Title: Teen Scientist Develops Soap with Potential in Skin Cancer Treatment
Date: Wed 25 Oct 2023 14.58 CEST
A middle-school teen from Annandale, Virginia, has been recognized as “America’s top young scientist” for his groundbreaking invention that could potentially aid in the treatment of melanoma, a form of skin cancer. Heman Bekele, a 14-year-old ninth grader, secured the prestigious award after outshining nine other finalists.
Bekele’s innovative creation, a bar of soap called the “skin cancer treating soap,” utilizes compounds that can reactivate dendritic cells responsible for safeguarding human skin, enabling them to combat cancer cells. In his submission for the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, Bekele stated, “Curing cancer, one bar of soap at a time.” He further elaborated, “I have always been interested in biology and technology, and this challenge gave me the perfect platform to showcase my ideas.”
The young scientist drew inspiration for his invention from his early years in Ethiopia, where he witnessed individuals toiling under the scorching sun. Bekele’s vision was to create something that not only possessed scientific excellence but was also accessible to as many people as possible.
Deborah Isabelle, Bekele’s mentor at 3M, commended the teen’s dedication to making the world a better place, remarking, “He is focused on making the world a better place for people he hasn’t necessarily even met yet.”
Skin cancer, particularly melanoma, is the most common form of cancer worldwide, causing the majority of skin cancer-related deaths. In the United States alone, around 100,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma annually, resulting in approximately 8,000 deaths. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), melanoma rates have been rapidly increasing over the past few decades, especially among women over 50. The disease is also more prevalent in white individuals compared to Black individuals. However, melanoma mortality rates have declined in recent years due to advancements in treatment options.
Following his win, Bekele expressed his aspiration to transform his soap invention into a “symbol of hope, accessibility, and a world where skin cancer treatment is within reach for all.”
Bekele’s remarkable achievement highlights the potential of young minds in making a positive impact on society. With his innovative soap, he has the potential to revolutionize skin cancer treatment and contribute to the global fight against cancer.
As the world eagerly awaits further developments in Bekele’s invention, his story serves as an inspiration to aspiring young scientists worldwide, proving that age is not a barrier to making significant contributions to scientific advancement and social betterment.