3M Young Scientist Challenge Announces 2025 National Finalists
ST. PAUL, Minn. and CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 25, 2025 /3BL/ - 3M (@3M) and Discovery Education (@DiscoveryEd) today announced the 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge ( #YoungScientist ) top 10 finalists. As the nation's premier middle school science competition, the annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge invites students in grades 5-8 to compete for an exclusive mentorship with a 3M scientist, a $25,000 grand prize, and the chance to earn the title of 'America's Top Young Scientist.'
The top 10 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge finalists are as follows (in alphabetical order by last name):
'For 18 years, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge has empowered middle school students to bring science to life,' said Torie Clarke, 3M's executive vice president and chief public affairs officer. 'This year, the nation's brightest young minds have once again reimagined what's possible. Congratulations to each of the top 10 finalists! I can't wait to see how you make the world a better place.'
To learn more about the 3M Young Scientist Challenge and meet the 2025 finalists, visit YoungScientistLab.com.
Challenge detailsThis year's finalists – 10 students ranging in age from 11-14 – identified an everyday problem and submitted a one- to two-minute video on their proposed scientific solution. Their proposals fall under an expanded set of entry categories, including robotics, home improvement, automotive, safety, AR/VR, and climate technology.
An esteemed group of judges, including 3M scientists and leaders in education from across the country, evaluated entries based on creativity, scientific knowledge, and communication effectiveness.
Next stepsEach of the 10 finalists will participate in an exclusive summer mentorship program with a 3M scientist. These mentors will provide guidance and advice to help advance their finalist's solution. Then, from Oct. 13-14, each finalist will travel to the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minn., for the final interactive competition.
At 3M, each finalist will participate in a series of challenges, including a presentation of their completed innovation, and be scored independently by a panel of judges. The grand prize winner will be announced, and they will receive $25,000, a unique destination trip, and the title of America's Top Young Scientist.
Previous winnersPrevious challenge finalists and 3M scientists have collaborated to create solutions for a wide variety of real-world problems, including cybersecurity, coral reef health, water conservation, food waste, alternative energy sources, energy consumption, air pollution, and transportation efficiency.
The 2024 winner – 14-year-old Sirish Subash from Snellville, Georgia. – created PestiSCAND, a handheld device designed to detect pesticide residues on produce using a non-destructive method. The innovation employs spectrophotometry, which involves measuring how light of various wavelengths is reflected off the surface of fruits and vegetables. A machine-learning model then analyzes this data to determine the presence of pesticides.
Now in its eighteenth year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge continues to inspire and challenge middle school students to think creatively and apply the power of STEM to discover real-world solutions. Former America's Top Young Scientists have given TED Talks, filed patents, founded nonprofits, made the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, and exhibited at the White House Science Fair. These young innovators have also been named TIME Magazine's Kid of the Year; featured in The New York Times Magazine, Forbes, and Business Insider; and appeared on national television programs such as Good Morning America, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and more. In addition, a 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network was formed in fall 2022 and includes more than 100 former challenge winners, finalists, and mentors, who take part in networking opportunities and more.
'The 3M Young Scientist Challenge exemplifies the power of nurturing student curiosity by preparing students for the future, today. We are delighted to celebrate these young scientists for their commitment to solving real-world problems with innovation, creativity, and ingenuity,' said Amy Nakamoto, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Partnerships at Discovery Education.
The award-winning competition supplements the 3M and Discovery Education program Young Scientist Lab, which provides no-cost dynamic digital resources for students, teachers, and families to explore, transform, and innovate the world around them. All the resources are also available on Discovery Education Experience, the essential companion for engaged PreK-12 classrooms.
###
About 3M3M (NYSE: MMM) believes science helps create a brighter world for everyone. By unlocking the power of people, ideas and science to reimagine what's possible, our global team uniquely addresses the opportunities and challenges of our customers, communities, and planet. Learn how we're working to improve lives and make what's next at 3M.com/news-center.
About Discovery EducationDiscovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art, Pre-K-12, digital solutions support learning wherever it takes place. Through award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and strategic alliances, Discovery Education helps educators deliver powerful learning experiences that engage all students and support higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Through partnerships with districts, states, and trusted organizations, Discovery Education empowers teachers with essential edtech solutions that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and accelerate learning. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.
ContactsTim Post 3MEmail: [email protected]
Grace MaliskaDiscovery EducationEmail: [email protected]
Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Discovery Education
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
25 minutes ago
- Yahoo
BridgeBio to Host Limb-girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type 2I/R9 Investor Webinar on Friday, July 11th at 8:00 am ET
PALO ALTO, Calif., June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BridgeBio Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: BBIO) ('BridgeBio' or the 'Company'), a new type of biopharmaceutical company focused on genetic diseases, today announced the Company will host an investor webinar on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 8:00 am ET with Matthew Wicklund, M.D., FAAN, Professor of Neurology and Vice Chair for Research, Department of Neurology at the University of Texas (UT) Health Science Center San Antonio. Dr. Wicklund will provide an overview of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD), specifically focusing on the disease burden, standard of care and unmet needs for those with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2I/R9 (LGMD2I/R9) (FKRP-related). He serves as director for the UT Health San Antonio MDA Multidisciplinary Care Center and is a member of the Limb-girdle Muscular Dystrophy Clinical Research Network and the Neuromuscular Study Group. Dr. Wicklund has participated in over 35 multi-center clinical trials in the areas of muscular dystrophy, ALS, and myasthenia gravis and has over 200 published articles, chapters and abstracts. In addition to Dr. Wicklund, executive members of the LGMD2I/R9 program will review the progress of BBP-418 to date and discuss expectations for the Phase 3 interim analysis results expected in the second half of 2025. To access the live webcast of BridgeBio's investor webinar, please visit the 'Events & Presentations' page within the Investors section of the BridgeBio website at A replay of the webcast will be available on the BridgeBio website for 30 days following the event. About BridgeBio Pharma, Pharma, Inc. (BridgeBio) is a new type of biopharmaceutical company founded to discover, create, test, and deliver transformative medicines to treat patients who suffer from genetic diseases. BridgeBio's pipeline of development programs ranges from early science to advanced clinical trials. BridgeBio was founded in 2015 and its team of experienced drug discoverers, developers and innovators are committed to applying advances in genetic medicine to help patients as quickly as possible. For more information visit and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. BridgeBio Media Contact:Bubba Murarka, Executive Vice Presidentcontact@ (650)-789-8220 BridgeBio Investor Contact:Chinmay Shukla, VP Strategic Financeir@ while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
35 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Opus Genetics Announces VEGA-3 Phase 3 Trial Met its Primary Endpoint for Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% for the Treatment of Presbyopia
Study met its primary and key secondary endpoints, demonstrating rapid and sustained improvement in near visual acuity Safety profile consistent with previous clinical trials and no treatment-related serious adverse events reported in the study No evidence of tachyphylaxis was observed in this study over the 6-week period Management to Host Webcast and Conference Call Today at 8:00 A.M. ET RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Opus Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: IRD), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing gene therapies for the treatment of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) and small molecule therapies for other ophthalmic disorders, today announced positive topline results from VEGA-3, its second pivotal Phase 3 trial evaluating Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% for the treatment of presbyopia. Presbyopia is an ophthalmic disorder that involves the progressive loss of ability to focus on close objects that results in blurred near vision, difficulty seeing in dim light, and eye strain. The VEGA-3 trial met its primary endpoint, with a statistically significant 27.2% of participants treated with Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% achieving a ≥15-letter improvement in binocular distance-corrected near visual acuity (DCNVA), with less than a 5-letter loss in binocular best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA) at 12 hours post-dose on Day 8, compared to 11.5% of patients on placebo (p<0.0001). The trial also met key secondary efficacy endpoints, reinforcing the benefit observed. 'The results of the VEGA-3 trial reinforce our belief that Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% could offer an option to improve near vision for millions of adults affected by presbyopia,' said George Magrath, M.D., CEO, Opus Genetics. 'The positive results from both our Phase 3 VEGA-2 and VEGA-3 trials support the submission of an application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which we plan to file in the second half of 2025. I want to thank the participants and clinical teams who participated in VEGA-3 and who have helped us bring Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% to this point in development.' 'These findings provide further validation of Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% as a differentiated approach to managing presbyopia, reflected by its ability to improve near vision while preserving distance vision without compromising low contrast vision,' said Jay Pepose, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Advisor, Opus Genetics. VEGA-3 Phase 3 Study VEGA-3 is the second Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% in subjects with presbyopia. VEGA-3 is a multicenter, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled Phase 3 study that enrolled 545 participants across 40 sites in the United States. Subjects were randomized in a 3:2 ratio to receive either Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% or placebo, administered once daily in the evening. Top-Line Results: The primary endpoint was defined as the proportion of participants achieving a ≥15-letter Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) (≥3-line) improvement in binocular DCNVA and with less than 5 letters of loss in binocular BCDVA from baseline at 12 hours post-dose on Day 8, as compared to placebo. 27.2% of participants treated with Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% achieved a ≥15-letter improvement in DCNVA, with less than a 5-letter loss in BCDVA at 12 hours post-dose on Day 8, compared to 11.5% of patients on placebo (p<0.0001). 20.6% of patients in the Phentolamine arm achieved ≥15-letter ETDRS (≥3-line) gain in DCNVA at 1-hour post-dose on Day 1 compared to 6.1% of those receiving placebo (p=0.0002). Significant patient-reported functional benefit at Days 3 and 8 and Week 6 were observed with patients reporting satisfaction with near vision upon awakening (p<0.0001) and improvement in their near vision (p<0.0001). There was no evidence of tachyphylaxis observed after 6 weeks compared to the primary endpoint at Day 8 12 hours post-dose. Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% demonstrated a safety profile consistent with previous trials, with no new safety signal identified and no treatment-related serious adverse events reported in this study. The most common (≥5%) treatment-emergent adverse events included conjunctival hyperemia, instillation site irritation, and dysgeusia and all of which were predominantly mild. A low rate of headache (2.6%) was reported over the study period. VEGA-3 patients will continue to be monitored for long-term safety over 48 weeks. Additional information on the VEGA-3 study design is available on (NCT06542497). Opus Genetics and Viatris (through its affiliate) are parties to a global licensing agreement which provides for the development of Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% and grants exclusive rights to Viatris to commercialize Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% in the United States. Conference Call & Webcast Details Opus Genetics management will host a webcast and conference call today at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the VEGA-3 results and provide a corporate update. The live and archived webcast may be accessed on the Opus Genetics website under the Investors section: Events. The live call can be accessed by dialing 888-506-0062 (domestic) or 973-528-0011 (international) and entering conference code: 936860. Opus Genetics suggests participants join 15 minutes in advance of the event. About Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% is a non-selective alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist to reduce pupil size, administered as an eye drop. It works by uniquely blocking the alpha-1 receptors found on the radial iris dilator muscles, which are activated by the alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, without affecting the ciliary muscle. Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% is currently being evaluated in two Phase 3 programs for the treatment of presbyopia and dim (mesopic) light vision disturbances after keratorefractive surgery (LYNX clinical program) and presbyopia (VEGA clinical program). About Presbyopia Presbyopia is the progressive loss of ability to focus on near objects that typically becomes noticeable in the early to mid-40s. As the eye ages, the ability to focus for reading and other tasks that require clear vision at near distances decreases. Presbyopia patients experience blurred near vision, difficulty seeing in dim light and eye strain. This ubiquitous condition leads to the widespread use of reading glasses or bifocals. It is estimated that 128 million Americans, and over 2 billion people worldwide, have presbyopia, and this number is expected to grow as the population ages. About Opus Genetics Opus Genetics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing gene and small molecule therapies for vision-threatening eye diseases. The company's pipeline features AAV-based gene therapies targeting inherited retinal diseases including Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), bestrophinopathy, and retinitis pigmentosa. Its lead candidate, OPGx-LCA5, is in a Phase 1/2 trial for LCA5-related mutations and has shown encouraging early results. Additional programs include OPGx-BEST1, a gene therapy targeting BEST1- related retinal degeneration and a Phase 3-ready small molecule therapy for diabetic retinopathy, developed under a Special Protocol Assessment with the FDA. Opus is also advancing Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75%, a partnered therapy currently approved in one indication and is being studied in two Phase 3 programs for presbyopia and dim light vision disturbances. The company is based in Research Triangle Park, NC. For more information, visit Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to the clinical development, clinical results, and future plans for Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% and expectations regarding us, our business prospects, and our results of operations and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties posed by many factors and events that could cause our actual business, prospects and results of operations to differ materially from those anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those described under the heading 'Risk Factors' included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, and in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. These forward-looking statements are based upon our current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'continue,' 'could,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'intend,' 'aim,' 'may,' 'ongoing,' 'plan,' 'potential,' 'predict,' 'project,' 'should,' 'will,' 'would' or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. We undertake no obligation to revise any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that might subsequently arise. Contacts Investors Jenny KobinRemy BernardaIR Advisory Solutionsir@ MediaKimberly HaKKH Source: Opus Genetics, Inc.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Kennedy Space Center goes retro for Y2K after-hours event
Kennedy Under the Stars, an after-hours event at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, will carry a theme from a quarter-century ago. It's set up for Y2K nostalgia. The event, set for Aug. 30 at 6:30 p.m., allows access to many of the attraction's exhibits, including Spaceport KSC, the Shuttle Launch Experience and Space Shuttle Atlantis plus a stargazing experience through telescopes provided by Ortega Observatory of Florida Tech. On top of that are the most recent turn-of-the-century-inspired activities, including a video DJ in the Rocket Garden, a techno DJ dance party in NASA Central, mini-golf beneath the Saturn 1B rocket, science experiments, live entertainment and glowing lounge and bar areas. NASA astronauts Ellen Ochoa and Mike Foreman will greet participants during the evening. Last call: When these Disney, Universal attractions are shutting down 'This event blends 2000s nostalgia with today's cutting edge space attractions, making it an unforgettable night celebrating the wonder of space exploration,' Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, said in a news release. Space-themed costuming is allowed during the event, but costume masks that conceal faces and props that resemble weapons are not. Admission to Kennedy Under the Stars is $65. Parking is free. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. Visitor complex annual passholders get 30% discounts on food and retail items. For tickets or more information, go to SeaWorld starts sale on tickets, keeps free beer flowing dbevil@
