Scientists Can’t Get Enough of This 14-Year-Old’s Groundbreaking Device!

Ever wonder if your fruits and vegetables are really clean? A young scientist might have the solution. Sirish Subash, a ninth grader from Snellville, Georgia, recently made headlines with his invention, PestiSCAND, a device designed to detect pesticide residues on produce. He claimed first place in the 3M and Discovery Education’s “America’s Top Young Scientist” competition, a prestigious event held in St. Paul, Minnesota.

In his research, Subash highlighted data from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which shows that 70.6% of produce contains pesticide residues. These residues can remain even after washing, posing potential health risks. According to Subash, “The lingering residues can lead to certain health problems like brain cancer, leukemia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s Disease.” His innovative device offers a way for people to test their produce at home, aiming to reduce these risks.

To demonstrate PestiSCAND’s capabilities, Subash used the AI-based handheld detector to check for pesticides on spinach and tomatoes. The results were impressive, with the device achieving an accuracy rate above 85%. “If we could detect them, we could avoid consuming them,” Subash said, emphasizing the importance of preventing health problems associated with pesticide exposure.

America’s Top Young Scientist: A Platform for Innovation

For 17 years, the “America’s Top Young Scientist” competition has been a platform for middle school students to showcase their talents in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The competition aims to promote innovative solutions, aligning with 3M’s mission of improving lives through creativity and product development.

Torie Clarke, 3M’s Executive Vice President and Chief Public Affairs Officer, shared her enthusiasm for the event: “At 3M we are all about finding amazing people who bring innovation and creativity… This competition is the epitome of it.” Each year, hundreds of students apply, and 10 finalists are selected to work with a 3M mentor for several months before presenting their projects. These finalists are judged based on their creativity, communication, and problem-solving skills.

While the top prize is $25,000, many participants go on to achieve even greater success. As Clarke noted, “Two of our competitors were named TIME Magazine’s Kid of the Year,” referencing previous winners who have gone on to start companies and file patents.

PestiSCAND: A Step Forward in Food Safety

Subash’s journey with PestiSCAND began as a larger, standalone device. Over time, he refined it into a compact, Bluetooth-enabled version that’s more convenient for everyday use. Despite its cutting-edge technology, Subash insists that PestiSCAND is not meant to replace washing produce but rather to ensure it’s thoroughly clean. “I would recommend, like going through a rinse… It’s not to replace washing, but rather to help with ensuring that the produce is truly clean,” he said.

The young inventor’s dedication to improving food safety was inspired by past winners of the same competition. Seeing Gitanjali Rao, a previous “America’s Top Young Scientist” and TIME’s Kid of the Year, sparked Subash’s interest. “This has been a dream of mine for quite a bit,” he said, reflecting on his journey.

Looking Ahead: Encouraging STEM Passion

After his big win, Subash offered advice for other young STEM enthusiasts. “Anything that you want to work on in life, just find something you’re really passionate about,” he said. His words of encouragement resonate far beyond the competition, serving as inspiration for anyone with a goal or dream.

Subash’s PestiSCAND could become a significant tool in the fight against pesticide-related health issues, making grocery shopping and food preparation safer for everyone. With his invention, Subash has proven that age is no barrier to solving big problems—just passion and persistence.