Local News in Brief : 2 Science Students Win Chance to Test Theories

Two San Fernando Valley students were among 16 selected Tuesday as winners of a contest sponsored by the Arco Foundation and the American Assn. for the Advancement of Science.

Charles Chiu of Van Nuys High School and Sayuri Desai of Walter Reed Junior High School in North Hollywood will get the chance to test their theories, assisted by leading scientists, physicians or university professors, said Gloria Takahashi, director of the Southern California Academy of Sciences’ annual research training program.

Once students complete the projects, they will report their findings at the academy’s annual meeting May 8 and 9 at California State University, Los Angeles.

Chiu’s project will use computer simulation to restore a polluted or damaged ecosystem by studying the life cycles of its inhabitants. Desai has proposed to study the root growth of radish seedlings when stimulated by a slanted light source.

Projects of other winners range from comparing behaviors among caged primates to finding ways to alleviate osteoporosis in juvenile and geriatric rats.

More than 100 local high school students applied for this year’s research program after being recommended by their science teachers.