16-year-old puts E. coli on notice

There was much to cheer while reading about 16-year-old Ariana Kim’s science fair project that showed a faster way to detect E. coli, a potentially deadly bacteria.

First, the results themselves, which used a microwire sensor to accurately detect the bacteria within a half-hour, much faster than the standard 12 hours. That could help transform how the food industry and health inspectors detect E. coli in food and water.

Then, there’s the nurturing from mentors who recognized the teen’s talent and guided her — principally Soojin Jun, a UH associate professor of food engineering, and his graduate students, including Kara Yamada.

Finally, there’s the diligence of Kim, a student at St. Andrew’s Priory School for Girls who’s also captain of the debate team and a Model U.N. program participant.

It’s great to see yet another example of how girls and science do mix, and very well indeed.

Lanai changing before our eyes

The signs are all there: Lanai is on the brink of enormous change.

The former Pineapple Island has been moving upscale ever since the new resorts were developed, but its purchase by billionaire Larry Ellison is accelerating the gentrification.

So far Ellison has been reaching out to the Lanai City neighborhood, so there’s been little pushback from residents. It will be interesting to see how his purchase of $40 million in housing plays out. The investments in ritzy Manele Bay condos and such suggest a coming playground for the rich, but what of the little plantation homes he’s also bought?

Don’t know yet.