Simon Meehan, 15, of Coláiste Choilm, Ireland recently won first place in the 54th BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition after discovering that “chemicals found within blackberries could form antibiotics” capable of killing staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a bacteria well known for being resistant to antibiotics.

As a refresher, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, also known as “superbugs”, are able to develop a resistance to the medicine that is given to patients. So, instead of healing the patient, as is the desired effect, the bacteria within the body will mutate and change in order to beat the medication.

And get this _ Simon says his herbalist grandfather was the inspiration that kept him going (he even kept a framed picture next to him while we worked).

The wise youngster said, “I feel, without disrespecting the scientific community too much, that there should be some conclusions from this. We are over-thinking science in too many ways.”

We totally agree with you, Simon!

Professor John O’Halloran, who helped judge the competition, said: “This is a really exciting project which explores the possibility of the blackberry leaf extracts’ ability to control harmful bacteria. The unexpected findings deliver a unique approach to killing bacteria using natural plant active ingredients. The rigour of the approach adopted by Simon set his project apart from competitors and made him our overall winner.”

Congratulations young man. Again, we agree that the scientific community tends to over think too much. Our bodies and nature have an amazing ability to remain in perfect harmony if we set them up for success.