Heman Bekele: Teen Named America’s Top Young Scientist for 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.

Bekele beats 9 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 10 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 $25K (R470K) cash prize for the young scientist.

The grand prize ceremony took place at 3M's headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota, on 9 and 10 October.

Heman's soap, a compound-based bar costing around $0.50 (R9.50) to produce, is specifically formulated to treat melanoma, offering a cost-effective solution to a significant health concern.

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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.

10 other winners awarded

She was awarded for her innovative, cost-effective patch enabling self-automated medicine delivery without the use of pills or needles.

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 (R38K).

The fourth through 10th place winners were also recognised, each receiving a $1,000 (R19K) prize along with a $500 (R9 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.

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7 young SA scientists compete in world’s largest science competition in USA

Seven of South Africa’s finest young scientists will travel to Atlanta, Georgia in the USA to represent the country at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and the Broadcom Masters International Programme from 7 to 13 May 2022.

The Eskom Expo for Young Scientists made the amazing announcement recently, sharing that the learners will showcase their scientific brilliance following their achievements in the 2021 Virtual Eskom Expo International Science Fair.

Source: TUKO.co.ke