Lijia Xie hasn't even finished high school yet and already he's responsible for important research in the fight against cancer.
"I developed a urine test that detects liver cancer with 90 percent accuracy," said Xie.
The North Penn High School student has spent the last two summers working in a Doylestown lab with his mentor, Dr. Ying Hsiu Su. His mother's battle with breast cancer drove him to work extra hard on the cancer study.
"My mom was going through chemotherapy at the time so that made it more personal for me, I was driven to try and do something what little I could."
That little in his mind turned out to be very big. Lijia was a finalist in the Siemens competition in math, science, and technology and then he received a Davidson fellowship that includes $25,000 for college.
While his research is far from over and numerous clinical trials must be done before his test can be used on patients, Lijia is very grateful and optimistic about his data.
"I'm extremely blessed. I've been provided with a lot of opportunity to do what I can do."
There is more to Lijia than just math and science. He's also co-captain of his high school tennis team, he loves music and plays several instruments and - no surprise - he can also sing.
Saturday, May 18 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-05-19 01:28:06 GMT
Rain moved in Saturday afternoon and the chance for it will stick around through the seven day forecast.
It becomes very unsettled across our area with clounds and showers again Sunday. The best chance for rain is in the morning and afternoon thunderstorms are possible towards our south.
Sunday is cool but we do warm up well into the 80s by Tuesday. With the warm weather comes a better chance for thunderstorms.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:38:13 GMT
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:26 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:26:23 GMT
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries.
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries here and make their getaway.
Lijia Xie has spent the last two summers working in a Doylestown lab with his mentor, Dr. Ying Hsiu Su.
