The soap replenishes the skin with dendritic cells, which help protect the skin and fight cancer.
14-year-old Ethiopian American, Heman Bekele wins the 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge with Skin Cancer Treating Soap.
Heman spent the last four months competing against nine other finalists and secured his win during final Challenge events at 3M global headquarters in St. Paul, MN, USA on 9 and 10 October 2023. Finalists navigated a series of interactive challenges and were evaluated on their ingenuity and innovative thinking, application of STEM principles, demonstration of passion and research, presentation skills, and ability to inspire others.
Heman developed Melanoma Treating Soap (MTS), a compound-based bar of soap designed as a skin cancer-treating soap, or SCTS for short. The soap replenishes the skin with dendritic cells, which help protect the skin and fight cancer. Heman said that after getting a prescription, the soap can be applied to the skin every couple of days and then one will start to see progress.
Heman received 25 thousand US dollars for winning the competition and was also given the title of ‘America’s Top Young Scientist’. The Ethiopian-born teenager will have the prospect of multilateral support for his scientific research endeavors in the future.
Speaking about his vision in the future, the teenager revealed that he envisions himself leading a team of professionals in the development of innovative electrical systems that will shape the future of technology. “Alongside my professional success, I hope to have a fulfilling personal life with a loving family and a strong network of friends. I also hope to have given back to my community by mentoring aspiring engineers and supporting initiatives that promote STEM education,” Heman reckoned. Ultimately, in 15 years, Heman said he hopes to have made a positive impact on the world through his work and personal endeavors.
Source: https://news.3m.com/ “Science Applied to Life”