A 15-year-old student from Co Cork who discovered a natural antibiotic in a blackberry bramble plant in his back garden has won the top prize at the 54th BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. He extracted anti-microbial agents from aerial parts of plants and their roots using ethanol and then tested their antibiotic effects. HerbalistThe fourth year student has dedicated his work to his grandfather, Eddie Lucey, a well-known herbalist and science teacher in Bandon. Runner-up group prize went to three students from Coláiste Treasa in Kanturk, Co Cork, who investigated how a natural occurring bacteria could be used to increase phosphorous absorption in varieties of barley and boost crop yields. “Simon’s innovative skills and entrepreneurial approach are critical to research and development led companies like BT,” he added.

Source: The Irish Times January 12, 2018 16:14 UTC