Abu Dhabi university team wins gold in Giant Jamboree
abu dhabi — A team of New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) has received the university’s first gold medal at the Giant Jamboree in Boston, USA, for its project E. coLAMP. The Giant Jamboree is a synthetic biology competition that hosts student academic scholars from 310 international teams.
E.coLAMP is a portable and affordable device that is capable of amplifying a genetic marker of the Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli in just 20 minutes using a technique called loop-mediated isothermal amplification (Lamp).
The international genetically engineered machine (iGEM) team of NYUAD designed and printed a robust, 3D-printed case, which houses the electrical components and the silicone chip for the biological reactions.
The team employed a comprehensive design-build-test cycle, integrating feedback from potential users into the design of the device to better meet users’ needs.
The NYUAD team also conducted
Our team led to the realisation that we are facing a common challenge globally — food contamination Khairunnisa Semesta, student
extensive education and engagement programmes by inviting 20 high school students to NYUAD’s first annual synthetic biology workshop. An outreach programme was also conducted in Indonesia to primary school students on food safety and hygienic practices.
Khairunnisa Mentari Semesta, NYUAD Class of 2018 student, said: “The diversity of our team led to the realisation that we are facing a common challenge globally — food contamination. continuing to develop this device.”
The NYUAD team of 12 biology and engineering students were led by seniors Adrienne Chang and Khairunnisa Semesta, supervised by faculty members and other instructors.