Innovative Minds: Kara Fan

MASON MIDDLE SCHOOL | 8th grade | 13 years old

Nano Particle Wound Care

About the Idea

Kara formulated a nano particle liquid bandage to replace the use of antibiotics and help reduce the development of super bugs due to overuse of antibiotics.

Why did you enter the 3M Young Scientist Challenge?

I want to show my invention of the nanosilver liquid bandage to more people. I think it is important for more people to be aware of antibiotic-resistance bacteria crisis and do something about it.

What is your favorite invention of the last 100 years, and why?

My favorite invention in the last 100 years is the discovery of Penicillin by Sir Alexander Fleming in 1928. Sir Fleming’s discovery saved millions of lives. Before the invention of antibiotics and Penicillin, there was no effective treatment for infections such as pneumonia, gonorrhea or rheumatic fever. Hospitals were full of people with blood poisoning contracted from a cut or a scratch, and doctors could do little for them but wait and hope. With the development of antibiotics, it changed the field of medicine, the military in war, and cured many diseases, improving the health and lives of millions of individuals.

In 15 years I hope to be...

A microbiologist.