HHS Senior’s Science Research Published in Medical Journal

Harrison High School Science Research student Sarina Iraj can add another highlight to her college application – published author. Sarina’s contribution to the study entitled “The French Paradox Revisited: Cardioprotection via Hormesis, Red Wine, and Resveratrol” has been published in the Handbook of Nutrition in Heart Health, Human Health Handbooks, Wageningen Academy.

“My interest in this area started two years ago when I attended the Student Trainees in Academic Research (STAR program) and was given the opportunity to select from the topics being studied in the labs at New York Medical College,” said Sarina. “I found this topic interesting because I have always believed the foods we eat affect our future health.”

Sarina is also using the knowledge she has gained over the past two summers to inform her Harrison Science Research – Studying the Effect of Resveratrol on the Lifespan of Drosphila melagonaster Fruit Flies fed diets high in fat.

“My first summer was spent focusing on research of why people who consumed high fat diets along with a glass of wine had reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease,” she said. “We studied the pathways and factors of how the natural polyphenol, resveratrol, found in red wine had cardioprotective benefits.”

“This past summer, I was given the opportunity to create my own investigation using Drosophila melagonaster since they have over 70% similar genes as humans and similar metabolic functions. I separated the flies into four groups that each received a different diet – high fat, normal, high fat with resveratrol, and normal with resveratrol. “

“The results were statistically significant and showed the flies receiving diets with resveratrol had increased lifespan in comparison with the diets not containing resveratrol. These findings provide hope that this research will be continued in human studies to increase lifespan and decrease the incidence of cardiovascular disease – the leading cause of premature deaths worldwide.”

As is the case with the majority of Harrison Science Research students, they bring a personal element that influences their topic and research. Sarina, an athlete herself, has always focused on healthy lifestyle including diet and exercise. She also lost her grandfather who was a cardiologist, who ironically died from heart disease at the young age of 60.

Sarina and her Harrison Science Research project research awards in many of the science competitions last year. She is looking forward to continuing her work and plans to engage in undergraduate science research in college.

“Science Research has been my favorite class at Harrison High School,” she said, “and I believe Ms. Blunt and Mr. Gunnell do an excellent job of preparing students for scientific research, laboratory experience and science fair competitions.”