A high school junior who has already invented a pancreatic cancer sensor and a handheld explosives and environmental contaminants detection device developed a new sensor that deals with water pollution.
Kid genius Jack Andraka along with classmate Chloe Diggs created a life-saving microfluidic biosensor that can quickly and cheaply detect water contaminants. The credit card-sized biosensor acts as a water filter that can detect six environmental contaminants. It only takes $1 to create and takes 20 minutes to run, rendering it significantly cheaper and more efficient than comparable water pollution-fighting sensors. Part of the project also included a water filter composed of recycled water bottles.
The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge first place national winner for grades 9 to 12 recently took home a $50,000 prize.
Credit Card-Sized Contaminant Sensors
High School Students Invented a Device for Water Pollution
Trend Themes
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Low-cost Biosensors for Environmental Contaminants Detection — Disruptive innovation opportunities for companies to develop and market low-cost biosensors for water pollution that act as filters and detect multiple contaminants in a short amount of time.
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DIY Environmental Solutions — Disruptive innovation opportunities for companies to create tools that enable individuals to create their own environmental solutions by using accessible and renewable resources.
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Youth Innovation in Science — Disruptive innovation opportunities for companies to collaborate with young people and provide them with the necessary resources and mentorship to develop sustainable and innovative solutions for environmental challenges.
Industry Implications
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Environmental Monitoring — Companies in this industry can benefit from partnering with innovators to integrate low-cost biosensors for environmental contaminants detection into their existing monitoring systems.
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DIY and Sustainable Living — Companies that promote sustainable living can benefit from partnering with innovators to bring accessible and affordable environmental solutions to the wider public.
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Science Education — Companies in this industry can benefit from supporting youth innovation in science by providing educational resources and opportunities to young people interested in environmental science and technology.