14-year-old wins Top Young Scientist award for inventing soap that treats cancer
A budding young scientist has taken home a prestigious award at the age of 14 for inventing a soap that can treat cancer.
Heman Beleke is a ninth-grader from Annandale, Virginia, who entered the prestigious 3M Young Scientist Challenge while he was studying at Frost Middle School.
It took him just eight months to dream up the soap and develop a basic prototype, and he eventually wants to start up a non-profit to get the soap out to those who need it.
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So yeah, he's not been sitting around on TikTok all day like your average 14-year-old.
But how does the soap work?
Well, the melanoma treating soap (or as Heman calls it, M.T.S) is made with a combination of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and tretinoin.
"[They’re] all keratolytic agents that slowly reactivate dendritic cells," Heman explained in his submission video.
Dendritic cells help protect the skin and boost immune responses.
What's more, the soap only costs 50 cents per bar to make.
As part of his win, Heman was given a cheque for $25,000 to fund his research.
He told Fox News: "It's so crazy, it's so surreal to even think about it right now!
"The most difficult part was probably creating that first prototype."
While Heman has created the groundbreaking soap, his dream is actually to become an electrical engineer.
As per the Young Scientist Lab website, the teenager expressed his hopes for the next 15 years - and it looks like he has no plans to slow down.
"[I hope to be a] successful electrical engineer who has contributed significantly to the industry," Heman said.
"I envision myself leading a team of professionals in the development of innovative electrical systems that will shape the future of technology."
He went on to say that he also aims to have a 'fulfilling personal life' and wants to give back to the community 'by mentoring aspiring engineers and supporting initiatives that promote STEM education'.
"Ultimately, in 15 years, I hope to have made a positive impact on the world through my work and personal endeavors," Heman concluded.
If his soap is goes on to help skin cancer patients, the young scientist will have done just that.
Heman and his fellow finalists 'demonstrated the skills required to reimagine what's possible', said John Banovetz, 3M executive vice president, chief technology officer and environmental responsibility.
Banovetz said: "The need for scientists and innovators to develop solutions for the world's biggest challenges has never been greater.
"The magnitude and complexity of the issues these young minds are working to solve is inspiring. Congratulations to this year's finalists - we can't wait to see what you do next!"
Niamh Shackleton