A team of 10th grade students from Duluth won second place in the 23rd annual Toshiba/National Science Teachers Association ExploraVision science competition.

Avni Kakkar, Jasmine Gao and Sally Pan created the External Microbial Cleansing Device, which has the capability to capture a wide variety of pathogens in the blood stream, deliver enriching nutrients, monitor blood, and develop medical reports. The technology could improve the outcome of those with pathogenic diseases.

The winners got a $5,000 U.S. savings bond and an all-expense paid trip to Washington in June where they will be recognized.

Keep Reading

Views of the exterior of Druid Hills High School in Atlanta shown on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. In the plan approved by the DeKalb County school board on Monday, everything but the main building, pictured here, will be demolished in favor of a new school building. (Natrice Miller/ AJC)

Credit: Natrice Miller

Featured

Ceudy Gutierrez reads a book to her 2-year-old son, Matias, at their home in Buford, GA, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Ceudy Gutierrez is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her three young kids following her husband’s ICE arrest earlier this fall. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez