Have you ever wondered if the vibrant red chips you snack on are doing more than just staining your fingers? Or if your daily Starbucks run is secretly wreaking havoc on your health? This year’s ‘Iolani Science Fair, hosted on January 10 on the fourth floor of the Sullivan Center, highlighted students’ diverse research endeavors, demonstrating both their scientific rigor and ability to address critical challenges. Whether investigating the impact of artificial dyes on gut health, the role of AI in pediatric diabetes diagnosis, or the mental health dangers of caffeine among teens, ‘Iolani AP Researchers organize projects that touch upon topics that are significant to the ‘Iolani scientific community.
Bryan Bai’s ’25 project explores how teenagers are increasingly reliant on caffeinated beverages, unknowingly developing a harmful dependency. Bryan’s study reveals that the accessibility to caffeine drinks, ranging from Starbucks, tea, to energy drinks is a growing trend among adolescents. Caffeine can lead to neuro- developmental issues, cardiovascular risks, as well as sleep disturbances. Bryan argued, “As someone who drinks caffeinated drinks regularly, I was very taken back when I learned about its long-term implications .” Bryan suggests that schools reconsider selling caffeinated drinks on campus and implement more support systems such as therapy, to alleviate stress related caffeine consumption.
Juliana Shi ’25, introduces artificial intelligence as a useful tool to identify Type 1 diabetes in children. Juliana found that by applying specific machine learning models like the Support Vector Machines (SVM) and Random Forest to clinical body composition data, AI could drastically improve early detection. “Traditional methods such as BMI aren’t always an accurate predictor. Machine learning models can analyze multiple factors all at once and detect patterns that healthcare providers may miss,” Juliana stated. Juliana’s findings suggest that AI-driven diagnostics have the ability to revolutionize healthcare, potentially leading to early interventions and better patient health outcomes.
Kaitlyn Sim ’25 oversees a study that also delves into health, particularly the effects of artificial food dyes (Red 40) on gut microbiomes in adolescents. Her research spanned five weeks requiring participants to eliminate Red 40 out of their diet, before reintroducing it later when microbial changes have taken place. Through both DNA extraction from buccal and tongue swabs, Kaitlyn analyzed how the presence of artificial food dye Red 40 ultimately influenced microbiome compositions, linking it to potential health issues such as inflammation and digestive complications. Kaitlyn’s conclusions suggest a need to increase awareness about the long-term implications of dyes, advocating for more research into the effects of dietary choices on adolescents’ health. She explained, “We often overlook the impact of food additives on our health. Dye in chips or candy and sports drinks can dramatically alter gut bacteria in ways we don’t know.” According to CNN, California has banned Red 40 and five other artificial food dyes from public schools in 2024.
The ‘Iolani Science Fair once again proved that our students are more than capable of engaging with meaningful scientific research that is both captivating and useful. From addressing public health issues to new cutting-edge technology, ‘Iolani Science Fair students mark the new generation of scientists, reminding us that science isn’t just happening in labs but it’s shaping the choices we make every day.
