modified Combinatorial Nomenclature (MCN) system to collect concurrent EEG and fNIRs data. Wearability and channel allocation were both optimized following a Human-centered AI-driven Technology (HAT) principle. Data is transferred from the all-in-one helmet to the detection engine on a computer through WiFi and Bluetooth. The prototype device costs < $300. In detecting AD and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), NeuroHAT system achieved an accuracy of 93.1%, outperforming the existing EEG-fNIRs combined in-lab research accuracy by 12.8%. The breath-holding, finger-tapping, and sleep-learning validation tests all reached 85%+ accuracy. To my knowledge, NeuroHAT is the first system with EEG-fNIRs multimodality signals, cross-informed data preprocessing algorithm, XGB-CNN dual detection engine, and all-in-one device to achieve lab-equivalent results. It paves the path towards democratizing brain-wellness monitoring with safety, wearability, high spatial and temporal resolution, and affordability.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Liang, Jingjing\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The Harker School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25563\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:13.586262Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ee609669ebbeb652b5b9d0fe5771d57c22eda810af17a1a4d799c581b3464c57\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25563\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:15.070744Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6179c19efcc316a261fa7039e9baab26dfc11ccc38d9f4692ab9a21e6f082608\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25563\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM041-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6179c19efcc316a261fa7039e9baab26dfc11ccc38d9f4692ab9a21e6f082608\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25563\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:ee609669ebbeb652b5b9d0fe5771d57c22eda810af17a1a4d799c581b3464c57\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM042T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: Full Scholarship from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals(KFUPM) (and a $400 cash prize)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: NOT TO BE READ -- $400 cash prize for each Full Scholarship from King Fahd University award recipient\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Deep Learning-Base Approach for Ovarian Cancer Subtype Classification\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women worldwide. This high mortality rate is largely due to late-stage diagnosis, which is a significant challenge given the often vague and inconsistent initial symptoms. Traditional diagnostic methods, reliant on histopathology image analysis by pathologists using microscopic examination, face complexity, and inconsistency; leading to moderate agreement among specialists. This study introduces a histotype-based ovarian cancer subtype classification framework employing multiple Instance learning and deep learning algorithms on histopathology images. The proposed approach aims to classify the ovarian cancer subtypes accurately detecting outliers and segmenting each image into tumor, healthy cell, or dead cell categories aiding pathologists in diagnostics. Various models were trained to automatically classify hematoxylin and eosin-stained whole slide images and tissue microarrays yielding promising results. Performance was assessed based on a cross-validation split of the training data and 206 external slides from another source. The best-performing model utilized an ensemble technique averaging the best six transformer models to achieve a state-of-the-art balanced accuracy of 98%; showcasing the potential for an improved diagnostic precision. Moreover, segmentation enabled the model to label each slide with a tricolored theme, where each color corresponds to a specific tissue category. Red signifies the presence of a tumor; green indicates stroma; and blue represents necrosis, which denotes dead non-cancerous tissue. In conclusion, the performance characteristics of the classifiers indicate a promising avenue for improved diagnostic performance if used as an adjunct to conventional histopathology.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Naser, Ahmed\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Kafr EL-Sheikh STEM School\",\n        \"country\": \"Egypt\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Abdou, Ahmed\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Kafr EL-Sheikh STEM School\",\n        \"country\": \"Egypt\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25280\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:15.677877Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b0ef2473ebd207ba624645625830c6f9ef14a80603832bbdab5dde5b086f2847\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25280\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:17.150146Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:689dc8b7ca4ca72188cf55dcd60511007afa3d54644dec7d5bc316b333a40d2e\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25280\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM042T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:689dc8b7ca4ca72188cf55dcd60511007afa3d54644dec7d5bc316b333a40d2e\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25280\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:b0ef2473ebd207ba624645625830c6f9ef14a80603832bbdab5dde5b086f2847\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM047\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE\",\n      \"raw\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE: INCOSE Best Use of Systems Engineering Award* of $1,500 and free registration and Exhibitor Booth at a future INCOSE Symposium\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE\",\n        \"raw\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE: INCOSE Best Use of Systems Engineering Award* of $1,500 and free registration and Exhibitor Booth at a future INCOSE Symposium\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE\",\n        \"raw\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE: DO NOT READ ALOUD: INCOSE Best Use of Systems Engineering Award includes free registration and Exhibitor Booth at a future INCOSE Symposium\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Micro RNA223-Biomarker Based Exponential Rolling Circle Amplification CRISPR -Cas12a System for Disease Detection and COPD Diagnostics\",\n    \"abstract\": \"This project implements a novel detection system based on Rolling Circle Amplification (RCA) and Cas12a for miRNA biomarkers, and provides an efficient and cost-effective approach for the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reactions (RT-qPCR) were performed as a basis for comparison. A proof-of-concept process was then provided, followed by characterization and calibration of the novel detection system. The sequence of characterization experiments demonstrate the optimality, specificity and sensitivity of the system. The reaction time is reduced to under 20 minutes, while the reagent cost per reaction is $0.6. The system responds to sequential changes of one base pair, is able to detect down to the femtomolar (fM) range, and has a more significant difference in average fluorescence compared to RT-qPCR, the standard miRNA detection method (demonstrating sensitivity). Furthermore, a Visual Based Disease Detection Device (VBD3) was created as a portable fluorescent quantifier that performs analysis and quantification on the fluorescent signals generated. In addition, the discussion section discusses the adaptability of the project for miRNA biomarker-based detection of other diseases, as well as the potential of multiplexes to ensure more comprehensive diagnosis and complementary hardware to quantify the fluorescent signal.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Dao, Robin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Phillips Exeter Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NH\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25443\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:17.766827Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9652039738bd82d10557a884819579a50f390173815bcc946b32a4d4a26a1c8e\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25443\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:19.271610Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0fdeeade7cb731cf833411d8f0a1378ed9eabd5e46e6a3ccc8448c534806ca98\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25443\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM047-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0fdeeade7cb731cf833411d8f0a1378ed9eabd5e46e6a3ccc8448c534806ca98\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25443\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:9652039738bd82d10557a884819579a50f390173815bcc946b32a4d4a26a1c8e\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM050\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n      \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: First Award of $750 in each Regeneron ISEF Category,\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Like Trying To Find a Needle in a Blood Sac: Novel Hemostatic Gelatin Microneedle Adhesive (Gel MNA) Polymerized With Commercial Coagulation Agents Achieves Accessible Hemorrhage Treatment\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Hemorrhage, excessive loss of blood that is expressed through eventual shock and death, is one of the leading killers worldwide. Current methods of preventing hemorrhage have many side effects and expend resources many do not have. By using a pre-existing gelatin microneedle array model with the polymerization of zeolite, fibrinogen, and methacrylic anhydride found in other commercial gauzes, the experimenter engineered a new prototype and tested the hypothesis that an engineered gelatin microneedle adhesives (Gel MNA) will lead to more effective clots. The gelatin microneedles prototypes were first engineered using porcine gelatin and additional biocompatible coagulation agents and tested by using drawn blood in well plate assays testing the prototypes against commercial products. Plates were tested for blood sorption time, clot mass, and clot perfusion and lysis. Image J was used to help analyze data. A t-test was used to process data. Compared to the non-needles and pure blood and plasma groups, Gel MNA prototypes with methacrylic anhydride, zeolite, and fibrinogen separately saw clot time reduced by nearly 40% on average.  On bloodsorption, the percentage absorbed significantly increased with microneedles and added polymerized chemicals. Perfusion in samples with methacrylic anhydride increased with fibrinogen, yet clot mass nearly doubled, and with zeolite perfusion increased, clot mass increased likewise. This study has begun to show the potential polymerized, \\\"hard\\\" gel can have on hemorrhage control and in different clinical settings. The low-price, accessible, and highly vascular clots formed thus far in various studies and runs have a large potential to transform how we view blood loss control. Future tests will clarify blood clot adhesion and lysis.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Arreola-Lucio, Fernanda\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Minnetonka High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MN\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25436\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:19.882119Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:49343c65e72f49bbc83c5a5b1a7d16e0c92a6142ccd7affc781a716774bf1043\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25436\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:21.386841Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a9384b4cba08d51865ee3dbffd2dc2006baff6d4c8267f04eef921ac3e1d08b7\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25436\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM050-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a9384b4cba08d51865ee3dbffd2dc2006baff6d4c8267f04eef921ac3e1d08b7\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25436\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:49343c65e72f49bbc83c5a5b1a7d16e0c92a6142ccd7affc781a716774bf1043\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM059\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Non-Trivial\",\n      \"raw\": \"Non-Trivial: 10 scholarships for Non-trivial\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Non-Trivial\",\n        \"raw\": \"Non-Trivial: 10 scholarships for Non-trivial\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development\",\n        \"raw\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development: Third Award Global Health and Nutrition\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"DengueScreen: A Novel Computer Vision-Based Diagnostic Alternative for Dengue Fever Prioritizing Efficiency, Cost-Effectiveness, and Accuracy\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Dengue (break-bone fever) is an endemic viral infection in more than 100 countries. Each year, approximately 3.9 billion people are at risk. Dengue fever infects 100-400 million of them. It is extremely difficult to diagnose dengue fever in an accurate, low-cost, and efficient manner. Because of this, the number of clinically manifested cases (96 million) is significantly less than the projected 390 million per year. This difference is a strong indication of frequent undiagnosed infections. There is a demonstrable need for additional improved diagnostic tools to fill these gaps. Artificial intelligence-based tools are a powerful alternative, capable of combining the predictive accuracy, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of the traditional best tools. Specifically, machine learning has been effectively applied to dermatological identification problems, achieving above 99% accuracy in several cases. This study was designed to transfer these effective techniques to a similarly high-performing tool for dengue diagnosis that analyzes smartphone images of cutaneous rashes. Therefore, the researcher evaluated the diagnostic performance of modified ResNet-50, ResNet-18, GoogLeNet, ShuffleNet, and RegNet architectures on a balanced dataset of 300 dermatological images. Performance metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall/sensitivity, specificity, and AUC were analyzed. The highest accuracy was 99.62%, a tie between the ResNet-50 and RegNet architectures. These results demonstrate that neural networks such as the above models can accurately identify dengue fever with a novel combination of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and distributability. These models have the potential to revolutionize dengue identification, as they can be deployed on a variety of accessible devices.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Wilson, Jackson\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Highlands High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"KY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25639\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:22.037831Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9558cb137acf795cfe71f68fc397d58f9ec086d1ffb5be2278cc2bfca6fad611\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25639\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:23.463118Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:29d50496772a1f733adbdfb3343e7354ceaa36220b80731ac5ecf8fac10f6c39\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25639\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM059-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:29d50496772a1f733adbdfb3343e7354ceaa36220b80731ac5ecf8fac10f6c39\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25639\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:9558cb137acf795cfe71f68fc397d58f9ec086d1ffb5be2278cc2bfca6fad611\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM066T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence\",\n      \"raw\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence: Honorable Mention (do not read aloud). Winners receive a student level membership. Information is included separately in the SAO Portal.\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence\",\n        \"raw\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence: Honorable Mention (do not read aloud). Winners receive a student level membership. Information is included separately in the SAO Portal.\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence\",\n        \"raw\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence: AAAI Student Memberships for each finalist that is part of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Prize Winning projects and 5 Honorable Mention winning projects (up to 3 students per project) (in-kind award / part of the 1st-3rd prize)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence\",\n        \"raw\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence: AAAI Membership for the School Libraries of All 8 Winners (in-kind award / part of 1st-3rd prize and honorable mentions' prize)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"PoDE - A Platform Leveraging Characteristic Time Series Patterns of Oculomotor Control Attributable to Cholinergic Neuron Destruction in the Parietal Lobe, Indicating Early Alzheimer's Disease Utilizing the PoDE Neural Network\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Late-stage diagnosis in over 90% Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients worldwide often occurs at the 5th stage, significantly reducing life expectancy to an average of 5-6 years. Current screening methods are limited to urban hospitals, depending on human interventions by neurologists (1:37,000 at-risk population). Notably, AD primarily affects \\\"Cholinergic Neurons\\\" in the Parietal lobe, impairing oculomotor control which can serve as a potential early biomarker for AD. To improve accessibility and early-stage recognition, we developed a cutting-edge self-rapid AI platform, PoDE-NN, for screening early-stage AD. This platform uses an eye-tracking system to collect eye-characteristic time series data (position, height, gaze-position) during 5 eye assessments. It incorporates an Undetected Variance Minimizing algorithm to enhance self-collected data and PARNN for data augmentation, addressing imbalanced datasets. PoDE-NN's novel architecture combines Transformer Encoder, CNN for feature extraction, and ANN for data flattening and analysis, by integrating time series algorithmic components of each AI above to configure eye-characteristic data enhancing processing performance. This configuration achieved 95.33% accuracy and a 95.39% F1 score. Validated through a retrospective clinical trial, PoDE-NN demonstrated 93% accuracy, was nine times faster than existing method, and capable of detecting AD from its 3rd stage, potentially reducing progression by sevenfold. This system reduces costs and screening delays while increasing speed and capability, ensuring timely prevention for patients. PoDE-NN exemplifies a bench-to-bedside approach, offering remote access and serving as a pioneering prototype for diverse time series analysis in medical fields and far-reaching implications.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Thomas, Lenny\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The Prince Royal's College\",\n        \"country\": \"Thailand\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Thongbai, Tanyada\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The Prince Royal's College\",\n        \"country\": \"Thailand\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Potikanond, Tin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The Prince Royal's College\",\n        \"country\": \"Thailand\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25025\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:24.083785Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:84feea0bcb591db69e493bebd7a9801c6e16ff0a3e1d1b9b1bced08972a010fc\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25025\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:26.197204Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c65e4f71396a8681b2e5b1b4a65109591fbb40ef22f8b2dc17068aaddc843562\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25025\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM066T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c65e4f71396a8681b2e5b1b4a65109591fbb40ef22f8b2dc17068aaddc843562\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25025\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:84feea0bcb591db69e493bebd7a9801c6e16ff0a3e1d1b9b1bced08972a010fc\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM082\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society\",\n      \"raw\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society: Second Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society: Second Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"AquaGuard: A Device for Real-Time Drowning Detection in Swimming Pools Utilizing Visual-Spatial Perception With Deep Encoder-Decoder Neural Networks\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death worldwide. In the United States, drowning remains a significant public health concern, leading to preventable deaths and injuries, particularly in swimming pools. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury death in the U.S., with an average of 4,000 fatalities annually. While traditional drowning prevention methods like lifeguards and surveillance cameras are often cost-prohibitive or ineffective in many contexts, there is a pressing need for more accessible solutions.\\nThis engineering project introduces an innovative, cost-effective drowning detection system utilizing advanced deep-learning models for single-pass object detection, multiple object tracking, and pose estimation. These deep learning models are trained on an extensive dataset comprising 19,166 videos of individuals swimming and instances of near-drowning and drowning. The system is built around a Raspberry Pi single-board computer with a camera module.\\nThe core of this system is a custom-designed algorithm that analyzes video frames with deep-learning models to monitor swimmers in real time. It tracks their movements and identifies any signs of drowning within seconds. The evaluations in a controlled environment demonstrated that the device accurately detects drowning incidents with 88.60% accuracy, 96.13% sensitivity, 84.61% specificity, and 93.10% mAP.\\nDue to its affordability and ease of implementation, this device offers significant potential for widespread use in various aquatic environments. It represents a scalable and efficient tool that could substantially enhance community safety by preventing drowning incidents.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Deshmukh, Aadi\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Moravian Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"PA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25923\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:26.819645Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:dec07fb6f721e9a1e2c2437bf5201490217ad9e020c3152c13e61cff1fb5fb61\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25923\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:28.269477Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:89251259d9ae6275b08be4a0dd64afa1b2cfb94342c3169cf0d03d7058e7a221\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25923\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM082-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:89251259d9ae6275b08be4a0dd64afa1b2cfb94342c3169cf0d03d7058e7a221\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25923\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:dec07fb6f721e9a1e2c2437bf5201490217ad9e020c3152c13e61cff1fb5fb61\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Biomedical Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENBM\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENBM083\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Long Island University\",\n      \"raw\": \"Long Island University: Presidential Scholarships\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Long Island University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Long Island University: Presidential Scholarships\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"BrainStorm: Reconstructing Natural Vision from fMRI Using Generative Models for Communication and Covert Awareness in Neurological States\",\n    \"abstract\": \"With an estimated 60,000,000+ individuals worldwide suffering from disabilities such as mutism and over 850,000 coma patients in the United States each year, enhancing communication capacities and deciphering internal cognitive processes becomes paramount to health. BrainStorm aims to reconstruct natural images and videos from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signals with a large-scale 7-tesla dataset by harnessing generative models to translate neural activity from the striate, prestriate, and V3 areas of the brain into visual representations. BrainStorm's techniques facilitate real-time visualization of these processes, aiding comatose stage classification and treatment: a vital step towards understanding neurological functions in decades. BrainStorm also facilitates mental health investigation by elucidating the neural correlates associated with suicidal ideation and reconstructions of negative, salient images. The ability to reconstruct images and videos from fMRI using these methods\u2014which integrates novel techniques such as mapping to latent space via CLIP and employing cosine similarity\u2014provides a powerful tool for addressing these matters. Decoding visual stimuli from fMRI signals, however, presents unique challenges including low temporal resolution, high noise, and intricate nonlinear mappings of the data. This study uses a diffusion prior within the generative model to overcome these obstacles. Further, a secondary image and brain retrieval pipeline is integrated alongside stimuli reconstruction, achieving top metrics such as 0.456 PixCorr, 0.493 SSIM, and a 142.4% improvement in real-world expression. This positions BrainStorm as state-of-the-art research that has momentous implications for medical imaging, communication, and neuroscience.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Sabharwal , Yashvir\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Battlefield High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"VA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25607\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:28.888102Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9bcaf2973e9d8cd44418b3eba00274d256d8a7ea06f07eed91a84494d44cccf9\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25607\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:30.360819Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:31f36ee3201f868523256463daead10c8a8f350c232aac4b842368bba09ac4df\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25607\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENBM083-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:31f36ee3201f868523256463daead10c8a8f350c232aac4b842368bba09ac4df\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25607\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:9bcaf2973e9d8cd44418b3eba00274d256d8a7ea06f07eed91a84494d44cccf9\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV002T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Shanghai Science Association for Young Talents\",\n      \"raw\": \"Shanghai Science Association for Young Talents: Award\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Shanghai Science Association for Young Talents\",\n        \"raw\": \"Shanghai Science Association for Young Talents: Award\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Autonomous Ecosystem Surveillance Vehicle: An Autonomous Aquatic Environmental Patrol Boat Aimed at Reducing Current Capability Gaps in Aquatic Bio-Security Sector by Realtime Data Transmission\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The US Corps of Engineers completed an electric fish barrier in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in 2002 to prevent the invasive Asian carp from moving into the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes provide an ideal habitat for the carp to proliferate, which could lead to an ecological disaster by choking out native fish species.\\nThis incident highlights a problem: while current methods of preserving biosecurity and biodiversity are sufficient on land, there is a lack of water-body monitoring methods. Testing water samples takes an extensive amount of time due to transportation to laboratories being required for an accurate result.\\nTo address this problem, we have engineered a boat equipped with a mobile platform capable of lowering into different depths to improve current aquatic biosecurity methods in three aspects: aquatic species, water quality, and seabed monitoring.\\nBy utilizing this platform, cameras in all four directions constantly survey the underwater environment for invasive fish by extracting features of detected fish from different depths underwater. Moreover, we have engineered a rotating spectrometer that analyses water samples collected by the platform, which also has various water quality sensors and outputs the concentration of chemical properties.\\nLastly, the cameras were utilized to survey and map litter underwater. This data can be compiled and sent to authorities by automatically monitoring the water body over time, providing valuable information on the underwater status.\\nBy combining these methods, we can minimize the current lack of aquatic biosecurity monitoring methods, providing a better environment in areas such as reservoirs that contribute to a greater living space for all.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Han, Pok Man\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Pui Ching Middle School\",\n        \"country\": \"China, Macao Special Administrative Region\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Lei, Wang Hei\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Pui Ching Middle School\",\n        \"country\": \"China, Macao Special Administrative Region\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Lao , Chit Bryan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Pui Ching Middle School\",\n        \"country\": \"China, Macao Special Administrative Region\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24692\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:30.982027Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1fc49cad151097f50dfe53ed29f85ee60deca8adba31fc3a27cff9e54e56bad6\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24692\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:32.884987Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6b569ad50bd0a3a84c73279245af0b9dc5a023a40db5fbed02e7c13959fd3f69\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24692\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV002T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6b569ad50bd0a3a84c73279245af0b9dc5a023a40db5fbed02e7c13959fd3f69\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; 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Yet, with the AQI using 24-hour long averages, distilling too much information into one datapoint, leaving out CO2 concentrations, and not providing actionable advice, much is left to be desired. The project caters to these shortcomings by instituting the MG-811 sensor, which uses electrochemistry to detect CO2 concentrations, and the PMS5003, which uses light scattering and is able to differentiate between PM1, PM2.5, and PM10. The sensors are interfaced through the Arduino MEGA board, and an integrated algorithm asks the user two questions. The first one asks the user if they have any respiratory complications, which automatically lowers the thresholds for the values\u2019 interpretations; and the second question, which asks the user if they're indoors or outdoors, allows for precision in interpreting CO2 values. (It is common for CO2 values to be higher indoors than outdoors). Moreover, AQI monitoring stations are expensive, with some going up to $10,000. Using Arduino circuitry, the project manages to bring the cost down to $85, a massive cost reduction, even when compared to the relatively cost-effective Temtop M2000.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Masood, Haaris\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Scarsdale International School\",\n        \"country\": \"Pakistan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kim, Haon\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Scarsdale International School\",\n        \"country\": \"Pakistan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24603\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:33.500031Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4a0ce0c55372b26f2316e2ef419155ea5061e1c0e598ae90b39c493bf000d2ab\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24603\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:35.005208Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a40391928b7a93e9263b2be1e9f31629757e27778ca016a79ed97f685aba5207\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24603\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV004T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a40391928b7a93e9263b2be1e9f31629757e27778ca016a79ed97f685aba5207\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24603\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:4a0ce0c55372b26f2316e2ef419155ea5061e1c0e598ae90b39c493bf000d2ab\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV035\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Long Island University\",\n      \"raw\": \"Long Island University: Presidential Scholarships\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Long Island University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Long Island University: Presidential Scholarships\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Westlake University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Westlake University: Westlake University is awarding Pre-college Summer Program Scholarships, covering the program fee, lodging, food, insurance, round-trip international airfare, and excursions in Hangzhou &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Shanghai this summer, to two finalists. Outstanding students will be given priority with full scholarships for undergraduate admissions, applicable to any major, at Westlake University.\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"The Homemade Integration of Biodegradable Materials Into Hydroponics: Using Sawdust and Tannins to Detoxify Greywater\",\n    \"abstract\": \"No practical method of treating greywater has been integrated into agriculture. The purpose of this research was to develop a hydroponic filter that increases the ecological sustainability of greywater. Construction of PVC hydroponics systems and tannin-sawdust filters was the initial part of the investigation. Of the three systems compared in plant growth, the system circulating tap water was the control. Two experimental greywater-based hydroponic systems were used, and one utilized the filter. Designing a filter consisting of biodegradable materials that could still positively impact plant growth was the crux of this experiment. The data affirmed how greywater use lowers the health safety of the hydroponic systems and proved that tannin filtration lowers greywater's negative impact on the systems. For hydroponics system analysis, Daphnia magna and organic Ocimum basilcum were used. Daphnia magna are small crustacean-organisms that exhibit high sensitivity to water quality. Ocimum basilcum was analyzed to demonstrate the plant growth that resulted from each system's conditions. Observation scales took multiple aspects of each organism's health into account and were used to determine the viability of each system. General composite scores were calculated each day to translate the conditions of each system. Because the filtered greywater system yielded similar scores to the control tap water system, the filter can hypothetically be utilized in regions of the world without access to filtered or tap water.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Lentz, Ian\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Camp Hill High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"PA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25373\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:35.629700Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c3f4868f0fb1335d7db653dd385cb4af110aedb208bd800d61184b40ff7e3db8\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25373\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:37.080499Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5e4c404b7850c4ff81ce6aab8b437c1c73a48a7581189cb7f76417da799e872a\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25373\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV035-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5e4c404b7850c4ff81ce6aab8b437c1c73a48a7581189cb7f76417da799e872a\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25373\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:c3f4868f0fb1335d7db653dd385cb4af110aedb208bd800d61184b40ff7e3db8\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV039\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"United States Environmental Protection Agency\",\n      \"raw\": \"United States Environmental Protection Agency: Honorable Mention (DO NOT READ: This  finalist will receive mentoring with an EPA researcher with expertise relevant to their project.)\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"United States Environmental Protection Agency\",\n        \"raw\": \"United States Environmental Protection Agency: Honorable Mention (DO NOT READ: This  finalist will receive mentoring with an EPA researcher with expertise relevant to their project.)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"From Trash to Treasure: Fighting Desertification With Sustainable Soil Amending Hydrogels Synthesized\\r\\nFrom Food Waste\",\n    \"abstract\": \"National Geographic reports that desertification threatens the well-being of billions of people, as four million square kilometers of fertile land are degraded annually. Exacerbated by climate change, the problem is worsening. To mitigate desertification, water-absorbing hydrogels can be added to soil, bolstering water retention. However, these hydrogels are made from unsustainable synthetic superabsorbent polymers (SAPs). Previously, orange peels have been identified as sustainable alternatives thanks to abundant hydrogel-forming pectin. However, oranges are not grown in many desertification-affected regions, so I sought to find alternative pectin-rich plants to make hydrogels from. I used bioinformatics tools (BLASTp, AlphaFold) to identify plants with enzymes that were highly similar to orange pectin biosynthesis enzymes. Based on the results, I extracted pectin from three new plants\u2019 peels (apple, mango, pomegranate), synthesized hydrogels, and monitored their ability to retain soil moisture compared to a commercial SAP and orange peel hydrogels. Using an Arduino sensor, I observed that the pomegranate hydrogel and apple hydrogel respectively retained 75.3% and 73.0% of moisture over seven days with 24/7 exposure to heat. The pomegranate hydrogel retained significantly more moisture than the commercial SAP hydrogel (p=0.0021, two-tailed t-test). Mathematical modeling revealed that initial moisture loss closely follows an exponential decay pattern. Finally, to help stakeholders monitor soil moisture over large areas through remote sensing, I trained machine learning models to predict soil moisture from hyperspectral data (R2=0.92). My research provides a novel, low-cost, and sustainable solution for agricultural and natural land threatened by desertification.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Gao, Sarah\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Canyon Crest Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25288\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:37.720984Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b12d8a6d5c10266a69d1dfe096e5e4737d1d0e6ef27ebc4ebcb635d657cbecc7\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25288\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:39.162731Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8e679d3f2d97697a88d86f8474efd88379932697634c9171ef10a96eaa974cdf\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25288\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV039-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8e679d3f2d97697a88d86f8474efd88379932697634c9171ef10a96eaa974cdf\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25288\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:b12d8a6d5c10266a69d1dfe096e5e4737d1d0e6ef27ebc4ebcb635d657cbecc7\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV043\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"China Association for Science and Technology (CAST)\",\n      \"raw\": \"China Association for Science and Technology (CAST): Award of $1,200\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"China Association for Science and Technology (CAST)\",\n        \"raw\": \"China Association for Science and Technology (CAST): Award of $1,200\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Developing a New Alkaline-Activated Cement Based on Carbonation Process to Reduce CO2 Emissions\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Cement production contributes approximately 8% to global CO2 emissions. Researchers are exploring alternatives such as alkaline-activated cement (AACs), that utilize industrial by-products like ground granulated blast furnace slag and cement kiln dust (CKD). However, challenges arise from freshwater usage and the costly, toxic nature of alkaline solutions. Carbonation has emerged as a potential alternative, utilizing CO2 to cure cement instead of water. This study proposes a novel AAC product by combining Slag and CKD, employing carbonation, and incorporating biochar, lime, and Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to enhance the process. The aim is developing a sustainable cement mixture and improving CO2 absorption and strength. The methodology involved mixing slag and CKD with water in a ratio of 0.45. The experiments encompassed variations in slag and CKD ratio, atmosphere and CO2 curing, and the addition of biochar and lime. Two batches, \\\"S60+CKD40\\\" and \\\"S40+CKD60,\\\" exhibited the highest strength. They were further characterized for physicochemical properties. FT-IR revealed the presence of C=O bonds (calcite) formed from CO2 and O-H bond (portlandite) reactions. XRD confirmed the presence of calcite and quartz. TGA demonstrated that the CO2 uptake percentage doubled after adding biochar, also showed the formation of C-S-H (calcium silicate hydrate), indicating a stable cementitious phase. Samples containing CNTs exhibited the best mechanical performance (17.5 MPa), showing formation of higher carbonate phases, and after adding lime, the strength was enhanced by 51%. In conclusion, carbonation showed potential in fabricating AACs. This research contributes to sustainable cement production and CO2 sequestration in building materials.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Alshakhs, Fatimah\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Alanjal Private School\",\n        \"country\": \"Saudi Arabia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25329\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:39.763647Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4eac55048d665c141a38817bb2caa5e07e3c5cada933ad2b9180e319df11e918\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25329\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:41.268980Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8996d79d711103e9f09fcb1d1b2e56bb14e130748f380441a6cf660b35e633ff\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25329\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV043-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8996d79d711103e9f09fcb1d1b2e56bb14e130748f380441a6cf660b35e633ff\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25329\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:4eac55048d665c141a38817bb2caa5e07e3c5cada933ad2b9180e319df11e918\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV044\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"IEEE  Foundation\",\n      \"raw\": \"IEEE  Foundation: Second Place Award of $600\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"IEEE  Foundation\",\n        \"raw\": \"IEEE  Foundation: Second Place Award of $600\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"CarboFlux Network: Novel Sensor Node Design for Enhanced CO2 Flux Measurement and Global Ecosystem Monitoring\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Recognizing CO2\u2019s pivotal role in climate change, and soil carbon as the major active pool of terrestrial carbon, Carboflux introduces a novel method to quantify soil carbon flux, which measures the CO2 exchange rate between soil and atmosphere. Traditional approaches suffer from high costs, low spatial and temporal resolution, and regional silos. By innovatively integrating Gradient and Chamber methods in a single node, Carboflux offers a comprehensive solution for continuous monitoring of CO2 flux across various soil depths. Further, the capability to network these nodes allows for scaling on a global level. Comprised of three subunits \u2013 a microcontroller unit to sequence measurements, sub-soil sensors for CO2 and environmental variables\u2019 measurements, and a low-cost flux chamber \u2013 the nodes are part of a global network for data collection and cloud-based analysis. Results revealed depth-dependent soil respiration rates, validated by stable and accurate sensor readings corroborated with gas chromatograph calibration. A mean flux value of 2.1007 \u00b5mol m-2 s-1 was measured (by chamber at surface), 2.0516 \u00b5mol m-2 s-1 (at 5 cm) and 1.8395 \u00b5mol m-2 s-1 at (10 cm). Diurnal CO2 flux variations were observed, increasing post-precipitation, highlighting the ability to capture responses of soil carbon to environmental stimuli. This innovative approach offers scalable and cost-effective soil respiration monitoring, pivotal for validating climate models, enhancing agricultural sustainability and assessing ecosystem biodiversity. CarboFlux has the potential to generate novel datasets that can contribute vital insights for global carbon cycle modeling and be used in international climate change mitigation policy.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Bulusu, Sahiti\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"BASIS Independent Fremont\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25655\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:41.901822Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f40cadd1d4cf8c1b431a72d066d803ae18598d602a59d422cc85c4e3848cb4ce\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25655\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:43.333876Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:dcf8451641cb796fe31e24b156af96b5e8cd2ecf9ac6e8e1519a111d371dc62c\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25655\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV044-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:dcf8451641cb796fe31e24b156af96b5e8cd2ecf9ac6e8e1519a111d371dc62c\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25655\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:f40cadd1d4cf8c1b431a72d066d803ae18598d602a59d422cc85c4e3848cb4ce\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV051\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n      \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Revision in Airfoil Design to Increase Fuel Efficiency in Commercial Aircraft\",\n    \"abstract\": \"As demand for aviation rapidly grows with both the increasing population of humanity and the globalization of the world, the environmental effects that aviation contributes to climate change such as contrails and jet exhaust are increasingly garnering attention. Thus, this airfoil modification will increase overall lift-to-drag ratio (LDR) in common airfoils that will aid in leading to improved fuel economy in modern airplanes. A 3D-printed design of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) 22112 and the supercritical phase 2 [SC(2)-0714] airfoils were tested in a wind tunnel through a 0\u00b0 angle of attack (AOA) and verified through a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation, in which there was a control and the attachment for each of the NACA and SC(2) airfoils. The drag and lift coefficients were then calculated, with an overall increase in both the drag and lift coefficients. However, there was a 6.5% increase in LDR in the SC(2) \u2013 0714 airfoils in the CFD and an 8.2% increase in LDR in the tunnel. Similarly, a 0.3% increase in LDR in the CFD simulation and a 3.4% increase in LDR in the tunnel occurred for the NACA airfoils. The results approximate around 6-8% fuel efficiency for airliners utilizing the SC airfoils and 0-3% fuel efficiency for airliners with the NACA airfoils.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Lee, Sungwon\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Troy High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MI\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25391\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:43.945428Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a871bc05b51de5a1f3f011c5e4b0b905a7294e80fb673c422e2db3f31a5d4b1f\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25391\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:45.404738Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:49867b352d79de424c3398e732957b098f389ff50ea0abfa4c404470d93ea2cd\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25391\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV051-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:49867b352d79de424c3398e732957b098f389ff50ea0abfa4c404470d93ea2cd\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25391\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:a871bc05b51de5a1f3f011c5e4b0b905a7294e80fb673c422e2db3f31a5d4b1f\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV052T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n      \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: First Award of $750 in each Regeneron ISEF Category,\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Robee: A Novel Autonomous Pollinator\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The world is currently facing a significant ecological challenge - the rapid decline of bee populations. Bees, one of the most pivotal insects in our ecosystem, are responsible for pollinating approximately one-third of the world\u2019s food supply, posing a serious threat to global food production. In response to this pressing crisis, this project introduces \\\"Robee,\\\" a technological innovation that harnesses the power of artificial intelligence, to complement bees' natural pollination processes. Robee is an autonomous, intelligent drone, designed to augment the pollination behavior of bees and serves as a testament to the potential of machine learning and robotics in addressing pressing environmental issues. In this first year of design, we achieved three major milestones: 1) proof-of-concept of Robee\u2019s manual pollination technique; 2) training of a machine learning model to recognize flowers to pollinate; and 3) development of a low-cost Robee prototype that achieved flight. To demonstrate proof-of-concept, a preliminary experiment was conducted in which various low-cost manual pollination methods were used to pollinate radish plants. The average pollination efficiency for plants exposed to manual pollination was higher than the control group, confirming that Robee\u2019s proposed mechanism of action is feasible. A convolutional neural network was then trained on experimental images to allow Robee to recognize flowers to pollinate with 77% accuracy. The Phase I Robee underwent approximately twenty major iterations before achieving flight. During this process, a gyroscope was carefully calibrated to ensure stable flight. The current prototype costs less than $25, providing an inexpensive and effective method for machine-assisted pollination.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Aysa-Lastra, Isabel\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Hayfield Secondary School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"VA\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Syed, Danial\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Hayfield Secondary School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"VA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25381\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:46.718666Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ca9bafe887ac9c056865ce8218771f8dcabcf81cbd7ba5f87a51187413fb2415\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25381\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:47.783771Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:05d9cdc46bdad3dd4bb887fa71764184d51fb253bcc44733c4f5ae04145dc297\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25381\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV052T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:05d9cdc46bdad3dd4bb887fa71764184d51fb253bcc44733c4f5ae04145dc297\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25381\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:ca9bafe887ac9c056865ce8218771f8dcabcf81cbd7ba5f87a51187413fb2415\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV066\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - NOAA\",\n      \"raw\": \"National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - NOAA: Judges' Award\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - NOAA\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - NOAA: Judges' Award\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Microplastic Flotation: A Novel Method to Analyze and Remove Microplastics\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The ocean receives a large amount of pollution each year with plastics accounting for eighty percent. Plastics break down from sun, wind, and water exposure and cause microplastic pollution. Microplastics are defined as plastics that are under five millimeters in size. There is a large knowledge gap regarding microplastics in sand with the majority of microplastic research focusing on soil and water. Sand is essential to daily life; it is the third most used natural resource after air and water. To address microplastic pollution, I created a method to optimize quantification of microplastics in sand and then developed a novel technique to effectively remove them. Using Nile Red staining and ImageJ analysis, I was able to quantify microplastics in sand from various locations. Analysis of five independent trials from five locations across the United States revealed key findings, including the observation that sand from Ventura, California contained the highest amount of contamination (561 microplastics per 5 grams of sand). In contrast, the location with the lowest pollution was in John Bond Town, North Carolina with an average of 48 microplastics per 5 grams. I quantified the microplastics in the sand samples and removed up to 98% of them. This data reveals that all sand samples have microplastic contamination and the method that I developed can remove a significant amount of this contaminant. Overall, this study demonstrates the importance of using beach sand as a measure of microplastic contamination from regions that have previously remained under studied.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Barnes, Elizabeth\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Shawnee Mission West High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MO\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25721\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:48.408261Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fab3c05879d2e022327809f8b75491bc0edc4919d412445ecf6189cf9e44faad\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25721\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:49.836237Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e8acff5b6199999bfc4362fabd662bf12c20bad0a7385889963cf54c7d792278\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25721\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV066-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e8acff5b6199999bfc4362fabd662bf12c20bad0a7385889963cf54c7d792278\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25721\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:fab3c05879d2e022327809f8b75491bc0edc4919d412445ecf6189cf9e44faad\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV069T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society\",\n      \"raw\": \"Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society: Second Physical Science Award of $800\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society: Second Physical Science Award of $800\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Eco-Friendly Fabric: Use of Algae and Seagrass in Paper Production\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The purpose of this study was to evaluate algae and seagrass as potential alternatives to wood in paper production, considering its high cellulose content. This topic was chosen as an alternative solution to reduce deforestation, since over 40% of the total global industrial wood harvest is used to make paper (DoSign, 2021). Also, to reduce the overpopulation and decomposition of sargassum and seagrass present in beaches all over the Caribbean, which disrupts communities and touristic economy. A species of brown algae, Sargassum sp., and a species of dried and beached seagrass, Syringodium filiforme, were selected for testing purposes. As part of the experiment, several methods and variables were tested. These were combined to produce paper with similar texture, consistency, and durability, to that of recycled paper used as the control\\nvariable. After six (6) weeks of experimentation, we were able to produce a sheet of paper using Syringodium filiforme. This sample resulted with texture, consistency, durability and color\\nresembling paper products. Additional studies and improved equipment are recommended to further optimize the process and use algae and seagrass as viable alternatives to wood in the paper production industry, while reducing deforestation and cleaning the environment. Also, it has the potential to expand in other areas such as the medical, construction and textiles industries.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Stella Nieves, Martin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Colegio Bautista de Caguas\",\n        \"country\": \"Puerto Rico\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Pena, Patrick\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Colegio Bautista de Caguas\",\n        \"country\": \"Puerto Rico\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25704\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:50.449935Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6ea1bab22738b3cfd2e7ccce7d2f7a1ac60f45f6cebafe606faa595a7bb05c02\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25704\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:51.901419Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6d36bf3e5bd52f9f56bfcbb6189da1ec1ff48a6a8da5ebcb887d70f4f18e0b20\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25704\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV069T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6d36bf3e5bd52f9f56bfcbb6189da1ec1ff48a6a8da5ebcb887d70f4f18e0b20\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25704\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:6ea1bab22738b3cfd2e7ccce7d2f7a1ac60f45f6cebafe606faa595a7bb05c02\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV077\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE\",\n      \"raw\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE: Certificate of Honorable Mention, a 1-year free student membership to the INCOSE, and free virtual admission to the 2022 International Symposium of the INCOSE\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE\",\n        \"raw\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE: Certificate of Honorable Mention, a 1-year free student membership to the INCOSE, and free virtual admission to the 2022 International Symposium of the INCOSE\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Development of Oil Collecting Submarine Using AI and Hydro-Filter Solution\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Catastrophic oil spills inflict severe harm on marine ecosystems. Conventional cleanup approaches are often inefficient, some resulting in further pollution. In response, I devised a highly efficient method to clean oil spills.\\nA drone submarine equipped with a top-mounted camera was engineered to navigate freely underwater. This innovative design incorporates a detection AI model capable of identifying oil spills, coupled with a specialized filter designed to separate oil from water.\\nThis project presents the performance of an AI model trained with YOLOv8 algorithm using an augmented dataset for real-time detection of underwater oil spills.  Also it introduces a novel filter designed to isolate oil droplets from water. The filter, constructed from hydrophobic and superoleophilic materials, effectively separates oil from water upon entry, directing the water out while retaining the oil.\\nThis project utilized an AI model for real-time detection of underwater oil spills and a filter for separating oil from water. Ensuring a new efficient method to clean oil spills.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Bouker, Ayhem\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Lycee Privee des Elites 2\",\n        \"country\": \"Tunisia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25851\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:52.524488Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:14c8af560c3fa6d239acb0da33f1cf2681e93444c1f62095397a37824b2a2490\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25851\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:54.007956Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a2be796ac283d2f77d399cfa207f86474a6766cda49b24b07809ef5e461cb6f8\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25851\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV077-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a2be796ac283d2f77d399cfa207f86474a6766cda49b24b07809ef5e461cb6f8\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25851\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:14c8af560c3fa6d239acb0da33f1cf2681e93444c1f62095397a37824b2a2490\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Environmental Engineering\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ENEV\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ENEV080\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - NOAA\",\n      \"raw\": \"National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - NOAA: Taking the Pulse of the Planet First Award\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - NOAA\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - NOAA: Taking the Pulse of the Planet First Award\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Year II: Resistant Electromagnet Propulsion for Petroleum Removal Employing Biocompatible Magnetorheological Fluid in Oil Spill Applications\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Crude oil spills destroy shorelines, imbalance ecosystems, and have detrimental economic impacts. Though damage from these spills has been established in literature, there is limited research on non-visible crude oil separation methods. This research investigated propulsive electromagnetic technology to regulate the removal of non-surface crude oil in oceans using Magnetorheological Fluid (MRF).  A novel prototype was developed to investigate separation methods in this study. The system connected an oil/water solution to an electromagnetic field (EMF) separation tube. A propulsive effect was evident when EMF coils were discharged, resulting in the separation of oil and water.\\nA specialized MRF containing Fe3O4 microspheres in Oleic Acid was synthesized in this study. The viscoelastic fluid exhibited super lipophilicity and hydrophobicity. The MRF was added to the petroleum/water solution for magnetic properties in EMF removal. The results indicated that the EMF system was most effective at 14 minutes, removing 88.5% of the oil. There was not a significant relation between the type of water used in the experiment (Sea, distilled). The MRF was most effective at high concentrations (1:4) in a distilled water environment ~ 92.8% of the oil was removed. This research has several applications in pollution control, including polyatomic hydrocarbons, micro plastics, and organic pharmaceutical removal. The system can be implemented on the shoreline with a connection tube or at deep sea with a buoy collection mechanism. A deep learning model based on fluorescence imaging is being investigated to quantify pollution levels for targeted use of the system. The device successfully met engineering goals by introducing a novel method of oil spill removal using electromagnetics.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Gay, Tiffani\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Orlando Science Schools\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=26005\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:54.624668Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5877a4828fb9d2709410be2428d1473ed0704e749b65100800598af6b55bbe7b\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=26005\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:56.075075Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b2b500aeb95683d970347602b98de0e708b964e8151fd2245c3a14b5e47ce38f\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=26005\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ENEV080-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b2b500aeb95683d970347602b98de0e708b964e8151fd2245c3a14b5e47ce38f\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-26005\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:5877a4828fb9d2709410be2428d1473ed0704e749b65100800598af6b55bbe7b\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ETSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ETSD003\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: Full Scholarship from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals(KFUPM) (and a $400 cash prize)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: NOT TO BE READ -- $400 cash prize for each Full Scholarship from King Fahd University award recipient\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Elastic Waves: Applications of Elastic Wave Propagation in the Recovery of Depleted Oil Patches\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Currently, the average global efficiency of oil extraction is around 35%, leaving almost two thirds of the initial reserve unexploited. Using a theoretical modeling of a magnetostrictive actuator and a scaled down model, we tested the feasibility of using Mechanical Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR) techniques, focusing on elastic wave propagation to increase the rate at which we extract petrol form the ground.\\nA theoretical model for a magnetostrictive actuator was developed, addressing it from three critical perspectives: optimal physical dimensions of the coil and core, premagnetization of the core and mechanically pre-stressing the core. The feasibility of this actuator was tested on a miniature scale, with a container of sand, a patch of raw petroleum and a piezoelectric crystal connected to an alternative current source for the wave generator.\\nThe study's findings reveal that for an length-to-diameter ratio of 5 for the coil, the coil must extend to at least 115% the length of the core to ensure that the magnetic field is at least 90% of its maximum value across the entire core length. Furthermore, a pre-stressing force between 500N and 600N was determined to be critical for achieving optimal core displacement. For the small-scale model, the application of vibrations from the piezoelectric crystal resulted in a significant increase in the displacement of the oil patch, jumping from 0.7 cm to 1.1 cm. This represents a 57% increase in relative displacement.\\nThe research showed the ideal dimensions and characteristics for a magnetostrictive actuator are and that the MEOR techniques for enhancing oil recovery are promising. Further research is needed to determine the results for a full-scale application of the project.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Stan, Ionut\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Liceul Teoretic International de Informatica Bucuresti\",\n        \"country\": \"Romania\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24687\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:57.164697Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ddba1d2a5882189064da261cc5c978c250fd65c6ca980d055e4e8fc6dbf05b6f\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24687\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:58.232569Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7971e26f50f65dfb0a16239fd11ab34e3ba77ff55bfaf31ac0ecf94ac04ade1a\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24687\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ETSD003-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7971e26f50f65dfb0a16239fd11ab34e3ba77ff55bfaf31ac0ecf94ac04ade1a\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24687\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:ddba1d2a5882189064da261cc5c978c250fd65c6ca980d055e4e8fc6dbf05b6f\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ETSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ETSD007T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: Full Scholarship from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals(KFUPM) (and a $400 cash prize)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: NOT TO BE READ -- $400 cash prize for each Full Scholarship from King Fahd University award recipient\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Enhancing Bobsleigh Performance Through Biomimetic Design Inspired by the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) and Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The project explored biomimicry to optimize bobsleigh design. This was motivated by the sustainable development culture under SDG 13 for taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts through decarbonization. The bobsleigh as a sport qualifies as a clean sport and passes leisure requirements.\\nThe designs were inspired by two birds, the Peregrine Falcon, and the Common Kingfisher. Hand sketching was initially used to conceptualize the design of the bobsleighs. This was followed by Computer-Aided Design (CAD) modelling, which was guided by allometrics. The CAD models were then used to conduct Computational Fluid Dynamic simulations to test for the aerodynamic behaviour and compute the aerodynamic drag coefficients of the bobsleighs. The visual and computed data generated from the desktop simulations were analyzed, and existing literature was referred in order to interpret and validate the consistency of the results. Finally, to further validate the findings of the desktop simulations, Wind Tunnel testing was conducted.\\nThe results of the CFD analysis provided the drag coefficients for three different types of bobsleighs: the standard, falcon-inspired and kingfisher-inspired bobsleighs. The drag coefficients for each were found to be 0.35, 0.260, and 0.263, respectively. The visual and calculated outputs were consistent, and the drag coefficients fell within the range of those found in existing literature and proven wind tunnel testing.\\nThe study demonstrated an improved performance of the two new designs, compared to the standard bobsleigh.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Sader, Zaahid (School: UJ Academy Maths, Science &amp\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": null,\n        \"country\": \"South Africa\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"ICT School of Specialisation)\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": null,\n        \"country\": \"South Africa\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Zhang, Nicholas (School: UJ Academy Maths, Science &amp\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": null,\n        \"country\": \"South Africa\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"ICT School of Specialisation)\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": null,\n        \"country\": \"South Africa\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24774\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:37:58.861655Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:74da4545cc807f93f073f6b728beb05e43fa4952be9de6b66b12d73cc1abcde2\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24774\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:00.408217Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:de49a5377adc70df550d3604c84c04b0746247061bd1043e716b5cfbee0b0438\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24774\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ETSD007T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:de49a5377adc70df550d3604c84c04b0746247061bd1043e716b5cfbee0b0438\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24774\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:74da4545cc807f93f073f6b728beb05e43fa4952be9de6b66b12d73cc1abcde2\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ETSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ETSD008\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"NASA\",\n      \"raw\": \"NASA: 3rd Prize\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"NASA\",\n        \"raw\": \"NASA: 3rd Prize\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Modelling Lunar Drivetrain Technology Through the Design of a Differential Swerve Drive\",\n    \"abstract\": \"This study aimed to develop a differential swerve module which imitated the drivetrain of future NASA Lunar Rovers, effectively exploring the usage of a four-wheeled drive system with two independent actuators on each wheel. The Space Exploration Vehicle (SEV) was the first human-supporting NASA space rover designed for the South Pole of the Moon that used a, \\\"swerve drive,\\\" or highly maneuverable drivetrain powered by two motors per wheel that separately control the drive and steer. The SEV's chassis can be represented by standard swerve drive modules found in FIRST Robotics. While revolutionary in the usage of this drivetrain, future missions are attempting to implement a variable of swerve drive that can use the power of both motors to control drive or steer- differential swerve drive. In this model created in 3D computer-aided design software, PTC Creo Parametric, a design is proposed in which materials typically used in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) demonstrate efficiency, speed, weight, and voltage drawn from the power distribution hub.\\nThe data found from the tested CAD model can be compared to the standard swerve drive module found in FRC, which will allow a statistical comparison between the two variants. With an overall driven gear ratio of 5.73:1 for the differential design, the model showed an increase in efficiency by 11% and a speed increase of 42.78%, with only a .55% increase in weight. The model was then physically tested, using 3D-printed carbon-fiber in place of aluminum parts. The physical differential swerve module allowed the motion to be proven- specifically utilizing a differential gearing such that both motors can power the drive ratio and the steering ratio.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Subramanian, Sumana\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Clear Brook High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24827\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:01.051214Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e8f9c652c5235cf3f32234bc1869a3bd1d13a6c66419b16dd585f411592db335\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24827\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:02.491271Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:43155924a20c5f0e453f3aa0332418043b7ab9368d8bef3f091cf2e4fb6c6e9c\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24827\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ETSD008-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:43155924a20c5f0e453f3aa0332418043b7ab9368d8bef3f091cf2e4fb6c6e9c\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24827\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:e8f9c652c5235cf3f32234bc1869a3bd1d13a6c66419b16dd585f411592db335\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ETSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ETSD009\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n      \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: First Award of $750 in each Regeneron ISEF Category,\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Novel Approach to Calculation of Bike Route Distance Using Concept of Fractal Dimension\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Fractals, known for their non-integer dimensions, help describe intricate natural phenomena, like the coastline paradox. These principles may be applied to human-made processes like bike routes, where GPS faces challenges due to meandering routes and signal noise. This research aims to improve bike route distance calculations using fractal concepts in GPS data. Equipped with an odometer and GPS, a cyclist navigated diverse meandering routes, yielding 81,705 GPS points. The total distance for each route was calculated using different scales. Examining length-scale dependencies determined fractal dimensions for different meandering levels. While a highly meandering route had a fractal dimension of 1.23, a lesser meandering had 1.08. Then, distances were extrapolated to smaller scales toward true lengths based on scale and fractal dimension dependencies. For 32 bike routes, the GPS mean error relative to odometer distance was 7.2% (max 20.2%, SD 4.6%), whereas the fractal approach showed a mean error of only 0.4% (SD 2.3%). This indicates a more precise and accurate process than existing GPS applications. This research introduces a novel fractal approach for GPS distance tracking with broader implications beyond cycling because the algorithm can use noisy signal data to find accurate distance values. By using the fractal-like qualities inherent in large-scale inaccurate data, the algorithm extrapolates more accurate distances. Industries such as aerospace, defense, and logistics, which heavily depend on accurate distance tracking in the presence of signal noise, can benefit significantly. This method not only enhances distance tracking for cyclists but also offers a promising solution for various applications grappling with GPS signal-based distance measurement challenges.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Abraimov, Mikhail\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Lawton Chiles High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24644\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:03.109766Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ca1b4ba3e8b5922ab75fc1c81f1e5910788f2d90bb659b8af78f657c762a97c9\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24644\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:04.552422Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:920f4097a6826bc4d54e096433ce442546c5b0a4abc8da32f95803bd80a7d844\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24644\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ETSD009-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:920f4097a6826bc4d54e096433ce442546c5b0a4abc8da32f95803bd80a7d844\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24644\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:ca1b4ba3e8b5922ab75fc1c81f1e5910788f2d90bb659b8af78f657c762a97c9\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ETSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ETSD025\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Office of Naval Research on behalf of the United States Navy and Marine Corps\",\n      \"raw\": \"Office of Naval Research on behalf of the United States Navy and Marine Corps: The Chief of Naval Research Scholarship Award of $15,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Office of Naval Research on behalf of the United States Navy and Marine Corps\",\n        \"raw\": \"Office of Naval Research on behalf of the United States Navy and Marine Corps: The Chief of Naval Research Scholarship Award of $15,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"How Magnetically Suspended Tires Utilizing High-Temperature Superconductivity and Electromagnetism Creates the Most Eco-Friendly Vehicle\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Global warming is a significant threat to the environment. Increased pollution and fossil fuels are being released into the environment, and one of the main culprits is cars. Both gasoline cars and electric cars threaten the environment. This project proposes a new type of car that is more sustainable, efficient, fast, smooth, and eco-friendly to decrease global warming. The car is built upon the principles of high-temperature superconductivity suspension based on the tires. The tires are entirely isolated from the car and make no contact with it during operation, yet they are responsible for its motion. The tires magnetically levitate around a high-temperature superconductor stator for frictionless movement, and electromagnets are also employed as a second stator, which rotates the tire. The models for this project were built to demonstrate how the superconducting tire system works. One model demonstrates magnetic levitation suspension by having permanent magnets lined in the interior of the rotor (demonstrated as the tire) and the exterior of the stator (demonstrated as the superconductor stator). The other model demonstrates rotation by placing electromagnets (demonstrated as the electromagnet stator) on either side of a steel ball (demonstrated as the rotor of the first model) to pulse in a sequence that attracts the ball forward. Based on the models, several relationships were calculated and graphed. Because the model worked, this project goes on to design the entire car from a theoretical standpoint using the Stirling Cryocooler RS100-77K, solar panels, YBCO superconductors, electromagnets, and sodium-ion batteries.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Pinto, Isabella\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Hanford High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"WA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25122\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:05.674505Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5fffc352481af33a496d795da84eec9c51b15e19b4d402219b13f9d14ddc6a1f\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25122\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:06.736128Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8e9cec36e824edecad39bb7d89b141b03913fcb6ae5c6720a5e92095227d022e\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25122\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ETSD025-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8e9cec36e824edecad39bb7d89b141b03913fcb6ae5c6720a5e92095227d022e\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25122\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:5fffc352481af33a496d795da84eec9c51b15e19b4d402219b13f9d14ddc6a1f\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ETSD\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ETSD065\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Florida Institute of Technology\",\n      \"raw\": \"Florida Institute of Technology: Full Tuition Presidential Scholarship\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Florida Institute of Technology\",\n        \"raw\": \"Florida Institute of Technology: Full Tuition Presidential Scholarship\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Re-Shaping an Airplane's Wings to Improve Aerodynamic Efficiency\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Humans have always been fascinated by the idea of flight. From as far back as Leonardo Da Vinci and his famous sketch of a parachute, humans have been enamored by the idea of flight and have aimed to achieve it and make it better. The Wright Brothers, of course, made everyone's dream a reality and their legacy of scientific observation, meticulous testing, and insatiable curiosity can be traced directly to SpaceX as it readies itself to take us to the moon in reusable rockets. The Wright brothers are famous because they succeeded to make a man-made object fly, but what most people don't know is that they revolutionized the world of aviation by their ability to question everything around them. This project follows in their footsteps and seeks to study, just like they did, the issue of air pressure. Research shows that slightly tilting an airplane's wings upward will positively impact flow and wind pressure measurements during flight. Could we further curve the wings to improve their relationship to the air around them while a plane is in flight? Would this make a plane more efficient??This project specifically asks: Does curving a wing upward positively impact the flow and air pressure measurements that are experienced during flight? By using a virtual wind tunnel software, this project evaluated how the changes of a wing's curvature affected aerodynamic effectiveness. 3D modeling, 3D printing, and digital simulations were the tools of the project, which facilitate the creation of prototypes and provided the scenario for viable testing. Results showed that adding a slight curving to the design of the wing's profile did not improve its behavior in a wind tunnel simulation, not affecting its aerodynamic efficiency.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Andino -Serrano, Fernando\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The San Juan Math, Science and Technology Center\",\n        \"country\": \"Puerto Rico\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25701\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:07.341022Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fc665e465889c7792719d242f4f279bac44fecd8583414e9d6b65cbf591f890f\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25701\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:08.773860Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1928d5dde0371f0759a645f921a6286fd250824da1a3a6d028739c47746d5ca3\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25701\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ETSD065-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1928d5dde0371f0759a645f921a6286fd250824da1a3a6d028739c47746d5ca3\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25701\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:fc665e465889c7792719d242f4f279bac44fecd8583414e9d6b65cbf591f890f\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Mathematics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATH\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATH006\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Mu Alpha Theta, National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society\",\n      \"raw\": \"Mu Alpha Theta, National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society: Second Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Mu Alpha Theta, National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"Mu Alpha Theta, National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society: Second Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Mathematical Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Mathematical Society: One-Year Membership to American Mathematical Society to each winner (7 winning projects, up to 3 team members per project)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Mathematical Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Mathematical Society: Third Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Euler-phi Partitions, p-Euler-phi Partitions, Inverse-p-Euler-phi Partitions and Their Generating Functions\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Partitions of integers n are different representations of n as a sum of positive integers. They have applications in a variety of maths and physics topics including distribution problems and statistical mechanics.\\nIn this project, Euler-phi partitions, p-Euler-phi partitions and Inverse-p-Euler-phi partitions are introduced as new partition definitions. Let n and p positive integers. Different representations of the number n as the sum of positive integers that are relatively prime to p are defined to be p-Euler-phi partitions of n. For p=n, these partitions are also called Euler-phi partitions. Different representations of the number n as the sum of positive integers that are not relatively prime to p are defined to be Inverse-p-Euler-phi partitions of n.\\nIn order to determine these partitions and compute their counts for relatively large numbers, several Python codes were written. These were used to check our insights about theorems before proving them.\\nAdditionally, over 40 generating functions were obtained for the partitions that were introduced in this project. These were then used to obtain asymptotic formulas which can be used to determine the leading term and pave the path for further studies.\\nFurthermore, numerous theorems for particular cases of p and positive integer n were proved. Some of these are as follows:\\n* When p is a power of an odd prime number, exact formulas for the number of p-Euler-phi partitions of n into 2 or 3 parts were obtained.\\n* When p is a prime number, it has been shown that the number of Inverse-p-Euler-phi partitions of np is equal to the number of partitions of n.\\nMoreover, a theorem that connects p-Euler-phi partitions and Inverse-p-Euler-phi partitions was proved by generating functions and Cauchy product.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ozcelebi, Arda\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Izmir Ozel Ege Lisesi\",\n        \"country\": \"Turkey\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24722\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:09.408357Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ff870943e02d117196fd72138031ed59cd62ccaa36f9ec66f9b4bf16825c07a3\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24722\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:10.838561Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b9b629ef84664361922599c6857ed83f3cb49ba02931473d729733a87b01c04c\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24722\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATH006-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b9b629ef84664361922599c6857ed83f3cb49ba02931473d729733a87b01c04c\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24722\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:ff870943e02d117196fd72138031ed59cd62ccaa36f9ec66f9b4bf16825c07a3\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Mathematics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATH\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATH008\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Mu Alpha Theta, National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society\",\n      \"raw\": \"Mu Alpha Theta, National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society: First Award of $ 1,500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Mu Alpha Theta, National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"Mu Alpha Theta, National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society: First Award of $ 1,500\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Mathematical Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Mathematical Society: Honorable Mention and One-Year Membership to AMS (for 5 projects with up to 3 team members per project)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Injective Chromatic Index of Packet Radio Networks: Improved Upper Bounds\",\n    \"abstract\": \"This project focuses on Packet Radio Networks (PRN), represented as a graph G = (V,E) with V and E as its vertex and edge sets respectively. The vertices represent the set of stations, and two vertices are joined by an edge if the corresponding stations can hear each other's transmissions. The primary objective is to determine the injective chromatic index of PRNs, a measure that involves assigning frequencies to edges to prevent secondary interference which occurs when stations sharing a frequency with their respective neighbors experience interference. We would like to decrease this to maximize the efficiency of the PRN. This concept, introduced in 2015, presents an optimization problem: determining the minimum number of frequencies required for a given PRN G=(V,E) \u2013 the injective chromatic index of G. The challenge lies in the computational complexity of pinpointing the exact injective chromatic indices. In this project, using the coloring extension and the discharging methods, I improve existing upper bounds of injective chromatic indices of sparse graphs with small maximum degrees. Additionally, I extend these improvements to sparse graphs with arbitrary maximum degrees. Notably, I rectify an incomplete proof from prior research, providing a validated proof for the result in question. The findings contribute to advancing our understanding of injective chromatic indices, with potential applications in more efficient channel assignments in Packet Radio Networks.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Luo, Austin\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Morgantown High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"WV\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25022\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:11.460995Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:21f7e893b90f2da4e3c72abfb34c92f4c797ad5200e8ded8a24823a4b188f53f\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25022\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:12.891520Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b92a9bc4c6b198f396f3a7df210c6c57152ce534bc26893d626ca32dd76b236f\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25022\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATH008-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b92a9bc4c6b198f396f3a7df210c6c57152ce534bc26893d626ca32dd76b236f\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25022\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:21f7e893b90f2da4e3c72abfb34c92f4c797ad5200e8ded8a24823a4b188f53f\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Mathematics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATH\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATH010\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"American Mathematical Society\",\n      \"raw\": \"American Mathematical Society: Honorable Mention and One-Year Membership to AMS (for 5 projects with up to 3 team members per project)\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Mathematical Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Mathematical Society: Honorable Mention and One-Year Membership to AMS (for 5 projects with up to 3 team members per project)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Detecting Causality in 2+1 Dimension Spacetimes Using Symplectic Quandles\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Spacetime is a mathematical model of our universe based on the general relativity theory.  Our observable world in this spacetime is represented by causally related points, defined as points that a single light ray can traverse.  Scientists use 3D Knots (or links) to study causally related points. Alexander-Conway polynomial is a commonly used invariant to distinguish such links from links of causally unrelated points. However, Allen and Swenberg identified an infinite series of potential sky-links, the only known counterexample that this polynomial cannot distinguish from the connected sum of Hopf links, a link of causally unrelated points. This project demonstrates that a symplectic quandle can distinguish all links in Allen-Swenberg series from the connected sum of Hopf links, demonstrating its capability to detect causality in conjunction with Alexander-Conway polynomial.  Due to its connectedness property, a symplectic quandle offers additional information in the set of homomorphism from quandle to the knot; however, computing this set has been challenging as it requires solving a system of non-linear equations with a large solution space. This project develops an algorithm that solves this system in polynomial time. It also employs enhanced quandle counting polynomial that separately counts the cardinality of the image of each homomorphism to extract finer details. Further, it provides a combinatorial proof that if a symplectic quandle distinguishes the first Allen-Swenberg link then it can distinguish all links in the series. Our result will enable us to map our observable world in 2+1 dimension spacetime. This has the potential to extend to higher dimensions as the current research involving 3+1 dimension manifolds uses symplectic forms.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Jain, Ayush\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Shri Ram School - Aravali Campus\",\n        \"country\": \"India\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24632\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:13.514968Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:193c8e8c0f12342061facf233af6a4a477d2cc6648ab4c0fae361345db75b6aa\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24632\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:14.948701Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d654fcd8777ee917e2cdb3641b42ce958054847d7c9c150fcd4a7d92af690eee\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24632\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATH010-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d654fcd8777ee917e2cdb3641b42ce958054847d7c9c150fcd4a7d92af690eee\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; 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I prove necessary and sufficient conditions for sequence integrability. It turns out that integrability for a sequence is a stronger condition than ces\u00e0ro-convergence: Every integrable sequence is ces\u00e0ro-convergent, but not every ces\u00e0ro-convergent sequence is also integrable. As a sufficient criterion for integrability, we find a condition that ressembles to Lebesgue integration: If suitable preimages under the sequence are \\\"measurable\\\", meaning that we can assign them a kind of length, the sequence is integrable. For sequences with finitely many accumulation points, we prove that this criterion is also necessary.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Rueter, Emma\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Leibniz-Gymnasium Berlin\",\n        \"country\": \"Germany\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24781\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:15.566486Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:31a43b35d5d53a5b6448cf96040a9a798cc874a339bb5cac1fba14efe9d18586\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24781\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:16.994156Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8f8df9bead578de817fa359dcadac80990eee63fb4f389955b450db3473eaa3d\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24781\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATH012-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8f8df9bead578de817fa359dcadac80990eee63fb4f389955b450db3473eaa3d\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24781\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:31a43b35d5d53a5b6448cf96040a9a798cc874a339bb5cac1fba14efe9d18586\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Mathematics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATH\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATH013\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"American Mathematical Society\",\n      \"raw\": \"American Mathematical Society: One-Year Membership to American Mathematical Society to each winner (7 winning projects, up to 3 team members per project)\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Mathematical Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Mathematical Society: One-Year Membership to American Mathematical Society to each winner (7 winning projects, up to 3 team members per project)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Mathematical Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Mathematical Society: Third Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Study on Arc Index of Theta Curves\",\n    \"abstract\": \"This study explored various general properties related to the theta curve\u2019s arc index. The arc index not only serves to classify spatial graphs but also plays a crucial role in computing a significant topological invariant called floer homology for knots. Therefore, the investigation of the theta curve\u2019s arc index is expected to greatly benefit future research related to theta curves. I first derived two lower bounds for the theta curve\u2019s arc index using the arc index of constituent knots, and also determined a lower bound in terms of crossing number by using a loop-link diagram, one of the representations of the arc presentation. Furthermore, by identifying the relationship between the Yamada polynomial and the number of caps and crossings in stacked tangles, I obtained a lower bound in terms of the highest and lowest degrees of the Yamada polynomial. This addresses the shortcomings of non-sharp bounds for cases such as Brunian theta curve.  For the upper bound, I derived by proving the existence of an arc presentation with the number of half-planes equal to the crossing number plus 4. The spoking algorithm and a graph-theoretical lemma were used to justify its existence. Using the obtained bounds and the binding circle method, I determined the ranges of the arc index of pretzel theta curve and Kinoshita-Wolcott theta curve. Additionally, for all theta curves with crossing numbers of 7 or less, I computed the values of each bound, confirming that the newly derived bounds in the study are tight and thus meaningful.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Lee, Yoonsang\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Korea Science Academy of KAIST\",\n        \"country\": \"South Korea\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24678\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:17.636532Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:7e833e316d1b9f2134098096841a4b68123d3b53b71e6a9a0fa3db411ffbc654\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24678\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:19.039886Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:21937914dc088010ad57097f85fbea1287f482011deced7d977970e4f79e330a\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24678\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATH013-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:21937914dc088010ad57097f85fbea1287f482011deced7d977970e4f79e330a\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24678\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:7e833e316d1b9f2134098096841a4b68123d3b53b71e6a9a0fa3db411ffbc654\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Mathematics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATH\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATH016\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"American Mathematical Society\",\n      \"raw\": \"American Mathematical Society: Honorable Mention and One-Year Membership to AMS (for 5 projects with up to 3 team members per project)\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Mathematical Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Mathematical Society: Honorable Mention and One-Year Membership to AMS (for 5 projects with up to 3 team members per project)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate : Third Place Award \u201cMathematics\u201d\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Fibonacci Analogues of Legendre's Formula and Fine's Theorem\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Legendre's Formula and Fine's Theorem use number theory to analyze combinatorics functions. Legendre's formula finds the exponent of a prime (p) dividing the factorial of any integer (n); Fine's Theorem quickly finds the number of binomial coefficients on row n of Pascal's Triangle that are not divisible by a prime p. Investigating the Fibonorial, a generalized form of the factorial based on the Fibonacci sequence, this research derives Fibonacci-analogues of Legendre's Formula and Fine's Theorem for Fibonorial/Fibonomial coefficients, which previously only analyzed the factorial/binomial coefficients. The study builds on Lengyel's Theorem regarding the relationship between the exponent of prime p dividing an integer n and dividing the nth Fibonacci number. A novel Fibonorial Legendre's Formula for the exponent of p dividing the nth Fibonorial was thus developed and proved. Additionally, employing the computational software system Mathematica, programs were designed for brute-force generation of the values of the analogous Fine's theorem. Identifying patterns within the lists of values generated, a conjectured Fibonomial Fine's Theorem was proposed and subsequently proven using a correspondence argument and the developed analogous Fibonorial Legendre's Formula. The research successfully derived a formula for the exponent of p dividing the nth Fibonorial and a validated formula for Fibonomial coefficients, expanding upon existing mathematical frameworks. This study contributes to understanding Fibonorial structures and their mathematical properties. Future work may extend to other factorial generalizations, related combinatorial problems, and explore broader applications in the increased computational efficiency of my formulae, tilings, and findings in nature.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Chand, Arav\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Half Hollow Hills High School West\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25106\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:19.652594Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:50b22334cb15b39b93b4a940cb204223dc10760b04d126ff70e0a91b9fa9191b\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25106\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:21.149845Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:69a354e17d2d670abc70399e6b6e18e8afc61bd54b5871589c1826939175e504\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25106\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATH016-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:69a354e17d2d670abc70399e6b6e18e8afc61bd54b5871589c1826939175e504\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25106\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:50b22334cb15b39b93b4a940cb204223dc10760b04d126ff70e0a91b9fa9191b\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Mathematics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATH\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATH018\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Mu Alpha Theta, National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society\",\n      \"raw\": \"Mu Alpha Theta, National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society: Second Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Mu Alpha Theta, National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"Mu Alpha Theta, National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society: Second Award of $1,000\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Mathematical Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Mathematical Society: One-Year Membership to American Mathematical Society to each winner (7 winning projects, up to 3 team members per project)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Mathematical Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Mathematical Society: First Award of $2,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"On an Approximation of Divisor Sum Functions With Bernoulli Polynomials and the Hardy Littlewood Function\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Is a Bessel representation of exponential sums corresponding to divisors obtainable, and if so, viable? In an original expression I derived relating the divisor functions at individual points and their averages by exploiting the periodicity of roots of unity, in a sense inverting it, there is an exponential sum called the Hardy Littlewood function. Moreover, Voronoi uses a generating function transform using complex analytical tools to describe the error between the average of the divisor function and its asymptotic main terms. With both in mind, I similarly used a complex analytical generating function transform. To get an exact representation of the sum, I changed the contour from a circle to a keyhole. The result of this procedure is a conversion between any exponential sum and a Hankel transform. To fully express the exponential sum in terms of a Hankel Transform, a subset of the geometric series that\u2019s related to the amplitude function of the exponential sum must be studied. Also, I expressed the Hankel Transform in terms of the FHA cycle, and showed a correlation between an oscillatory integral and exponential sum: similar objects with different measures. The literature shows that both of these can be studied: with methods from Mackinnon\u2019s paper on asymptotic expansions of Hankel Transforms and the saddle point method. These results open up a new gap for sums involving subsets of the geometric series by creating context for them, and different methods besides the Van Der Corput processes A and B are discovered.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Tran, Quang (School: Patrick F. Taylor Science &amp\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": null,\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"LA\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Technology Academy)\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": null,\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"LA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24984\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:21.775096Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6c1b9852fc35903424c68302c0a63421c0c7b4deee15131c68f0bd618aa91711\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24984\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:23.217720Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d81e62e2d785bf94a5be619891aea41dcedbf2cef2cb49ae6f05bb6bb99d480a\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24984\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATH018-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d81e62e2d785bf94a5be619891aea41dcedbf2cef2cb49ae6f05bb6bb99d480a\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24984\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:6c1b9852fc35903424c68302c0a63421c0c7b4deee15131c68f0bd618aa91711\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Mathematics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATH\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATH022\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Mu Alpha Theta, National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society\",\n      \"raw\": \"Mu Alpha Theta, National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society: Second Award of $1,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Mu Alpha Theta, National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"Mu Alpha Theta, National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society: Second Award of $1,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Factorization Properties of Puiseux Monoids\",\n    \"abstract\": \"As factorization theory of rings is already well-studied, it is natural to generalize the scope of factorization theory from rings to monoids.  Puiseux monoids (i.e. additive monoids over a subset of the positive rationals) fundamentally serve as a simple context under which crucial factorization properties such as the ACCP (ascending chain condition of principal ideals) and atomicity conditions in factorization theory may be analyzed. This paper accomplishes two goals in the study of factorization in Puiseux monoids: we prove that the nearly ACCP condition does not extend from Puiseux monoids to their respective monoid algebras, and we explore various examples and theorems regarding the Betti elements and Betti graphs of various Puiseux monoids. The former result is surprising, as many conditions such as the ACCP condition have been observed to extend from Puiseux monoids to their respective monoid algebras, whereas we present a counterexample to such an extension in the case of the nearly ACCP condition. We also explore Betti elements and Betti graphs through a variety of angles, touching upon the notions of atomization and connected components of Betti graphs. These results may help guide future research of factorization of Puiseux monoids and their respective monoid algebras, while also providing a clearer and more intuitive understanding of Betti elements and Betti graphs of Puiseux monoids.  Ultimately, a broadened understanding of factorization properties and objects in Puiseux monoids may inspire future progress in the field of factorization theory of monoids as a whole.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Mao, Jason (School: The Academy for Mathematics, Science &amp\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": null,\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NJ\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Engineering)\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": null,\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NJ\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25523\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:23.816455Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1d82b71f86b0a4d8a059d032f2dafc522c901c3237b3193cfb19e86dd2f76567\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25523\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:25.248723Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2d2028441c1da89b64c1f5dd51dd9e31abc271c782fc60603c4a4e6e4fd091db\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25523\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATH022-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2d2028441c1da89b64c1f5dd51dd9e31abc271c782fc60603c4a4e6e4fd091db\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25523\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:1d82b71f86b0a4d8a059d032f2dafc522c901c3237b3193cfb19e86dd2f76567\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Mathematics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATH\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATH023\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: Full Scholarship from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals(KFUPM) (and a $400 cash prize)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: NOT TO BE READ -- $400 cash prize for each Full Scholarship from King Fahd University award recipient\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Along the Path of the Great Kaprekar: A-Function, Repunits and Their Properties\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Inspired by the famous function of the D.Kaprekar  K(n)=n+S(n),  I invented and investigated various properties of a new function  A(n)=(n-S(n))/9  where  S(n)   is the sum of digits of the natural number  n  in decimal notation.\\nThe values of the function  A(n)  are called  a-generated numbers and for the given value  m=A(n) the argument  n  is called its  a-generator. If a number  p  has no a-generators, then  p  is called an  a-self number. The rank r(n)=u of a number  n  is the smallest number  u such that  A(A(\u2026A(n)))= A^((u))(n)=0.  Repunits are numbers whose decimal notation consists of only units.\\nThe connection between  A(n)  and repunits is established. Two new formulas for the class of repunit numbers are proved. Non-decreasing of the function  A(n)  and its other properties are proved. It is established that every  a-generated number has exactly 10  a-generators. The infinity of  a-self numbers is proved. It is shown, that fraction of  a-self numbers within all numbers with given number of digits is one tenth. Formulas for \\\"neighboring\\\" (sequence of consecutive)  a-self numbers with sequence lengths 1 and 2 are found. A pattern and a hypothesis for the distribution of \\\"neighboring\\\" a-self numbers with any other sequence lengths are formulated. The equations  K(n)=q\u00d7A(n)  and  A(qn)=q\u00d7A(n)   are completely solved. It is proved that the function  r(n)  is non-decreasing.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Zharbolov, Alikhan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"National Physics and Mathematics School\",\n        \"country\": \"Kazakhstan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25698\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:25.977979Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:106f9e1320055c669553eeaed34b8ad6f68d6f8b3187dc600acc8bf9775d501d\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25698\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:27.323048Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:cf4c0b674d8befcaa92b01c3cab89a6223bfb544e9ec95e29168464ea05e3347\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25698\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATH023-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:cf4c0b674d8befcaa92b01c3cab89a6223bfb544e9ec95e29168464ea05e3347\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25698\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:106f9e1320055c669553eeaed34b8ad6f68d6f8b3187dc600acc8bf9775d501d\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Mathematics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATH\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATH027\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"American Mathematical Society\",\n      \"raw\": \"American Mathematical Society: Honorable Mention and One-Year Membership to AMS (for 5 projects with up to 3 team members per project)\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"American Mathematical Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"American Mathematical Society: Honorable Mention and One-Year Membership to AMS (for 5 projects with up to 3 team members per project)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Enhancing Federated Learning Using Mathematical Theorems and Coding Technologies\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Federated learning is a new and exciting field of topic that has arisen in the world of machine learning. This field is new and exciting because it offers innovative solutions that address many issues users have had. By enabling the sharing of model parameters without the need to share original data, federated learning offers solutions to data and privacy concerns. However, federated learning is still quite novel, and some issues have yet to be solved, particularly in the case of training complicated machine learning models on resource-limited devices as they are insufficient in speed and power (e.g. Raspberry Pi). This research investigates three coding techniques\u2014One-hot encoding, Random Fourier Features, and Random Generator\u2014which were used to not only solve said issues on resource-limited devices but also issues regarding privacy and security. Specifically, by using matrix calculus, two novel secure and privacy preserving schemes have been developed for gradient descent in federated learning. Extensive numerical experiments demonstrate promising outcomes such as input-output linearity, improved accuracy and privacy, and consistent high performance. The results and findings of this research indicate many promising features of federated learning and make contributions toward its enhancement.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Lu, Sarah\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Centro Residencial de Oportunidades Educativas de Mayaguez\",\n        \"country\": \"Puerto Rico\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25123\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:27.958891Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:84f81ee8abdabf9deeb899ee1e4e90168771aa7625f712990ab62ae01425a532\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25123\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:29.361159Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1d912a9b81730fd71aab591a99486bccc2fe3c1aec73f0b2d3e5bb881b7ad0bd\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25123\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATH027-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1d912a9b81730fd71aab591a99486bccc2fe3c1aec73f0b2d3e5bb881b7ad0bd\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25123\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:84f81ee8abdabf9deeb899ee1e4e90168771aa7625f712990ab62ae01425a532\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Mathematics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATH\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATH032\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n      \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: First Award of $750 in each Regeneron ISEF Category,\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"The Classification and the Hilbert Polynomials of the Coloring of Quandles With Size 6\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Knot theory, counting a knot invariant for a knot L has been long studied. Using an algebraic structure called quandle, we calculate the knot invariant, in other words coloring of the knot. Schlank and Davis showed that by converting the knots to the closed braid s \u00af of n strings through Alexander\u2019s theorem, it is possible to compute the expected number of the coloring of the quandle Q through the Hilbert Polynomial PQ(x). We first identify the unknown quandle of size 4, J2, and compute the associated Hilbert Polynomial. Furthermore, we introduce two new methods to decompose a quandle, which are fiber product and twisted disjoint union. These 2 categorical acts allow a unique mapping so that it may be used in multiple mapping for the same two quandles. Finally, by these methods and known results by Schlank and Davis, we classified all the quandles of size 6 and computed the Hilbert Polynomial of a selected few.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kim, Aaron\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Bronx High School of Science\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25807\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:30.026428Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:229b46e0f5ceeb9d226c421e622653aae9c6eff445d26bcb5bbaffacf02095a6\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25807\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:31.522255Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:202ed4bcef849ed85405eeb4d2b07cff1827e7a06bd8a0f488a2f53cd169a754\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25807\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATH032-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:202ed4bcef849ed85405eeb4d2b07cff1827e7a06bd8a0f488a2f53cd169a754\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25807\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:229b46e0f5ceeb9d226c421e622653aae9c6eff445d26bcb5bbaffacf02095a6\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Mathematics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATH\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATH036\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"NC State College of Engineering\",\n      \"raw\": \"NC State College of Engineering: Scholarship to attend NC State Engineering Summer Camp\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"NC State College of Engineering\",\n        \"raw\": \"NC State College of Engineering: Scholarship to attend NC State Engineering Summer Camp\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Data-Driven Predictive Mathematical Model of Fish Population Dynamics\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Studying population dynamics is key to protecting vital aquatic ecosystems and the economic activities they support, such as those of the Chesapeake Bay. Mathematics is a powerful tool that can be used to better understand intrinsic interactions between species and forecast their future population trends. This study leveraged multi-species mathematical models alongside the gauseR package in R to fit a predator-prey model to real-time data of fish species found in the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States. After deriving the model's ecological parameters, including growth and predation rates, from the real time series data, the model was employed to project the future population dynamics of these fish populations over an extended timeframe. Climate change is impacting aquatic life in many ways and it is imperative to begin to understand the long term effects it will have on fish populations. The model was also used to assess some of the potential effects of escalating seawater temperatures on fish growth and predation rates on their long term sustainability. This study stands out for its innovative utilization of multi-species dynamical systems and real observation data, offering a nuanced perspective on the intricate interplay among environmental factors, climate variables, and species viability. By providing valuable insights into the long-term sustainability of these ecologically and economically significant fish populations in the Chesapeake Bay area, this project paves the way for more informed conservation and management strategies (such as fishing regulations, that are currently based on singular species population models).\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Rossi, Eleanor\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Jamestown High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"VA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25653\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:32.165754Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:124a2f4d149dd4ce425c40958fc550aa4a004b35c18a985b76718f39d51c5d88\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25653\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:33.578285Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d7b2669009bc64ec252705a1ed73616dc4e4553695d56177f24b2cbea8fac1a9\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25653\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATH036-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d7b2669009bc64ec252705a1ed73616dc4e4553695d56177f24b2cbea8fac1a9\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25653\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:124a2f4d149dd4ce425c40958fc550aa4a004b35c18a985b76718f39d51c5d88\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Mathematics\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATH\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATH037\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: Full Scholarship from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals(KFUPM) (and a $400 cash prize)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: NOT TO BE READ -- $400 cash prize for each Full Scholarship from King Fahd University award recipient\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Simulation of Armed Conflict Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in Ground Combat Operations\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The modern world is on the threshold of a technological revolution in warfare, which requires a rethinking of the simulation of combat operations, considering the increasingly important role of robotics and UAVs. Stochastic models of armed conflict based on Lanchester's quadratic law are considered herein. These models assume the heterogeneity of armed forces and describe casualties in terms of a Poisson process, considering combat units as a single indivisible whole. For one of these models, the distribution of solutions was obtained using the Monte Carlo method, which ranged from the most unfavorable to the most favorable scenarios using two properties: the number of casualties of the winner at the end of the battle and the duration of the battle. Attacked targets are chosen randomly following the probability of attacking the first detected target. The obtained results are visualized in the form of a heat map. The model provides information in terms of the probability of success of military operations with given permissible losses. The second model, with cellular automata, considers information about the positioning of individual combat units on the plane, which can move one cell at a time or make fortifications per unit of time and interact with the enemy within the radius of fire damage as in the previous model. This model also considers modifications such as natural obstacles, physical maps, mined territory, and UAV drones, the range of which is significantly higher than the range of conventional forces weapons. The impact of UAVs on the battlefield situation is evaluated and indicates a significant advantage of such systems in the probability of victory. The results of modeling may be useful for tactical military planning, with the inclusion of UAVs and robotics.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Borysenko , Volodymyr\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Cherkassy School Number 28\",\n        \"country\": \"Ukraine\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25135\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:34.212305Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:53bfe39965c0e35608e97920bd6b160d155de29b406a353061eec87545050a1e\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25135\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:35.632637Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8c2e264464e7d19df6f1f4f942a72f45d2f8cbeb0cd9f93eba5f1a696d629727\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25135\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATH037-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8c2e264464e7d19df6f1f4f942a72f45d2f8cbeb0cd9f93eba5f1a696d629727\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25135\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:53bfe39965c0e35608e97920bd6b160d155de29b406a353061eec87545050a1e\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Materials Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATS001\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"The Scientific and Technological Research Council of T\u00fcrkiye  TUBITAK\",\n      \"raw\": \"The Scientific and Technological Research Council of T\u00fcrkiye  TUBITAK: 1st Prize Award\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"The Scientific and Technological Research Council of T\u00fcrkiye  TUBITAK\",\n        \"raw\": \"The Scientific and Technological Research Council of T\u00fcrkiye  TUBITAK: 1st Prize Award\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: Full Scholarship from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals(KFUPM) (and a $400 cash prize)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: NOT TO BE READ -- $400 cash prize for each Full Scholarship from King Fahd University award recipient\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Self-Healing Flexible \\\"Jelly-like\\\" Zinc-Ion Battery: Empowering Wearable Devices and Safe Energy Storage\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The quest for low-cost, safe, and environmentally friendly rechargeable flexible batteries is crucial in propelling the next wave of energy-storage innovations, particularly for implementation in wearable electronics and biomedical devices. Current commercial Li-ion batteries face challenges concerning rigidity, safety, and scarcity of lithium resources. This study introduces a groundbreaking self-healing \\\"jelly-like\\\" capacitive battery, combining the high energy density of batteries with supercapacitor-like rapid charge-discharge capabilities and long lifespan while addressing safety concerns. Central to our innovative design is a non-toxic, eco-friendly, and ultra-strong viscoelastic PAM gel electrolyte, modified with additives such as ethylene glycol and chitosan through multiple trials to optimize its mechanical and electrochemical properties. Moreover, high-strength acid-treated carbon cloth cathode and abundant zinc anode are used, offering high storage capacity, extended cycle life, and enhanced safety. The acid-treated carbon cloth can also act as a high-performing porous flexible current collector and be coated with V-doped Manganese dioxide to exhibit a high specific capacity of 300mAh/g at 1A/g. Combining these elements, we produced a self-healing flexible battery that can withstand extreme conditions such as 180\u00b0 bending, puncturing, freezing, and cutting while maintaining normal functionality, exhibiting unparalleled mechanical and electrochemical performance. Seamlessly integrated into the strap of a smartwatch, this battery ensures uninterrupted functionality. This breakthrough provides a strategic solution to lithium safety and rigidity challenges, with potential applications spanning across the realms of biomedical devices and wearable electronics.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Hu, Jonathan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Shanghai High School International Division\",\n        \"country\": \"China\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24713\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:36.301852Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b1145820a079d5570e85b9bbc9141e4c9ce7984d7aff73784acfdc54fe0ab68e\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24713\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:37.711600Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5ea18fee57f5a84a7edf59ba686c1be1f22a44c8483a9927c0aa27f79fb9b703\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24713\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATS001-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5ea18fee57f5a84a7edf59ba686c1be1f22a44c8483a9927c0aa27f79fb9b703\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24713\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:b1145820a079d5570e85b9bbc9141e4c9ce7984d7aff73784acfdc54fe0ab68e\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Materials Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATS012\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Alfred University\",\n      \"raw\": \"Alfred University: Full tuition scholarship\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Alfred University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Alfred University: Full tuition scholarship\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Biomimetic, Micro-Structured and Hydrophobic Surfaces for Blood-Repellent Medical Devices\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Blood clots compromise the efficacy of blood-contacting medical implants as well as the health of the patients whose lives they sustain. Commonly used antithrombotic drugs or coatings can cause severe bleeding and wear off over time. Without the use of drugs, hydrophobic surfaces exhibit blood-repellence. In this work, micro-structured biological surfaces are mimicked and investigated to provide sufficient hydrophobicity for reducing blood clots in implanted biomedical devices.\\nButterfly, beetle, and cicada wings, as well as the lotus-like Nasturtium leaf, were first imprinted into a negative mold using polydimethylsiloxane elastomer. Then positive surface replications were made of Carnauba Wax and SU-8 epoxy-based photoresist. Evaluations of water and blood repellency were conducted by contact angle and sliding angle tests over 5 trials.\\nFor all material types, the trichome-covered, ground-facing side of the leaf showed the greatest static hydrophobicity, with some trials measuring a contact angle greater than 150\u00b0, classified as super-hydrophobic. The SU-8 imprints were the most accurate leaf replications, exhibiting around 100% of the original contact angle. The results were compared to a commercial hydrophobic coating, which not only performed over 30% worse, but is not biocompatible.\\nThis study succeeded in replicating the hydrophobicity of natural surface structures, showing promise for blood-repellent materials inhibiting thrombus formation. Future research should utilize more advanced materials and replication methods to achieve super-hydrophobicity that can be tested against the surface adhesion of real blood. These findings pave the way for bioinspired, micro/nanostructured surfaces to make a life-saving impact in the medical field.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Gambin, Madison\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Palos Verdes Peninsula High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24638\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:38.399024Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:31a230508b60db4530826570a0ab7e938dba6c2f187b32af4118592225db79e9\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24638\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:39.782349Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bf6d813e0b73c8871ed030d068db050cdfc555194d6f3a9c5598978613720beb\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24638\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATS012-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bf6d813e0b73c8871ed030d068db050cdfc555194d6f3a9c5598978613720beb\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24638\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:31a230508b60db4530826570a0ab7e938dba6c2f187b32af4118592225db79e9\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Materials Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATS014\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"George D. Yancopoulos Innovator Award\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"George D. Yancopoulos Innovator Award\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Novel Chemical Doping Strategy to Enhance N-Type Organic Electrochemical Transistors\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are among the most powerful transistors to date by combining both ionic and electronic conduction. This unique mechanism makes these devices desirable for implantable bioelectronics in the human body, particularly as biosensors, deep brain stimulators, pacemakers, and artificial muscles, reducing reliance on invasive medical procedures. However, electron-conducting (n-type) OECTs, suitable for bioelectronic applications, historically suffer from instability and low performance, limiting their practical application. Chemical doping was investigated as a novel and cost-effective method to enhance device performance, successfully identifying a new dopant and unique doping techniques. Various organic salts were explored as potential dopants because of their strong Lewis base makeup. Current-voltage tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy characterized and compared undoped and salt-doped n-type OECT performance. Doping with tetrabutylammonium chloride (Bu4NCl) salt improves the device\u2019s transconductance, mobility, signal-to-noise ratio, threshold signal, and capacitance. The Bu4NCl dopant\u2019s statistically significant improvements in metrics yield a 97% improvement in amplification and a 77% improvement in switching speed and charge storage. Doping with Bu4NCl is optimized at a concentration of 20 molar percentage and a solvent blend of chlorobenzene to chloroform at a 1:5 ratio, enabling the salt to promote charge transfer and delocalization in the polymer network. Bu4NCl is identified as a new dopant to fabricate n-type OECTs with high performance. This study is the first to explore dopants, doping concentration, and solvent design in conjunction, advancing chemical doping in tailoring OECTs to become commercially viable.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Sun, Grace\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Paul Laurence Dunbar High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"KY\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25057\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:40.498283Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:52fa0229f4bf0fc2e22d0a8f061023632ee63c666a89228cb172f7276e808c09\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25057\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:41.930653Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:aa70b8713add1bc2aa19d6112d71efa2e1206f3f677219ac22dc884f52d0192f\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25057\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATS014-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:aa70b8713add1bc2aa19d6112d71efa2e1206f3f677219ac22dc884f52d0192f\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25057\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:52fa0229f4bf0fc2e22d0a8f061023632ee63c666a89228cb172f7276e808c09\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Materials Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATS017\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n      \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n        \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Colorimetric Smart Packaging System: A Carbohydrate-Based Plastic Alternative for Detecting Food Spoilage\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Food safety is one of the most important components of human life. The World Health Organization estimates that foodborne contamination kills 420,000 people per year worldwide. To combat this problem, early detection of contaminated food is essential. To address this issue, a smart packaging system was developed using a pH-sensitive, carbohydrate-based film that changes color when food begins to spoil, and is also biodegradable. The film was developed by crosslinking guar-gum and chitosan, then adding a pH indicator made of bromocresol green and anthocyanins to the hydro-film, giving it the ability to change color. As food spoils, it releases compounds called amines, which have a high pH value. As the amines accumulate, the anthocyanins in the smart film change color, indicating food spoilage. The smart film was tested for its stability, ability to absorb water, and pH range. Its ability to detect food spoilage was tested by placing it in a petri dish with a fish sample and observing color change over the course of 10 days. Data collected from the tests showed that not only was the smart film able to change color in response to food spoilage, but it was also able to go 10 days submerged in water before showing signs of deterioration. The results indicate that this smart film could potentially be used as a visual indicator for food freshness. However, it is believed that its most promising application is in its ability to perform as an alternative to petroleum-based plastics for specific food-based usage.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Zamora, Cuauhtemoc\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Veterans Memorial High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25003\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:42.595698Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:80113baa18efa580b73e65390737de04fa83134b52630b38cd844d8c81250b61\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25003\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:43.989511Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:289588d4e5be809024ae9a6ae6dcf21ab103e0ec00cb7faf0c8a19a06576b200\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25003\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATS017-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:289588d4e5be809024ae9a6ae6dcf21ab103e0ec00cb7faf0c8a19a06576b200\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25003\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:80113baa18efa580b73e65390737de04fa83134b52630b38cd844d8c81250b61\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Materials Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATS024\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n      \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: First Award of $750 in each Regeneron ISEF Category,\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"When the Paint's On, the Heat's Gone\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Playing sports such as soccer, baseball, or football on a hot and sunny day is always dreaded, especially when playing on synthetic turf. In August, turf temperatures in Madison, WI can be above 50\u00b0C, roughly 20\u00b0C hotter than grass. For players, the heat is especially prevalent in the feet and can cause health concerns such as, heatstroke and blisters, as well as physical concerns like melting shoes and harsher turf burns[1]. Ideas on replacing turf infill and shoe insoles have all been evaluated, but they are costly and not very effective. Instead we propose a low-cost strategy, targeting the heat before it enters the shoe. We hypothesize that applying a reflective layer to the bottom of the shoe will allow the heat to reflect off the shoe, allowing for more heat resistance compared to products currently on the market. After multiple experiments, the interior temperature of the reflective shoe demonstrated a notable 5.5\u00b0C decrease compared to control shoe after 90 minutes (the typical length of a professional soccer match). Whereas, the Blusol shoe (Blusol, the only commercially available insole for heat resistance) was only 2.6\u00b0C cooler than the control shoe. We conclude that the greater heat resistance of the reflective layer and its cost-effective nature provides a better option than the currently available insole.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Shi, Sophie\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Middleton High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"WI\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25408\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:44.687158Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a01e9507dac96b79af5c39dc6ad9ddae86e3a480e9dbe9b1667eb7ac08f89372\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25408\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:46.479588Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:25eb3d2426df3ea1611a183c457e7b97e4a2bd76e4d4e9454b7b4218ad5bef67\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25408\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATS024-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:25eb3d2426df3ea1611a183c457e7b97e4a2bd76e4d4e9454b7b4218ad5bef67\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25408\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:a01e9507dac96b79af5c39dc6ad9ddae86e3a480e9dbe9b1667eb7ac08f89372\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Materials Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATS030T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate\",\n      \"raw\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate : First Place Award \u201cMaterial Science\u201d\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate : First Place Award \u201cMaterial Science\u201d\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Engineering a Greener Future: A Novel, Biodegradable, Self-Powered, Chitosan-Based Food Packaging Material\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Since the discovery of synthetic petroleum-based plastics, humanity has increased its production exponentially at the cost of our planet's health. This traditional plastic takes millions of years to degrade and pollutes our Earth during every step of production, causing a global climate crisis. With an increasingly burdensome amount of plastic waste generated each year combined with the industry's unsustainable practices, an alternative and environmentally-friendly material is crucial. This research created a sustainable food packaging system by exploring the versatile applications of chitosan, a biodegradable polymer derived from crustacean shells and fungal cell walls. The researchers used mushroom-derived chitosan with graphene oxide nanofiller and conducted five tests to analyze and compare the quality of this material: loss tangent/permittivity, biodegradability, mechanical properties, film thickness, and shelf life. Results demonstrated the efficacy of the chitosan-based packaging, exhibiting a dielectric constant of 4.75, a tensile strength of 50.36 MPa, biodegradation within 28 days, and extended shelf life\u2014outperforming conventional plastics. Furthermore, a self-powered humidity sensor, correlating color changes with relative humidity, was integrated into the packaging to monitor moisture levels, providing a sustainable method for assessing food contamination risk without electronic waste or energy consumption. By integrating the two applications - the chitosan packaging and humidity sensor-, an innovative and intelligent food packaging system was created that offers a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics, alleviating the amount of plastic waste generated each year, increasing the shelf life of produce, and guaranteeing a greener future for all.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"D'Souza, Nikita\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"College Park High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Yuan, Grace\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"College Park High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25503\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:47.100653Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5f224d0f38c70699f77fd2992c9db429b551b8ca51a6845f6fbf36e65b2c13ec\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25503\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:49.984241Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5701dc05e5f02330f6c78c90740cce264be8c74411f43fbd842ca0720e928306\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25503\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATS030T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5701dc05e5f02330f6c78c90740cce264be8c74411f43fbd842ca0720e928306\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25503\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:5f224d0f38c70699f77fd2992c9db429b551b8ca51a6845f6fbf36e65b2c13ec\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Materials Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATS033\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: NOT TO BE READ -- $200 cash prize for each Enrichment award recipient\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: Mawhiba Universal Enrichment Program awards (and a $200 cash prize)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Development of Electrolyte Additive for Self-Corrosion Control of Aluminum Air Battery Electrodes\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The growing demand for energy sparked the transition from fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change, to sustainable solutions, by storing renewable energy in batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are widely used, but their viability has been questioned due to their low-energy density, high-cost, safety concerns, and contribution to water contamination. A proposed solution lies in aluminium-air batteries (AAB), which address these limitations.  Nonetheless, AABs are limited by a self-parasitic reaction which diminishes effectiveness and shortens lifespan. The introduction of additives to the electrolyte has been proposed as one of the solutions to address this challenge. This project aims to develop hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) as a novel anti-corrosive electrolyte additive and study the effect of its concentration on the corrosion rate of the anodic Al electrode, battery performance and hydrogen evolution reaction of the cathodic electrode using NaOH as the electrolyte. Weight-loss, potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), and linear polarization resistance (LPR) tests were conducted to assess HEC\u2019s effectiveness. Additionally, the synergistic effect of dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt (DOS) was also explored. The results show that increasing the concentration of HEC improved the effectiveness of the additive. Electrochemical data show an increase in inhibition efficiency (82% at optimum concentration) upon the addition of DOS whilst not altering HEC\u2019s inhibition mechanism. Surface analysis using 3D optical profilometry coupled with FTIR showed that the corrosion inhibition mechanism of HEC occurs by adsorption of HEC molecules on the Al surface.  In conclusion, the utilization of the developed additives addresses the challenges of AABs, expanding their applicability.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Al Logmani, Jamal\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) Boys High School\",\n        \"country\": \"Saudi Arabia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25366\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:50.603274Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ba7e757d0aa301d2f24c8f34f5cbd4483835cce40a11d52b078e90dae866c45e\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25366\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:52.243793Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6173ea45cd426ca19a2f8fe1e7ea7ecb51f47769d4b686aa54b567cd90a54fe1\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25366\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATS033-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6173ea45cd426ca19a2f8fe1e7ea7ecb51f47769d4b686aa54b567cd90a54fe1\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25366\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:ba7e757d0aa301d2f24c8f34f5cbd4483835cce40a11d52b078e90dae866c45e\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Materials Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATS036\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: NOT TO BE READ -- $200 cash prize for each Enrichment award recipient\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: Mawhiba Universal Enrichment Program awards (and a $200 cash prize)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council\",\n        \"raw\": \"Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council: The  Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Counil awards will recognize 10 projects in the following categories: &#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tAgriculture and Water Management&#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tPersonalized Healthcare&#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tClimate and Sustainability&#x0D\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"\u2022\\tEmerging Information Technologies\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Development of Anti-Dust Nanostructured Silicon Dioxide Coating for Solar Cells\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Driven by the effects of global warming and environmental pollution from fossil fuel use, the transition towards renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, is gaining momentum. Yet, photovoltaic systems encounter critical issues, primarily due to soiling or dust accumulation, which can diminish power efficiency by 20-40% and raise maintenance expenses. Therefore, this study aims to develop a durable, transparent, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective anti-dust coating for photovoltaics, evaluating its potential to maintain PV power performance under harsh environmental conditions. The coating was applied using the dip-coating method, followed by heat curing to improve adhesion. Microstructural analysis using XRD, SEM, and EDS showed that the coating consists of SiO2 nanograins. The one month current-voltage (I-V) measurement test showed that coated samples had a higher Maximum Power Point by 8.7% and Open Circuit Voltage by 5.3% than uncoated ones. Transmittance evaluations over seven months showed that coated samples maintained a high level of transparency at 94% under clean conditions. Coating durability was confirmed through abrasion tests, where the coating withstood 30 cycles, a figure among the highest recorded for silicon dioxide coatings. The UV resistance and chemical stability tests further demonstrated robustness against environmental stressors. Additionally, a notable increase in cost efficiency ($1.5/kg) over conventional cleaning methods was observed, attributed to the coating's low-maintenance nature. In conclusion, this coating significantly benefits the solar energy industry by maintaining photovoltaic panel efficiency and substantially reducing cleaning costs, bridging the gap between innovative research and practical applications.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Alqarni, Areej\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Al-Batool International School\",\n        \"country\": \"Saudi Arabia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25437\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:52.868870Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3ac2904bb971d120c36fc15fe80ea0233343d8655adc3a5c6cb5d58b383f5404\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25437\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:54.310336Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b861146f4bea4cbb5cd91e0413f07e74560b4898cbd2e3eebec2a65eafc1d5fa\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25437\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATS036-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b861146f4bea4cbb5cd91e0413f07e74560b4898cbd2e3eebec2a65eafc1d5fa\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25437\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:3ac2904bb971d120c36fc15fe80ea0233343d8655adc3a5c6cb5d58b383f5404\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Materials Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATS037\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"China Association for Science and Technology (CAST)\",\n      \"raw\": \"China Association for Science and Technology (CAST): Award of $1,200\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"China Association for Science and Technology (CAST)\",\n        \"raw\": \"China Association for Science and Technology (CAST): Award of $1,200\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"3D Bioprinting Soft Microrobotic \\\"Niches\\\" for Stem Cell Delivery\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Stem cell therapy holds tremendous promise for treating illnesses by regenerating damaged body tissues. However, no stem cell treatments for cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, or orthopedic diseases have obtained FDA approval due to the lack of safe and efficient delivery methods. To address these limitations, the Soft MicroRobotic \u201cnichE\u201d (SMORE) system was developed. This novel approach employs soft motile microbots that mimic the body\u2019s stem cell reservoirs, known as stem cell niches, to precisely deliver high quantities of encapsulated stem cells while promoting cell survival and proper integration into host tissues without adverse effects. SMOREs were 3D-bioprinted from cell-laden ink containing a biocompatible polymer, photoinitiator, magnetic nanoparticles, stem cells, and niche components. Magnetometry determined that the nanoparticles had strong superparamagnetism. Scanning electron microscopy and uniaxial compression tests revealed suitable porosity and mechanical stiffness for supporting stem cells. Cell viability assays showed that both the SMORE material and the bioprinting process are biocompatible. Finally, SMOREs demonstrated injectability and responsivity in navigating through a real-size degenerated intervertebral disc model following external magnetic control. These capabilities allow successful delivery of stem cells to target sites, while the SMOREs\u2019 porosity, elasticity, niche mimicry, and biocompatibility permit improved control over stem cell integration, proliferation, and differentiation. As such, the SMORE system exhibits significant potential for overcoming the primary obstacles to efficient cell delivery, offering a pathway towards highly effective stem cell therapies that can ultimately transform the treatment of countless diseases.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Cheng, Cindy\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Laurel Heights Secondary School\",\n        \"country\": \"Canada\",\n        \"state\": \"MT\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25370\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:54.934323Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4a764a148de9dcd5a467602f647dff0a202f9bf1235d683afaaa18b67ba69a6c\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25370\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:56.452306Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:73fc00cd79fea3f260ad27111230989ca6edc6d5225f0a7b9a3673443382e2ab\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25370\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATS037-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:73fc00cd79fea3f260ad27111230989ca6edc6d5225f0a7b9a3673443382e2ab\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25370\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:4a764a148de9dcd5a467602f647dff0a202f9bf1235d683afaaa18b67ba69a6c\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Materials Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATS042T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development\",\n      \"raw\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development: Second Award Global Health and Nutrition\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development\",\n        \"raw\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development: Second Award Global Health and Nutrition\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Alternative Organic  Sanitary Pads From Plant Fibers Enhanced with Gooseberry Extract Coating\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Sanitary pads are critical for effective menstruation management, especially in developing countries where access to high-quality menstrual hygiene products is commonly limited. In these areas, the use of inferior sanitary products frequently leads to health problems, such as vaginal infections. Additionally, most available options are made from synthetic polymers that are non-biodegradable and detrimental to the environment. To tackle these challenges, we developed organic sanitary pads using fermented plant fibers derived from pineapple leaves (Ananas comosus L.), banana sheaths (Musa sapientum L.), hemp stems (Cannabis sativa L.), and paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera L.). These fibers are treated with Actinomycetes and Aspergillus sp. to facilitate the degradation of recalcitrant lignocellulose through the action of lignocellulolytic enzymes.\\nPost-treatment analysis revealed that banana and paper mulberry fibers demonstrated favorable physical and mechanical properties for fluid absorption. To produce organic sanitary pads, we incorporated a crude gooseberry extract as a top coating on a 0.20 mm thick woven layer of banana fiber, which effectively inhibited Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, common pathogens responsible for vaginal infections. The middle layer of the pad features a 0.60 mm thick absorbent core made from paper mulberry sheets, and the base layer is waterproof bioplastic. Furthermore, our organic sanitary pads meet the ISO standards for sanitary napkins, achieving an optimal absorbent capacity, absorption time, and pH level. This development provides a sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic products, potentially expanding to broader applications and offering an environmentally friendly solution with widespread usability.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Panturaporn, Siriarpha\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Montfort College\",\n        \"country\": \"Thailand\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Panturaporn, Siripapha\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Montfort College\",\n        \"country\": \"Thailand\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25028\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:57.068823Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:258378cadf40c523db0104a3b2673a285113a48840748d7cd014ca38d5596282\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25028\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:58.562090Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:139ef3538e2133b0e81af6a9ee3147245ee8c7593c14ea94599e195aab3f20a9\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25028\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATS042T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:139ef3538e2133b0e81af6a9ee3147245ee8c7593c14ea94599e195aab3f20a9\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25028\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:258378cadf40c523db0104a3b2673a285113a48840748d7cd014ca38d5596282\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Materials Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MATS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MATS048T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n      \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n        \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society: First Physical Science Award of $1,200\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Enhancing Tea-Waste Based Biopolymer Nanocomposite Performance Through a Biomimetic Cuticular Hydrocarbon Coating: A Sustainable Packaging Alternative\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Detrimental environmental effects of packaging waste have given rise to a shift towards eco-friendly packaging materials. A recent alternative employed are biopolymer nanocomposites, due to their feasible and biodegradable nature. The biopolymer nanocomposite under investigation is PVA@WTR-CDs, which incorporates carbon-dots derived from waste-tea-residue (WTR-CDs) as nanocomposites with the biopolymer 5wt% polyvinyl alcohol. A criticism of biopolymer nanocomposites is reduced tensile strength and decreased hydrophobicity. To address this, our investigation synthesizes a surface coating similar to cuticular hydrocarbons, a protective layer on social insects. Novel synthetic cuticular hydrocarbons were developed through the transesterification of carnauba wax, utilizing tert-butanol as an alkylating-agent and p-toluenesulfonic acid as a catalyst. The ratio of wax to alkylating-agent varied (1:0.25, 1:0.5, 1:0.75, and 1:1) with a control film containing no hydrocarbon-bilayer. Characterization of the films included testing tensile strength (N), hydrophobicity (contact-angle of water droplets), and UV absorption (Abs). Testing revealed that as the ratio increases, there is a concurrent rise in tensile strength, hydrophobicity, and UV absorption, with the 1:1 ratio obtaining the highest average tensile strength recorded at 25 newtons and a contact angle of 100.6\u00b0 indicating immense hydrophobicity. Additionally, the 1:1 film also had the greatest UV absorption, with its highest absorbance occurring during the 350-400nm range. Thus, testing has revealed that the integration of a hydrocarbon bilayer with a 1:1 ratio of wax-base to alkylating-agent elevates the usage of biopolymer nanocomposites as a sustainable and effective packaging alternative.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Fayad, Amal\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Arizona College Prep High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AZ\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Poddar, Siyaa\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Arizona College Prep High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AZ\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25835\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:38:59.177941Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e48bee1b201563bbeba886aac035b53165750f3853eab0caf4c55b7a6896bb40\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25835\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:02.841819Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1eb8c3c7728af84ed0482b3621a8482ced16c49d3f56685827a8442d814f14fe\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25835\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MATS048T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:1eb8c3c7728af84ed0482b3621a8482ced16c49d3f56685827a8442d814f14fe\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25835\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:e48bee1b201563bbeba886aac035b53165750f3853eab0caf4c55b7a6896bb40\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Microbiology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MCRO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MCRO006\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"NC State College of Engineering\",\n      \"raw\": \"NC State College of Engineering: Scholarship to attend NC State Engineering Summer Camp\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"NC State College of Engineering\",\n        \"raw\": \"NC State College of Engineering: Scholarship to attend NC State Engineering Summer Camp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: First Award of $750 in each Regeneron ISEF Category,\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Year 2: A Novel Biodegradable Sorbent for Oil Spills\",\n    \"abstract\": \"In response to the escalating environmental concerns of oil spills, this project investigates banana bark as a potential oil sorbent that can naturally degrade the absorbed oil. This study explores the potential of lipase-producing bacterial cultures isolated from banana bark as agents for oil degradation. The investigation involves controlled experiments that simulate freshwater and saltwater oil spills, with consistent inoculation densities across all cultures. Remarkably, all tested cultures exhibited substantial oil degradation within 24 hours, emphasizing the rapid efficacy of the banana bark\u2019s lipase-producing microbial flora regarding natural oil breakdown. The observed decrease in degradation rates beyond this point is likely due to nutrient limitations and the accumulation of metabolic by-products affecting the lipase enzyme's activity. Furthermore, distinct differences emerged in the response of these cultures to saltwater conditions, indicating that salt plays an inhibitory role on lipase activity. However, culture #6 demonstrated higher oil degradation abilities in saltwater and freshwater at equal rates, suggesting its potential as a versatile and effective resource for oil spill mitigation in diverse marine environments. Moreover, this study's innovative aspects lie in modeling the collective impact of lipase-producing microbial flora, predicting a relative complete degradation of absorbed oil within 2.6 days in freshwater and 5 days in saltwater. As we navigate the imperative shift toward sustainable environmental practices, these findings offer a promising foundation for developing eco-friendly oil spill response strategies, emphasizing the need for further exploration and validation in practical settings.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Patil, Mahie\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Orlando Science Schools\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24957\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:03.762024Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ef385acd3eae4f9cad0f1f1bdd014804ad1f1eb47bc1d4d61bbb4a69dbfde949\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24957\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:05.897560Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c7e1d5591a8d84be7fab61643da5d96c8fbd0c729a0513396ce32a0b9b06a996\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24957\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MCRO006-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c7e1d5591a8d84be7fab61643da5d96c8fbd0c729a0513396ce32a0b9b06a996\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24957\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:ef385acd3eae4f9cad0f1f1bdd014804ad1f1eb47bc1d4d61bbb4a69dbfde949\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Microbiology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MCRO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MCRO018\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n      \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n        \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Bioinspired Materials to Reduce Infective Endocarditis in Artificial Heart Valves\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Infective endocarditis (IE) is an infection caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream, settle in different parts of the heart, and, specifically for this project, attach to artificial heart valves and develop biofilm. New research for IE is more recently being developed, hoping to create new diagnostic strategies, largely through the application of bioinspired materials in the construction of artificial cardiac valves and the idea that they can yield improved properties. The theory of this project is that by using bioinspired materials, the bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis, a common bacteria seen with infective endocarditis, will have reduced biofilm growth. Two bioinspired materials were researched: a nano-infused antibacterial PLA filament and hydrogel contact lenses. 36 wells in well plates were inoculated with 5 mL of nutrient media and 5 uL of rehydrated S. epidermidis, then coverslips or material samples were inserted, 12 wells for each sample. After 24 hours of incubation, the samples and coverslips were analyzed with a crystal violet stain and photographed. The experiment was successful in demonstrating that these materials reduce biofilm growth. The control samples had an average of 38% biofilm accumulation, the filament had an average of 10.75% accumulation, and the lenses had an average of 11% accumulation. After running an ANOVA test and t-tests for comparison of the individual samples, the p-value was below 0.05 when comparing the lenses and the filament to the control, demonstrating further statistical success of the individual samples completing the hypothesis and exemplifying the future of implantable devices.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Whitt, Megan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Wilsonville High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"OR\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25238\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:06.713139Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:93d5ba758033f395452d4ed5853ac686ae44d951a512df730f7bf18e32e97931\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25238\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:08.641051Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:885d32ffa53d432bfc667bfc3108580ed681beabef63abdfee5045291057de30\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25238\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MCRO018-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:885d32ffa53d432bfc667bfc3108580ed681beabef63abdfee5045291057de30\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25238\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:93d5ba758033f395452d4ed5853ac686ae44d951a512df730f7bf18e32e97931\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Microbiology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MCRO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MCRO019\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Drug, Chemical &amp\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Drug, Chemical &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Associated Technologies Association (DCAT)\",\n        \"raw\": \"Associated Technologies Association (DCAT): DCAT First Prize\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"The Antibacterial Effect of Allium sativum on Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria Phase II\",\n    \"abstract\": \"In 2019, bacterial infections were estimated to be the second leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for every one in eight global deaths. More than half of these were caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus Pneumonia, E.Coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Although antibiotics are effective against these infections, inadequate access, resistant strains, and differing immune systems cause challenges. To combat this global health issue, I expanded my Phase 1 investigation on the antibacterial properties of Allium Sativum (garlic) by observing its inhibitory properties against ten different strains of gram-positive and negative bacteria, as well as its strength when combined with various kinds of honey. Garlic was tested in extract and pure Allicin form, and in combination with honey from Iowa, India, and New Zealand (Manuka). The experimental results showed that a combination of garlic extract and Manuka honey was the most effective against strains of Pseudomonas, E.Coli, and Staph aureus. The inhibition zones of this garlic extract and Manuka honey mixture were comparable to typical inhibition zones displayed by regular antibiotic treatments for these bacteria. These results indicate that garlic and honey can be used as alternatives to antibiotics for certain respiratory bacterial infections which would be life-changing for those who are immuno-compromised, allergic, do not have access to antibiotics, or can not afford them. To make this effective treatment more accessible, I developed both a candy and a pill formulation from garlic extract and Manuka honey. This dual-delivery approach offers a tangible solution for individuals struggling with respiratory bacterial infections, providing a convenient and affordable alternative to antibiotics.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Sharma, Antariksha\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Maharishi School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"IA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25306\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:09.354723Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4fb51d314a04a601fd06c975d4426ac03b93c29d794b912078037a20bbbac31b\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25306\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:11.152477Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:04264092274dc8986e1006a9d1ab010f32bac1c78585083002840e84133a0602\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25306\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MCRO019-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:04264092274dc8986e1006a9d1ab010f32bac1c78585083002840e84133a0602\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25306\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:4fb51d314a04a601fd06c975d4426ac03b93c29d794b912078037a20bbbac31b\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Microbiology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MCRO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MCRO032T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n      \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n        \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Bacterial Acoustic: Investigating the Impact of White Noise on the Growth of E. coli\",\n    \"abstract\": \"This research project investigates the influence of white noise frequencies on the growth of E. coli bacteria within the audible range of 14,500-15,000 Hertz (Hz). White noise, characterized by uniform intensity across all frequencies between 20-20,000 Hz, is known to mask disruptive environmental sounds. However, its potential impact on biological systems, particularly bacterial growth, remains an unexplored area. The experimental procedures involved the construction of a soundproof foam box housing a Bluetooth speaker. E. coli K12 bacterial dilution was prepared using a 0.9 saline solution, following the 0.5 McFarland standard. Colonies of E. coli were combined with 2 mL of saline solution, and 20 micro-liters of the resulting bacterial dilution were plated onto Mueller-Hinton agar. The agar plates with microorganisms were placed inside the soundproof box and exposed to white noise frequencies for 20 minutes and 24 hours at 37\u00b0C in an incubator. The results, quantified and analyzed using the ImageJ program, revealed a negative correlation between white noise frequency and E. coli growth inhibition. The higher the white sound frequency the lower the number of E. coli colonies. These findings contribute to the understanding of the impact of sound frequencies on microbial growth, opening avenues for further exploration in the fields of environmental microbiology and noise pollution studies.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ananya Betancourt, Andrea\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Harvest Preparatory Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AZ\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Navarro Ruiz , Diana\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Harvest Preparatory Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AZ\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Ladino, Diane\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Harvest Preparatory Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AZ\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25834\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:11.830368Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:cca63b4cfdf19ef674554f8b6b137582eb84da4bd99a30a430438542c53c86ac\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25834\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:13.544732Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f9afc276ff7e1202b709b280200ae6d0759e93f8da0de7d968b0c3b14bf709f6\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25834\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MCRO032T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f9afc276ff7e1202b709b280200ae6d0759e93f8da0de7d968b0c3b14bf709f6\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25834\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:cca63b4cfdf19ef674554f8b6b137582eb84da4bd99a30a430438542c53c86ac\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Microbiology\",\n    \"category_code\": \"MCRO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"MCRO038T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"Drug, Chemical &amp\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"Drug, Chemical &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Associated Technologies Association (DCAT)\",\n        \"raw\": \"Associated Technologies Association (DCAT): DCAT First Prize\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Combating Superbugs: Using Natural Compounds as Down-Regulators of Biofilms Formation in ESKAPE Pathogens (An in silico Study)\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Biofilm is the consortia of sessile groups of microbial colonies that adhere on biotic and abiotic surfaces with the help of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and glycocalyx. ESKAPE bacteria are the most common types of nosocomial disease-causing organisms and are considered to be the model biofilm-forming organisms. The biofilm formed by ESKAPE pathogens prevents penetration of conventional antibiotics due to the presence of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) thereby creating multi-drug or antibiotic resistance. Natural therapeutics have been chosen due to their potential to disrupt biofilms. The in silico studies performed on biofilm-forming bacterial proteins of ESKAPE pathogens revealed the role of various known bioactive compounds. This study investigates twenty-three natural compounds for their drug-like properties for fighting against antibiotic-resistant biofilms. The overall safety and efficiency of oral drug reception are maintained, emphasizing their potential for further drug development. Molecular docking analysis employing SwissDock was used to evaluate the binding affinities of these ligands to key biofilm-forming genes and membrane proteins in ESKAPE pathogens. The results show specific ligands, such as Baicalin, Curcumin, etc., demonstrating high binding affinities against biofilm-associated proteins that we studied. The selected ligands were thoroughly observed for their molecular electrostatic properties and protein-ligand interactions. It was further observed that the newly designed compounds shared all drug-like properties and showed maximum interaction with the biofilm-forming protein. Thus, this study provides a new dimension of antibiofilm compound (drug) which possesses a maximum potency of eradicating biofilms and AMR bacteria.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Gupta, Jai\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Seminole High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Gupta, Avi\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Seminole High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25770\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:14.243657Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2b72b5f906b2f8c44631749568f029ada28e03cbb70bafd9ef18e34f46ac77af\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25770\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:16.147844Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ab9acb2e10dae82cff86662bd87ae41815dce1df1a1225bbfc8c0a26593941bb\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25770\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/MCRO038T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ab9acb2e10dae82cff86662bd87ae41815dce1df1a1225bbfc8c0a26593941bb\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25770\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:2b72b5f906b2f8c44631749568f029ada28e03cbb70bafd9ef18e34f46ac77af\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PHYS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PHYS002\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Florida Institute of Technology\",\n      \"raw\": \"Florida Institute of Technology: Full Tuition Presidential Scholarship\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Florida Institute of Technology\",\n        \"raw\": \"Florida Institute of Technology: Full Tuition Presidential Scholarship\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Analysis of Optimal Rotor Shape: Year 3\",\n    \"abstract\": \"For many years, there has been research conducted by organizations such as NASA on the possibility of having a space capsule utilize rotors. However, what areas of research tend to lack is an evaluation of the exact build of the capsule, namely, the rotors. Thus, the idea that rotor adjustments played a huge part in the descent of a space capsule was tested with the hypothesis being that a larger chord length resulted in better flight.\\nFirst, a CFD simulation of the airfoil NACA 4412 was carried out to understand the pressures and the factors taken into account with a helicopter rotor. Following this, a momentum theory approach was taken to further explain, mathematically, how autorotation would work in an idealized case. A Reynolds number was also taken using assumptions of the Momentum Theory\\nTo differentiate potentially different rotors, a Blade Element Momentum simulation was taken that showed an efficiency curve that was wider in a shorter chord length than a wider chord length. Before this, two examinations of heat on the capsule were taken and showed similar results.\\nThe data and calculations imply that a rotor-based space capsule is may be possible with thinner, yet still strong rotors, the calculated Reynolds shows a very turbulent flight. This coupled with the Blade Element Momentum Theory and the heat flux show expectations of flight, what is expected to further predict is an engineering goal of constructing the capsule using a specific rotor setup, most likely coaxial.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Carvajal-Beltran, Jose\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Wildwood High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24612\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:17.655273Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:be209f622917f15ff98e0b1466a4e77007f6f8c96f4650ead4d5e5ff6b64d3d3\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24612\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:18.880056Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f75585799a948218722780089cd426f100c50067ae4660be6cf3c2e01328b133\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24612\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PHYS002-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f75585799a948218722780089cd426f100c50067ae4660be6cf3c2e01328b133\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24612\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:be209f622917f15ff98e0b1466a4e77007f6f8c96f4650ead4d5e5ff6b64d3d3\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PHYS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PHYS008\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"China Association for Science and Technology (CAST)\",\n      \"raw\": \"China Association for Science and Technology (CAST): Award of $1,200\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"China Association for Science and Technology (CAST)\",\n        \"raw\": \"China Association for Science and Technology (CAST): Award of $1,200\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Dust-Repellent and Self-Cleaning Coatings for Solar Panels on Earth, the Moon and Mars (Year Two)\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Solar energy is one of the most prominent sustainable sources of global energy while also powering space exploration. However, the efficiency of solar panels is undermined by the accumulation of charged dust particles. This project aims to reduce this issue by developing a long-term, self-cleaning coating that can be applied to solar panels to prevent dust from accumulating on the surface while maintaining transparent and anti-reflective properties. Based on last year's research, indium tin oxide (ITO) proved to be an effective coating due to its conductive properties, proving the concept of dust-repellent coatings. Building on these results, I explored a new transparent coating, spin-coated octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS), which creates a hydrophobic yet conductive surface. Due to the lotus leaf effect, the hydrophobic and conductive coating causes water droplets to roll off with the remaining dust particles when it rains. Additionally, I improved both a chamber that blew Martian, Lunar, and Terrestrial dust simulants onto the coated sheets, simulating wind conditions, and a Python code that analyzed the coated sheets to estimate the dust coverage. Using a goniometer, I measured the static and dynamic contact angles of the coatings. The OTS-ITO coated sheet successfully prevented dust buildup, while being self-cleaning and maintaining the efficiency of the solar panel by avoiding light reflection. In addition to helping improve solar panels on the Earth, Mars, and the Moon this novel coating can also be applied to other surfaces such as windows, glasses, and screens to create dust-free and self-cleaning surfaces.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Vaidyanathan, Arvid\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Winter Springs High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"FL\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24890\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:19.527636Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d6746a590cacddc50003804f3b195b3dffbe7ddd60b7d1e5f279f2643fa08b89\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24890\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:21.393534Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:cec0c2dabb417e175dc592ae8b95877df824597c002e190f4b209f50184b0ba9\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24890\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PHYS008-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:cec0c2dabb417e175dc592ae8b95877df824597c002e190f4b209f50184b0ba9\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24890\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:d6746a590cacddc50003804f3b195b3dffbe7ddd60b7d1e5f279f2643fa08b89\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PHYS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PHYS011\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n      \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n        \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Investigating the Use of Parallel Computing With Quantum Computers\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Quantum computers are integral to progress in computational capability but are limited by\\ndecoherence. This research investigated characteristics of qubit decoherence in systems of\\nparallel quantum computers and evaluated the extent to which parallel processing affects the\\nefficiency and stability of the quantum system. Three different tests were run to characterize\\ndecoherence as a function of the number of computers run in parallel. The first experiment\\nmeasured the dependence of the decay rate of a quantum system based on T 1 \u00a0decoherence\\nand the number of computers run in parallel. Testing showed that T 1 decoherence was only\\nmarginally affected by the use of multi-computer processing. The second test, a T 2 \u00a0Hahn test,\\nshowed the effect of increasing the number of computers run in parallel on the overall decay of\\na qubit from an excited state. This test was conducted with up to eight computers run in parallel.\\nAs the number of computers run in parallel increased, the decay rate of the qubit decreased,\\nwith the maximum difference achieved when four computers were used. The benefit margin was\\nmuch less for more than four computers run. The third test performed was a T 2 \u00a0Ramsey test\\nwhich investigated the resulting oscillations of the qubit after it failed to land in a perfect excited\\nstate. The use of parallel computing significantly decreased the T 2\u00a0 Ramsey decoherence, with\\nthe greatest reduction achieved when three computers were run in parallel. Statistical tests\\nindicated that the use of parallel computing led to a significant reduction in the decay rate for\\nT 2 \u00a0Hahn and T 2 \u00a0Ramsey for all parallel circuits tested. The reduction of T 1 \u00a0decoherence was less effective, requiring at least 4 computers run in parallel to be significant.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Miller, Jesse\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"College Park High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24843\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:22.031393Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b18db19fb9f73794be6e1ce5f0c369883fc40455487fb33bdf0a338b332a5517\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24843\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:23.588410Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c7f9b04d73527a81693599f114d642448ae05810b7db29c9c31575793f8752e6\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24843\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PHYS011-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c7f9b04d73527a81693599f114d642448ae05810b7db29c9c31575793f8752e6\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24843\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:b18db19fb9f73794be6e1ce5f0c369883fc40455487fb33bdf0a338b332a5517\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PHYS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PHYS014\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n      \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n        \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Reinforcement Learning Based Kinematic Controller and Proportional-Integrative-Derivative Based Dynamic Controller for Soft Robots\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Soft robotics has immense potential to transform fields like healthcare and exploration due to the superior adaptability of soft robots compared to traditional rigid robots. Their inherently flexible nature enables soft robots to navigate diverse environments and spaces effectively. However, controlling soft robots also presents significant challenges due to their lack of joints and rigidity. This research aimed to develop an advanced kinematic controller using Reinforcement Learning (RL) to direct the movement of a continuum-arm soft robot within an unknown environment. The hypothesis was that an RL-based controller could effectively guide the continuum arm to accurately reach target destinations by learning from feedback on its performance. The study successfully implemented an RL control algorithm to maneuver the continuum arm and achieve end-effector positioning within 0.0001 meters of the specified target position. The outcome proved the hypothesis.\\nThis research also sought to create an even more advanced controller that could dictate where a continuum-arm soft robot would go in an unknown environment and where its mobility was affected by external forces. The hypothesis was that a dynamic controller utilizing a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control strategy could accurately navigate the continuum arm to the target location even amid outside pressures and disturbances. A PID controller was implemented to control a continuum arm affected by external pressures in an unknown environment to test the hypothesis. The results showed that the end-effector position of the continuum arm powered by the dynamic controller was 3.09 \u00d710^(-6) meters from the target end-effector position, proving the second hypothesis.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Mazumder, Anirudh\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24977\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:24.224490Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:057cdf0611c0cd55d1d42ac99d705a8eb595466984c8dc46592bc15a5665a0d8\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24977\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:25.768345Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fd719774d8248c8bfb588a422e8307a2712b60f001fde543f944d903b65bdc11\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24977\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PHYS014-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fd719774d8248c8bfb588a422e8307a2712b60f001fde543f944d903b65bdc11\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24977\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:057cdf0611c0cd55d1d42ac99d705a8eb595466984c8dc46592bc15a5665a0d8\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PHYS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PHYS031\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Qorvo\",\n      \"raw\": \"Qorvo: Qorvo Innovator Award - 1st Place\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Qorvo\",\n        \"raw\": \"Qorvo: Qorvo Innovator Award - 1st Place\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"NASA\",\n        \"raw\": \"NASA: 2nd Prize\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Novel System for Long-Range Wireless Power Transmission\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Wired power transmission necessitates costly infrastructure. Wireless power transmission could be an alternative, but is limited by substantial energy loss. This project develops a novel Wireless Power Transmission system (WPTS).\\nThe WPTS was designed to deliver power wirelessly through 2.4GHz EM waves. Using a self-developed optimization algorithm in Excel, a novel Fresnel Lens with concentric rings and angles specific for EM was created to phase-align and collimate waves into a beam, maximizing energy transmission. A Phased Array Transmitter (TX) was added to magnify and beam-steer the EM waves to the Fresnel Lens. Finally, the Rectenna Receiver converted the EM waves back into DC power.\\nThe new WPTS was simulated with HFSS software (EM field-simulator). After designing the components in HFSS, energy outputs were compared.\\nA WPTS prototype was built from scratch to validate HFSS simulation data in real-world conditions. The prototype consists of a self-designed Phased Array Transmitter (Printed Circuit Board), 3D-printed Fresnel Lenses, and hand-made Rectennas.\\nSimulations show the new WPTS transmits potential energy over 10m, with minimal loss. The WPTS prototype validated simulation results by providing a 31dBm increase in power, versus a single antenna. Furthermore, the novel Fresnel lens collimates EM waves, leading to more efficient energy transmission. Adding the Fresnel Lens leads to greater power transmission efficiency, showing a 9X power increase vs a single antenna and a 21X increase vs a phased array. Overall, the new system successfully transmits power wirelessly as EM radio-waves, an important first step in harvesting clean energy from distant sources.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Anand, Anish\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Palos Verdes Peninsula High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24662\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:26.417517Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3e2a9f5e752680c2578705019ffc19abcc07f655889a206c5c671394cb02f71f\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24662\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:28.076548Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:682042fcfd2cc0a3efde93f73df61f889fc0ebb3b3f0bcc3a21e4c20dd46c120\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24662\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PHYS031-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:682042fcfd2cc0a3efde93f73df61f889fc0ebb3b3f0bcc3a21e4c20dd46c120\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24662\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:3e2a9f5e752680c2578705019ffc19abcc07f655889a206c5c671394cb02f71f\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PHYS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PHYS054\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n      \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n        \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Beyond the Star: A Data-Driven Approach to Exoplanet Classification\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Exoplanet detection improves the current understanding of planet formation and provides the possibility for the discovery of new habitable worlds. However, teams of astronomers and astrophysicists have traditionally been the only ones capable of identifying exoplanets. Using traditional techniques such as the Transit Method, Gravitational Microlensing, Direct Imaging, Polarimetry, Astrometry, and Radial Velocity, researchers have attempted to identify exoplanets in the past, but manual processing is difficult and time-consuming. An advanced approach to detecting exoplanets in space is by utilizing artificial intelligence to solve this problem.  In this study, hybrid approaches with an optimized elastic-net-based driven model were developed to effectively detect exoplanets. The standard planet dataset was collected and pre-processed to eliminate unnecessary components that can affect the prediction accuracy. The quality of the dataset was enhanced by the suggested framework's use of two distinct pre-processing techniques, including mass imputation and median and median absolute deviation-based normalization.  To forecast the exoplanet, the pre-data was further analyzed using a feature selection procedure. The optimized elastic net was used to carry out the feature selection. These features were then further processed for prediction using a hybrid Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Units and Support Vector Machine (BiGRU-SVM) classifier. For evaluating the proposed model, the performance metrics such as accuracy, error, TNR, and F1-score are evaluated.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Chauhan, Prithika\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Hamilton High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AZ\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25869\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:28.735733Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:060b6ce16c82eff0b4dd7695f362060f955145f9bc2844d071d3ebf3ca609575\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25869\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:30.594392Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9d0ccc43f1fd2cf252f2e579135bc778967b40e7c5df4926b01ec0f6e4bc20cf\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25869\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PHYS054-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9d0ccc43f1fd2cf252f2e579135bc778967b40e7c5df4926b01ec0f6e4bc20cf\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25869\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:060b6ce16c82eff0b4dd7695f362060f955145f9bc2844d071d3ebf3ca609575\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Physics and Astronomy\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PHYS\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PHYS066\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n      \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: First Award of $750 in each Regeneron ISEF Category,\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Optimizing the Laser Alignment Process: Automated Alignment for Enhanced Efficiency in Magneto-Optical Trap Calibration\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Magneto-optical traps (MOTs) stand out as essential tools in the field of Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics (AMO), enabling physicists to trap and manipulate atoms through the use of optical components and laser light. Currently, the calibration time needed for these experiments is significant, demanding hours of manual adjustments to optimize setup parameters. This project aims to reduce the calibration time necessary for these experiments through automating the laser alignment process. The setup utilized in this experiment involves four adjustable mirrors attached to servo motors, controlling the direction and angle of light from a <5mW red laser, allowing for four degrees of freedom. The laser light is guided by these adjustable mirrors to the end of a fiber optic cable, connected to a photosensor. Throughout the experiment, the intensity values of the detected light are printed to a console log and recorded alongside time changes. Various scanning algorithms, including circular, plane, and spiral scans, were tested in the experiment. Each scan comprised an xy-plane movement function and an angle scan function. During 20 trials of 2-minute scans, the spiral scan, executing a spiral movement on the xy-plane and performing an angle scan at the designated points, consistently produced the highest maximum sensor value. On average, it recorded approximately 2304 units on the photosensor, surpassing half of the maximum possible sensor value. The change in the maximum sensor value throughout the duration of the experiment was more gradual in the spiral and plane scans in contrast to the circular scan. These findings highlight the potential of achieving a high sensor value rapidly, demonstrating a significant enhancement in the efficiency of laser alignment processes.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"McVay, Tatyana\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Paul Duke STEM High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"GA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25988\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:31.237889Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:83d870bb7681f609570b40027e2e6d090f5b113142744fc44ee5f4b8c125d103\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25988\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:32.741107Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c0866390dd6ea479ac72fa8481bec3829960444a4f319fb68c2ac1f2c61a59a7\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25988\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PHYS066-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c0866390dd6ea479ac72fa8481bec3829960444a4f319fb68c2ac1f2c61a59a7\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25988\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:83d870bb7681f609570b40027e2e6d090f5b113142744fc44ee5f4b8c125d103\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PLNT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PLNT012\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n      \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"The Growth of Spinach in Vertical and Horizontal Hydroponics\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The escalating costs of traditional farming has spurred interest in investigating alternative cultivation methods, such as hydroponics. My project aims to compare the efficiency of horizontal and vertical bamboo hydroponic systems of Manoa Lettuce while considering sustainability. Manoa lettuce was chosen because of it's ability to endure Hawaii's year round humidity and heat. Each system was created using the Nutrient Film Technique, where shallow streams of water pass through the roots to provide nutrients and increase growth. Bamboo poles and buckets were used as a structure for the plants to grow in as a more environmentally-friendly and cost effective approach. The growth parameters, including plant length and overall health were closely monitored throughout the experiment. The plants in the vertical structure were found to have significant growth compared to the horizontal structure. The data determined vertical bamboo hydroponics resulted in an increased growth rate. While our world experiences concerns about sustainability and rising prices, these results have a huge impact on those looking to adopt efficient methods of food production.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Johnson, Lauren\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Mililani High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"HI\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24614\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:33.403081Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b634e5d58f24ca547f069df2287751734bcf506e6da2b024df362f7af3295b9e\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24614\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:34.873336Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fdb8b80c76624a79df25429d4a9a43ea96cd1b697ab2e816dbce21a515cc0ac4\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24614\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PLNT012-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fdb8b80c76624a79df25429d4a9a43ea96cd1b697ab2e816dbce21a515cc0ac4\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; 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Outstanding students will be given priority with full scholarships for undergraduate admissions, applicable to any major, at Westlake University.\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Mars or Bust! A Method to Build a Martian Regolith-Based Substrate for Sustainable Agriculture on Mars\",\n    \"abstract\": \"To establish long-term human presence on Mars, a method for sustainable agriculture utilizing in-situ resources and minimal fostering materials from Earth must be developed. This study aimed to grow Trifolium repens in a Mars Global (Regolith) Simulant, or MGS-1, substrate that yields dry plant biomass statistically non-inferior to control plants grown in Earth soil. Previous research has established that growing plants in 100% MGS-1 is not possible. Previous studies combining regolith simulant with mixtures of 50% soil or more have produced plant biomass inferior to control biomass. Pre-experimental analysis of the chemical and physical properties of MGS-1 indicated that a variety of augmentation is needed to support agriculture in Martian regolith including acidification, nitrogen fortification, microbe introduction, humus creation and drainage. This experiment tested different methods including mixing MGS-1 with highly-expandable coco-coir (coconut waste) and minimal Earth soil as well as integration of plant biomass as biofertilizer for subsequent crops after each of four 12-week growth cycles. After growth cycle 1 (G1), fewer than half of the treatments survived and all were statistically lower in average dry biomass than the control (p<0.01). After G2, plant biomass increased significantly (>2X). After G3, one treatment combination surpassed the control in average dry biomass and the null hypothesis was rejected. This novel approach using just 4% Earth soil and a waste product is the first method to successfully grow plants in augmented MGS-1 non-inferior to Earth-grown crops. This ongoing research has applications on Earth to support declining ecosystems and mining restoration.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Hughes, Quinn\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Minnetonka High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MN\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25067\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:35.519474Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b812923a085c0c6610cd401df00d9414effdd3713f489f61491cfa37fc491fb1\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25067\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:37.005944Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:21582be9f9d118acc080c66830aa86229978509b2732b26f06d9e6042d08ee7e\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25067\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PLNT020-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:21582be9f9d118acc080c66830aa86229978509b2732b26f06d9e6042d08ee7e\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25067\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:b812923a085c0c6610cd401df00d9414effdd3713f489f61491cfa37fc491fb1\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PLNT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PLNT035T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n      \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n        \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Pest Buster! Pests Repelling Biodegradable Weed Barrier Infused with Grape Skin and Turmeric Extracts: Year 2 Study\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Over the years, around 20% to 40% of global crop production has been lost because of pests and bioactivity. At the same time, the weed barriers had caused the soil to be unsuitable for plant growth. To address this issue, this study investigated the efficiency of an engineered biodegradable weed barrier that can repel agricultural pests.\\nThis project was conducted using the following methods: Both grape skin and turmeric were soaked in ethanol. After a 3-week period, the pure extract was collected using a rotary evaporator ran at 100 rpm at 60oC. The peels were then dehydrated in a digital incubator. The weed barrier was engineered by mixing starch, glycerin, vinegar, distilled water and sodium alginate on a hot plate. Next, the weed barrier was placed under food sources inside a container filled with pests (fruit flies, termites, and pill bugs). The pests were observed for 30 minutes and pest preference was recorded. The barrier was also tested for antifungal properties using Aspergillus niger. Lastly, the weed barriers were buried in garden soil for a month for a biodegradation test.\\nThe results showed that the biodegradable weed barrier had a significant effect on repelling the pest (p-value<0.5, Chi-square). The weed barrier also showed significant biodegradation rate (Grape peels= 74.8%, Turmeric= 64.4%) with p-values <0.05 (T-test). Lastly, the weed barriers also exhibited antifungal effects against A. niger with all zones of inhibition higher than 15mm.\\nThis research demonstrates pest repellant applications for farming agencies to utilize instead of harmful pesticides.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Castro, Michael\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Harvest Preparatory Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AZ\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Gil Villalobos, Humberto\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Harvest Preparatory Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AZ\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25189\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:37.659215Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:af6dabc1f0b10ede408e94953e0a3c9702b3135c049fca482be5a3d6f38a9609\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25189\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:39.222333Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3b75b257bd8b99731428f97a178d966deab1c4f7309d2038692fd14bc887ab5b\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25189\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PLNT035T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3b75b257bd8b99731428f97a178d966deab1c4f7309d2038692fd14bc887ab5b\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25189\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:af6dabc1f0b10ede408e94953e0a3c9702b3135c049fca482be5a3d6f38a9609\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Plant Sciences\",\n    \"category_code\": \"PLNT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"PLNT058\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n      \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n        \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Prickly Project: Extracting and Quantifying Oxalate Concentrations in Opuntia engelmannii\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The unique carbon fixation and CAM photosynthesis process of Tucson, Arizona\u2019s Opuntia\\nengelmannii (Texas prickly pear) offers reduction to the ever-rising carbon dioxide atmospheric\\nlevels; however, the variability among prickly pears\u2019 CO2 fixation capabilities remains unknown.\\nSince the oxalate (C2O42-) reserves in Opuntia engelmannii are directly converted from CO2\\nextracted from the atmosphere, the goal of this research was to construct a reproducible assay to\\nquantify the amount of oxalate in prickly pear paddles (cladodes) and by extension quantify the\\nlevel of carbon fixation within each cladode. As a result of intense experimentation and\\noptimization to the overall assay and individual steps within it, an assay with 8 core steps \u2014\\nincluding manual extraction of calcium oxalate from cladodes, chemical isolation of oxalic acid,\\nand an oxalic acid-sodium hydroxide titration \u2014 was developed from scratch. The effectiveness\\nof the assay was confirmed by the results of Sample 2, Sample 1\u2019, and Sample 2\u2019: 0.106%,\\n0.102%, and 0.132% respectively. Although all 3 samples measured similar percentages, the data\\nset was too small to draw conclusions about true oxalate variability, so the real significance of\\nthese results were reflected by their completion and dual-equivalence titration curves which\\nserved as a proof of concept. In conclusion, this assay provides a great foundation for future\\ninvestigation of a possible correlation between environmental conditions and oxalate\\nconcentrations in texas prickly pear. Certain environmental conditions can then be fostered by\\nindividuals to allow prickly pear to maximize oxalate concentrations and by extension maximize\\nCO2 fixation.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Walsh, Ella\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"University High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AZ\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25842\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:39.859078Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c7d9ee413e9657ddc7652ce97c66d38d3a14c89ac89d737cfc6c8827fffb1298\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25842\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:41.355011Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:31e5d27a0acbf2aa69ed49fdb137eac2b7eebd45f1345a33f39e33973dc833ac\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25842\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/PLNT058-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:31e5d27a0acbf2aa69ed49fdb137eac2b7eebd45f1345a33f39e33973dc833ac\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25842\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:c7d9ee413e9657ddc7652ce97c66d38d3a14c89ac89d737cfc6c8827fffb1298\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ROBO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ROBO007T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence\",\n      \"raw\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence: Honorable Mention (do not read aloud). Winners receive a student level membership. Information is included separately in the SAO Portal.\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence\",\n        \"raw\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence: Honorable Mention (do not read aloud). Winners receive a student level membership. Information is included separately in the SAO Portal.\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence\",\n        \"raw\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence: AAAI Student Memberships for each finalist that is part of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Prize Winning projects and 5 Honorable Mention winning projects (up to 3 students per project) (in-kind award / part of the 1st-3rd prize)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence\",\n        \"raw\": \"Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence: AAAI Membership for the School Libraries of All 8 Winners (in-kind award / part of 1st-3rd prize and honorable mentions' prize)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Advancing Pet Face Recognition: A Deep Learning Approach With a Large-Scale Dataset\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Every year in the U.S., millions of cats and dogs go missing, but only a few are reunited with their owners. To address this issue, our study proposes a deep learning approach for matching lost and found pets by using the SOTA face recognition model. One of the main challenges in this field is the lack of large-scale pet face recognition datasets for achieving high-performance models, primarily due to the difficulty in collecting multiple photos of the same pet. In response to this problem, our study proposes an algorithm to collect a pet face recognition dataset and use it to train a face recognition model. We have constructed a large-scale pet face dataset containing 550K photos, averaging 33 photos per ID. Considering real-world applications, lost or found pet posts typically contain 2 to 3 photos. We additionally collected a test set with an average of 2.7 photos per ID. The pet face recognition model achieves a Top-1 Accuracy of 90.7%, a Top-5 Accuracy of 92.5%, and a Top-10 Accuracy of 94.5% on the test set. Our model also assists the local university in a project related to the welfare of stray cats. Volunteers are organized to photograph stray cats regularly, and our model is employed for effective detection, recognition, and establishment of a database that assigns unique IDs to each stray cat, facilitating tracking and reidentification. The project aims to estimate the population of stray cats and actively share information, stories, and promotions on various social platforms, advocating for adoption over purchase.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Lau, Nok Him Isaac\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Kao Yip Middle School\",\n        \"country\": \"China, Macao Special Administrative Region\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Lin, Hiu Yan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Kao Yip Middle School\",\n        \"country\": \"China, Macao Special Administrative Region\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24701\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:41.993923Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bda4a25ffa6f75bf90b161f382835571e36e15bfb09bc56596acf3465cc11e57\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24701\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:43.466922Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:02db960ce0c1f68f7319049dcfdabc9987d589cdb8b0ff4961e3399b336145b7\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24701\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO007T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:02db960ce0c1f68f7319049dcfdabc9987d589cdb8b0ff4961e3399b336145b7\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24701\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:bda4a25ffa6f75bf90b161f382835571e36e15bfb09bc56596acf3465cc11e57\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ROBO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ROBO039\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Fondazione Bruno Kessler\",\n      \"raw\": \"Fondazione Bruno Kessler: Award to participate in summer school \\\"Web Valley\\\"\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Fondazione Bruno Kessler\",\n        \"raw\": \"Fondazione Bruno Kessler: Award to participate in summer school \\\"Web Valley\\\"\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: Glass trophy and USAF medal for each recipient\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force\",\n        \"raw\": \"Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force: First Award of $750 in each Regeneron ISEF Category,\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Scents and Sensibility: Investigating the Influence of Visual Cues on Olfactory Perception of Humans and Building an AI-based Electronic Nose to Compare the Two\",\n    \"abstract\": \"This study investigated the hypothesis that visual stimuli can significantly influence olfactory perception, potentially altering or enhancing the actual scent experience.  By building an AI based electronic nose and comparing with human perception, a more objective and accurate assessment of scents, especially in environments challenging for humans.\\nMethods and Procedures:\\n- Electronic Nose: Researched and built an e-nose using Raspberry Pi, ESP Microcontroller and an environmental sensor, exposed scents and built classification-based AI models, and tested its ability to recognize and classify scents.\\n- Participants: Adult volunteers were divided into two groups for a controlled study to measure their scent perception.\\n- Scents Selection: Four identifiable scents: popcorn, amber moss, tide laundry detergent and ocean breeze were utilized.\\n- Visual Stimuli: Two rooms were set up with images and objects, one congruent (matching with the scent) and the other incongruent (not matching) with the scent.\\n- Experimental Design: Participants recorded a questionnaire assessing scent perception in each room:\\n- Room 1:  Exposed to scents paired with congruent images.\\n- Room 2: Exposed to scents paired with incongruent images.\\n- Data Collection: Data analyzed comparing the responses from humans and the electronic nose's scent identifications compared to the participants' responses to assess  accuracy and reliability.\\nConclusion:\\n- Proved that Visual stimuli does affect olfaction in humans. Participants were 2.6 times more likely to get the scent wrong with visual incongruence.\\n- Humans were incorrect more than 50% of the time in identifying scents in either scenario.\\n- The AI-powered electronic nose able to accurately identify the scents 98.47% of the time.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Anand, John\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Anand Homeschool Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"OH\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25314\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:44.105895Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:9097b5b16136fd8d5dd348ab4991812b3ebc47a93dfeb93a821af40ea572481a\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25314\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:45.696108Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:553a9cda33fa6080dfed1573033b56618cf7b922169a3432499043b7073a224b\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25314\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO039-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:553a9cda33fa6080dfed1573033b56618cf7b922169a3432499043b7073a224b\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25314\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:9097b5b16136fd8d5dd348ab4991812b3ebc47a93dfeb93a821af40ea572481a\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ROBO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ROBO043\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"National Geographic Society\",\n      \"raw\": \"National Geographic Society: Excellence in Geography and Geospatial Science Award\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Geographic Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Geographic Society: Excellence in Geography and Geospatial Science Award\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development\",\n        \"raw\": \"U.S. Agency for International Development: Third Award Working in Crisis and Conflict\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Urban Slum Detection and Mapping: Semantic Segmentation on VHR Satellite Imagery\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Approximately 1.1 billion people live in slums worldwide today with the number expected to grow by 2 billion in the next 30 years. Slum rehabilitation efforts rely heavily on slum mapping and monitoring. The dynamic nature of slum growth and rapid changes in population emphasize the need for an automated system. Traditional mapping methods are manual and time-consuming. The goal is to contribute to slum rehabilitation by providing a robust segmentation tool for policymakers and urban planners. Existing AI models for slum segmentation are restricted by their lack of interpretability and limited generalization across diverse urban contexts. Feature analysis involving interpretable models like SVM, revealed crucial features in slum areas like diverse textures, lack of vegetation, and irregular patterns. I developed a deep learning model using a U-Net architecture and fine tuned the Segment Anything Model (SAM), on over 10,000 slum satellite images and their masks. The U-Net model demonstrated promising performance in both Karachi and Tanzania slums, while the fine-tuned SAM model outperforms U-Net, emphasizing the potential of advanced pre-trained models in addressing the dynamic challenges of urban mapping applications. Results showcase improved precision in slum segmentation with a pixel accuracy of 90.7% (+31.3% from baseline SAM) and 87.1% (+35.9% from baseline SAM) for Karachi and Tanzania respectively with the fine-tuned SAM model. Ultimately, my research provides a crucial tool for informed decision-making in waste management, disaster planning, health initiatives, and other challenges faced by millions living in informal settlements.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Nair, Meenakshi\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Mission San Jose High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25349\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:46.346489Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2f346a8c4ce7c34d8e9e0a8f766f5930eee12fbed360be0a27bbed230955772a\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25349\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:48.281646Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2efe5a1afd3b5cf68f4e3a368b4af2ed1ce5317116259744576b20d817656b54\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25349\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO043-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2efe5a1afd3b5cf68f4e3a368b4af2ed1ce5317116259744576b20d817656b54\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25349\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:2f346a8c4ce7c34d8e9e0a8f766f5930eee12fbed360be0a27bbed230955772a\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ROBO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ROBO046\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Long Island University\",\n      \"raw\": \"Long Island University: Presidential Scholarships\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Long Island University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Long Island University: Presidential Scholarships\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n        \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Home Occupancy Simulation Using Machine Learning\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Property theft is a prevalent social issue that plagues countless communities around the world. In 2022, over 6,500,000 cases of property crime nationwide were recorded, a 7.1% increase compared to 2021. This research is aimed at finding a smart solution to property theft using a Machine Learning (ML) algorithm that simulates and predicts home activity and occupancy by learning IoT devices' usage patterns in a building. Existing solutions are non-dynamic, relying on user-set automation schedules (Presence Simulator); time-consuming to create and difficult for users to employ; or may incite suspicion to anyone monitoring the home or building due to relying on randomized scheduling (OccuSim). However, this article proposes a Machine Learning based solution capable of simulating occupancy within a home or building using actual learned usage patterns normally present, recorded during the normal, day-to-day usage of a home. A custom Home Assistant build is used to manage IoT devices. Furthermore, Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) is used as the ML model to learn the IoT devices' behavior patterns and forecast them in the future due to the robustness of the algorithm as well as its efficiency and scalability. The system can currently work with various types of IoT devices such as LED Lights and smart TVs with relatively strong performance. By harnessing the power of ML and IoT, a well-performing property theft deterring system has been devised to contribute to the creation of safer communities and more secure living environments.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Al-Shami, Humam\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Arkansas Connections Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AR\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25395\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:49.381502Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:051c7894dc51d0a8522d626c6a3c38e1a9cc9a52359e1bd99e6306bb0e202914\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25395\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:50.484500Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b68809655da02768cef5aaeb1f0285236dceefd450878905ffd84740b88c41e0\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25395\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO046-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b68809655da02768cef5aaeb1f0285236dceefd450878905ffd84740b88c41e0\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25395\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:051c7894dc51d0a8522d626c6a3c38e1a9cc9a52359e1bd99e6306bb0e202914\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ROBO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ROBO057\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Non-Trivial\",\n      \"raw\": \"Non-Trivial: 10 scholarships for Non-trivial\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Non-Trivial\",\n        \"raw\": \"Non-Trivial: 10 scholarships for Non-trivial\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate : First Place Award \u201cCybersecurity\u201d\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"AdvMed: Detecting Adversarial Attacks in Medical Deep Learning Systems\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Deep neural networks are used in the medical industry as tools to diagnose skin cancer from photographic images and detect the severity of diabetic retinopathy. Alongside these steps in medical deep learning, adversarial attacks emerge as a threat, characterized by images minutely altered to produce misclassification while the perturbations are imperceptible to the human eye. Medical images have distinct characteristics, making adversarial examples more effective with less alteration. We propose to solely use the gradient of the medical image and the output of the deep learning model ResNet50 to detect adversarial examples. We develop four novel gradient-based functions, along with their proofs, as our detection methods. We test our detection methods against three different attacks on datasets of skin lesions and diabetic retinopathy on Amazon Sagemaker. Moreover, we attack our detection methods using the state-of-the-art attack called ??????2, which tries to mimic the gradient of a benign image while producing misclassification. We show through experiments that our\\ndefense is robust against this attack. Finally, we compare our collection of detection methods against Feature Squeeze, the currently accepted detection method, and show that our defenses outperform the state-of-the-art by over 300%.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Mehrotra, Ayushi\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Troy High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25492\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:51.108379Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4b81b6141a57e8ac56ed11d33577400f020d8f389b90dba2350d2663dd724d99\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25492\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:52.597725Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f5b8c277f29a2f7147f2b0fb4ddb0cdb78b6a9fef67611ffd6f66fac79305a5b\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25492\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO057-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f5b8c277f29a2f7147f2b0fb4ddb0cdb78b6a9fef67611ffd6f66fac79305a5b\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25492\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:4b81b6141a57e8ac56ed11d33577400f020d8f389b90dba2350d2663dd724d99\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ROBO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ROBO059\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"National Anti-Vivisection Society\",\n      \"raw\": \"National Anti-Vivisection Society: Awards of $3,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Anti-Vivisection Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Anti-Vivisection Society: Awards of $3,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Democratizing Multi-Species Object Detection in Drone Imagery for Cost-Effective Population Monitoring of Endangered Animals\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Animal populations worldwide are rapidly declining, and a low-cost, efficient technology that can accurately count endangered species could be vital for monitoring population changes over many years. This research had three main contributions: training a foundation model on drone images, creating a workflow that can be generalized for a wide range of species and models, and a low-cost hardware solution for parks worldwide. Developing a novel foundation model required following the entire machine learning workflow, from data collection, preparation, and augmentation to training, fine-tuning, and evaluating the models. Thousands of images taken using a Bwine F7 drone and large, openly available drone image datasets, with a wide variety of species such as cranes, zebras, dogs, and impalas, were used to train and fine-tune several machine learning models with a baseline YOLOv8 architecture. We demonstrate our workflow by training 30 different models, with the largest having 43.7 million parameters and 365 layers. We also used hyperparameter tuning and data augmentation techniques to improve accuracy. The workflow uses Pytorch in Google Colab on NVIDIA V100 and A100 GPUs, and a comprehensive testing process helped identify the best models and evaluate the workflow for easy and efficient use. The foundation model created using our workflow has high accuracy (up to 98.2%) on multi-species drone images, while the state-of-the-art YOLOv8 architecture had only 4% accuracy. Finally, a hardware solution was implemented on the Jetson Orin Nano for use in real-time species detection for park rangers. This study presents a workflow that is a low-cost, low-power, fast, and effective way for non-machine learning experts to create and deploy robust models in low-resource environments.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Sankaran, Sowmya\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Albuquerque Academy\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"NM\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25665\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:53.609300Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d13de8b01ebfc37b88a1896915ae106060af52754eac6a8db8c43eb3aa654d4d\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25665\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:54.692923Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:80637e32984269dc23dc18c0a6a92a588c351826fd0a50ea73c6b0d6909e2d0b\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25665\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO059-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:80637e32984269dc23dc18c0a6a92a588c351826fd0a50ea73c6b0d6909e2d0b\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25665\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:d13de8b01ebfc37b88a1896915ae106060af52754eac6a8db8c43eb3aa654d4d\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ROBO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ROBO061T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n      \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Smart Device for the Visually Impaired\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Over 300 million people around the world are color blind and at least 2.2 billion have a visual impairment. Which is why this project aims to help the visually impaired so individuals can not only recognize colors but objects easily. Studies have shown that 1 out of 4 individuals who suffer from any type of vision loss are diagnosed with anxiety or depression due to a variety of social and psychological factors. Danaya\u2019s brother, Sony, who is color blind found out very quickly that with this impairment he wasn\u2019t going to have the same opportunity as others around him. The goal of the Smart Device is to help people like Sony identify colors and objects independently. The Smart Device helps identify colors or objects with voice activation by Alexa. First, the students coded a program on an Arduino UNO board to serve as the project\u2019s brain. Second, with a color sensor, the sensor detects light frequencies. After the sensor determines the color, the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) prints the name of the color. Third, the students attached a Respeaker Pi HAT to a Raspberry Pi 3.  The Re-speaker speaks out the color of the object the user wants to be identified through the Raspberry Pi 3, you can ask Alexa to help you identify the color that the sensor is picking up; along with every other feature an Alexa has. The glove will identify color by touch, with voice activation by Alexa. All this is programmed by Arduino, adding the Alexa coding into the color sensor code with adjustments as well. This device will help the user identify the colors of the objects they are using. The students then coded a sensor that detects not just color but objects as well. It can work with the help of AI and OpenCV it can detect objects and be typed out on the LCD.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Munoz, Priscilla\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Grand Terrace High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Figueroa, Danaya\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Grand Terrace High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25374\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:55.314794Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:bd3a02c66f727c608a2d1be44fc86f2af12ee24a65d4ebba0272eee5c1c1375e\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25374\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:56.778549Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0013db059ee81fabddd4dc74b4aa0dc33706cada7826fcc2857320521cede84b\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25374\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO061T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0013db059ee81fabddd4dc74b4aa0dc33706cada7826fcc2857320521cede84b\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25374\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:bd3a02c66f727c608a2d1be44fc86f2af12ee24a65d4ebba0272eee5c1c1375e\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ROBO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ROBO063\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Non-Trivial\",\n      \"raw\": \"Non-Trivial: 10 scholarships for Non-trivial\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Non-Trivial\",\n        \"raw\": \"Non-Trivial: 10 scholarships for Non-trivial\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Bias in Large Language Models (LLMs); Paving the Way for an Equitable Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)\",\n    \"abstract\": \"This study focuses on the fundamental aspects of LLMs (Large Language Models) such as GPT, Bard, Llama 2, Claude, and more, particularly their inherent biases. These models, some engaging over 18 million daily users, have significant and inescapable social impact. At the same time, they are known to have some biases that are irrational, and stereotypical, influencing societal perceptions. Unlike prior research, only quantifying shallow and superficial biases (e.g. text being positive/negative, etc.), we tried to clarify the concrete structure of bias.\\nThe study adopts a rubric of 5 bias aspects with 5 scales (0-4) \u2014 Relevance, Representation Bias, Stereotyping, Neutrality, and Assumptions \u2014 from a psychological perspective to evaluate bias objectively. It adopts a human-aligned approach to understanding bias, utilizing a global crowdsourcing method with over 6000 responses to dissect and understand biases through a detailed lens, utilizing statistical tools such as Combined Error Variance (CEV) and Symmetric Distance Error (SDE) to ensure precision in analysis. The findings suggest LLMs develop personality-like characteristics in biases, influenced by their unique algorithms and data handling processes. Some features include LLMs developed by the same developer showing similar characteristics (GPT3.5 and GPT4), and anticipated models such as Llama 2 and Gemini-Pro both have a structure of non-stereotypical but non-neutral.\\nThrough its novel approach and methodology, this study not only advances our understanding of LLM biases but also reevaluates the desirable structure for the upcoming Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) systems.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kotani, Rihito\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Tokyo Gakugei University International Secondary School\",\n        \"country\": \"Japan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24891\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:57.421076Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ff02568df1373f23b22c5a66d280eaf7a830eb3828262c5030fe055fff62a319\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24891\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:39:59.968404Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ffe6dd4d74270d707793f761b89043a68726154f805f749940861d0791fb2825\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24891\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO063-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ffe6dd4d74270d707793f761b89043a68726154f805f749940861d0791fb2825\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24891\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:ff02568df1373f23b22c5a66d280eaf7a830eb3828262c5030fe055fff62a319\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ROBO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ROBO066\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology\",\n      \"raw\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology: $2,000 tuition scholarship (renewable for up to 4 years)\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology\",\n        \"raw\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology: $2,000 tuition scholarship (renewable for up to 4 years)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Optimizing Lip Reading Using Convoluted Neural Networks\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and lip reading presents a promising avenue in communication technology, particularly for enhancing accessibility and human-computer interaction. This paper investigates the potential of AI-driven lip reading using convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Leveraging advances in machine learning and computer vision, the study explores the multifaceted benefits of AI-powered lip reading, ranging from aiding the hearing-impaired to facilitating communication in noisy environments. Experimental procedures involve facial landmark detection using Google's MediaPipe and training AI models with TensorFlow. Results indicate that models trained exclusively on lip features exhibit superior accuracy compared to those incorporating additional facial landmarks. Furthermore, refocusing techniques enhance accuracy, albeit at the cost of increased processing time. The study underscores the potential for optimizing real-time lip reading applications by training models on critical data points essential for human speech comprehension. Overall, this research contributes to the growing field of AI-driven lip reading, emphasizing its role in revolutionizing communication paradigms and addressing challenges in diverse real-world scenarios.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Nkunga, Daniel\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"AR\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25803\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:00.585700Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:16439ed2d2a4154253108adf4cea023cce13da2678868fccba337d6111b96491\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25803\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:02.058700Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d32914922952f7b61dc89e90201bddb700acdac6eca351fe5ccad0918fc7ca9d\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25803\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO066-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:d32914922952f7b61dc89e90201bddb700acdac6eca351fe5ccad0918fc7ca9d\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; 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Employing a special drone equipped with an autonomous navigation system for diseased trees treatement.\\nOLIVY is a multi-platform system that uses different trained AI models for tree health analysing using the leaf of the tree , it supports the planning of olive disease management in developing countries by automatically collecting coordinates of infected areas and storing them in a substantial database, which holds immense potential for countries striving to access such crucial information.Furthermore, OLIVY incorporates a drone that is automatically activated when the trees are not healthy. It autonomously flies to the targeted tree, detects its trunk, and sprays liquid fungicides to help treat the disease.\\nOLIVY revolutionizes olive crop management through an AI-based multi-platform system for precise solutions for disease control and crop disease treatement.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Bouhaouel, Ala\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Lyc\u00e9e 2 Mars 1934\",\n        \"country\": \"Tunisia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25933\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:02.681430Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:cd69a86d2e1227385941cb310e185833e9b345c0f3353a2b725e9d4e5e1e0212\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25933\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:04.166390Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8afa9d3128557359f773db91dfb69d1beba5ebf9f64da7df5d05b61b48b79c5e\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25933\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO077-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:8afa9d3128557359f773db91dfb69d1beba5ebf9f64da7df5d05b61b48b79c5e\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25933\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:cd69a86d2e1227385941cb310e185833e9b345c0f3353a2b725e9d4e5e1e0212\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Robotics and Intelligent Machines\",\n    \"category_code\": \"ROBO\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"ROBO084T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: NOT TO BE READ -- $200 cash prize for each Enrichment award recipient\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: Mawhiba Universal Enrichment Program awards (and a $200 cash prize)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Smart Power Grid Control: Artificial Intelligence-Based Fault Detection in Power Transmission Systems\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Modern electrical systems rely heavily on sensors and relays for fault detection in three-phase transmission lines and distribution transformers. However, these devices often suffer from high time complexity and are prone to false alarms, struggling to differentiate between actual faults and erroneous signals. This research addresses these limitations by developing a deep learning model aimed at enhancing fault prediction capabilities. The study utilized a simulated dataset representing a three-phase transmission line to enrich training data for a neural network. The methodology involved constructing and training a deep learning model to accurately predict faults, contrasting its performance against traditional sensors and relays. The findings indicate that the neural network achieved higher accuracy in fault detection compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, the integration of machine learning algorithms into electrical systems promises a more robust and reliable fault detection mechanism, reducing false alarms and improving operational efficiency. This study underscores the potential of machine learning technologies to transform fault diagnostics in electrical power systems, paving the way for more advanced monitoring solutions.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Taghizade, Nijat\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Dunya School\",\n        \"country\": \"Azerbaijan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Huseynov, Khazar\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Educational Complex 132-134\",\n        \"country\": \"Azerbaijan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=26011\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:04.782627Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:f586d659e0d43d04624ba4a83279aeba7fe56f8cd00112bae5113188343034ca\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=26011\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:06.208784Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6cfba9d215770b270f74889242482addd999542e4d800eb0d084166601c47524\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=26011\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/ROBO084T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:6cfba9d215770b270f74889242482addd999542e4d800eb0d084166601c47524\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-26011\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:f586d659e0d43d04624ba4a83279aeba7fe56f8cd00112bae5113188343034ca\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Systems Software\",\n    \"category_code\": \"SOFT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"SOFT008\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society\",\n      \"raw\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society: Second Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"Patent and Trademark Office Society: Second Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Revolutionizing CVD Prevention and Management: A Comprehensive AI-Powered Solution\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) cast a long shadow over humanity, claiming an estimated 17.9 million lives globally each year. This silent epidemic encompasses a range of heart and blood vessel disorders, with coronary heart disease and stroke reigning as the deadliest culprits. More alarmingly, one third of these deaths occur prematurely, before individuals reach the age of 70, robbing them of precious years and leaving scars on families and communities.\\nThis project aims to develop an integrated AI-powered system that combines a mobile companion app for continuous monitoring, an AI doctor's software for real-time diagnosis, and a patient location tracking system for emergency response, all combined to predict heart attacks from (CVDs) with 15 minutes ahead time. This comprehensive solution addresses the challenges of early detection, timely intervention, and access to emergency care for individuals with (CVDs). While the concept of using AI for CVD monitoring and diagnosis is not entirely new, the specific implementation and integration of AI into a companion app and an AI doctor\u2019s software is a novel approach. The combination of real-time monitoring, AI-powered diagnosis, and predictive risk assessment using patient medical profiles and genetic information makes this project stand out from previous attempts. The project also addresses the limitations of existing solutions by providing a comprehensive and personalized healthcare solution for CVD prevention and management.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"ALHOURANI, ADI\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Islamic Educational College - Jubeiha\",\n        \"country\": \"Jordan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24777\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:06.827356Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:e56f0af047410bcac0f98543ef7d0db6bac568d6569b1cc4024e7148ef9459e4\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24777\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:08.255760Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:19173d9e715a8955c9a8cf716a7f380fd265f6b4a9a278bbd18fd8b75cca7a17\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24777\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/SOFT008-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:19173d9e715a8955c9a8cf716a7f380fd265f6b4a9a278bbd18fd8b75cca7a17\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24777\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:e56f0af047410bcac0f98543ef7d0db6bac568d6569b1cc4024e7148ef9459e4\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Systems Software\",\n    \"category_code\": \"SOFT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"SOFT010\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n      \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Help! I Need Somebody: An Assistive Device That Notifies Emergency Services Once a Fall Has Been Detected\",\n    \"abstract\": \"36 million falls are recorded every year among the elderly population. 35,000 of those falls result in death. There are fall detection devices already available, but they are expensive and only detect falls 85% of the time. Those fall detection devices use an accelerometer and gyroscope to measure if a fall has occurred, rather than using vitals. They also do not directly call emergency services or emergency contact. Instead, they notify a 24/7 monitoring center and they make the call. I developed a device that utilizes two modules, an accelerometer and pulse oximeter. With these modules I set constraints that when exceeded a timer would countdown from 20 seconds. The user would have 20 seconds to press a button that would tell the timer to shut off and reset the device. If the button is not pressed within 20 seconds, a pre-recorded message is sent to the attached Bluetooth device through a Bluetooth module. The pre-recorded message would include information that might affect patient care, like the user's location, list of pre-existing conditions and medicines, and any allergies that could put the user at risk. By using data from a pulse oximeter and accelerometer modules, the device was able to accurately detect if a fall had occurred. The device looked for an extreme increase in heart rate and zero movement to detect a fall. This device could be utilized by older adults that are at risk of falling and still want to live independently.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Sears, Maria\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Monte Vista High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CO\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25129\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:08.865215Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:23dab99fbcad9f490ad5c83131de2ba6420d2ee3730bd81b3e9791ea111a25c5\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25129\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:10.400342Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:edc9487e4dcaa1c1d14178f4ad7900344c6482c10e7fa23512fbe6ef6636ca28\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25129\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/SOFT010-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:edc9487e4dcaa1c1d14178f4ad7900344c6482c10e7fa23512fbe6ef6636ca28\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25129\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:23dab99fbcad9f490ad5c83131de2ba6420d2ee3730bd81b3e9791ea111a25c5\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Systems Software\",\n    \"category_code\": \"SOFT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"SOFT019\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Non-Trivial\",\n      \"raw\": \"Non-Trivial: 10 scholarships for Non-trivial\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Non-Trivial\",\n        \"raw\": \"Non-Trivial: 10 scholarships for Non-trivial\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Back Propagation Neural Network Based Framework for Unknown Malware Detection\",\n    \"abstract\": \"This project explores the application of language models in creating backpropagation-based neural networks for the detection of known and unknown malware. A representation learning model (RPLM) is proposed in this research.  The detection framework involves three key steps: (1) disassembly of executable samples into assembly code, (2) extraction of assembly text to form representation vector using the proposed RPLM language models, and (3) classification of the representation vectors by a fully-connected neural network to detect presence of malware.\\nExperiments on malware collected from 2012 through 2023 showed a 98.28% accuracy.  Furthermore, experiments on unknown family of malware achieved 97.25% average detection rate.  Finally, experiments on training model with known malware up to year N for detection of unknown malware in future years, showed that this framework can maintain 95.63% and 93.01% detection rates in year N+1 and N+2, respectively.\\nAn ensembled model was also proposed to enhance the robustness of the detector.  Combining features extracted from different language models using fusion techniques could enhance the robustness of the malware detection framework.  Experiments shown that fusion can improve known and unknown malware detection rate to 99.39 % and 96.16%, respectively.\\nThis research demonstrates feasibility of leveraging natural language models for the detection of malware from low-level assembly code. In comparison to signature-based anti-virus software, the proposed natural language based neural network, by having high and reliable detection rate for known and unknown malwares, is a robust new way to safeguard system security.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Chen, Yi-Jhe\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"The Affiliated Senior High School of National Taiwan Normal University\",\n        \"country\": \"Taiwan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24824\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:11.020279Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a4464cb66d37eae93141887231e409d8a4407586370e6eb04e7f8293ae0498f1\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24824\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:12.532591Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5606aa26df1a231748262b4f80412ea3a7e15e6d904d2cd50fa308897a097eef\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24824\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/SOFT019-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5606aa26df1a231748262b4f80412ea3a7e15e6d904d2cd50fa308897a097eef\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24824\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:a4464cb66d37eae93141887231e409d8a4407586370e6eb04e7f8293ae0498f1\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Systems Software\",\n    \"category_code\": \"SOFT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"SOFT024\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate\",\n      \"raw\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate : Second Place Award \u201cCybersecurity\u201d\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate : Second Place Award \u201cCybersecurity\u201d\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Engineering a WebAssembly-Based Shell\",\n    \"abstract\": \"This project creates a POSIX-style shell that runs WebAssembly, allowing programs to be shared between developers without safety issues, platform incompatibilities, determinism problems, or complex build processes, while also innovating a whole new way to interact with such programs. The core of the project is the virtual machine, which can execute programs compiled to WebAssembly, a binary instruction format that is targetable by all major compilers. The shell provides standard features, such as pipes, redirections, and programmability, but more importantly, acts as an environment for the virtual machine. Because the shell can configure the machine, the user of the shell can control the execution of programs on their system to a greater degree. To eliminate the risk of an unreproducible binary from destroying important data, programs are isolated from the file system by default, unless allowed by the programmer on a per-directory basis. Furthermore, specific functions can be dynamically loaded from the program into the shell environment, as regular shell commands. This allows certain functions to be tested, benchmarked, or used ad-hoc, from the command line. The shell also comes equipped with an in-memory file system, in which the side effects of an executable can be incrementally viewed and applied via a file system that does not exist on disk. In summary, this project innovates a new way for developers to run programs in deterministic, reproducible environments in which they may have full control over the side effects of a program.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Frias, Diego\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Oregon Episcopal School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"OR\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25061\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:13.149020Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:df2ac85415a27d4a4101afb8a47ed5f8ec92861e0b9c9811cdcfb423d942695e\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25061\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:14.632980Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:97dd386e48d1308e345d4ee9683ab91703f6dbf30b860dd8d4e4979a97025731\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25061\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/SOFT024-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:97dd386e48d1308e345d4ee9683ab91703f6dbf30b860dd8d4e4979a97025731\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25061\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:df2ac85415a27d4a4101afb8a47ed5f8ec92861e0b9c9811cdcfb423d942695e\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Systems Software\",\n    \"category_code\": \"SOFT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"SOFT032\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Association for Computing Machinery\",\n      \"raw\": \"Association for Computing Machinery: Second Award of $3,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Association for Computing Machinery\",\n        \"raw\": \"Association for Computing Machinery: Second Award of $3,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Developing a Novel Paradigm for the Distributed Storage of Digital Information\",\n    \"abstract\": \"In today's data-driven world, where 2.5 quintillion bytes are generated every day, reliably storing and accessing vital information is crucial. However, as technologies evolve, traditional methods struggle to effectively counter threats such as cyberattacks, data breaches, and system failures. This research introduced the novel concept of \\\"infinite redundancy\\\" using the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) to map data throughout a finite physical memory. Despite arbitrary corruption, the data could be reconstructed from only one uncorrupted memory subset by analyzing frequency spectrum patterns, much like a full holographic image could be reproduced from just a fragment of a holographic film. The proposed model demonstrated remarkable fault tolerance compared to traditional redundancy models, being able to reconstruct up to 89% data corruption with 98% accuracy through the software-based techniques. This comes with a tradeoff of 3.55x storage usage compared to the 3x storage overhead of the state-of-the-art triple-modular redundancy, while traditional methods cannot withstand more than 50% corruption. The proposed model aims to revolutionize data storage, providing novel approaches to handle the increasing importance of data in the modern world. This includes applications like enabling long-term deep space probes to survive without failure in the harsh radiation environment. By pushing the boundaries of data storage, new possibilities can be unlocked enabling transformative advancements in how data is perceived, utilized, and benefited from.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Algrafi, Lianne\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Dar AlFikr Schools\",\n        \"country\": \"Saudi Arabia\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25481\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:15.242105Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:30db673bb81c5b4abf5ac3a1616f6031207e5d5ed6cb8d80055063ccc4b83881\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25481\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:16.687972Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2be69a30d107025b4656573ccf26aab0d02c9b2b72ec94b97b6b7970a360bbe3\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25481\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/SOFT032-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2be69a30d107025b4656573ccf26aab0d02c9b2b72ec94b97b6b7970a360bbe3\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25481\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:30db673bb81c5b4abf5ac3a1616f6031207e5d5ed6cb8d80055063ccc4b83881\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Systems Software\",\n    \"category_code\": \"SOFT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"SOFT036\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate\",\n      \"raw\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate : Third Place Award \u201cCybersecurity\u201d\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate : Third Place Award \u201cCybersecurity\u201d\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Unmasking Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities in Direct and Transitive OSS Dependencies\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Open-source software(OSS) is free and widely used in software development, from video games to systems that run critical infrastructure such as power plants. However, most OSS libraries are built upon a chain of other dependent OSS libraries known as transitive dependencies. Often, software developers may not be aware of whether the OSS they use contains vulnerable, dependent libraries, which could potentially be exploited by cybercriminals.\\nI developed SecureOSS, a multi-modular cybersecurity product that interfaces with the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) to identify vulnerabilities in both direct and transitive OSS dependencies. The workflow starts with the Dependency Parser, which uses a novel version of the Depth First Search Algorithm to traverse the project's dependency tree. As it parses, it generates the Software Bill of Materials(SBOM) in CycloneDX format which catalogs the project's direct and transitive dependencies.\\nIt also generates a supplemental report of Community Health Analytics, including Open Source Software (CHAOSS) metrics which enriches the SBOM by offering insights into the activity and responsiveness of OSS projects. For the identified dependencies, the Concurrency Manager efficiently orchestrates parallel queries, leveraging the NVD API Interface to search for Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures(CVE). The Cache Manager stores frequently accessed dependencies, reducing redundant API calls while the Rate Limiter ensures adherence to NVD's request policies.\\nUsing NVD\u2019s Common Vulnerability Scoring System(CVSS) scores, the vulnerabilities' impact is found. My product successfully identified significant vulnerabilities, including the Log4j issue (CVE-2021-44228), with a high accuracy rate of 95% and a minimal error rate of 2%\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Alexis, Sebastian\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Northwood High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25468\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:17.302309Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5be6efae0e810b78e2bc808da48d019177f5abe21d5c716ac5def53fefe658cc\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25468\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:18.825432Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:63907491981ae6b40fcd74a7cc6e2079c31145d5ccb2e4986a4a6fd3404b9571\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25468\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/SOFT036-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:63907491981ae6b40fcd74a7cc6e2079c31145d5ccb2e4986a4a6fd3404b9571\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25468\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:5be6efae0e810b78e2bc808da48d019177f5abe21d5c716ac5def53fefe658cc\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Systems Software\",\n    \"category_code\": \"SOFT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"SOFT037\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": null,\n      \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: Full Scholarship from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals(KFUPM) (and a $400 cash prize)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": null,\n        \"raw\": \"King Abdulaziz &amp\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity\",\n        \"raw\": \"his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: NOT TO BE READ -- $400 cash prize for each Full Scholarship from King Fahd University award recipient\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Automating Quantum Efficiency: An Algorithm for Gate-Based Optimization of Quantum Circuits\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Quantum Computers hold immense potential for solving complex problems beyond the capabilities of classical computers. However, their potential is limited by challenges such as decoherence. Decoherence necessitates quantum circuits to be reduced as much as possible, a task often achieved through manual, time-consuming optimization techniques. This study investigated the potential of automating a technique called gate merging to significantly reduce optimization time, improve the performance of quantum computers and potentially accelerate research.\\nThe proposed algorithm works based on two principles: gate merging and gate commutativity. It addresses circuit optimization in a step-by-step manner. First, gates are categorized based on their corresponding qubits. Then, all potential pairs for merging identified and established commutativity rules are utilized to bring them closer within the circuit. The algorithm then searches for redundant gate pairs and removes them from the circuit. Finally, the algorithm prioritizes and merges the remaining pairs.\\nThe effectiveness of the algorithm was validated on around 100 benchmark reversible quantum circuits  obtained from online databases, such as RevLib and tweedledum databases. While the exact optimization value varied between algorithms, the average improvement based on the tests reached approximately 6.25%, and the time spent on optimization was significantly reduced.\\nThis project demonstrates the potential of automated optimization for improving quantum circuit efficiency and accelerating the development of quantum algorithms. The findings suggest that further advancements in this area can significantly reduce the time and resources required for creating and running quantum algorithms.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Rakhmettulayev, Abilmansur\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Haileybury Astana School\",\n        \"country\": \"Kazakhstan\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25720\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:19.815738Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fd1ec6f59cd5d51fbdb5a49133861258f25be1266e558fb1e11ad3add3d2113e\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25720\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:21.005564Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:aaef93407e9bff8ccd34a123da45f006835a7d774336a78336adb17600e4be0a\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25720\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/SOFT037-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:aaef93407e9bff8ccd34a123da45f006835a7d774336a78336adb17600e4be0a\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25720\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:fd1ec6f59cd5d51fbdb5a49133861258f25be1266e558fb1e11ad3add3d2113e\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Systems Software\",\n    \"category_code\": \"SOFT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"SOFT040\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate\",\n      \"raw\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate : Third Place Award \u201cCybersecurity\u201d\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Security Agency Research Directorate : Third Place Award \u201cCybersecurity\u201d\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"A Novel Approach to Detecting Academic Dishonesty Involving Artificial Intelligence\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The rapid emergence of generative AI, particularly large-language-model-based conversational chatbots like ChatGPT, has spurred significant advancements. However, this progress has brought pressing concerns about unethical use in an academic space. In response,  there have been several developments in AI-generated text detection tools that can effectively detect whether a text is generated by machines or written by humans. However, these current models of GPT detectors determine their results by only analyzing one text. This project aims to provide a novel comparative approach to detecting unethical AI use by utilizing well-known metrics while also introducing new text metrics such as vocabulary levels. The key distinguishing feature of this project is its comparative approach: rather than assessing individual texts to detect AI usage like typical GPT detectors, this project compares metrics between two distinct pieces of text\u2013 a known human written sample and a suspected AI-generated text. Following the comparisons, statistical techniques were utilized to determine whether the two pieces originated from humans. If the disparity reached a certain level, it suggested the involvement of AI in generating the text. By providing a novel comparative approach, this research serves as a tool to assist teachers to discern potential unethical uses of AI in an academic setting.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Jang, Jun\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Oxford High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MS\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25666\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:21.611447Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5aac56bb3ca6a17ad81e6545b757aa06884fefd592b0eb98368c2d152e53c26a\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25666\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:23.044898Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3b88995b5876015360012f4b5e7bf9161a446ff8016b9f72948c27abff518dd2\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25666\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/SOFT040-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:3b88995b5876015360012f4b5e7bf9161a446ff8016b9f72948c27abff518dd2\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25666\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:5aac56bb3ca6a17ad81e6545b757aa06884fefd592b0eb98368c2d152e53c26a\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Systems Software\",\n    \"category_code\": \"SOFT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"SOFT052\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Association for Computing Machinery\",\n      \"raw\": \"Association for Computing Machinery: Third Award of  $1,500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Association for Computing Machinery\",\n        \"raw\": \"Association for Computing Machinery: Third Award of  $1,500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Developing a Novel Holistic, Personalized Dementia Risk Prediction Model via Integration of Machine Learning and Network Systems Biology Approaches\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The prevalence of dementia has increased over time as global life expectancy improves and populations age. An individual's risk of developing dementia is influenced by various genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors, among others. Predicting dementia risk may enable individuals to employ mitigation strategies or lifestyle changes to delay dementia onset. Current computational approaches to dementia prediction only return risk upon narrow categories of variables and do not account for interactions between different risk variables. The proposed framework utilizes a novel holistic approach to dementia risk prediction and is the first to incorporate various sources of tabular environmental pollution and lifestyle factor data with network systems biology-based genetic data. LightGBM gradient boosting was employed to ensure validity of included factors.This approach successfully models interactions between variables through an original weighted integration method coined Sysable. Multiple machine learning models trained the algorithm to reduce reliance on a single model. The developed approach surpassed all existing dementia risk prediction approaches, with a sensitivity of 85%, specificity of 99%, geometric accuracy of 92%, and AUROC of 91.7%. A transfer learning model was also implemented. De-biasing algorithms were run on the model via the AI Fairness 360 Library. Effects of demographic disparities on dementia prevalence were analyzed to potentially highlight areas in need and promote equitable and accessible care. The resulting model was additionally integrated into a user-friendly app providing holistic predictions and personalized risk mitigation strategies. The developed model successfully employs holistic computational dementia risk prediction for clinical use.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Mamidala, Srilekha\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Garnet Valley High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"PA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25850\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:23.658382Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:174779f60d81c4645ef07eed5b78cc6a5071c80ea8f8374c2ef1235d8b889c24\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25850\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:25.142424Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:65f3fc6f26c7a94fa39985446d1a7c0da41fa5123d3869cbb5c16deb7392fe19\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25850\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/SOFT052-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:65f3fc6f26c7a94fa39985446d1a7c0da41fa5123d3869cbb5c16deb7392fe19\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25850\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:174779f60d81c4645ef07eed5b78cc6a5071c80ea8f8374c2ef1235d8b889c24\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Systems Software\",\n    \"category_code\": \"SOFT\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"SOFT058\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE\",\n      \"raw\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE: INCOSE Bill Ewald Socio-Technical Systems Engineering Award of $1000, a 1-year free student membership to INCOSE, and free virtual admission to the 2022 International Symposium of the INCOSE\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE\",\n        \"raw\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE: INCOSE Bill Ewald Socio-Technical Systems Engineering Award of $1000, a 1-year free student membership to INCOSE, and free virtual admission to the 2022 International Symposium of the INCOSE\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE\",\n        \"raw\": \"International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE: DO NOT READ ALOUD: The Second Place INCOSE Best Use of Systems Engineering Award winner and the INCOSE Bill Ewald Socio-Technical Systems Engineering Award winner will receive a 1-year free student membership to the INCOSE and free virtual admission to the 2024 International Symposium of the INCOSE\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Securing Global Food: Biopolymers, Cryptography, and Visual Transformers for Affordable Anti-Counterfeit Seed Protection\",\n    \"abstract\": \"According to the World Bank, ~50% of the seeds sold in Africa are counterfeit. Exhibiting lower germination rates, fake seeds cost farmers up to two-thirds of their crops, and, exacerbated by climate change, lead to global food shortages, starvation, and political unrest. The issue stems from the inability to trace seed distribution chains and differentiate genuine seeds from counterfeit ones. A promising new idea suggests marking seeds with biopolymer tags, but their verification requires a costly Raman spectrometer and an Internet connection, posing obvious obstacles for smallholder farmers.\\nThis project proposes an affordable anti-counterfeit seed protection system combining biopolymer tags, cryptography, and visual transformers. The system aims to provide cost-effective counterfeit detection for farmers and seed manufacturers, ensuring that the verification process is swift and reliable, and tolerates intermittent Internet access.\\nThe system consists of three components: identification of a unique, unclonable biopolymer tag by a novel algorithm (Visual Transformer), verification with a cryptographic signature, and a public blockchain to trace ownership-changing transactions. All steps can be done on a smartphone or another inexpensive computing device.\\nI have built a prototype with Raspberry Pi. With my original pre-training method, the algorithm reached 100% accuracy in identifying biopolymer tags. According to my statistical analysis, the approach reduces the share of counterfeit seeds from 50% to 6.6% if only 5 seeds per bag are checked, and to 3.5%, with 10 seeds. Adding the blockchain further reduces the expected share of undetected counterfeit seeds to 0.05% or 0.005%, respectively.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Martynova, Diana\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Los Gatos High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"CA\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=26007\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:25.759842Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:19d9be73b7b7eeefcb25cf08dc05e9fe648e22b032bac9d2ff518e5deb6dce47\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=26007\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:28.900952Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b7318bcad3c9238ba6e8325979b7eff912e3624b285e87ce0842144e2bf6ad54\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=26007\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/SOFT058-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:b7318bcad3c9238ba6e8325979b7eff912e3624b285e87ce0842144e2bf6ad54\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-26007\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:19d9be73b7b7eeefcb25cf08dc05e9fe648e22b032bac9d2ff518e5deb6dce47\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Technology Enhances the Arts\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TECA\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TECA004T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Shanghai Science Association for Young Talents\",\n      \"raw\": \"Shanghai Science Association for Young Talents: Award\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Shanghai Science Association for Young Talents\",\n        \"raw\": \"Shanghai Science Association for Young Talents: Award\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Revolutionizing Language Learning With Connexelerator: An AI-Powered Approach\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Connexelerator is an innovative AI-powered language learning tool designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of language acquisition. Leveraging the combined benefits of advanced AI models and proven educational theories, Connexelerator aims to accelerate language acquisition by offering dynamic, context-rich learning experiences. The application integrates multiple cutting-edge features, including language flexibility, dynamic AI-generated flashcards, a Spaced Repetition System, a comprehensive word bank, and Response Naturalness Evaluation (RNE), all accessible via a single web application.\\nThe genesis of Connexelerator was inspired by the limitations of traditional language learning tools, such as the inefficiency of static flashcards, the organization of learned information, and the challenges of maintaining consistent study habits. Connexelerator generates unique sentences for each new word or grammar rule, incorporating previously learned terms to reinforce memory and understanding. This approach, grounded in constructivist learning theory, facilitates deeper learning by embedding new knowledge within a familiar context. The dynamic flashcard system adapts to individual learning patterns, building upon Ebbinghaus\u2019 theory of the forgetting curve and the efforts of modern Spaced Repetition Systems (SRSs).\\nOngoing developments include image input capabilities for immersive real-world learning and further enhancements to the RNE model for more detailed feedback.\\nConnexelerator represents a significant advancement in educational technology, promising a more engaging and effective path to language mastery by leveraging the latest in AI capabilities.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Lim, Jared\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Liberty High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"OR\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Snow, Ethan\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Liberty High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"OR\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25017\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:29.668536Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:96e61a2ce3578125c5fa7e30b05d163d3467f1a93aa86760e7ff67b10e8b3761\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25017\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:31.638788Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:908e367fea273fb49b161eef22fae630b7f3d4474bff489c138fb102a7d398b2\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25017\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TECA004T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:908e367fea273fb49b161eef22fae630b7f3d4474bff489c138fb102a7d398b2\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25017\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:96e61a2ce3578125c5fa7e30b05d163d3467f1a93aa86760e7ff67b10e8b3761\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TMED002\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n      \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"University of Arizona\",\n        \"raw\": \"University of Arizona: Renewal Tuition Scholarship\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Arizona State University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Arizona State University: Arizona State University ISEF Scholarship (valued at up to $58,000 each)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Disinfectant Properties of Nuphar advena: An Ethnopharmaceutical Approach\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Commonly known as the yellow water lily root or kaandoosh in Ojibwe language, the rhizome of Nuphar advena is utilized by Indigenous communities for treating bacterial overgrowth. This study aims to investigate the impact of Nuphar advena rhizome on Lactobacillus isolated from yogurt and Micrococcus luteus, keeping emphasis on Ojibwe teachings around efficacy and focus on the impacts of impaired water systems on human health. Using the disc diffusion method, this study shows that Nuphar advena rhizome produces a measurable independent zone diameter when applied to Micrococcus luteus regardless of shelf time and does not impact Lactobacillus. Results further show that Nuphar advena rhizome concentrations are most effective after sitting reconstituted for one week and produce larger independent zone diameters when harvested from spring fed water sources. These results contribute to the ethnopharmacological knowledge and reappraisal of Ojibwe medicinal teachings. Data is analyzed using SPSS Software and Microsoft Excel.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Bernu, Johanna\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Cloquet Senior High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MN\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24663\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:32.729127Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:2a0ddc6c0524787384773415f1c8172a4bd2e94be7cc2fb9aa22e48573d15eb2\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24663\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:34.271937Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4813f54f5926dce8bd297b87f069e3ac9d274c8067a202ea22711e5fda02320b\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24663\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TMED002-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4813f54f5926dce8bd297b87f069e3ac9d274c8067a202ea22711e5fda02320b\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24663\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:2a0ddc6c0524787384773415f1c8172a4bd2e94be7cc2fb9aa22e48573d15eb2\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TMED007\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n      \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas\",\n        \"raw\": \"The University of Texas at Dallas: Scholarship awards of $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Utilizing Indocyanine Green and Sodium Alginate With Microsphere Drug Delivery and Infrared Imaging: A Model to Create More Accessible Therapeutic and Diagnostic Tools for Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Each year, cardiovascular disease(CVD) and cancer account for about 17,900,000 and 10,000,000 mortalities, respectively, worldwide. Both CVD and cancer involve invasive, costly, and dangerous forms of diagnosis and treatment that discourage patients from seeking healthcare. This project focuses on drug delivery and the use of benign/inexpensive materials to create healthcare options that prioritize accessibility and patient safety. Through extensive trial-and-error, the researcher developed a protocol for creating microspheres using a hydrogel, using Indocyanine-green(ICG), with diagnostic and therapeutic applications unique to this study. Experiments show that the microspheres can hold liposomes to deliver drugs to localized sites (tumors), while reducing toxic side-effects and reducing frequency of doses needed. A homemade imaging system was used to detect fluorescence of the microspheres through ex-vivo renal tissue, showing that the microspheres can be used for diagnosis through fluorescence imaging. In-vivo tests with D. melanogaster flies with upregulated cholesterol levels showed that the hydrogel significantly improved response to cardiac stress, suggesting that the hydrogel can be used as a noninvasive treatment for patients with coronary artery disease. In vitro tests show that photothermal therapy with the hydrogel and recycled parts of the imaging system have tumoricidal effects in MFM223 breast cancer cells, such as reducing cell viability and colony formation while promoting apoptosis. These findings suggest that the hydrogel/spheres created by the researcher have diagnostic and therapeutic abilities for the two deadliest diseases in our world, using inexpensive and benign materials to prioritize accessibility and safety unlike current healthcare options.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Basu, Rashmi\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Keystone School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24802\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:34.968217Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:48d397e67fb6b709583ef7e830e06dc70c0f39b3d11fd9abc1381ac84da8c23c\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24802\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:36.729445Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fbe57959f6fdccf6db91e7007e73f42982c56c15bf5dded868a337d731b69074\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24802\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TMED007-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:fbe57959f6fdccf6db91e7007e73f42982c56c15bf5dded868a337d731b69074\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24802\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:48d397e67fb6b709583ef7e830e06dc70c0f39b3d11fd9abc1381ac84da8c23c\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TMED014\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"National Anti-Vivisection Society\",\n      \"raw\": \"National Anti-Vivisection Society: Awards of $3,000\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"National Anti-Vivisection Society\",\n        \"raw\": \"National Anti-Vivisection Society: Awards of $3,000\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Wound Simulator: An in vitro Study of a Novel Biological Growth Factor Concentrate on Oral Mucositis\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Oral mucositis is a common and debilitating side effect of cancer treatment occurring in 90% of head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation, 40% of patients with solid tumours receiving chemotherapy, and 76% of bone marrow transplant patients. It is relevant to India due to the high prevalence of head and neck cancer, particularly oral cancer (30% of global cases) which is intensified by lifestyle and socio-economic factors. Though treatment options like basic oral hygiene, chemoprotective agents, and cryotherapy are available, they are not uniformly effective, and not viable with 23.6% of the global population below the poverty line. In this research I aim to study the anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties of a biological growth factor concentrate in correlation to expression of gene markers like COX-2(Cyclooxygenase-2), MMP-1(Matrix Metalloproteinase-1), TIMP-1(Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases). For the study I used a biological concentrate (PLAY) as a natural and holistic intervention to treat oral mucositis. It is rich in cytokines, growth factors and bioactive modulators and shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. In my study, I observed its effect on an in-vitro chronic wound simulation: MCF-7 (breast cancer cells) treated with 5-fluorouracil (2 \u00b5g/ml) and Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (3.048 ng/ml), and quantified gene expression using a semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Data analysis for 4 independent sets was done using ImageJ software and normalized with GAPDH. My results concluded decreased expression of pro-inflammatory markers such as COX-2 and MMP-1 that allude to an anti-inflammatory and wound healing effect.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Rajesh, Keerthana\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Greenwood High International School Bangalore\",\n        \"country\": \"India\",\n        \"state\": null\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=24633\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:37.420332Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:157a700095dfecdfcc32ea536748d708f55b39efa20e2e820c1e95a9dda3b0ab\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24633\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:39.262121Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5446140de3f98f83b70f9baa146f8a8f95c2e8bbd3a8b58e665531ac3fb1f459\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=24633\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TMED014-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:5446140de3f98f83b70f9baa146f8a8f95c2e8bbd3a8b58e665531ac3fb1f459\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-24633\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:157a700095dfecdfcc32ea536748d708f55b39efa20e2e820c1e95a9dda3b0ab\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TMED028T\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology\",\n      \"raw\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology: Summer Camp scholarships (camp tuition and travel expenses, valued at up to $1,500)\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology\",\n        \"raw\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology: Summer Camp scholarships (camp tuition and travel expenses, valued at up to $1,500)\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology\",\n        \"raw\": \"Missouri University of Science and Technology: Summer Camp scholarships (camp tuition and travel expenses, valued at up to $1,500)\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Revolutionizing Non-Invasive Skin Cancer Detection Through a Novel Vision Transformer Application\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Every year, more people in the U.S are diagnosed with skin cancer than all other cancers combined. Early detection of these cancers can tremendously increase the 5-year survival rate. Current methods involve self skin examination (SSE), leading to professional screening from dermatologists. However, SSE can miss important lesions, which can cause development of cancer. To help aid in SSE and professional screening, efforts have been made towards the use of AI through Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN). However, these networks struggle to achieve high enough precision and sensitivity preventing them from adequate use. This research proposes a Vision Transformer (ViT) model to increase these metrics of skin cancer detection and its applicability. Through the ViT model\u2019s multi-head attention layer, the model serves to be more suitable for skin cancer classification than the CNN's Conv2d layer. Our ViT model was trained and evaluated on a dataset gathered from the International Skin Imaging Collaboration (ISIC), which was then fine tuned and augmented to improve its training behavior. Our transformer model was then compared to a standard CNN model and further implemented into a Windows application. The resulting model shows an ability to detect skin cancers at a 95.4% accuracy, outperforming the standard CNN model by over 8%. These findings support the potential for the implementation of ViT models in a clinical setting due to the high accuracy shown combined with the accessibility of the model through the Windows application.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Mishra, Aryaman\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Kalamazoo Area Mathematics and Science Center\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MI\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Shaye, Jason\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Kalamazoo Area Mathematics and Science Center\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"MI\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25253\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:39.940876Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:36a6c084e79ec1f1e216cb959b670df1b41a22dabf92c7c5d919e078d3eb88e7\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25253\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:41.531511Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ce1367c1f1ddb63b16e25adc0af2616db36ffc219206f22f80f7eccff8d00030\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25253\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TMED028T-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:ce1367c1f1ddb63b16e25adc0af2616db36ffc219206f22f80f7eccff8d00030\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25253\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:36a6c084e79ec1f1e216cb959b670df1b41a22dabf92c7c5d919e078d3eb88e7\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TMED042\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Long Island University\",\n      \"raw\": \"Long Island University: Presidential Scholarships\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Long Island University\",\n        \"raw\": \"Long Island University: Presidential Scholarships\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"An Investigation of the Combination of Y15 and Metformin for the Treatment of Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer\",\n    \"abstract\": \"The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Metformin, the effect of Y15, and the combinational effect of Y15 and Metformin for the treatment of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC). The results of this study demonstrated that both Metformin and Y15 have dose-dependent effects on cell viability, and IC50 for Metformin is much higher than Y15, suggesting that Y15 is more effective in inhibiting cell viability. The combination treatment significantly reduced cell viability in PROC OVCAR 3 cells. These findings offer promising insights into exploring this drug combination for the treatment of PROC.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Mendez, Isabela\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Brownsville Early College High School\",\n        \"country\": \"United States of America\",\n        \"state\": \"TX\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25006\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:42.685852Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:a93883644644d137943a5c2019c710246b127a88d71339a7ca1b23b56d357d59\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25006\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:43.879930Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0faae1ed8afe26ebb19ce94a31f245c6bf40f1d90c16d355144fa0886bbdad74\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25006\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TMED042-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:0faae1ed8afe26ebb19ce94a31f245c6bf40f1d90c16d355144fa0886bbdad74\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25006\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:a93883644644d137943a5c2019c710246b127a88d71339a7ca1b23b56d357d59\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TMED044\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Non-Trivial\",\n      \"raw\": \"Non-Trivial: 10 scholarships for Non-trivial\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Non-Trivial\",\n        \"raw\": \"Non-Trivial: 10 scholarships for Non-trivial\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"MalaScope - A Low-Cost Deep Learning Sensor for Label-Free Detection of Malaria\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Malaria is a deadly disease that claims the lives of over 460,000 children annually. Current diagnostic methods use labor-intensive microscopy to image Giemsa-stained blood smears, limiting accessibility for resource-constrained communities. To address this challenge, MalaScope, a low-cost, portable sensor integrating lensless microscopes with deep learning, was developed. In Phase I, Giemsa-stained thin blood smears were shadow-imaged with a white light-emitting diode. The area of coverage was 25 mm2, 800 times larger than a standard microscope, requiring one image instead of one hundred. Pathologist-taken images of commercially bought slides were segmented using superpixels to create a balanced dataset of 24,000 images of infected and healthy red blood cells. Transfer learning on four convolutional neural networks was studied using 5-fold cross-validation. 98% accuracy, 97% recall, 98% specificity, 98% precision, and 0.998 area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) were demonstrated. The results were similar to standard microscopy models at 1/5th of the cost. In Phase II, whispering gallery modes were used to excite resonances in healthy red blood cells to differentiate them from infected cells, eliminating the need for staining. Fourier analysis was used to decompose measured diffraction patterns into plane waves at different spatial frequencies, and back-propagation of these waves was used to predict cell shapes. It was discovered that the ellipticity of healthy cells was higher than that of infected cells, resulting in a 91% accuracy and a 0.976 AUC. MalaScope can help diagnose malaria in rural areas, providing hope in our battle against this deadly disease.\",\n    \"finalists\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Kaur, Gurnoor\",\n        \"grade\": null,\n        \"school\": \"Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute\",\n        \"country\": \"Canada\",\n        \"state\": \"MT\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"affiliated_fair\": null,\n    \"methods\": null,\n    \"validation\": null,\n    \"source_links\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?projectId=25339\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:44.528779Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:4ede9e87d967a9e00b9afe64021b4586c82aceeb38a0cef3c3ba1e0faf87296e\"\n      },\n      {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25339\",\n        \"fetched_at\": \"2026-09-08T11:40:46.078503Z\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c8662ccbca722ff5371934b1ab2316ff7e59e78189cc40380b8183e69686caa6\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"media\": {\n      \"abstract_pdf\": {\n        \"type\": \"abstract_pdf\",\n        \"available\": true,\n        \"source_url\": \"https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/PrintPdf?projectId=25339\",\n        \"local_path\": \"media/TMED044-abstract.pdf\",\n        \"content_hash\": \"sha256:c8662ccbca722ff5371934b1ab2316ff7e59e78189cc40380b8183e69686caa6\",\n        \"license_note\": \"Publicly published on the Society for Science ISEF Abstracts Database; redistributed for internal AmeriDuo educational/reference use only.\",\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"video\": {\n        \"type\": \"video\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"slides\": {\n        \"type\": \"slides\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"poster\": {\n        \"type\": \"poster\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      },\n      \"report\": {\n        \"type\": \"report\",\n        \"available\": false,\n        \"source_url\": null,\n        \"local_path\": null,\n        \"content_hash\": null,\n        \"license_note\": null,\n        \"extra\": null\n      }\n    },\n    \"paper\": {\n      \"type\": \"report\",\n      \"available\": false,\n      \"source_url\": null,\n      \"local_path\": null,\n      \"content_hash\": null,\n      \"license_note\": null,\n      \"extra\": null\n    },\n    \"source_status\": \"needs_review\",\n    \"source_project_id\": \"isef-2024-25339\",\n    \"ingestion_run_id\": \"isef-2022-2025-2026-09-08T10:43:20Z\",\n    \"raw_snapshot_hash\": \"sha256:4ede9e87d967a9e00b9afe64021b4586c82aceeb38a0cef3c3ba1e0faf87296e\"\n  },\n  {\n    \"year\": 2024,\n    \"category\": \"Translational Medical Science\",\n    \"category_code\": \"TMED\",\n    \"booth_id\": \"TMED048\",\n    \"award\": {\n      \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n      \"place\": null,\n      \"sponsor\": \"Serving Society Through Science\",\n      \"raw\": \"Serving Society Through Science: Second Award of $500\"\n    },\n    \"awards\": [\n      {\n        \"type\": \"Special Award\",\n        \"place\": null,\n        \"sponsor\": \"Serving Society Through Science\",\n        \"raw\": \"Serving Society Through Science: Second Award of $500\"\n      }\n    ],\n    \"title\": \"Analyzing the Effects of Altretamine Chemotherapy Drug on Drosophila melanogaster Ocular Melanoma Models\",\n    \"abstract\": \"Ocular melanoma is one of the rarer types of aggressive cancer. The only option for someone with this cancer is to undergo radiation or surgery. In both cases, there is a high likelihood of vision being lost. However, most patients have no other option than to undergo one of the two treatments because ocular melanomas are aggressive and spread to other areas of the body, most often to the liver. Chemotherapy is the traditional treatment method if the cancer spreads, however, it is rarely used to only treat ocular melanomas.\\nAltretamine is a chemotherapy drug that is currently used to treat ovarian cancer and is untested for other cancers. This drug could allow patients a much brighter prognosis than current options. In this study, Drosophila melanogaster, commonly known as fruit flies, was chosen due to their similar organ structures to humans. The flies were bred to express eye cancer similar to ocular melanomas in humans. To study the change in eye tumors after administering altretamine, the Leica LAS EZ microscope software was used to take images and then analyzed using ImageJ software to measure changes in the eye tumor size and color. It was determined that the best efficiency dilution is 0.53 mM and 0.053 mM dilutions. Preliminary results show that the drug is reducing the tumor sizes of adult flies. 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