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Showing 6 - 10 of 18 Project Ideas
From Genes to Genetic Diseases: What Kinds of Mutations Matter?
From Genes to Genetic Diseases: What Kinds of Mutations Matter?
Difficulty
Time Required Short (2-5 days)
Prerequisites Basic understanding of what genes, DNA, and proteins are.
Material Availability Readily available
Cost Very Low (under $20)
Safety No issues

Our genes are made up of hundreds to millions of building blocks, called DNA nucleotides, and if just a single nucleotide of DNA becomes mutated it might cause a devastating genetic disease. But sometimes a mutation actually does no damage. What kinds of mutations have to occur to cause a genetic disease? In this science project, you will explore online genetic databases to identify how a mutation in a gene can result in a dysfunctional… Read more
A Prescription for Success: Drugs & Your Genetics *
A Prescription for Success: Drugs & Your Genetics
Difficulty
Time Required Very Long (1+ months)
Prerequisites Basic understanding of what genes, DNA, and proteins are.
Material Availability After 23andMe receives your sample, your results should be ready in 6-8 weeks. Alternatively, you can do this science project using a readily available free demo account on 23andMe.
Cost Very High (over $150)
Safety No issues

Have you ever known someone who had a bad reaction to a prescription drug? Although pharmaceutical companies test new drugs on a large number of people to make sure the drug works the way it is supposed to, often a small percentage of people respond differently to the drug. A person's genetics plays a large role in determining his or her response to a given drug. Our genes are made up of hundreds to millions of nucleotides of DNA… Read more
Drug Solubility *
Drug Solubility
Difficulty
Time Required Average (6-10 days)
Material Availability Readily available
Cost Low ($20 - $50)
Safety Adult supervision is required. Do not consume any of the medicines you test.

When you take medicine, it needs to dissolve in order to be passed into your bloodstream to have an effect. On the other hand, the drug needs to be packed into a small, dense pill to make it easier to swallow. How does the delivery method of a drug change how quickly it enters the bloodstream? Compare different brands of a drug to find out which brands dissolve the quickest. Does the pH of the stomach (which is usually between 1 and 2) matter?… Read more
Drugs & Genetics: Why Do Some People Respond to Drugs Differently than Others?
Drugs & Genetics: Why Do Some People Respond to Drugs Differently than Others?
Difficulty
Time Required Short (2-5 days)
Prerequisites Basic understanding of what genes, DNA, and proteins are.
Material Availability Readily available
Cost Very Low (under $20)
Safety No issues

From 2005 to 2008, 48% of everyone in the U.S. was using at least one prescription drug, and 21% of people were taking three or more drugs. People are prescribed drugs all the time, but prescriptions can be dangerous because people can have different responses to drugs. These responses largely have to do with genetic mutations. Why are some genetic mutations associated with a different response to a drug? In this science project, you… Read more
Which Acne Medication Can Really Zap That Zit?
Which Acne Medication Can Really Zap That Zit?
Difficulty
Time Required Long (2-4 weeks)
Prerequisites None
Material Availability This science project requires access to some laboratory equipment, such as a 37°C incubator, as well as some specialty reagents, which can be ordered online. See the Materials and Equipment list for more details.
Cost High ($100 - $150)
Safety This science project involves the use of the bacterium E. coli. Standard microbiology and bacterial safety guidelines should be followed, see the Microorganisms Safety Guide for more details. To maintain a sterile environment, you will be working near a lighted Bunsen burner. Keep all flammables, including hair and clothing, away from the flame.

Have you ever wondered where acne comes from and how you can treat it? One major cause of acne is the colonization and infection of clogged pores with bacteria. In this science project, you'll test different acne medications and treatments to determine their effectiveness at killing bacteria. Read more
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