In a remarkable achievement, 14-year-old Hyman Beckley from Annandale, Virginia, has been honored with America’s Top Young Scientist Award for developing a revolutionary soap with the potential to aid in the treatment of skin cancer, particularly melanoma.
Skin cancer, a prevalent global health concern, affects 100,000 individuals annually in the United States, resulting in 8,000 deaths. Hyman, a 9th-grade student, entered his groundbreaking soap into the 3M Young Scientist Challenge. In a video submission, he confidently asserted that the soap could contribute to the cure for cancer.
Expressing his passion for biology and technology, Hyman stated, “I have always been interested in biology and technology, and this competition has given me the best opportunity to express my ideas.” The soap is formulated with ingredients that stimulate cells in human skin to combat cancer cells.
Hyman’s inspiration for this innovation stems from his childhood in Ethiopia, where he observed the prevalence of skin cancer due to prolonged exposure to strong sunlight. He emphasized the accessibility of his invention, stating, “I wanted my invention to be not only scientifically sound but accessible to as many people as possible.”
This soap specifically aids in the treatment of melanoma, a severe form of skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is among the most common types, with melanoma being the leading cause of death. Following his award win, Hyman-Beckley expressed his hope that the soap would symbolize hope and make skin cancer treatment accessible to everyone.
