At 15, named time’s ‘kid of the year’

At 15, Heman Bekele was named TIME's "Kid of the Year" for inventing a soap that fights skin cancer. This simple yet revolutionary innovation demonstrates the potential of young minds in fighting global challenges.

@TIME

At just 14, he was awarded the title of “Top Young Scientist in America.” Now, at 15, he has been featured on the cover of TIME as “Kid of the Year.”

We are talking about Heman Bekele from Annandale, Virginia, USA. He first came into the spotlight when he was named “Top America’s Young Scientist” during the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, which awarded him $25,000 for his innovative research.

A soap that fights skin cancer

Heman’s groundbreaking idea is a soap that combats skin cancer. The “anti-cancer” soap is made by combining salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and tretinoin. This simple, easy-to-use innovation could represent a significant breakthrough in the fight against this disease.

Last year, he submitted a video for the 3M competition, explaining the potential of the compounds in his soap, which act as activators of dendritic cells. These cells, named for their tree branch-like structures, help protect the skin by enhancing immune responses. The young scientist further enriched his soap with particles capable of penetrating the skin and preventing tumor formation.

A young mind with big ideas

This discovery is astonishing, especially considering it was made by such a young mind. Heman has stated that his passion for science and curiosity began when he was just six years old, after receiving a chemistry kit from “Santa Claus.” Today, just nine years later, he is one of the cover faces of the renowned magazine, which annually selects the most significant personalities in our society.

Heman’s achievements confirm that solutions to the global challenges we face every day can come from anyone, regardless of age. It is crucial to encourage young people, both boys and girls, to pursue careers in science from a very young age.

Behind the colorful clothes and seductive offers of the fast fashion giant SHEIN, toxic and dangerous chemicals are hidden, which threaten the health of small consumers

@Canva/Shein

The fast fashion industry, synonymous with low-cost, trendy clothing, has quickly taken over the global market. However, behind the bargain prices and constantly updated collections lie serious environmental, social, and health issues.

Natural resources are being exploited at an unsustainable rate to produce disposable garments, while toxic emissions and waste from production contribute to global pollution.

Moreover, fast fashion often relies on inhumane working conditions, with workers receiving meager wages and being forced to work in hazardous environments.

Shein: the fast fashion giant

Shein, a Chinese fast fashion giant, is one of the major players in this market. The company attracts millions of consumers worldwide with incredibly low prices and a vast range of products, from clothing to accessories.

The brand is particularly popular among young people and families, who often buy children’s clothes drawn by colorful patterns and appealing designs. However, behind these enticing deals lie serious risks to the health and safety of the youngest consumers.

A recent test conducted by the German consumer magazine Öko-Test has raised significant concerns about the safety of products sold by Shein, particularly those intended for children.

The test

German researchers selected a sample of 21 items, including clothing and shoes for infants and children. Each product was analyzed to assess its safety for consumers.

Unfortunately, two-thirds of the products failed to meet European safety standards: the test revealed the presence of hazardous chemicals that could pose a health risk, especially in products intended for children.

The analysis found numerous pollutants — many known to be harmful to human health — present in quantities exceeding the limits set by the European REACH regulation.

One of the most concerning findings involved a children’s unicorn-patterned dress that released antimony in a simulated sweat solution.

Antimony is a highly toxic substance that can be absorbed through the skin and cause severe damage if it enters the bloodstream.

Items intended for teenagers were also found to be unsafe. A brightly colored dress contained dimethylformamide, a chemical that can negatively affect fertility.

Additionally, two pairs of sandals contained traces of heavy metals (lead and cadmium) that far exceeded the allowable safety limits.

Despite these dark revelations about Shein and the dangerous substances found in this test, consumers continue to be drawn to the brand’s low prices and wide range of products.

A growing concern

The test results not only challenge the safety of Shein’s products but also raise important questions about the ethics of the entire fast fashion industry.

Low-quality products that deteriorate quickly not only increase waste but also expose consumers, particularly children, to potentially dangerous chemicals.

Moreover, the lack of transparency about working conditions in Shein’s factories and the sourcing of raw materials raises serious concerns about the company’s business ethics.

Families should be aware of the risks associated with fast fashion and make more informed choices when buying clothing for their children.

While low prices may seem appealing, the real cost could be much higher in terms of children’s health and well-being, as well as the environmental impact.

Source: Öko-Test

The article draws upon studies published and recommendations from international institutions and/or experts. We do not make claims in the medical-scientific field and report the facts as they are. Sources are indicated at the end of each article.