14-Year-Old Named America’s Top Young Scientist After Inventing Soap To Treat Skin Cancer

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.

Heman Bekele
Woodson High School freshman Heman Bekele moved to Virginia as a four-year-old. But he never forgot where he was born: Ethiopia. Photo: Young Scientist.
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.

Read also

Meet Dennis Kwame Ofori-Asiedu, the trotro mate who defied the odds to be called to the Bar

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.

Read also

Stephen Apemah-Baah says he felt ill-prepared for 2023 NSMQ: “Some have been preparing for 3 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

Read also

20-year-old SHS graduate teaches kids affected by the dam spillage

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.

New feature: Сheck out news that is picked for YOU ➡️ click on “Recommended for you” and enjoy!

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Authors:
Delali Adogla-Bessa avatar

Delali Adogla-Bessa (Current Affairs Editor) Delali Adogla-Bessa is a Current Affairs Editor with YEN.com.gh. Delali previously worked as a freelance journalist in Ghana and has over seven years of experience in media, primarily with Citi FM, Equal Times, Ubuntu Times. Delali also volunteers with the Ghana Institute of Language Literacy and Bible Translation, where he documents efforts to preserve local languages. He graduated from the University of Ghana in 2014 with a BA in Information Studies. Email: delali.adogla-bessa@yen.com.gh.

Berlinda Entsie avatar

Berlinda Entsie (Copy Editor) Berlinda Entsie is a Copy Editor at YEN.com.gh. She has worked as a proofreader and editor since 2016. Berlinda has over 5 years' experience editing and writing for leading publications in Ghana. She previously worked with Graphic Communications Group LTD, Business Insider SSA and Pulse.com.gh. She obtained a B.A in English Studies from the Methodist University College in 2016 and a Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the GH Media School in 2019. Reach out to her via berlinda.entsie@yen.com.gh