Inspired by mussels, this 12-year-old Florida student is competing for a $25,000 prize with her eco-friendly adhesive

<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/this-12-year-old-sixth-grader-from-florida-looked-to-nature-to-solve-a-pollution-problemand-found-the-answer-in-mussels/articleshow/132725365.cms"><img border="0" hspace="10" align="left" style="margin-top:3px;margin-right:5px;" src="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/photo/132725365.cms" /></a>Twelve-year-old Aaisha Asif, a sixth-grade student at Pine View School in Florida, has been named one of 10 finalists in the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge for developing a mussel-inspired adhesive. Her biomimicry-based project aims to reduce harmful VOCs by using natural proteins and iron-based crosslinkers to create an environmentally friendly alternative. Guided by a 3M scientist, she will refine her innovation before competing for the $25,000 grand prize in October.< a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/this-12-year-old-sixth-grader-from-florida-looked-to-nature-to-solve-a-pollution-problemand-found-the-answer-in-mussels/articleshow/132725365.cms">READ MORE