Have you ever wondered if your produce is washed properly? America’s Top Young Scientist has a solution for that.
Sirish Subash, a ninth grader from Snellville, Georgia, emerged as the champion in the 3M and Discovery Education competition, the leading science competition for middle school students across the country. The prestigious event took place in St. Paul, Minnesota.
During his presentation, Subash cited data from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that revealed a staggering 70.6% of produce items are found to contain pesticide residues.
According to Subash, the persistence of these residues can contribute to various health issues such as brain cancer, leukemia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s Disease.
Subash, the creator of PestiSCAND, explained to USA TODAY that his project aims to provide a device that enables individuals to easily check for pesticide residues on their produce at home. Pesticide residues, which are a common contaminant found on produce items, can be detected using this innovative device.
Subash put PestiSCAND to the test by using the AI-based handheld pesticide detector to detect pesticide residues on spinach and tomatoes. According to 3M, the device proved to be highly effective and efficient, with an accuracy rate exceeding 85%, meeting the project’s goals.
“The residues have the potential to remain on produce even after washing, and this is concerning as they have been linked to various health issues,” he explained. “If we are able to detect these residues, we could take steps to avoid consuming them, therefore reducing the risk of developing such health issues.”
What is the ‘America’s Top Young Scientist’ competition?
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Clarke adds that they are incredibly fortunate to be involved in this competition to recognize these talented young individuals.
According to Clarke, every year, numerous students apply to participate in the competition. Out of these applicants, 10 finalists are selected in June, and they get the chance to be mentored by a 3M scientist. Over the course of four months, the student and their mentor collaborate virtually before heading to Minnesota for the competition. The projects presented at the competition are evaluated based on their creativity, communication, and ingenuity.
The prize for winning the competition is a whopping $25,000. However, according to Clarke, the real rewards go beyond just the cash. Many participants have gone on to create patents, start their own companies, and even earn recognition as part of TIME Magazine’s prestigious 30 under 30 list. Clarke also highlighted the inspiring achievements of two past competitors, who were both honored as TIME Magazine’s Kid of the Year. One of them is Herman Bekele, last year’s champion, who ingeniously invented a cost-effective bar of soap, priced at just $.50, aimed at treating skin cancer.
According to her, the young boy is only 15 years old and is currently collaborating with a professor at Johns Hopkins University on various projects. She further exclaimed that they are both destined to achieve remarkable feats in the future.
“It’s absolutely incredible,” she exclaimed. “Both for us and for these finalists, the focus is on extraordinary individuals creating profoundly impactful products that have the power to transform people’s lives.”
What prizes did the winners receive?
Subash not only earned the prestigious title of “America’s Top Young Scientist” but also received a substantial $25,000 cash prize for his remarkable victory.
In the runner-up positions, we have the second and third-place winners.
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- In second place, Minula Weerasekera , a ninth grader from Beaverton, Oregon, developed a solution for storing energy for longer through organic compounds and a sulfur-based terhiophene, 3M announced.
- William Tan , an eighth grader from Scarsdale, New York, claimed third place and developed an AI Smart Artificial Reef that encourages coral, seashells, kelp, and other marine life to grow in a safe and controlled environment, 3M said.
The second and third place winners will be awarded a cash prize of $2,000 each. In addition, the fourth through tenth place winners will receive a prize of $1,000 along with a $500 gift card, as stated by 3M.
Sirish Subash’s PestiSCAND invention
According to Subash, his project began as a standalone device. However, he dedicated his efforts to developing a compact and portable device that could easily connect wirelessly to Bluetooth.
Subash, having completed numerous trials, holds the belief that PestiSCAND will prove to be an invaluable tool. However, he does not believe that it should replace the practice of washing our produce.
“I suggest treating it like a rinse. The concept is that after washing your produce, you can visually confirm if it’s thoroughly clean,” he explained. “It’s not meant to replace washing, but rather to assist in ensuring that the produce is genuinely clean.”
Subash was inspired by the last year’s ‘America’s Top Young Scientist’ winner
As soon as Subash caught sight of a previous winner, his curiosity in STEM intensified, further fueling his interest in the 3M competition.
“This has been a long-held aspiration of mine,” he expressed. “In my earlier years, I became aware of this opportunity when Gitanjali Rao was recognized as TIME’s Kid of the Year. It was then that I first learned about the 3M’s young scientists challenge, and it immediately sparked my interest.”
“Find something you’re truly passionate about, and you can achieve anything in life,” he emphasized. “When you genuinely care about the work you’re doing, it not only motivates you to put in the effort, but also allows you to excel and achieve remarkable results.”
This article has been recently updated to correct a misspelling or typo.
Ahjané Forbes, a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY, covers a wide range of topics including breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery, and public policy stories. You can reach her via email at aforbes@gannett.com. Stay updated with her latest updates and insights by following her on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter @forbesfineest.
A 14-year-old prodigy has been crowned America’s Top Young Scientist for his groundbreaking invention. This young inventor has created a device capable of detecting pesticides on produce, revolutionizing the way we ensure the safety of our food. His remarkable achievement has earned him well-deserved recognition and admiration.
