Connor Hearn

Presented by Daria Hoang, Natalie

Mansergh and Cosette Seidenberg
Current Topics Presentation: Young Scientist in the
News
Connor Hearn
Background

Lives in Vancouver, Canada


14 year old scientist


Researches at his own home


Has always been interested in science
since an early age
Background
In 2
nd
grade, Hearn was already beyond
his peers and even teachers

When being taught about liquids, solids,
and gases, Hearn asked his teacher:
What about plasma and Bose-Einsten
condensate?
News: Hearns Article
Hearn published article on Ebola virus

A Brief Passage of Time in the Deadly Ebola
Virus

Using computer graphics, made models

Took 3 weeks to write the article; many more
weeks had been previously dedicated to the
research itself

Would like to know how exactly he went about
doing his research
Publicity
Hearns article published April 16, 2014

Interest in virus piqued while researching
for Tekmira Pharmaceuticals

After Ebola epidemic in West Africa,
Hearns article received massive publicity

Viewed in more than 130 countries
Recognition
Praise from around the world, featured on
Global News on September 8
th


Professor from the University of Illinois
reached out to Hearn, asking for a
PowerPoint

clearest descriptions of the Ebola
viruss replication he had ever seen
(Global News)
Hearns Research
Hearns research included details on:
When the virus started
How it duplicates
How it spreads
The basic cause of Ebola
What the virus looks like
Hearns Ebola Research
4 versions of Ebola:
Sudan, Bundibugyo, Tai
forest, and Ebola viruses

Fifth version, Reston virus,
does not affect humans

Thread-like structure

Filovirus
Tubular virons, diameter
of approx. 80
nanometers

Made of single-strand
RNA wound helically with
the proteins NP, VP35,
VP30, and L

Reproduces in host cell

Attaches itself by
activating glycoproteins,
which create 10
nanometer spikes

Ebola is a host cell virus, like HIV

Ebola needs cholesterol transporter Niemann-
Pick C1 (NPC1) in order to enter cells

Once inside: virus fuses with the vesicle
membrane, and is released into the host cells
cytoplasm

Addresses the recent Ebola outbreak,
educates society about the virus

Important because its killed thousands
already, and several Americans have
contracted the disease as well
Hearns Article: Graphics
Credits
Global News
globalnews.ca/news/1549422/young-
scientist-garnering-international-
attention-for-ebola-research/
A Brief Passage of Time in the Deadly
Ebola Virus
connorhearn.com/the-deadly-ebola-
virus/