A 14-year-old boy from the United States has made headlines for creating an affordable bar of soap designed to treat skin cancer. Heman Bekele, a ninth-grader at WT Woodson High School in Annandale, Virginia, was crowned America’s Top Young Scientist after winning the 2023 3M Young Scientists Challenge.
His innovative invention, which costs just $0.50 per bar, could revolutionize skin cancer treatment, especially in underserved communities.
Who is Heman Bekele?
Heman Bekele is a self-taught programmer fluent in languages like Python, Lua, JavaScript, and C, according to his LinkedIn profile. Describing himself as passionate about medicine, programming, and making an impact, he is eager to pursue opportunities in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and computer science. In the future, Bekele plans to become an electrical engineer and lead teams in developing innovative technologies.
“I envision myself leading a team of professionals in the development of innovative electrical systems that will shape the future of technology,” Bekele said. He also hopes to give back to his community by mentoring aspiring engineers and supporting STEM education initiatives.
The Invention: Melanoma Treating Soap (MTS)
Bekele’s groundbreaking invention, called Melanoma Treating Soap (MTS), is a compound-based bar of soap designed to treat melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer.
Traditional skin cancer treatments can cost upwards of 40,000, but Bekele’s soap costs just 0.50 per bar, making it an accessible solution for people in developing countries.
The soap works by combining three chemicals with medicinal soap to reactivate dendritic cells, which play a crucial role in triggering the immune system to fight cancer. Bekele explained that salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and tretinoin—keratolytic chemicals that dissolve the skin’s outer layers—release toll-like receptors into the skin. These proteins reactivate dendritic cells, which then team up with white blood cells to combat cancerous cells.
Bekele plans to refine his invention over the next five years and establish a non-profit organization to distribute the soap to underserved communities.
“Skin cancer is mostly found in people living in developing countries,” he told Fairfax County Public Schools. “But the average price for an operation is $40,000. I was devastated by the idea of people choosing between treatment and putting food on the table for their families. There are so many preventable deaths.”
The 3M Young Scientists Challenge
The 3M Young Scientists Challenge, organized by 3M and Discovery Education, is one of the most prestigious middle school science competitions in the United States. This year, students were challenged to use STEM to solve real-world problems.
Bekele competed against nine other finalists, winning the $25,000 grand prize, which he plans to use for college and to patent his invention.
Other notable winners included Shripriya Kalbhavi, a ninth-grader from San Jose, California, who took second place for creating a low-cost patch for self-automated medication delivery, and Sarah Wang, a seventh-grader from Andover, Massachusetts, who secured third place for designing a glove that detects epileptic seizures.
Skin Cancer: A Global Health Crisis
Skin cancer is a significant global health issue, with melanoma being the deadliest form despite accounting for only 1% of cases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are between 2-3 million non-melanoma skin cancer cases and 132,000 melanoma cases worldwide each year.
The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S., with one in five Americans expected to develop it by age 70.
Countries like Australia and New Zealand report the highest rates of skin cancer due to their proximity to the ozone hole over Antarctica, which exposes them to higher levels of harmful UV radiation. In contrast, African and Asian countries, such as Japan, China, and India, have lower rates of skin cancer.
A Bright Future Ahead
Heman Bekele’s invention is a testament to the power of young minds to tackle global challenges. His Melanoma Treating Soap has the potential to save lives and make skin cancer treatment accessible to millions. As Bekele continues to refine his invention and pursue his dreams, he serves as an inspiration to aspiring scientists and engineers worldwide.
“I believe that young minds can make a positive impact on the world,” Bekele said. “I have always been interested in biology and technology, and this challenge gave me the perfect platform to showcase my ideas.” With his talent, determination, and vision, Heman Bekele is undoubtedly a young scientist to watch.
