64th Annual STS (2004-2005)
Finalists
Justin Scott Becker

NEW YORK
Justin Scott Becker, 18, of Cortlandt Manor, studied heart disease for his Intel Science Talent Search project in medicine and health. Individuals with hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) - elevated plasma levels of the amino acid homocysteine (Hcy) - have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, but how the condition increases the risk is largely unknown. HHcy has been largely thought of as a blood vessel disease, but Justin theorized that it might also affect heart tissue. Using heart tissue from rats with HHcy, Justin tested his theory and found that elevated Hcy inhibits the ability of nitric oxide (NO), an essential regulating molecule, to control how much oxygen is consumed by the heart muscle. He also found that high levels of Hcy cause this by activating an enzyme called NADPH oxidase, and by blocking the enzyme normal NO activity is restored. First in his class of 193 at Hendrick Hudson High School in Montrose, Justin has perfect SAT scores. He is captain of the debate and varsity tennis teams and an All-State Violist. The son of Dr. Richard and Terry Becker, Justin has numerous awards and honors. He hopes to study biology and political science at Harvard.