TORONTO, ON – (May 19, 2011) Though relative newcomers to science fairs, two Grade 11 honour students from Lakefield District Secondary School today shared major awards, including being named Young Canadian Innovation Award winners by the Ernest C. Manning Awards Foundation, at the week-long 50th anniversary Canada-Wide Science Fair, held this year at Seneca College in Markham.

Shayla Larson, 16, and Adam Noble, 17, were recognized for their research addressing the potential hazards associated with widespread use of nanosilver, an increasingly common commercial and industrial antimicrobial agent.

The term "nanosilver" refers to microscopic "nanoparticles" of silver, which can kill microbes very effectively. Its germ-fighting powers have been used increasingly in food preparation equipment, air filtration devices and odour-destroying products, such as food storage containers, shoe liners and even washing machines. About 350 products contain nanosilver, including acne treatments and bandages used to speed healing in cavity wounds. But there are also concerns that increasing amounts of nanosilver being washed down drains are toxic to aquatic life.

Larson, competing at her first national science fair, and Noble, fresh from his third place finish at last year's and his inaugural national fair, also garnered a Canada-Wide Science Fair Gold Medal and Encana Corporation-sponsored Environment Challenge Award, among other honours, for their investigation into nanosilver’s tarnished reputation.

Today they received a $500 Manning Innovation Achievement Award and an invitation to the 30th annual gala banquet of the Ernest C. Manning Awards Foundation to receive an additional $4000 Young Canadian Innovation Award on Friday, October 14 in Edmonton. Senator Pamela Wallin, OC, will emcee the event. The next day, the two young scientists will participate in a day-long Celebration of Innovation Symposium at the University of Alberta.

Larson and Noble focussed on the effect of nanosilver on Euglena, a single-celled photosynthetic organism that may foretell the impact of this nanoparticle on other organisms in freshwater ecosystems. They found that the material was indeed toxic to Euglena, resulting in structural and functional changes and even cell death. After nanosilver was added to Euglena cultures, both cell counts and the organism’s chlorophyll concentration dropped. But the study also had a silver lining, suggesting that Euglena could serve as a means of mopping up nanosilver pollution.

"Canada's future success and ability to grow depends on its capacity to innovate in all sectors and is the fundamental reason for the existence of the Manning Innovation Awards Foundation—to support, celebrate and encourage Canadians with the imagination to innovate and the stamina to succeed," said Foundation President David B. Mitchell. "This is especially important for the young bright minds we meet annually at the Canada Wide Science Fair."

Larson and Noble were among 509 finalists with 425 projects competing at the national science fair.

NOTE TO MEDIA

For more information or to interview students, please contact:
David B. Mitchell, President, Ernest C. Manning Awards Foundation: 403-991-2342 or mitch_d@telus.net and david.mitchell@encana.com

Dick Wilson, Trustee, Ernest C. Manning Awards Foundation: 403-466-1348 or d.wilson@shaw.ca and nancywilson@shaw.ca

The spokesperson for Youth Science Canada/Science jeunesse Canada is Reni Barlow, Executive Director: 866-341-0040 Extn 230 or communications@ysf-fsj.ca

About the Ernest C. Manning Awards Foundation: The Ernest C. Manning Awards Foundation recognizes the importance of Canadian innovation in strengthening our nation’s capacity to compete in the global economy. The Foundation supports and celebrates Canadians with the imagination to innovate and the stamina to succeed. Visit www.manningawards.ca for more information.