Chicago School Kid Discovers New Cancer-Fighting Compound in Bird Poo

Under the close supervision of professors from the University of Illinois, middle schoolers were trained how to safely collect and grow bacteria. One youth identified a bacterium that might create new cancer treatments and antibiotics.

They were part of a 14-week educational outreach program to promote scientific careers with hands-on experience.

The initiative was designed to involve young learners in the search for new antibiotics, and as part of the project, students were asked to explore their neighborhood for new bioactive compounds.

The kids were then taught how to safely grow bacteria and select colonies for further evaluation by university scientists.