Our Research

Despite starting with limited research resources, we’ve successfully launched a variety of scientific and business-related projects. As more mentors and young minds join our journey, we’re opening up exciting opportunities for students to explore their passions. Together, we’re on the path to achieving incredible results—stay tuned for what’s to come! 

"Mechanistic Study of Environmental Pollutant Interactions with Human Proteins"    (H01040325)

The potential threat of environmental pollutants to human health is a central issue in current environmental science and public health. A wide variety of chemical substances, ranging from byproducts emitted by industrial production to pesticides used in agricultural activities, can enter the environment and ultimately expose humans. As early as the mid-20th century, Rachel Carson, in her book Silent Spring, warned of the potential dangers of pesticides and other chemicals to the environment and human health, sparking widespread public concern about environmental pollution issues. Since then, numerous studies have revealed the links between various environmental pollutants and human diseases, but their specific molecular mechanisms still require in-depth exploration. 

To this day, key scientific questions remain unanswered regarding how environmental pollutants are distributed in the body, how they interact with crucial human proteins, and how these interactions ultimately lead to adverse health outcomes. In this project, Karen ZHANG from Monta Vista High School, California  will lead an investigation into the interactions between environmental pollutants and different human proteins. By combining theoretical analysis and computational simulation methods, we aim to elucidate the potential mechanisms by which environmental pollutants affect human health at the molecular level, providing a scientific basis for more effectively assessing and managing environmental risks. 

“Statistical Learning Unleashed: Connecting Theory to Real-World Solutions” (C04032925)

Two decades ago, the landscape of machine learning and pattern recognition began to shift with the arrival of a groundbreaking text that would redefine data-driven insights. Since then, the foundational ideas from The Elements of Statistical Learning, first published in 2001, have fueled countless technological and scientific breakthroughs. Yet, a key challenge persists: making the leap from abstract theory to practical application in a way that’s both accessible and meaningful. For many students, linking complex statistical concepts to real-world problem-solving feels out of reach, often curbing their ability to explore and create.

In this project, Mario WANG, a student from Lynbrook High School, California,  addresses this challenge by bringing the textbook’s classic examples to life with modern Python tools like NumPy, scikit-learn, and TensorFlow. For high school students, this creates an exciting opportunity to dive into statistical learning through manageable steps: coding foundational examples like the Iris dataset classification (achieving 96% accuracy with minimal data) and applying these skills to meaningful challenges, such as predicting mortality risk with the SUPPORT2 medical dataset. By blending textbook theory with hands-on coding and real-world applications, students can discover how timeless principles evolve and adapt, building confidence and skills to spark both learning and innovation—all driven by curiosity.

Against this research backdrop, Sophie XING from Homestead High School in California will lead an innovative study aimed at investigating how specific microbial communities can intervene in nicotine addiction. The project will begin with literature mining and bioinformatics analysis to screen potential probiotic strains that may be involved in nicotine metabolism, dopamine regulation, and inflammatory responses.  We expect this research to preliminarily elucidate the potential role and molecular mechanisms of specific microbial communities in alleviating nicotine addiction. Ultimately, the study will not only provide new insights into microbial-based therapies for nicotine dependence but also lay a solid theoretical foundation for the development of microbiome-assisted smoking cessation products or dietary strategies.

Ready to Launch Projects - Looking Forward to Having You Onboard 

"Why Vitamin C Benefits Colds and Human Health: A Theoretical Study on Its Interaction with Proteins" (H03022425)

Over 50 years ago, Linus Pauling—a Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry (1954)—published his renowned book, Vitamin C and the Common Cold. In it, he championed the idea that high doses of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) could prevent and ease cold symptoms. His work didn’t stop there. In 1976, Pauling teamed up with Ewan Cameron to write Cancer and Vitamin C: A Discussion of the Nature, Causes, Prevention, and Treatment of Cancer With Special Reference to the Value of Vitamin C. This groundbreaking book became a cornerstone in alternative and complementary medicine, sparking widespread interest in vitamin C’s potential to prevent and treat cancer.

Since then, countless studies have explored how vitamin C supports human health in various ways. Yet, key questions remain unanswered: How is vitamin C distributed in the body, and how does it interact with proteins? In this project, expected student will take the lead in investigating vitamin C’s interactions with different proteins. Through this comprehensive study, we aim to paint a clearer picture of how vitamin C works to heal and benefit our health.

"Labrify: Streamlining Small Labs with Smart Solutions" (C02022625) 

Quite a lot of small/medium size research labs, whether in universities or startup companies, face a big challenge: managing their supplies like reagents, bio samples, chemicals, and materials. Unlike large labs, these smaller setups often lack the budget for pricey commercial inventory software, leaving them disorganized. Scientists waste time searching for items, accidentally reorder things they already have, and lose efficiency—slowing down exciting experiments and innovations. This is a widespread problem, and solving it could make a huge difference in supporting groundbreaking research while cutting waste. That's where our "Labrify," comes in, and we need creative high school students like you to help! 

In this project, you as expected innovator , will work with mentors to design a simple, tailored inventory management system just for small labs. You'll tackle real-world issues by creating a tool that helps scientists find supplies fast, track what's in stock, and avoid unnecessary purchases. This is your chance to dive into science and tech, learn coding and problem-solving, and build something that could transform how labs operate. No experience? No problem—just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm! Together, we'll make research smoother, greener, and more impactful.

Unraveling the Health and Environmental Impacts of Herbicides for Sustainable Agriculture (H05041925)

Herbicides, widely used in modern agriculture to control weeds and reduce labor, are applied to crops, fruits, vegetables, and horticulture. However, their overuse poses significant risks to ecosystems and the environment, including soil degradation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. The safety of herbicides remains controversial, particularly due to potential health hazards. They may harm the nervous system, increase risks of Parkinson's disease, weaken immune function, or even contribute to cancer. Yet, systematic research on their human health impacts is limited, especially regarding their interactions with microbial and animal (including human) proteins. We invite Passionate Innovators to join our project to investigate these mechanisms, providing critical data to uncover herbicides' health and environmental impacts. This initiative will drive sustainable agriculture, inform stricter regulatory policies, and safeguard human health and ecosystems.