A Maryland-based scientist has developed an incredibly accurate mechanism for detecting pancreatic cancer, which is faster than current methods, as well as 100 times more sensitive and 28 times cheaper. Oh, and the scientist is 15 years old.
For his discovery, high school freshman Jack Andraka just won the Gordon E. Moore Award at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, which comes with a $75,000 prize.
Andraka’s method uses single-walled carbon nanotubes — which he calls “the superheroes of material science” — to detect a pancreatic cancer marker in urine and blood samples. In a blind test, it had a 100% success rate.
“I did not expect for it to be this good,” he said, “I was blown away by how sensitive it was.” -dw
12 months ago • 3,859 views • 1:58
22 Comments
eric3579Just amazing!
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JiggaJonson*promote
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lv_hunterSmart kid, has a promiosing future, but I cant get over his "valley girl" accent.
TheFreakHow does a fifteen year old get ahold of carbon nano tubes and mesothelin antibodies?
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MilkmanDan says...My grandfather is a 5+ year survivor of pancreatic cancer, which puts him in a lucky 6% according to wikipedia. In his case, he probably owes his life to the fact that the cancer randomly created a bulge/tumor that happened to block a bile duct and made him extremely jaundiced. The skin color got him to make a very rare (for him) visit to the hospital, so if it hadn't blocked that duct it is extremely unlikely that he would have been diagnosed in time.
He had a "Whipple" surgery that (as I understand it) removes the pancreas and notable portions of intestine and stomach. Came through that better than anyone would have any reason to expect and now he's back to maintaining his large cattle ranch, manhandling heavy feed sacks and hay bales every day. Tough guy.
I hope this kid's test makes it so there are more lucky folks like my grandpa. Not to mention more appreciative family members like myself!
Payback>> ^TheFreak:
How does a fifteen year old get ahold of carbon nano tubes and mesothelin antibodies?
Down at Walgreens, Aisle 4, next to the Anthrax.
The nanotubes he probably made out of pencils, using his microwave and the incredible power of win.
kir_mokum says...THANKS FOR REMINDING ME I'VE DONE NOTHING WITH MY LIFE ASSHOLE.
EvilDeathBeeHe looks like the guy that played the Keytar (or Guitboard) in The Flight of the Conchords
Trancecoachbabysitting and mowing lawns>> ^TheFreak:
How does a fifteen year old get ahold of carbon nano tubes and mesothelin antibodies?
TrancecoachThe kid won the prize. (I suppose if he didn't, then whatever beat him would have been pretty incredible, too!)
FantomasI refuse to have my life achievements so devalued by some upstart with an awful haircut and accent.
MorganthHuh. That's not exactly what I was concerned with at fifteen.
EsoogNow we just sit back and wait for the pharmaceutical companies to buy up this technology, shove it in a drawer, and never use it again because they cant make enough profit off of it.
DrNoodlesI hope he's smart enough to patent it then release it for free.
>> ^Esoog:
Now we just sit back and wait for the pharmaceutical companies to buy up this technology, shove it in a drawer, and never use it again because they cant make enough profit off of it.
bobknight33 says...The shit kids think about today. puts me to shame.
When I was 15 all I thought about was pussy.
oOPonyOo says...That is one hot young man. Amazing brain.
albrite30“I did not expect for it to be this good,”, “I was blown away by how sensitive it was.”
That's what SHE said!!!!!O.o
gwiz665Democrats, man, fucking democrats.
>> ^TheFreak:
How does a fifteen year old get ahold of carbon nano tubes and mesothelin antibodies?
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