14-year-old Texas girl makes discovery that could help fight COVID-19

As scientists around the world are trying to find a cure for COVID-19, the 14-year-old may have made a breakthrough discovery. Details told the publication CNN.

Anika Cebrolu, a 14-year-old girl from Frisco, Texas, won the 3 2020M Young Scientist Challenge and a $ 25 prize for a discovery that could provide potential COVID-000 therapy.

Anika's invention uses an in-silico technique to detect a molecule that can selectively bind to the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

“There has been a lot of buzz around my project over the past two days as it relates to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and reflects our collective hopes of ending this pandemic as I, like everyone else, wish for us to get back to normal as soon as possible.” , said Anika.

Anika, an Indian American, presented her project when she was in 8th grade, but she hasn't always focused on finding a cure for COVID-19.

Its original goal was to use in-silico methods to determine the lead compound that could bind to the influenza virus protein.

“Given the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and the dramatic impact it has had on the world in such a short time, I pivoted to target the SARS-CoV-2 virus under the guidance of my mentor,” Anika said.

On the subject: Card, money and smartphone: coronavirus can live on some surfaces for up to 4 weeks

Anika began looking for potential cures for viruses after learning about the 1918 influenza pandemic and finding out how many people die despite the annual flu vaccinations and medicines available on the market.

“Anika has an inquisitive mind,” said Dr. Cindy Moss, 3M Young Scientist Challenge judge. “Her work was comprehensive, the girl researched numerous databases. Her willingness to use her time and talent to help make the world a better place gives us hope.”

According to Anika, receiving the award and being named the best young scientist is a great honor, but her work is not finished yet.

Her next goal is to work with scientists who are trying to gain “morbidity and mortality control” from the pandemic, turning its findings into a real cure for the virus.

“My efforts to find a lead compound to bind to the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus may seem like a drop in the ocean, but it is still complementary to the entire effort,” she said. “How I develop this molecule with the help of virologists and drug development specialists will determine the success of this effort.”

Anika is an ordinary 14-year-old girl. In addition to doing laboratory research, she also attends an Indian classical dance called Bharatanatyam.

Read also on ForumDaily:

Card, money and smartphone: coronavirus can live on some surfaces for up to 4 weeks

Causes acute diarrhea: pig coronavirus, dangerous to humans, found in China

Hong Kong Scientists Develop COVID-19 Vaccine Nasal Spray

'Forgot who I am and where': after COVID-19, people suffer for months from disorientation and memory loss

WHO no longer wants quarantine due to COVID-19 and even warns against it: what is the reason

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.