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For decades, people in the Philippines have brewed a medicinal tea from the leaves of the Sibukau tree. Eigen Israel Rara, 17, became curious about the scientific properties of this traditional medicine. After a year of studying plant extracts in a laboratory setting, he is now convinced he has discovered a wonder drug. "Wonder Drug: A Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic Substance Obtained From Sibukau Tree" is the botany project that earned Rara top honors at the national Intel Philippines Science Fair and a trip to compete at Intel ISEF in Cleveland, Ohio, in 2003. He has become a passionate spokesman for what he sees as a medical breakthrough. Because some strains of bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics, health experts forsee the need for new sources of antibiotics. "So I am very proud that I have discovered a new antibiotic," Rara says. "It provides a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent which is inexpensive, effective, and doesn't bring about harsh side effects." Indeed, Rara hopes to see the drug become commercially available. But that's still a distant goal, requiring further studies in molecular biology—the field he now plans to study in college. Getting Started Rara launched his research project while a student at MSU-ITT Integrated Development School, a high school with a strong science focus that is located on a university campus in Iligan City. With a mentor from the university biology department serving as adviser, Rara used methanol to extract components from different parts of the tree, including trunk, leaves, and fruits. He found that dried leaves contain the highest concentration of the active substance.
Ready for Questions Presenting his project to judges required Rara to be ready to explain his research process, as well as answer questions about the potential value of his discovery. Although judging in the Philippines was rigorous, the questions got even harder once he got to Intel ISEF. "They asked a lot of questions. It was little frightening," Rara admits, "but I answered all of them. The questions are very technical and the judges go deep through your study. It made me think, but I have done my very best." Attending Intel ISEF was a dream-come-true for Rara, whose older brother competed in the international event the previous year. "He gave me some overviews of what this contest is all about. And, in fact, he is my inspiration with this work. When he came back from Intel ISEF, he was moved to continue his research at the university, where he is studying biology. He feels he has a great task to continue. He is the first scientist in my family," Rara says. But not, apparently, the last. |
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