Intel Science Talent Search: Prithwis Kumar Mukhopadhyay Investigates the Cause of Cancer
March 10th, 2011 by InspiredbyEducationPrithwis Kumar Mukhopadhyay, 18, of Woodbury studied the relationship between carrageenan, a common food additive, and cancer for his submission in medicine and health to the Intel Science Talent Search, a program of Society for Science & the Public. In the body, cells send and receive chemical signals between each other and their environment. Disruption of these signals can cause cells to transform into malignant cancers. Prithwis determined that reduced intercellular activity of ASB (an enzyme that modifies sulfates) is associated with increased levels of chondroitin sulfate in the cell membrane; this increase impedes cell signaling. By showing that carrageenan, which is used as an emulsifier in processed food, reduces ASB activity, he established a link between this additive and the disruption of cellular signals. His conclusions enhance understanding of the mechanisms responsible for cancer and raise questions aboutthe safety of carrageenan. First in his class of 442 at Woodbury High School, he is captain of the Science Quiz Bowl team and is the only student on the school district curriculum advisory committee. He enjoys basketball, cricket, and cycling. The son of Partha and Munmun Mukhopadhyay, Prithwis was born in India and speaks Bengali, Hindi, and Spanish.
Tags: education, Intel Inspire, Intel Science Talent Search Finalists, Prithwis Kumar Mukhopadhyay, Society for Science & the Public