Notable Science Fair Ventures that Gained Recognition

Young Innovators Making a Difference

In the realm of science and technology, the future is being shaped by a new generation of brilliant minds. From space travel to addiction treatment, these young innovators are pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

Making Space Travel Affordable

Erika DeBenedictis, a 14-year-old student, has a vision for the future of space travel. Her science fair project proposed a novel idea: spacecraft could harness the power of other planets' space currents and celestial bodies, much like sailboats use currents and wind. [Thirsty Wagman]

Fighting Addiction with Science

Yamini Naidu, another bright student, dedicated two years of her life to understanding the impacts of methamphetamine use. Her research led to the development of compounds that can block narcotics from binding to previously unknown brain sites, potentially paving the way for new treatments for methamphetamine addiction. [Portland Tribune]

Saving Resources with Typography

Suvir Mirchandani discovered that using the font Garamond can significantly reduce paper and ink waste in handouts, potentially saving millions. [NRI Pulse]

Unraveling the Mysteries of Ovarian Cancer

At the tender age of 17, Shree Bose found an enzyme called activated-protein kinase that makes ovarian cancer cells resistant to treatment. Since then, she has worked as an intern at the National Institutes of Health, spoken to survivors' groups about her findings, and is currently studying molecular and cellular biology at Harvard. [NWLC]

Revolutionizing Cancer Diagnosis

Brittany Wenger developed an app for diagnosing breast cancer using a neural network and fine needle aspirates, achieving a 99% accuracy rate in diagnosing malignant tumors. [The Scientific American]

Radiation Protection in Cargo Shipping

Taylor Wilson, a young inventor, created a radiation scanner for cargo shipping after developing a nuclear fusion reactor. [Freep]

Anthrax Protection

Marc Roberge discovered that a simple clothing iron set at 400 degrees can kill anthrax spores when ironed through an envelope. This finding could have significant implications for the safety of mail handling. [The Conversation]

Self-Driving Cars on a Budget

In 2013, 19-year-old Ionut Budisteanu took first place at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair with his self-driving car design, which cost only $4,000 to build. [Mashable]

While there is no record of which student acquired a patent for substances developed to treat methamphetamine addiction at an Oregon Health and Science University competition, the work of these young innovators serves as a testament to the power of curiosity and determination. Their discoveries and inventions are shaping the future in remarkable ways, and we can't wait to see what they accomplish next.