Adam Kovalčík, a 19-year-old from Slovakia, has won the top prize at America’s most prestigious science fair. He impressed judges with his invention of a quicker and cheaper method of making the antiviral drug galidesivir out of corn husks.
Key Achievements
- Cost Reduction: Kovalčík’s method reduces the cost per gram of galidesivir from $75.00 to just $12.00.
- Time Efficiency: The production time per batch is cut from nine days to five.
- Drug Applications: Galidesivir is used to treat RNA viruses such as Ebola, Marburg, Zika, and SARS-CoV-2.
Recognition
At the 75th Annual Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair in Ohio last month, Kovalčík won the $100,000 George D. Yancopoulos Innovator Award for his presentation on producing galidesivir from corn waste.
In his acceptance speech, he expressed his humble beginnings:
"I am someone who comes from a small village in one small European country."
He also shared a personal motivation for his work:
"I’m here today because I want my grandma back," referring to his grandmother who died after contracting COVID-19.
Project Support
Kovalčík’s project was part-funded by The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he studied as an exchange student last year. He also received support from Slovakian company Biotech Invest, which helped him source materials for his experiment, including locally sourced corn husks in North Carolina.
Production Process
The process involves:
- Soaking corn husks in water.
- Using enzymes called cellulases to break down cellulose into glucose.
- Adding other chemicals to convert glucose into galidesivir.
Note: Galidesivir can be toxic if ingested, so it must be handled with care when produced outside a lab setting.
Upcoming Film Projects
Meanwhile, fans of Mamma Mia! may be thrilled to learn that there are plans for another installment of the beloved musical movie franchise, although it might not feature Cher or Colin Firth again.
Producer Judy Craymer told Deadline that plans are underway for more movies based on ABBA songs beyond Mamma Mia!:
- "There’s meant to be three films," she said when asked about future projects.
A scriptwriter is currently working on new material for the franchise, with Sabrina Carpenter potentially set to star alongside other actors who could resemble Meryl Streep. Craymer noted:
"She’d look very much like Meryl Streep."
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