Research
Personal Project
Conducted a study on healthcare misinformation in different branches of medicine for my personal project in 10th grade and presented my research at my school.
Research Abstract: Healthcare misinformation is particularly prevalent in mental health and infectious diseases. In mental health, a study of TikTok videos found that over 80% of content with mental health-related hashtags was misleading. Misinformation about cognitive behavioral therapy and other treatments is common on social media platforms, potentially exacerbating anxiety and discouraging effective. For infectious diseases, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the severe impact of misinformation, with individuals sharing false claims experiencing approximately twice the increase in anxiety compared to those who did not. This "infodemic" has led to increased mortality rates, unnecessary healthcare costs, and erosion of trust in medical professionals across both fields.
Independent Research
Research Abstract: This research abstract explores the causes and implications of gut dysbiosis in the colon. Dysbiosis, characterized by an imbalance in the gut microbiota composition, can be triggered by various factors including dietary changes, antibiotic use, stress, and environmental toxins. The disruption of the gut ecosystem has significant consequences, such as compromised intestinal barrier integrity, immune system modulation, and altered host metabolism. Inflammation plays a crucial role in dysbiosis, creating an environment that favors the expansion of certain bacterial groups, particularly Enterobacteriaceae. Notably, the increased availability of host-derived respiratory electron acceptors during inflammation, such as nitrate and tetrathionate, drives compositional changes in the gut microbiota. These alterations can lead to a range of gastrointestinal and systemic disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, and even neurological conditions. Understanding the mechanisms underlying dysbiosis provides insights into potential therapeutic interventions, such as targeting host functions that control microbial resource availability.
Extended Essay
Research Abstract: This research abstract explores the correlation between obesity and dysbiosis in the gut microbiota of the intestines. Numerous studies have demonstrated a significant association between obesity and alterations in the composition and function of the intestinal microbiome. A key finding is the increased ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes phyla in obese individuals, with some studies reporting up to a 50% decrease in Bacteroidetes abundance and a proportional increase in Firmicutes. This dysbiosis contributes to obesity through various mechanisms, including enhanced energy harvest from nutrients, disrupted energy homeostasis, and promotion of low-grade inflammation. Additionally, obesity-associated gut microbiota exhibit higher expression of genes involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, leading to increased production of short-chain fatty acids and altered bile acid metabolism. The bidirectional nature of this relationship is evident, as dietary changes can modulate the gut microbiome composition, potentially reversing obesity-related dysbiosis. These findings highlight the complex interplay between gut microbiota and host metabolism, suggesting that targeting the microbiome could be a promising approach for obesity prevention and treatment.