Texas Teen Discovers Potential COVID-19 Treatment, Wins $25K

A 14-year-old Texan discovers a potential COVID-19 treatment winning her $25,000. Reports say that she found a molecule that could bind with the deadly virus.

Anika Chebrolu discovered that if SARS-CoV-2 binds with the molecule, it will stop the viral protein from entering the cells. It could be used as a possible drug treatment for the virus. Chebrolu won America's premier middle school science competition, the 2020 3M Young Scientist Challenge.

Choosing the best molecule

The eighth-grader screened millions of small molecules that have drug and ADMET properties. She used many software tools for screening and to check the binding affinities against the virus. Using the in-silico method, she chose the molecule that provided the best biological and pharmacological activity.

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The teen told CNN that she saw there is a lot of media hype about her study. She believes that it is because her project involves the deadly COVID virus. It shows that everyone hopes to end the pandemic, just as she does, and wishes to go back to the normal lives people used to live.

The chosen one became the lead molecule in her research, which could be a potential drug for the treatment of COVID-19. For the past few months, Chebrolu and nine other finalists have worked with a 3M scientist as their mentor, based on a statement.

No plans studying about COVID-19

They worked one-on-one by transforming a concept idea to become a physical prototype. The 14-year-old did not plan on studying COVID. Since she got bad flu a year ago, she wanted to find a cure for influenza.

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COVID suddenly hit the world and caused a pandemic. It had switched her attention to finding a cure for the deadly disease instead. Chebrolu now proudly calls herself "America's Top Young Scientist" because her study focused on spike proteins.

She explained that after she learned about the 1918 flu pandemic, she got inspired to potential drug treatment for viruses. Chebrolu also found out how many people died in the US every year during that time. She also took note that there were annual vaccinations and drugs for influenza on the market.

Science is the basis of life and the universe

Apart from the award of $25K, the Indian American teen will also receive a special destination trip. She told "Yahoo" that she did the study, not because of the awards or trips. She said that the world has a long way to go to fully understand science because it is the basis of the universe and life.

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Chebrolu also explained that her study does not end there. She explained that she would develop the molecule further with the virologists' help. Other than that, she would also be working with drug development specialists to know the success of her efforts.