| Biographies |
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| Heather - Heather Anne Mislang, a 14 year old grade 9 student attending Vanier Catholic Secondary School in Whitehorse, Yukon. She's grateful to be among the chosen out of the territory to be a representative at the CWSF, and excited to be alongside her partner, Gavin, who also shares immense scientific interest. Both agreed on the project relating to antimicrobial resistance after exposure to scientific journals and articles emphasizing the threat it poses to society. Gavin and Heather finalized on the notion of increasing antibiotic efficiency through added antioxidants. It was hypothesized that antioxidants to antibiotic treatment would provide a restriction to overuse of the agent, subsequently the limit proving satisfactory efficiency to slowly allow for dosages to decrease. The partners wish for further study towards most efficient combinations of antibiotics and antioxidants through deeper analyzation of optimal dosage and substance strength. Heather is aspiring to be a neurosurgeon, nonetheless, from this project has found enjoyment in science at a microscopic level. Her advice to other students contemplating on doing a project in the coming years is to "feel open to all aspects of science, as you will find that the best ideas for projects can come from more than one place." | | Gavin - Gavin Howells is a 15 year old high school student who attends Vanier Catholic Secondary School in Whitehorse, Yukon. His interests include science, music, soccer, mountain biking, tennis, golf and travelling. At last year’s Canada Wide Science Fair (CWSF), Gavin was awarded a gold medal for his project that tested the effects of cell-phone radiation on yeast cells. He is honoured to have been chosen again to represent the Yukon at the CWSF. Gavin and his partner, Heather, became interested in the topic of antimicrobial resistance after reviewing various articles and reports describing the issue. They decided that they wanted to contribute to combating antimicrobial resistance in a novel way, by increasing antibiotic efficiency using antioxidants. It is hoped that by increasing antibiotic efficiency, antibiotic doses can be decreased, exposing bacteria to less antibiotic and lowering the probability that bacteria will become resistant. In the future, Gavin and Heather would like to further investigate the most efficient antibiotic and antioxidant combinations and concentrations. Gavin is very interested in molecular biology and hopes to pursue a career in that field of study. Gavin’s advice to other students interested in science is: “find an idea that interests you, and don’t procrastinate.” |
| Heather Mislang, Gavin Howells
Antibiotics and Antioxidants: Allies in Combating Antibiotic Resistance
| Challenge: | Health | | Category: | Intermediate | | Region: | Yukon Stikine | | City: | Whitehorse, YT | | School: | Vanier Catholic Secondary | | Abstract: | Antibiotic resistance is a growing global concern. The purpose of this experiment was to determine if the antioxidants ascorbate and riboflavin can increase the inhibitory action of the antibiotics amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin. Results suggest that some of the tested antibiotic and antioxidant combinations have potential to treat infections more efficiently, and therefore, the capability to slow down the development of antibiotic resistance. |
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