Teen Inventor, 14, Receives Prestigious Science Award for Groundbreaking Skin Cancer Soap Creation
By daisydoll
A scientist from Annandale, Virginia, has earned the esteemed title of "America's Top Young Scientist" for his innovative invention: a bar of soap crafted to combat skin cancer.
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At the age of 14, Heman Bekele emerged victorious in the 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge, surpassing nine other finalists with his groundbreaking creation called the Skin Cancer Treating Soap (SCTS). In acknowledgment of his outstanding achievement, this ninth-grade prodigy is slated to receive a substantial cash prize of $25,000.
Bekele's innovative concept, showcased in a concise two-minute video submission, revolves around the development of an affordable soap priced at less than $10 per bar. This soap has the potential to reactivate dendritic cells, the body's natural defenders of the skin, to combat skin cancer.
In Bekele's own words, "Curing cancer, one bar of soap at a time." His passion for biology and technology was the driving force behind this ingenious creation, and the 3M Young Scientist Challenge provided him with the perfect platform to showcase his visionary ideas.
Reflecting on his inspiration, Bekele shared that his childhood in Ethiopia played a significant role in shaping his innovative thinking. Having witnessed people toil tirelessly under the scorching sun, he couldn't help but wonder how many were aware of the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure.
"I wanted to make my idea not only scientifically exceptional but also accessible to a broad audience," Bekele expressed during an interview with The Washington Post. To aid him in realizing his ambitious plans, he received invaluable mentorship from Deborah Isabelle, a product engineering specialist at 3M, who connected him with other scientists. Ultimately, the path forward for Bekele's creation includes obtaining FDA approval.
During his presentation at the 3M global headquarters in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Bekele passionately articulated his vision of turning the soap into a "symbol of hope, accessibility, and a world where skin cancer treatment is within reach for all."
Over the coming five years, Bekele aspires to perfect his invention and establish a nonprofit organization dedicated to distributing his innovative creation to underserved communities, offering hope and a practical solution in the fight against skin cancer.
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