University iGEM puts final touches on project for worldwide competition
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LETHBRIDGE – The University of Lethbridge International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) team is set to show the world how to tackle medical hazards at the molecular level during the upcoming iGEM competition.
The team consists of seven students, Keith Aiken, Taylor Sheahan, Graeme Glaister, Karin Otero, Sunseet Kharey, Rhys Hakstol and Courtney McDermott, led by supervisors Dr. Andy Hudson and Dr. HJ Wieden.
They came up with their presentation after being approached by Lethbridge EMS this summer. It was in an effort to better understand and monitor what harmful microbes may exist in ambulances, and if current cleaning procedures are really good enough to combat them.
As part of the investigation, Dr. Hudson explained that a multi-pronged approach was used, including DNA sequencing to identify bacterial species. Those tests then helped the team produce what are known as novel antibodies that change colour in the presence of different types of bacteria.
The team says the kit they put together is a rapid, user friendly and inexpensive detection system that allows medical personnel to target sterilization effectively.
“We wanted to base our team out of a real need. Every single year our iGEM team come together and we try to identify a problem that needs to be solved, and somehow use biology to address that problem,” noted Dr. Hudson.
He noted that their investigations have been very successful, and could add real value to current cleaning frameworks at hospitals and in emergency vehicles.
The project was also taken to the Alberta Genetically Engineered Machine (aGEM) competition recently, where it won first place, as somewhat of a warm-up to the worldwide Giant Jamboree competition. It’s set to take place at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston.
More than 150 collegiate division teams will challenge the eight-time gold medal Lethbridge team from October 27 to 31.
