HS-ETS1-3
Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.
- Life
Research without lab animals? New tech is making it possible
For decades, scientists have worked to phase out the use of animals in research. AI, ‘lungs’ on a chip and more are bringing that goal closer.
- Environment
Eco-friendly sunscreen? That’s bananas!
Bananas make their own natural sunscreens. A teen thinks these could work to protect our skin as well, while being safe for aquatic life.
- Materials Science
This electric ‘slime’ might help injuries heal faster
Our bodies call in healing cells with an electrical signal. When stretched or squeezed, this gel makes electricity that could boost that alert.
- Tech
Soft helpers and bio-inspired tech: a match made in robot heaven
Hugging toys offer emotional support to anxious kids and slithering snake-like robots may bring rescue aid to people trapped in dangerous conditions.
- Chemistry
Teen finds cheaper way to make drugs against killer viruses
This drug-making achievement also nabbed the top award — and $100,000 in prize money — at the 2025 Regeneron ISEF competition.
- Artificial Intelligence
Teen’s software for spotting AI-generated text just got personal
Rather than seeking generic signs of AI-generated text, it compares two texts to confirm they both share a writer’s unique style.
- Materials Science
A beautiful blue butterfly wing offers a new way to study cancer
Once a morpho butterfly wing is placed atop a thin slice of tissue, shining polarized light through it can help reveal how likely breast cancer is to spread.
- Materials Science
This engineer uses light to get hearts pumping
Pengju Li designed a new type of pacemaker to help doctors during open-heart surgery.
- Tech
Squirty gels bring food-like flavors to virtual reality
A new device recreates complex flavors including lemonade, coffee and fish soup by delivering a mix of chemicals.
- Animals
Lab-grown mosquitoes could help protect Hawaii’s native birds
To curb the spread of avian malaria, a teen researcher found a way to make those mosquitoes grow faster and stronger.
- Brain
Brain scans may offer clues to the mental health of trans youth
A teen researcher identified a possible link between brain development and mental health in young trans people.
- Environment
New water treatment process removes pollutants most now don’t
The two-step water treatment process could cut not only excreted drugs flowing into waterways but also some nutrients that feed harmful algal blooms.
