A group of Chicago middle school students discovered a compound with cancer-fighting potential during a STEM program in partnership with the University of Illinois at Chicago. While analyzing goose droppings from Garfield Park Lagoon, they identified a novel bacterium, Pseudomonas idahoensis, which produces a compound called orfamide N. Laboratory tests showed orfamide N inhibits the growth of melanoma and ovarian cancer cells. The program, led by UIC professor Brian Murphy, highlights how educational outreach can engage students in high-level biomedical research and encourage future STEM careers. Although far from becoming a drug, the discovery showcases the potential of community-focused science initiatives and has sparked inspiration for the students involved in the discovery.
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