A 14-year-old student hailing from Ethiopia, now residing in Fairfax, Virginia, has garnered accolades for his groundbreaking invention, a soap with the potential to treat skin cancer.
Heman Bekele, a high school student, introduced a novel soap named “Skin Cancer Treating Soap” (SCTS), which he envisions as a cost-effective solution for combatting skin cancer in its early stages.
According to Heman, SCTS can be produced at a mere cost of $8.50 for a batch of 20 soap bars. He believes that this innovation could offer an affordable and accessible alternative to modern skin cancer treatments.
Heman created the soap during his 8th-grade year, inspired by the idea that people might lack the necessary equipment or resources to address this debilitating disease.
Heman’s scientific reasoning behind SCTS centers on the weakening of dendritic cells in the body when skin cancer develops, hampering the immune response and allowing cancer to flourish.
SCTS, he claims, contains agents that could potentially reactivate these dendritic cells to eliminate cancer cells. His invention comprises a compound-based soap infused with cancer-fighting chemicals, with a primary component being the drug imidazoquinolines.
In recognition of his exceptional achievement, Heman was crowned America’s Top Young Scientist and awarded a $25,000 prize. This recognition came because of his victory in the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, an annual competition that encourages students in grades 5 through 8 to propose innovative ideas that could change the world for the better.
Deborah Isabelle, Heman’s mentor for the 3M Young Scientist Challenge and a product engineering specialist at 3M, praised Heman’s intelligence, passion, and dedication, asserting that his compassionate and charismatic nature aligns well with the traits of a successful scientist. She expressed confidence in his ability to make positive changes in the world.
Regarding the likelihood of SCTS effectively treating skin cancer, Isabelle noted that while it is possible, the soap would need to undergo standard clinical trials, a process that could span five to ten years. Heman has relied on digital molecular testing, secondary data analysis, and formulaic computations to reach his initial results.
Heman pointed out that existing topical creams for treating skin cancer are costlier and employ different ingredients and formulations than SCTS. His journey from Ethiopia to the United States at the age of four has given him a unique perspective on the impact of poverty and prolonged sun exposure, particularly in his homeland.
Heman emphasized that the issue of skin cancer is not limited to Ethiopia but is a global concern, particularly for those who cannot afford expensive cures when they develop such health problems.
Heman has outlined a five-year plan, aiming to establish a nonprofit organization that offers equitable and accessible skin cancer treatment to as many people as possible. To realize this goal, he must navigate clinical trials, secure a provisional patent, and obtain certification from the Food and Drug Administration.
When asked by ABC about his motivation for pursuing such ambitious goals, Heman summed it up in one word: “impact.” His driving force is the desire to ensure that the science he works on has a direct and positive impact on the world, making it a better place in one way or another.
SOURCE: goodmorningamerica.com