{"id":40075,"date":"2024-10-29T07:00:58","date_gmt":"2024-10-29T01:30:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.globalindian.com\/youth\/?post_type=story&p=40075"},"modified":"2024-11-05T14:11:10","modified_gmt":"2024-11-05T08:41:10","slug":"sirish-subash-earns-americas-top-young-scientist-title-in-the-3m-young-scientist-challenge","status":"publish","type":"story","link":"https:\/\/old.globalindian.com\/youth\/story\/cover-story\/sirish-subash-earns-americas-top-young-scientist-title-in-the-3m-young-scientist-challenge\/","title":{"rendered":"Sirish Subash earns ‘America\u2019s Top Young Scientist’ title in the 3M Young Scientist Challenge"},"content":{"rendered":"

(October 29, 2024) <\/strong>When Sirish Subash’s innovation, an AI-based handheld pesticide detector named PestiSCAND, was tested, it demonstrated an impressive 85 percent accuracy in detecting pesticide residues on fresh farm produce like spinach and tomatoes. The effectiveness of this innovative tool paved the way for Sirish\u2019s victory at the 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge. The Georgia teen from Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology won the $25,000 grand prize along with the title of ‘America\u2019s Top Young Scientist.’<\/span><\/p>\n

The 14-year-old credits his parents for instilling in him the curiosity that inspired him to design a pesticide detector. “My parents always insist that I wash fruits and vegetables before consuming them,\u201d he shared in an interview. \u201cI wondered, how necessary is this really, and how effective is washing? Does it actually work to ensure that produce is clean?\u201d This curiosity led him to innovate the award-winning tool in the Challenge where he competed against nine top finalists. The final event was held at the 3M global headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Oct. 14 and 15.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Impact of 3M Young Scientist Challenge<\/b><\/h4>\n

The 3M Young Scientist Challenge, now in its 17th year, continues to inspire middle school students to apply STEM principles to solve real-world problems. As the United States\u2019 premier science competition, it is administered by Discovery Education and 3M.<\/span><\/p>\n

Each year, the top 10 finalists, comprising public and private school students from across the U.S. are evaluated through a series of challenges – including a presentation of their completed innovation project. Their work gets scored independently by a panel of judges.<\/span><\/p>\n

Past 3M winners have gone on to give TED Talks, found nonprofits, file patents, and make it onto the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, highlighting the far-reaching impact of this platform.<\/span><\/p>\n

Technology behind Sirish\u2019s innovation \u2013 PestiSCAND<\/b><\/h4>\n

Sirish\u2019s tool uses spectrophotometry to measure the wavelength of light reflecting off fruits and vegetables, combined with a machine learning model to analyse the data and detect harmful pesticides – all without damaging the food.<\/span><\/p>\n

All one needs to do is download an app, point the tool at the food in question, and determine if an additional rinse is necessary. \u201cThat\u2019s the main goal of PestiSCAND – to help people ensure that they aren\u2019t consuming pesticides so they can avoid any associated health risks,\u201d Sirish explained in an interview.<\/span><\/p>\n

PestiSCAND is equipped with a sensor, power supply, display screen, and processor. By utilising a non-destructive method, it provides an efficient and reliable solution to the growing concern over pesticide contamination. The tool\u2019s ability to quickly assess the safety of fruits and vegetables marks a promising step toward healthier food standards.<\/span><\/p>\n

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