Kid scientist Heman Bekele might have found skin cancer cure

Heman Bekele, now a 15-year-old high school student in Fairfax County, Virginia, has been interested in chemistry since a young age. His fascination with chemistry began at age 7 when he received a chemistry set for Christmas containing, among other things, sodium hydroxide. This innocent hobby ignited his future scientific career.

Bekele, originally from Ethiopia, observed from a young age the effects of the sun on the skin of people who worked outside without protection. After moving to the United States, he became more conscious of the harmful effects of UV radiation and the risks posed by prolonged sun exposure.

Over the years, Bekele became interested in researching skin cancer and its treatment possibilities. His interest turned into a true passion when he learned about imiquimod - a drug used to treat certain forms of skin cancer. This drug, available in cream form, can destroy cancers.

Bekele, thinking about the people he had seen in Ethiopia, wondered if imiquimod could be used at earlier stages of skin cancer development and whether it could be more accessible to people from different economic backgrounds. "Almost everyone uses soap and water to wash, so soap would be the best option", he explained his idea of creating soap enriched with this drug.

The soap developed by Heman Bekele is not just an ordinary hygiene product. It contains nanoparticles "loaded" with imiquimod that are designed to keep the drug on the skin even after washing off the soap with water. This way, the active substance has a chance to work at the molecular level, which could significantly increase the effectiveness of the treatment.

Bekele's project received recognition in the scientific community. He won the 3M Young Scientist Challenge organized by 3M and Discovery Education, winning a $25,000 prize. Scientists who evaluated his work see enormous potential in his idea. "TIME" magazine also named Bekele "Kid of the Year."

Although Heman's soap still needs much research before it is approved as an official treatment method, the young scientist is already conducting advanced research at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore. Bekele invited Professor Vito Rebecca to participate in the research, providing him with access to a professional laboratory where they are jointly testing the soap on animal models.

Even though getting the soap approved as a treatment method may take about a decade, Heman Bekele does not intend to give up his research. Besides studying, he still finds time to play chess and perform in the school orchestra. His determination and passion for science suggest he may become a key figure in the battle against skin cancer.

At just 15 years old, Bekele has shown that young age is not an obstacle to accomplishing great things, and his soap could be a breakthrough that helps save many people's lives worldwide.