Heman Bekele is a young Ethiopian American innovator from Virginia who, at 15, was named TIME magazine’s 2024 Kid of the Year for developing a soap designed to prevent and treat skin cancer.
Bekele’s inspiration for the cancer-fighting soap came from witnessing laborers in Ethiopia working under harsh sunlight, often without access to adequate healthcare. His soap prototype incorporates imiquimod, a compound with tumor-fighting properties, delivered through lipid-based nanoparticles. This combination ensures the medication remains effective on the skin after washing.
Currently, Bekele is working with researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and conducting preclinical trials on mice. His long-term goal is to secure FDA approval and launch a nonprofit to distribute the soap globally by 2028, making skin cancer treatment more accessible.
Bekele’s recognition as TIME’s Kid of the Year highlights his dedication to using science for social good. He hopes his work will inspire other young scientists to develop solutions for real-world problems.
May For The Teen Times teen/1742448262/1613367679
1. Who is Heman Bekele, and why was he recognized by TIME magazine?
2. What compound does Bekele's soap use to fight tumors?
3. How does Bekele's soap ensure the medication remains effective after washing?
4. Which institution is Bekele collaborating with for his research?
1. How could Bekele's soap impact global healthcare, especially in underdeveloped regions?
2. What challenges might Bekele face in getting his soap approved and distributed globally?
3. Why is it significant that Bekele aims to launch a nonprofit for his product?
4. What qualities do you think contributed to Bekele being named TIME's Kid of the Year?
Heman Bekele is a young Ethiopian American innovator from Virginia who, at 15, was named TIME magazine’s 2024 Kid of the Year for developing a soap designed to prevent and treat skin cancer.
