Jan Gong Jan Gong, a junior at Garden City High School, has been named a National Winner by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) for her submission to this year’s competition. Jan is one of only four recipients of the 2010 Neuroscience Research Prize. In addition to her $1,000 cash award, Jan is invited to present her project at the 62nd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in Toronto, ON, Canada, April 10 through April 17, 2010 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Canada. All expenses for Jan and one guest will be paid for by AAN. This year’s Research Prize recipients will be recognized during the convention at a special luncheon meeting. AAN’s goal for the competition “is to identify and reward high school students whose scientific skill and talent indicate potential for scientific contributions in the field of neuroscience and to recognize the efforts of science teachers who have demonstrated support for students interested in neuroscience.”

Jan completed her research internship and research paper, High Glucose Levels Alter Morphine Signaling Pathways: A Novel Pathway for Sugar Addition, earlier this year. “This study was the first to demonstrate that sugar has the ability to regulate mu-opioid receptor gene expression and induce significant cell damage and cell death by activating the nitric oxide synthase coupled mu-receptor through endogenous morphine signaling in human cells,” commented the young scientist. More simply put, Jan explains, “The fact that sugar can mediate the receptor shows that sugar can be addictive.”

Congratulations to Jan, pictured here with her research results (and balloons - it was her birthday!), as well as to Dr. Steven Gordon, science research teacher at Garden City High School.

For more information about this prestigious competition, please visit: www.aan.com.