Sirish Subash, a 14-year-old Young Scientist ninth grader from Georgia, has created a groundbreaking device to help protect people from pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables. His invention, called "Pestiscand," recently won the 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge, earning him a $25,000 prize and national recognition.
The device, Pestiscand, uses artificial intelligence and advanced technology to detect pesticide residues. It's handheld and user-friendly, making it practical for everyday consumers. Pestiscand works by shining light on produce, measuring how the light reflects back.
This data is then processed by a machine learning model to accurately spot any harmful pesticide residues that might still be on the fruits and vegetables. By doing this, it aims to help people avoid consuming pesticides that could harm their health.
Sirish's idea addresses an important issue: pesticide exposure from the food we eat. Many fruits and vegetables can carry small amounts of pesticides, which over time may lead to health risks.
Pestiscand gives consumers a simple way to check their produce and make safer choices, directly tackling this concern.
Winning the prize is a great achievement, but for Sirish, the purpose behind Pestiscand goes further than just awards. He wants to empower people everywhere to make healthier food choices and reduce their pesticide intake. Sirish’s invention shows how young people can use technology to make a positive impact on the world.
With Pestiscand, Sirish hopes to encourage more food safety awareness and help families feel confident in their food choices. His accomplishment also highlights the amazing contributions young inventors can make toward solving real-world problems.
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