Anika Chebrolu won the 2020 Young Scientist of America Award for her discovery
Scientists around the world searching for an effective treatment for the coronavirus have turned to a 14-year-old American student who may have discovered a cure for Covid-19. Last month, Anika Chebrolu—who is in the 8th grade at a school in Texas, in the United States – won the 3M Young Scientists Challenge, a $25,000 prize, and the title of America’s Top Young Scientist 2020 for discovering a molecule capable of preventing infections from the disease and, thus, contributing to a potential treatment for coronavirus patients.
Molecule discovered by teenager has the potential to lead to a cure for Covid-19
To make her discovery, Anika used a method called “in silico,” employing a computer simulation to find molecules capable of binding to the spikes (protein spikes) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, and prevent infection from occurring. In her study, the young researcher found a molecule that showed better activity than the others and presented it as a potential drug for effective treatment of Covid-19.
According to experts, understanding the spike protein—which the coronavirus uses to enter the body’s cells—is essential for developing effective treatments against the disease, so this discovery has great potential. “Her work was extensive and examined numerous databases. Her willingness to use her time and talent to help make the world a better place gives hope to all of us,” said Cindy Moss, a judge for the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, to CNN.
Anika intends to work with scientists to conduct research in search of a cure for Covid-19
Interestingly, Anika’s initial goal was to identify a component capable of binding to influenza virus proteins. However, with the pandemic, her advisor, Mahfuza Ali, encouraged her to shift her research focus to studying COVID-19. From here on, the next step is to advance studies on the molecule discovered by the teenager—and Anika stated that she wants to work with researchers to develop a potential cure for the disease.
“My efforts to find a compound to bind SARS-CoV-2 proteins may seem like a drop in the ocean, but they can still help. How I develop this molecule with the help of virologists and drug development experts will determine the success of my efforts,” the young scientist said in an interview with CNN.
