A 14-year-old student from Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology in Snellville, Georgia, has been named America’s top young scientist after winning the 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge. His winning invention? A handheld AI device called “Pestiscand” that detects pesticides on food.
Subash, the young inventor, came up with the idea while washing produce with his mother. “Pestiscand” uses a technique called spectrophotometry, which analyzes how light interacts with chemicals. Each pesticide reflects light in specific ways, creating unique “signatures” that the device can detect to identify chemical residues.
While “Pestiscand” isn’t available for public purchase yet, Subash plans to work on making it widely accessible. His goal is to bring the device to the market, helping people check their produce for pesticide residues at home.
In addition to his work on “Pestiscand,” Subash enjoys reading both fiction and non-fiction and making origami. He plans to use his $25,000 prize for college.
Source: msn
