Browse real student projects, abstracts, and awards.
ISEF · 2026
Microbiology
Quorum Sensing (QS) is a bacterial communication pathway that mediates population-based activity such as virulence and biofilm formation. Specifically, QS affects biofilm maturation, includi…
ISEF · 2026
Microbiology
An estimated $6 billion USD will be lost in 2026 globally due to disease outbreaks in aquaculture facilities, particularly from Vibrio coralliilyticus, a pathogen that infects corals, fish a…
ISEF · 2026
Microbiology
Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterial agent of tuberculosis, has become resistant to many traditional antibiotics due to its thick, lipid-rich membrane. Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) is…
ISEF · 2026
Microbiology
Phytochemicals are naturally occurring compounds in plants, relatively understudied for their ability to interfere with bacterial communication mechanisms, and the underlying modes of action…
ISEF · 2026
Microbiology
Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogenic bacteria well known for developing resistance to antibiotics, with dire consequences for human staph infections. This study explored the time required f…
ISEF · 2026
Microbiology
Biofilm formation is a major driver of antimicrobial resistance and persistent infections, particularly in medical device-associated settings. These structures protect bacteria from antibiot…
ISEF · 2026
Microbiology
Antibiotic resistance is a rising global health threat, causing over 5 million deaths worldwide annually. This is a particular concern in hospital settings where bacterial infections can spr…
ISEF · 2026
Microbiology
Dinoflagellates are one of the many marine organisms that perform bioluminescent processes. There are many factors that could affect the light that they produce, including temperature, salin…
ISEF · 2026
Microbiology
Menstrual products are composed of harmful microplastics. Tampons specifically contain microplastics such as polyethylene (PE) which have been seen to interfere with biological functions. Ba…
ISEF · 2026
Microbiology
Previous studies have provided insights using quantitative measurements and controlled animal models, primarily focusing on persistent chemicals such as PFAS rather than the broader spectrum…
ISEF · 2026
Microbiology
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable bioplastic used in packaging, textiles, 3D printing, medical devices, and agricultural applications. Although derived from renewable resources, it de…
ISEF · 2026
Microbiology
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of persistent environmental contaminants known to disrupt biological systems across multiple trophic levels, yet their cellular and mol…
ISEF · 2026
Microbiology
Human-pathogenic Vibrio, particularly Vibrio vulnificus, in Gulf oysters pose increasing public health risks as coastal waters warm. Although temperature–Vibrio relationships are known, stra…
ISEF · 2026
Microbiology
The purpose of this study was to examine whether the production of genotoxic colibactin by the probiotic Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917 (EcN) is influenced by external factors, such as…
ISEF · 2025
Microbiology
Every one in five adults carry a genetic mutation related disease (Cross 2017). Current neoadjuvant and nanoparticle therapies are ineffective in treatment due to rapid tumor drug resistance…
ISEF · 2025
Microbiology
To use AI technology to evaluate the structural proteins of the ESX-1 secretion system of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and experimentally assess the potential of EccA1 as a preventive DNA vacc…
ISEF · 2025
Microbiology
Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) has been raging around the world recently, posing a threat to public health and also becoming a significant burden on healthcare systems. Although antibiotics were…
ISEF · 2025
Microbiology
Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains the deadliest infectious disease, responsible for approximately 1.25 million deaths and 10 million new cases in 2023. A major…
ISEF · 2025
Microbiology
Makeup is used worldwide, helping people feel more confident and serving as a tool of self expression. However, there are hygienic concerns regarding its use. This experiment aimed to test w…
ISEF · 2025
Microbiology
Vibrio infections are an increasing global concern. These pathogenic bacteria not only affect humans but are also a leading cause of mortality in aquaculture, often linked to major oyster ha…
ISEF · 2025
Microbiology
The oligodynamic effect is the ability of metals to kill microbes, including bacteria. This effect is vital to modern methods of sterilization, as biocidal metals are commonly incorporated i…
ISEF · 2025
Microbiology
The high microbial density of the oral cavity compromises the effectiveness of dental cements consequently increasing the number of secondary infections caused by remaining bacteria. Despite…
ISEF · 2025
Microbiology
Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is once again the world's deadliest infectious disease, after being replaced by COVID-19 for three years. The only approved vaccine f…
ISEF · 2025
Microbiology
As artificial sweetener consumption rises, environmental contamination by sucralose has become a growing concern due to its persistence in aquatic ecosystems. Previous research has shown tha…
ISEF · 2025
Microbiology
The Cerrado, Brazil's second-largest biome, occupies 23% of the national territory and plays a crucial role in the agricultural economy, particularly in Mato Grosso do Sul, where pastures su…
ISEF · 2025
Microbiology
Francisella tularensis, a gram-negative bacterium, is the causative agent of tularemia, a severe zoonotic disease. The CDC classifies F. tularensis as a tier one biothreat agent, as it is hi…
ISEF · 2025
Microbiology
Cutavirus (CuV) belongs to the genus Protoparvovirus, which includes important viruses such as H-1PV, MVMp, and LuIII, known for their applications in cancer therapies and as gene therapy ve…
ISEF · 2025
Microbiology
Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria. During infection a phage attaches to a bacterium and proceeds to insert its genetic material into the cell. After that the phage follows one…
ISEF · 2025
Microbiology
Chronic inflammation is a significant health concern, damaging tissues and cells, leading to serious diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Many anti-inflammatory treatments, suc…
ISEF · 2025
Microbiology
Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive pathogenic bacteria that causes community-onset and nosocomial infections, making it a global healthcare threat. Its ability to evade host responses…