Wait, Did This 15-Year-Old From Maryland Just Change Cancer Treatment?

Forbes Magazine ^ | 21st June 2011 | Bruce Upbin

[the scotsman]

'If you’re feeling anxious about how U.S. kids lag the world in science and math, or just in a funk about politics or the mess in Europe, take in this story of a high school freshman from Crownsville, Md. who came up with a prize-winning breakthrough that could change how cancer and other fatal diseases are diagnosed and treated.'

[Wilum]

All I can write is, WOW!

[Techster]

I’ll say it again, WOW!

[reegs]

Something must be done about this young man! All these accolades and achievements must be stopped because it might make the other students feel bad about themselves and develop low self-esteem! </sarcasm>

[onedoug]

I’ve been interested in molecular biology for a while because I’m interested in abiogenesis, or the beginnings of life. But I really have to slog through it. Kid’s like this just make me wonder all the more about the brain’s interface’s and how we actually think.

Congratulations Jack Andraka!

[iontheball]

No American exceptionalism on display here. Lets turn instead to a story of Chinese achievements, like how they build better cities than those in America.

[PetroniusMaximus]

ping

[TXnMA]

"Andraka": Remember that name -- because (like "Salk", "Pons & Fleischman", "Curie", et al) you WILL hear/see it again...

[PLMerite]

The kid’s a prodigy for sure. But it’s the millions on the margins who might do great (or at least adequate) things if the education system were not a total mess, that we should be concerned about.

[TXnMA]

...and I thought I was proud when my fifth-grade granddaughter blew away (took first place phys/chem honors among) a field of ~1000 sixth - eighth grade competitors at a regional "Jr. High" science fair competition...

(And then was appalled to learn that fifth grade students were ineligible to compete at the State level -- for which she, otherwise, qualified...)

:-(

(What is even more shocking, she presented as an "AGW 'denier'"!)

Needless to say, if she wants to compete again, this retired physical chemist will drop everything else to mentor her!

[W. W. SMITH]

Kid’s like this just make me wonder all the more about the brain’s interface’s and how we actually think.

---

Same here
My son and I have identical IQs. When presented with a problem he strolls to the solution. I get the same solution but its like wading through knee deep thick mud.

Did my mother drop me on my head as a child? LOL

[reegs]

WOW! What an awesome science fair project! You must be very proud of her. No doubt, her project ruffled some feathers. Keep up the good work mentoring her — we need more kids like her if we’re ever going to keep the socialists at bay.

[TXnMA]

Thanks! She really "got into" the subject. Whenever I found a FR (or other) article on AGW, I'd drop it into her "incoming" folder. Frequently, while she was reading, I'd hear her exclaim, "That's absurd!!" '-)

At the preceding area science fair, I heard judges (from the local liberal college) glance at her display, mutter; "...another damned denier!" -- and keep right on walking. She didn't even get an honorable mention...

At the regional event, one pair of judges (from the science department of a State university) kept her busy with questions for over half an hour (grinning as she batted each one down with a smile and a wave of her pointer toward her display). Then, when they were done, I heard them go to another pair of judges, and with a chuckle, tell them, You guys have GOT to go talk with that little blonde with the AGW project!!"

FWIW, while the kids were gone to lunch, three USAF Colonels walked through and looked at all the displays. They awarded hers the (sole) "USAF Award for Excellence"...

~~~~~~~

Naah -- Granddad's not proud of her -- not a bit... '-)

[reegs]

I heard judges (from the local liberal college) glance at her display, mutter; "...another damned denier!" -- and keep right on walking.

So bloody typical. You can't let science and facts get in the way when you have an agenda to uphold and push!

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

Maryland PING!