14-year-old Sirish Subash has won the $25,000 grand prize at the 3M Young Scientist Challenge for developing Pestiscand, an innovative AI-powered handheld device that detects pesticides on fruits and vegetables. The young inventor spent approximately 11 months researching and developing the smartphone-attached device after questioning how effective washing produce actually is at removing harmful pesticides.
Pestiscand uses artificial intelligence combined with spectrophotometry, a noninvasive technique that shines light on produce and analyzes the reflected light to identify pesticide presence. Users simply download a phone app, point the device at their fruit or vegetable, and tap the scan button. If pesticides are detected, the app recommends additional washing, as “it can often take multiple rounds of washing to significantly reduce the quantity of pesticide residues from produce,” Subash explained.
The device demonstrates impressive accuracy, correctly identifying both the presence and type of pesticide 93% of the time. During testing, Subash examined four common produce items—apples, spinach, strawberries, and tomatoes—taking over 800 samples across different locations on each piece. He tested three common pesticides: azoxystrobin, imidacloprid, and cypermethrin, comparing results against thoroughly washed, pesticide-free control samples.
Judge Gilles Benoit highlighted that the project stood out among ten competitors due to its potential for improving everyday health and safety. “His project exemplifies how AI is becoming more accessible, even to the youngest scientists,” Benoit noted. The health implications are significant, as certain pesticides have been linked to type II diabetes, postmenopausal breast cancer, birth defects, and various cancers.
Currently in preliminary stages, Pestiscand can identify three pesticides, but Subash envisions expanding the technology to detect hundreds of potential pesticides and estimate remaining pesticide levels after washing. This would help users determine whether additional rinsing is necessary, particularly for produce like strawberries with grooves and crevices where contaminants persist longer. The innovation represents a practical application of AI technology addressing real-world health concerns while demonstrating the growing accessibility of artificial intelligence to young innovators.
Key Quotes
It can often take multiple rounds of washing to significantly reduce the quantity of pesticide residues from produce.
Sirish Subash explained how his device helps users understand when additional washing is necessary, addressing a common gap in consumer knowledge about pesticide removal effectiveness.
His project exemplifies how AI is becoming more accessible, even to the youngest scientists.
Judge Gilles Benoit highlighted the significance of a 14-year-old successfully implementing AI technology, demonstrating the democratization of artificial intelligence tools and their increasing accessibility to young innovators.
Diet is really one of the main roots of exposures to pesticides. And there’s some evidence that shows dietary exposure can be linked with really serious health effects.
Alexis Temkin, senior toxicologist with the Environmental Working Group, emphasized the importance of Subash’s invention by connecting dietary pesticide exposure to significant health risks, validating the real-world need for such detection technology.
The majority of the population already is not eating enough fruits and vegetables. So by no means should concerns about pesticides sort of get you to avoid fruits and vegetables.
Temkin provided important context that while pesticide detection is valuable, the device should empower rather than discourage produce consumption, positioning it as a tool for informed decision-making rather than fear-mongering.
Our Take
Subash’s achievement represents a significant milestone in youth-driven AI innovation and practical consumer health technology. What’s particularly noteworthy is how a teenager successfully integrated AI with spectrophotometry to address a genuine public health concern, demonstrating that sophisticated AI applications are no longer confined to well-funded research labs or tech companies. This accessibility trend will likely accelerate innovation across sectors as younger generations grow up with AI as a fundamental tool rather than an emerging technology. The 93% accuracy rate is impressive for a preliminary device, suggesting substantial commercial potential if further developed. However, the real story here isn’t just about pesticide detection—it’s about how AI is empowering individuals to tackle complex problems with relatively accessible technology. As AI tools continue to become more user-friendly and affordable, we should expect more breakthrough innovations from unexpected sources, potentially disrupting traditional research and development paradigms.
Why This Matters
This story exemplifies the democratization of AI technology and its practical applications in addressing everyday health concerns. Subash’s achievement demonstrates how artificial intelligence is becoming accessible to younger generations, enabling them to develop sophisticated solutions to real-world problems. The integration of AI with spectrophotometry represents an innovative approach to consumer health technology, potentially empowering individuals to make more informed decisions about their food safety.
The broader implications extend beyond the individual invention. As AI tools become more user-friendly and accessible, we’re likely to see increased innovation from non-traditional sources, including students and young researchers. This trend could accelerate problem-solving across various sectors, from healthcare to environmental protection. The device also highlights AI’s potential in preventive health applications, where early detection and monitoring can significantly impact long-term health outcomes. Given the established links between pesticide exposure and serious health conditions, accessible detection technology could become an important tool in public health, particularly as concerns about food safety and chemical exposure continue to grow.
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Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/teen-wins-3m-grand-prize-pesticide-detection-device-2024-10