High School Innovator Tackles COVID-19 with Research

News Summary

Keerthin Karthikeyan, a sophomore from Oxford, has made headlines by winning the Best in Fair award at the Mississippi Science and Engineering Fair. His innovative project, titled ‘Potential Treatment Targets for COVID-19: A Virtual Screening’, explores alternative treatments for the virus, focusing on natural-based phytochemicals. Using virtual screening, he identified promising compounds with stronger binding affinities than Remdesivir. Eager to expand his research, Keerthin’s journey reflects the spirit of young scientists fighting the ongoing pandemic, with the potential to address emerging COVID-19 variants.

Oxford’s Bright Star: High Schooler Takes on COVID-19 with Innovative Research

Oxford is buzzing with excitement as a local high school sophomore, Keerthin Karthikeyan, recently secured a coveted Best in Fair award at the Mississippi Science and Engineering Fair (MSEF) Region VII competition. This recognition is for his groundbreaking science project that delves into the ongoing battle against COVID-19. Keerthin’s project, intriguingly titled “Potential Treatment Targets for COVID-19: A Virtual Screening,” focuses on identifying alternative treatments to the widely known antiviral drug Remdesivir.

The Spark of Innovation

In November 2020, as the pandemic persisted and COVID-19 cases were on the rise, Keerthin realized the pressing need for effective treatments. Many had been looking to Remdesivir, especially after it was used on President Donald Trump during his COVID-19 diagnosis in October 2020. However, Keerthin noted that Remdesivir often fell short in combating the virus effectively. Driven by the urgency of the moment, he embarked on a mission to explore the potential of natural-based chemicals, also known as phytochemicals, in treating this formidable virus.

Unraveling a Potential Breakthrough

Keerthin’s innovative approach involved a virtual screening process using a tool called PyRx. This method allowed him to examine various phytochemical ligands, substances that can bond with larger molecules. His goal was to discover compounds that could potentially block COVID-19 from invading human cells. The results of his research were enlightening, revealing that certain phytochemicals like Tenufolin and Baicalein, along with synthetic drugs such as dactinomycin and irinotecan, displayed a stronger binding affinity against COVID-19 proteins compared to Remdesivir.

Looking Ahead: Aiming for New Variants

With the world still grappling with new variants of COVID-19, Keerthin is not stopping at this victory. He plans to further expand his research to examine how his findings could contribute to the fight against emerging variants, especially in light of recently reported cases of a COVID-19 variant from South Africa here in Mississippi. He understands firsthand the importance of finding effective treatments against these evolving strains.

Next Steps in the Scientific Journey

After the exciting recognition at the Region VII competition, Keerthin did not rest on his laurels. He has submitted his project for evaluation in the state science fair competition and is eagerly awaiting the results. But that’s not all! The determined young scientist has also become a finalist for the prestigious Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, which is set to take place in May 2021. This opportunity will allow him to showcase his remarkable findings on an even larger stage.

Oxford’s Pride: A Future Scientist in the Making

As Keerthin continues to navigate through his research, the Oxford community is undoubtedly proud of this remarkable student’s endeavors. His innovative thinking and commitment to finding solutions to significant global issues demonstrate the spirit of young scientists around the world. With passionate individuals like Keerthin stepping up to tackle challenges such as COVID-19, there’s hope at the end of the tunnel for an effective treatment strategy. Everyone in Oxford is watching with bated breath as he charts an inspiring path in the world of science and medicine.