Dasia Taylor, who—at just 17 years old—invented a truly ingenious and life-saving innovation: color-changing sutures designed to detect infection early.
Dasia Taylor’s Breakthrough Invention
What Did She Create?
- Dasia developed medical sutures that change color when a surgical wound becomes infected. The secret? Beet juice, a natural pH indicator, infused into the stitches. As the pH level of the wound rises due to infection, the sutures visibly shift from bright red to dark purple.
Why It’s Revolutionary
- Traditional “smart sutures” rely on technology and connectivity for detection—options that are costly and impractical in many low-resource settings. Dasia’s sutures offer a low-cost, accessible solution with immediate visual feedback—potentially saving lives in developing countries where surgical site infections are common.
Recognition & Impact
- Her invention earned her a spot among the top 40 finalists in the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search, where she also received the Seaborg Award ($25,000).
- Coverage by major outlets like PBS News, Smithsonian Magazine, The Washington Post, and People highlighted her innovation and its importance for global health equity.
- She has filed for a patent and continued refining her invention, with plans to make it widely available—especially in underserved communities.
At a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Inventor & Age | Dasia Taylor, age 17 during her invention’s debut |
| What She Invented | Beet-dye–infused sutures that change color to detect infection |
| Recognition | Finalist in Regeneron Science Talent Search; won Seaborg Award |
| Status | Patent pending; founder of VariegateHealth aiming for equitable healthcare |
| Impact Goal | Provide accessible infection detection, especially in low-resource settings |
