# Minnesota teen’s worm model cuts seizure recurrence by 70.1%

2026-08-15T08:43:17+00:00 | Health & Science | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Eighteen-year-old Evan Morris of Saint Paul, Minnesota, has built a low-cost system that detects seizure-like activity in genetically modified worms and responds with ultrasound. The Society for Science says his closed-loop system reduced seizure recurrence by 70.1% and overall seizure activity by nearly 30% in experiments. Morris received the $10,000 Mary Sue Coleman Award for Life Science Innovation & Impact at the 2026 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, and won first place in Cellular and Molecular Biology. The system uses gene editing, computer-controlled detection and sonogenetics, which uses ultrasound to influence modified cells. Its value lies in testing stimulation settings quickly in a living model, not in treating epilepsy. Further research is needed before the approach can be assessed in more complex organisms or humans.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/minnesota-teen-evan-morris-built-a-low-cost-system-that-detected-seizure-like-activity-in-worms-and-triggered-ultrasound-recurrence-fell-70-1-in-his-model/articleshow/133257848.cms>

Tags: Caenorhabditis elegans, Evan Morris, Minnesota, Regeneron ISEF, Society for Science
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