WASHINGTON, D.C. — One teen studied mathematics. Another taught a computer to find DNA mutations. A third played with tiny particles of sound. These three high school seniors are the top winners of the 2015 Intel Science Talent Search. They received their $150,000 awards at a gala event March 10 at the National Building Museum.

Run by Society for Science & the Public and sponsored by Intel, the Science Talent Search brings together 40 high school seniors to share their research projects with the public and compete for huge prizes. This year, instead of a single award, Intel offered three $150,000 awards. Each of the three celebrates an aspect of scientific discovery: basic research, benefits to humankind and innovative technologies. 

Eureka! Lab live-tweeted the event (follow @eureka_labs), and we have collected the tweets and articles about the finalists below. Congratulations to all 40 finalists for their hard work!

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Power Words

(for more about Power Words, click here)

abstraction     An idea or concept, as opposed to a concrete example.

algorithm  A group of rules or procedures for solving a problem in a series of steps. Algorithms are used in mathematics and in computer programs for figuring out solutions.

arsenic  A highly poisonous metallic element. It occurs in three chemically different forms, which also vary by color (yellow, black and gray). The brittle, crystalline (gray) form is the most common. Some manufacturers tap its toxicity by adding it to insecticides.

astronomy    The area of science that deals with celestial objects, space and the physical universe as awhole. People who work in this field are called astronomers.

bacterium (plural bacteria)  A single-celled organism. These dwell nearly everywhere on Earth, from the bottom of the sea to inside animals.

bioengineer      Someone who applies engineering to solve problems in biology or in systems that will use living organisms.

bioengineering  The application of technology for the beneficial manipulation of living things. Researchers in this field use the principles of biology and the techniques of engineering to design organisms or products that can mimic, replace or augment the chemical or physical processes present in existing organisms. This field includes researchers who genetically modify organisms, including microbes. It also includes researchers who design medical devices such as artificial hearts and artificial limbs.

biomechanics  The study of how living things move, especially of the forces exerted by muscles and gravity on the skeletal structure.

depression  A mental illness characterized by persistent sadness and apathy. Although these feelings can be triggered by events, such as the death of a loved one or the move to a new city, that isn’t typically considered an “illness” — unless the symptoms are prolonged and harm an individual’s ability to perform normal daily tasks (such as working, sleeping or interacting with others). People suffering from depression often feel they lack the energy needed to get anything done. They may have difficulty concentrating on things or showing an interest in normal events. Many times, these feelings seem to be triggered by nothing; they can appear out of nowhere.

fossil fuels  Any fuel — such as coal, petroleum (crude oil) or natural gas —  that has developed in the Earth over millions of years from the decayed remains of bacteria, plant or animals.

gene   (adj. genetic) A segment of DNA that codes, or holds instructions, for producing a protein. Offspring inherit genes from their parents. Genes influence how an organism looks and behaves.

HIV  (short for Human Immunodeficiency Virus) A potentially deadly virus that attacks cells in the body’s immune system and causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS.

hydrogen  The lightest element in the universe. As a gas, it is colorless, odorless and highly flammable. It’s an integral part of many fuels, fats and chemicals that make up living tissues.

insecticide  A poison applied to kill insects.

Irruption  (in birds) A sudden influx of birds to the south of their normal wintering range, sometimes due to lack of food or overpopulation in normal wintering areas.

leukemia  A type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes high numbers of immature or abnormal white blood cells. This can lead to anemia, a shortage of red blood cells.

methylation  (in chemistry) The attachment to some molecule of a methyl group — a carbon atom holding onto three hydrogen atoms. Removal of this methyl group is known as demethylation.

methyl group  (in chemistry) Three hydrogen atoms bonded, chemically, to a carbon atom. This amazingly common quartet of atoms is then attached — through the carbon — to some other molecule. (in genetics) When attached to a gene, the methyl group can act like a new switch to turn the gene’s activity on or off, up or down.

migration  Movement from one region or habitat to another, especially regularly and according to the seasons.

mutation  Some change that occurs to a gene in an organism’s DNA. Some mutations occur naturally. Others can be triggered by outside factors, such as pollution, radiation, medicines or something in the diet. A gene with this change is referred to as a mutant.

nano  A prefix indicating a billionth. In the metric system of measurements, it’s often used as an abbreviation to refer to objects that are a billionth of a meter long or in diameter.

nematode     A type of roundworm, usually found in soil, that can also live within other creatures as a parasite. It is very small, with no eyes, ears or nose.

neuroscience  Science that deals with the structure or function of the brain and other parts of the nervous system. Researchers in this field are known as neuroscientists.

parasite  An organism that gets benefits from another species, called a host, but doesn’t provide it any benefits. Classic examples of parasites include ticks, fleas and tapeworms.

photosynthesis  (verb: photosynthesize) The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to produce foods from carbon dioxide and water.

quantum   A term that refers to the smallest amount of anything, especially of energy or subatomic mass.

schizophrenia   A serious brain disorder that can lead to hallucinations, delusions and other uncontrolled behaviors.

smartphone  A cell (or mobile) phone that can perform a host of functions, including search for information on the Internet.

solar  Having to do with the sun, including the light and energy it gives off.

solar cell  A device that converts solar energy to electricity.

stratosphere     The second layer of the Earth’s atmosphere, just above the troposphere, or ground layer. The stratosphere stretches from 10 kilometers to 50 kilometers (about 6.2 to 31 miles) above sea level.

white dwarf  A small, very dense star that is typically the size of a planet. It is what is left when a star with a mass about the same as our sun’s has exhausted its nuclear fuel of hydrogen, and collapsed.