Native American Teen Wins Science Fair with Cancer-Fighting Discovery—Plus, New Warning About Lead in Cinnamon

Destany “Sky” Pete, a high school student from the Shoshone and Paiute Tribes, has made headlines after winning her regional science fair with a groundbreaking project. Drawing on traditional Native American wisdom, she tested chokeberry pudding—a food used for generations in her community—and discovered that extracts from the berries can kill cancer cells in lab tests. Inspired by her elders’ emphasis on the power of traditional foods, Sky’s research could help pave the way for future cancer treatments.

In other health news, Consumer Reports has issued a warning about potential lead contamination in some cinnamon powders. Lead, a dangerous heavy metal, can be absorbed by cinnamon trees growing in polluted environments. Of the 36 cinnamon products tested, 12 were found to contain unsafe levels of lead—posing a serious risk, especially to children and pregnant people.

The good news? Six brands were shown to be low in lead or completely free of it, proving safer choices are out there. Experts advise consumers to pay close attention to the brands they buy to reduce the risk of lead exposure.