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Teenager builds DNA test kit

A teenager from Brighouse has been named the UK Young Engineer of the Year. Fred Turner has built his own DNA testing machine to work out why his brother has ginger hair and he does not.

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Judges praise Fred's DNA testing machine

Judges at the UK's Young Engineer of the Year award were clearly impressed with Fred's work in developing his own DNA testing machine:

I passionately believe that engineering is vital to our future. This outstanding project by Fred shows how bright that future is in the UK and I can't wait to see what he does with his highly promising career. I hope young people everywhere feel inspired to follow in his footsteps.

– Celebrity judge Ben Miller

11-18 year olds from right across the UK were given the chance to enter the competition by completing a project in either science, technology, engineering or maths. A young scientist and young engineer were both then named winners at the Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair in London.

This year's winners are an inspiration to others looking to embark on a career in science and engineering. They have all truly impressed the judges and played their own part within the competition to encourage others to explore their own interest in science and engineering.

– Sir Roland Jackson, British Science Association

Young engineer overwhelmed at award

Fred Turner was chosen to show off his home-made genetics testing machine for judges at the Young Engineer of the Year awards in London. The equipment, known as a Polymerase Chain Reaction machine, carries out basic DNA tests. Fred was filmed talking about his project before judging took place:

The Crossley Heath School student's work was described as outstanding by one of the celebrity judges. After winning, Fred himself said "This is amazing. It's brilliant to be recognised by such an impressive panel of judges. I plan to go into industrial research when I graduate."

Teenager builds DNA testing kit and wins award

Fred Turner carrying out an experiment in his lab at home Credit: ITV Calendar

A teenager from Brighouse has been named UK Young Engineer of the Year after building his own DNA testing kit at home. Fred Turner's machine can carry out experiments at a fraction of the cost of existing technology.

Fred Turner (L) and his brother Gus (R) Credit: ITV Calendar

Fred showcased his work at an awards ceremony in London alongside 450 other young people. The 17 year old came up with the idea of building the equipment to find out why his younger brother has ginger hair but his own hair is brown.

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