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The students, Stella Li, Jeremy Ma, Alexandra Remnitz and Kylie Roslin, were selected as national finalists in the Neuroscience Research Prize awarded by the American Academy of Neuroscientists (AAN) Research Prize for high school students.
Each year the group awards 15 high school students who have completed work exploring the world of the brain and nervous system through laboratory research.
Li utilized a novel method to differentiate the workings of nerve impulses. Utilizing the neurotoxins found in snake venom, she demonstrated specific pathways involved in the endocytosis of vesicle membrane proteins. This research will enable neurologists to more fully understand synaptic mechanisms and could, in turn, enhance drug development.
Ma created a study to measure the brain activity of people while perceiving different representations of depth. He used electroencephalography (EEG measurements) and developed a novel method for analyzing the data. This study is considered to be one of the first of its kind to quantitatively analyze visual depth perception.
Working with the Sailfin Molly, Remnitz determined this fish, unlike most other fish, did not alter their typical behavior due to increasing ocean acidification. This finding demonstrates the robustness of this specific species.
Roslin identified a relationship between the Herpes Simplex Virus and a neurologic autoimmune disorder called NMDAR encephalitis. Her findings could be used to improve the diagnosis and treatment of this rare condition.
These Byram Hills High School students will move on to the next round, which will award three finalists an all-expense paid trip to the AAN 70th Annual Meeting in Los Angeles.
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