Growing numbers of young scientists will make this year's exhibition the biggest ever, writes Dick Ahlstrom, Science Editor
If you have ever wondered what might be living on your toothbrush and have the stomach to find out then a trip to the Esat Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition later this week is a must.
The 2001 exhibition includes displays by a record number of students, making it the largest ever.
The organisers received 774 entries from 2,270 students for the event, which takes place at the Royal Dublin Society, Dublin, from tomorrow until Saturday.
There is a startling range of subjects this year, falling into the usual categories.
These include biological and ecological sciences; chemical, physical and mathematical sciences; and social and behavioural sciences.
Students may also seek to have their projects judged for one of 21 technology awards.
The ghastly toothbrush study was prepared by four first-year students from Clifden Community College and is titled "What Lives in Your Toothbrush".
Dearbhaile Flynn, Aimee Stanley, Noel Mahon and Martin Coyne completed the research under the tutelage of their teacher, Ms Regina Morahan.
The students searched out the bacteria, fungi and moulds found in a random sample of 80 toothbrushes and admit to being alarmed at the results.
They found that many of the brushes carried pathogenic "staphoclures" which can result in severe throat infections.
The common medical response when presenting at the doctor with an infection might include antibiotics to clear the bug but as the students point out, the toothbrush could quickly establish a new infection.
Some of the brushes examined carried e.coli bacteria, a culprit that can cause stomach upset if ingested and which is usually acquired from faeces.
Unhygienic toilet practices such as not washing the hands thoroughly after using the toilet is the expected route for their presence, the students suggest.
They found a collection of fungi and moulds, adding to the teeming populations on the same toothbrush you might use to clean your teeth each day.
The students ask you to realise that you might be introducing more micro-organisms when brushing your teeth than you are cleaning away. Their response to the problem is regular scalding of toothbrushes with boiling water and suggest that you change your toothbrush every three months.
A student from St Malachy's College, Belfast, decided to study whether the wind might supply the energy needs of his school.
Aidan Baxter studied wind availability near his college on the Antrim Road and then studied the various types of wind energy devices available.
He used wind speed recorders, anemometers, to establish the potential. He then looked at where in the school the power might be put to best use in terms of efficiency, including in this analysis the school office, the science laboratory and the potential for use in heating the school.
He hopes a turbine might be built at St Malachy's to exploit this green energy.
The exhibition is open to the public on the 10th, 11th and 12th from 10 a.m. until 5.30 p.m. The judges will announce the winners on Friday, January 11th. Schools are encouraged to bring their students to the event, which includes new stands and exhibits sponsored by companies. Entry costs are students and concessions, €2.50 (£2); adults, €6.30 (£5); family passes, €12.70 (£10). Secondary school tours of 30 or more receive a 20 per cent reduction to €2.50 and teachers accompanying them enter free of charge. Primary school pupils cost €2.50.