14-Year-Old Sensation Claims Top Young Scientist Title with Innovative Cancer Soap

Heman Bekele, a 14-year-old ninth-grader from W.T. Woodson High School in Annandale, Virginia, has been crowned America’s Top Young Scientist for his groundbreaking creation of an affordable bar of soap designed to treat skin cancer.

Bekele triumphed over nine other finalists in the prestigious 2023 3M Young Scientists Challenge, earning himself a $25,000 grand prize.

Bekele’s innovation involves infusing a simple bar of soap with three key ingredients that have been proven to reactivate dendritic cells, essential components of the immune system responsible for combating cancer.

Notably, each bar of his cancer-fighting soap costs a mere $0.50, an astounding contrast to the exorbitant $40,000 price tag associated with conventional skin cancer treatments.

Recognizing the dire need for cost-effective solutions in communities struggling with skin cancer, Bekele has ambitious plans for the future.

He aims to refine his innovation over the next five years and establish a nonprofit organization dedicated to distributing this low-cost remedy to those in need.

Skin cancer predominantly afflicts individuals in developing countries, where access to expensive medical treatments is often limited.

Bekele expressed his motivation for this project, stating, “I was devastated by the idea of people having to choose between receiving treatment and providing food for their families. So many lives can be saved through prevention.”

This young scientist’s journey began with extensive research into skin cancer and dendritic cells, which play a crucial role in enhancing the immune system’s response to cancer.

Bekele’s success serves as an inspiring example of how youthful innovation and compassion can make a significant impact on global healthcare.