Teen-scientist who created soap to treat skin cancer named TIME Magazine's 'Kid of the Year'

Clarence Ford speaks to Barbara Friedman about trending online topics.

TIME's Kid of the Year award, which began in 2020, honours young individuals in the US making significant contributions to society.

At the top of the list for 2024 is 15-year-old Heman Bekele, who was born in Ethiopia and emigrated to Annandale, Virginia with his family when he was four years old.

Bekele invented a soap that could one day treat, and even prevent, some skin cancers, revolutionising the way skin cancer might be treated in the future.

This innovative soap has the potential to offer a more accessible and affordable method to deliver medication for treating skin cancers, including melanoma, as stated by TIME.

The soap is still being tested and is not commercially available yet. The soap's approval for commercial use might take a decade to receive certification from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

It's reported that the teen wonder’s journey began when he was just over seven years old.

"He would mix various household chemicals, including dish soap and laundry detergent, to create what he called his 'potions.' He conducted these experiments at home, hiding the mixtures under his bed to observe any changes," reported TIME.

Learn more about Bekele here.

"He is a quintessential inventor... he sounds very sweet and says that he hopes his work inspires other young scientists to pursue their ideas and make a difference and is hoping that his invention has the potential to change the future of skin cancer treatment."

- Barbara Friedman, Barb's Wire

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