Anika, 14year old Indian-American Girl Invents Remedy For Covid-19
This 14-year-old girl won a $25K prize for a discovery that could lead to a cure for Covid-19
As scientists around the world race to find a treatment for the coronavirus, a young girl among them stands out.
Anika Chebrolu, a 14-year-old from Frisco, Texas, has just won the 2020 3M Young Scientist Challenge. The prize consists of USD25,000 – for a discovery that could provide a possible cure to Covid-19.
Anika’s winning invention uses in-silico system to discover a lead molecule. This molecule can selectively bind to the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The coronavirus has killed more than 1.1 million people globally. China reported its first case to the World Health Organization (WHO) in December. The United States has more than 219,000 deaths, according to data from the ‘Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering’.
Anika is an Indian American, she submitted her project when she was in 8th grade. But her prime focus was not finding a cure for Covid-19.
Initially, she tried to identify a lead compound that could bind to a protein of the influenza virus.
After spending so much time researching about pandemics, viruses, and drug discovery, it was crazy to think that “I was actually living through something like this,” Anika said.
Myself with the help of my mentor changed directions to target the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This was because of the seriousness of the pandemic and its drastic effect made on the world in such a short time. Shed added.
I was inspired to find possible cures to viruses after learning about the 1918 flu pandemic – Anika Said. And also finding out how many people die every year in the United States despite annual vaccinations and anti-influenza drugs on the market.
“Anika has an inquisitive mind and used her curiosity to ask questions about a vaccine for Covid-19,” Dr. Cindy Moss, a judge for the 3M Young Scientist Challenge.
“Her work was comprehensive and examined many databases. She also developed an understanding of the innovation process and is a masterful communicator. Her willingness to use her time and talent to help make the world a better place gives us all hope.”
Anika said ‘winning the prize and title of the top young scientist is an honor, but the work is not done.’
Her next goal, she says, is to work with scientists and researchers who are fighting to “control the morbidity and mortality”. This is also related to the pandemic by developing her findings into an actual cure for the virus.
Compiled by – MK (Editor)
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