Weekly roundup: Edison High teen wins scientific accolade, lawmakers agree to $15 billion bond proposal, and more

Edison High School freshman Ishan Ghosh is already conducting biomedical research most students only perform when they’re in college or graduate school.

Ishan, 14, ranked among the nation’s top 300 student scientists in the Broadcom Masters, a science, technology, engineering and math competition, according to an article in the Daily Pilot.

News chalkboard graphicThe project that Ishan submitted last school year explored natural remedies that possess blood-thinning properties. Because long-term use of commercial blood thinners can cause side effects, he wanted to test natural alternatives, the Pilot reported.

He conducted his research using the enzymes bromelain, nattokinase and serrapeptase and purchased bovine plasma to test the remedies.

“At such a young age, his desire to help those who may be allergic to or present with detrimental side effects to medicines stood out,” Maya Ajmera, president and chief executive of Society for Science & the Public, told the Pilot. “His findings of natural remedies is fabulous, and we’re excited to see where Ishan’s research leads.”

His study found that the clotting time of bovine plasma samples increased when treated with one of the three natural remedies. He said further research is needed to determine the efficacy in humans, according to the Pilot.

Here are some other articles making news for the week ending Sept. 13.

  • After intensive down-to-the-wire negotiations, legislative leaders and staff from the governor’s office have agreed on legislation to place a $15 billion preschool, K-12 and higher education construction bond before voters in March 2020.
  • California high school graduates may soon be able to show off their academic success in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, with a new seal on their diploma. A bill creating the State Seal of STEM, Assembly Bill 28, passed the state Legislature Tuesday and now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk.
  • California Governor Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers hammered out an agreement Friday that will keep alive legislation that would tighten restrictions on medical exemptions that allow students to attend school without having all the required vaccinations.

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