Students from the James R Jordan Boys and Girls Club in Chicago made a remarkable discovery while studying goose poop in a local park. Under the guidance of researchers from the University of Illinois and Professor Brian Murphy, they identified a potential cancer-fighting compound in a bacterium isolated from goose droppings.
The students participated in a STEM program that equipped them with skills to become biomedical scientists before even starting high school. Their discovery was published in the journal ACS Omega, with student Camarria Williams credited as a co-author.
Professor Murphy’s research focuses on discovering antibiotics from natural sources, and the young scientists contributed by analyzing environmental samples from their local community. The team identified Pseudomonas idahoensis, a bacterium found in goose poop, which showed antibiotic activity.
The researchers then determined the molecular structure of a compound produced by this bacterium, named orfamide N, and tested its biological activity. Although orfamide N was not responsible for the initial antibiotic effect, it inhibited the growth of human melanoma and ovarian cancer cells in laboratory tests.
This study demonstrates the potential for combining educational outreach with natural product discovery research, highlighting the importance of university-community partnerships. The students’ work showcases how curiosity and learning can lead to significant breakthroughs, even in unexpected places.
Source: https://www.ndtv.com/science/students-science-project-with-bird-poop-leads-to-discovery-of-cancer-fighting-compound-7183959