This 9th Grader Developed a Soap That Treats Skin Cancer

In a remarkable display of youthful ingenuity, 14-year-old Heman Bekele from Virginia has invented an affordable soap that treats skin cancer, earning him the title of America’s Top Young Scientist and a $25,000 prize.

Bekele plans to further develop his invention over the next few years and establish a nonprofit organization to distribute it to low-income communities worldwide.

From Concept to Creation

Bekele's journey began with the 3M and Discovery Education’s Young Scientist Challenge, a competition designed to inspire young minds to solve real-world problems using STEM principles. Over four months, Bekele and nine other finalists worked closely with mentors to transform their innovative ideas into working prototypes. Bekele’s soap, designed to deliver cancer-fighting agents directly to the skin using lipid nanoparticles, emerged as the winning entry.

Reflecting on his inspiration in an interview with NPR, Bekele shared his passion for science and the influence of his early years in Ethiopia.

Addressing a Global Health Issue

Bekele was struck by the high cost of skin cancer treatment, which averages around $40,000, and the stark differences in survival rates between developed and developing countries. “I was heartbroken by the idea that people had to choose between life-saving treatment and basic necessities,” he shared in a profile by his school district. “So many deaths could be prevented.”

Determined to make a difference, Bekele began his experiments in his family’s kitchen and basement, focusing initially on mastering the soap-making process. “It was challenging to create a bar of soap that didn’t just dissolve immediately,” he recalled. “Persistence is crucial in the scientific process.”

Innovative Scientific Approach

Bekele’s research led him to study dendritic cells, which play a key role in the immune system but are weakened by cancer cells.

In his submission video for the Young Scientist Challenge, he described these cells as “the protectors of your skin.” His soap works by delivering chemicals that reactivate these cells, with Imidazoquinoline as the primary cancer-fighting agent. This compound, commonly used in antifungal and acne treatments, is now being explored for its potential against skin cancers.

In an interview with PBS, Bekele explained his method: “Although the soap and suds are washed away, the medicinal components remain due to the lipid-based nanoparticles. This is a novel approach to combating skin cancer.”

Aiming for Accessibility

Bekele’s ultimate goal is to make cancer treatment more accessible and affordable. “My main aim was to find a cost-effective and accessible solution for skin cancer,” he said. His soap costs just $0.50 to produce, making it an affordable option for low-income communities.

Bekele, who also enjoys playing chess and running track, is an inspiring example of how passion and innovation can lead to life-changing solutions. His invention has the potential to revolutionize skin cancer treatment by making it more accessible and affordable.

SOURCE: NICE NEWS

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