All over the world, infections at the site of surgical incisions are a major cause of new illnesses, extended hospital stays and even death. In the U.S. alone, these infections cost more than $3 billion annually, with even worse statistics in developing countries. Stephanie Sy reports on one 17-year-old Iowa scientist who's working on a more affordable way to detect these infections early.

Discussion questions:

• Who is Dasia Taylor?
• What specific types of infections are her sutures developed for?
• How do the sutures work?
• What inside the sutures allows them to change colors?
• Why did Dasia feel inclined to make these sutures? What is she hoping to accomplish with them?

Dasia Taylor created these sutures in the hopes of catching infections especially in developing countries. What are some other benefits that you think these sutures will provide other than catching the infection early?

Media literacy:

Why do you think the producers of this piece chose to share the story of Dasia Taylor?

For More

• For more details on Dasia Taylor’s invention, see this article .
• To see other inventions from teen scientists in the Regeneron competition, see this press release.

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