On Wednesday, the North Museum Science & Engineering Fair was organized. In the fair, Mayo Rao, the Hempfield High School senior, has received an award for developing a system, which is able to measure bacteria in a water sample.

In order to develop a system, Rao has used an old iPod case and some raw materials. As per data, around 840,000 people lose their lives every year due to water-related diseases. The number is equivalent to the complete population of San Francisco.

There is no doubt that significant advancements have been made with regard to bacteria testing. However, then also the known diagnostic methods are too expensive and they take time to produce results.

This led Rao to come up with a test that is cost effective and quick. It will cost less than $1 to recreate the model for Rao, which is considered to be quite a cost effective deal when compared with currently available options that cost $20 to $40.

This is not for the first time that Rao has been recognized for her achievements. In 2014, she won the senior reserve award for the same study, but this year, Rao has made some changes and made improvements in her invention.