14-Year-Old Named America’s Top Young Scientist After Inventing Soap To Treat Skin Cancer
- Heman Bekele has emerged as the winner of the esteemed America's Top Young Scientist award for his inventive soap aimed at treating skin cancer
- Heman's accomplishment marks a significant milestone in the realm of middle school science competitions sponsored by 3M and Discovery Education
- The four-month-long competition saw Heman pitted against nine other finalists, with his soap invention ultimately securing the top spot
Heman Bekele, a 14-year-old ninth-grader from Annandale, Virginia, has been named America's Top Young Scientist for his groundbreaking invention - a soap designed to treat skin cancer.
Source: UGC
Bekele beats nine finalists
The accolade was awarded by 3M and Discovery Education, prominent sponsors of one of America's leading middle school science competitions.
In a fierce competition that spanned four months and involved ten finalists, Heman emerged victorious, USA Today reported.
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He showcased his exceptional innovation that could potentially revolutionise skin cancer treatment.
"I believe that young minds can make a positive impact on the world," expressed the young prodigy in his submission for the award.
"I have always been interested in biology and technology, and this challenge gave me the perfect platform to showcase my ideas."
How much does it cost to produce the soap?
The award not only brings prestige but also includes a substantial $25,000 cash prize for the young scientist.
The grand prize ceremony took place at 3M's headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota, on October 9 and 10.
Heman's soap, a compound-based bar costing around $0.50 to produce, is specifically formulated to treat melanoma, offering a cost-effective solution to a significant health concern.
The teenager envisions refining his invention further and establishing a non-profit organisation to distribute the soap to communities in need over the next five years.
According to Young Scientist, in addition to Heman, Shripriya Kalbhavi, a ninth-grader from San Jose, California, secured second place.
Ten other winners awarded
She was awarded for her innovative, cost-effective patch enabling self-automated medicine delivery without the use of pills or needles.
Sarah W*ng, a seventh-grader from Andover, Massachusetts, claimed the third spot with her glove that can detect specific epileptic seizures through everyday hand movements.
Both Shripriya and Sarah received cash prizes of $2,000.
The fourth through tenth place winners were also recognized, each receiving a $1,000 prize along with a $500 gift card.
Participants from cities such as Portland, Oregon; Baltimore, New Rochelle, New York; Austin, Texas; and Oviedo, Florida, among others, contributed to the diverse range of innovative projects.
University students invent ugali flour
Back at home, some students from Kabarak University were upbeat that their invention would be adopted by the relevant state agencies
The subject scholars invented an alternative way of making ugali meal away from the standard floor.
The raw material, in this case, is particularly Bermuda grass, which, after collection, is washed and dried before the grinding process.
They say the grass ought to be dried for at least four days, after which it would turn brown.
Ashesi University and KNUST students impress with new invention
YEN.com.gh reported that students from Ashesi University and KNUST have impressed many people with their new invention aimed at helping the mining sector.
The students have made a biosensor that can detect gold in the soil and would be helpful for small-scale miners.
Social media users have commended the students for being innovative and playing a part in solving matters of national concern.
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