With scientists over the globe racing their minds to find a solution to the growing disaster called covid-19, a 14-year-old has discovers something that holds the potential to put an end to all human woes related to coronavirus.
An Indian-American school student, AnikaChebrula, has raised hopes for the pandemic’s eradication. The teenager who resides in Texas’s Frisco has earned accolades after winning the 2020 3M Young Scientist Challenge, along with a cash prize of $25,000. She earned the award for her discovers of one such molecule that could prove to be the therapy the world needs for covid-19.
Her invention utilizes in-silico techniques for finding a certain lead molecule, which can bind to a protein present in the SARS-CoV-2 virus and cease its function.
ABC News reported her saying, “I developed this molecule that can bind to a certain protein on the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This protein by binding to it will stop the function of the protein.”
Referring to her recent win, the young scientist said, “It’s exciting. I’m still trying to process everything.”
Interestingly, Anika hadn’t directed her work towards finding a cure for covid-19 in the beginning when she began her work. She presented her project when she was in her eighth standard which focused work towards discovering a lead molecule to bind the influenza virus. However, when the world got entangled in the web of covid-19, she shifted her efforts from the influenza virus to coronavirus.
The flu pandemic that hit in 1918 had convinced her of discovering a cure for viruses of its kind, Anika said while adding that the mortality rates due to these inspired her more to battle with the world of viruses. In spite of the US citizens receiving their annual vaccinations, many still fell prey to them, she said.
“After spending so much time researching about pandemics, viruses and covid-19 drug discovers, it was crazy to think that I was actually living through something like this,” Anika was quoted saying.
“Because of the immense severity of the Covid-19 pandemic and the drastic impact it had made on the world in such a short time, I, with the help of my mentor, changed directions to target the SARS-CoV-2 virus.”
Speaking about the attention Anika work has been getting as it surrounds the prime matter of concern of the world, she told CNN, “The last two days, I saw that there is a lot of media hype about my project since it involves the SARS-CoV-2 virus and it reflects our collective hopes to end this pandemic as I, like everyone else, wish that we go back to our normal lives soon.”
One of the judges present in the panel of the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, Dr. Cindy Moss, while praising her said, “Anika has an inquisitive mind and used her curiosity to ask questions about a vaccine for Covid-19.”
“Her work was comprehensive and examined numerous 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.”
The winner of the contest doesn’t hold any plans to lay down her work as she believes that it isn’t done yet. She said that she aspires to play a part in fighting the pandemic by working with scientists and other researchers to find an actual suitable cure.
“My effort to find a lead compound to bind to the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus this summer may appear to be a drop in the ocean, but still adds to all these efforts. How I develop this molecule further with the help of virologists and drug development specialists will determine the success of these efforts.”
The Bharatanatyam dancer cum scientist gained her interest in the science field because of her grandfather who was a chemistry professor. Anika said that he introduced her to the elements of the subject and made her love grow for the same. She also said that she dreams to be a medical researcher and professor when she grows up just like her grandfather.
