Teenager from Ethiopia Honored by Time Magazine for Skin Cancer Soap Discovery

Heman Bekele, a 15-year-old prodigy from Ethiopia, has captured the attention of Time Magazine for his groundbreaking invention – a soap that could potentially treat and cure skin cancer. His journey from observing the harmful effects of the sun on people’s skin in his native country to conducting research at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore is nothing short of inspiring.

Bekele’s fascination with science began when his family immigrated to the United States and gifted him a chemistry set at the age of seven. The set contained sodium hydroxide, igniting his passion for scientific exploration. His keen observation of the impact of ultraviolet radiation on individuals exposed to the sun for prolonged periods only fueled his determination to make a difference.

Driven by his desire to make skin cancer treatment accessible to all, Bekele embarked on a mission to create a soap infused with imiquimod, a compound known for its efficacy in treating certain forms of skin cancer. His innovative approach caught the attention of Discovery Education’s Young Scientist Challenge, where he clinched the top prize of $25,000 for his groundbreaking idea.

Despite being years away from obtaining approval for his soap as a cancer treatment, Bekele remains unwavering in his commitment to advancing skin cancer research. As he continues his studies at Woodson High School in Fairfax County, Va., this young trailblazer serves as a beacon of hope for a future where affordable and effective cancer treatments are within reach for all.