Many a times we see breakthroughs being achieved not by some renowned scientist but by a common man. It is as they say, sometimes the answer is right before us but we are not looking and then comes along the common man and finds it for us. Meet Jack Andraka, a 15 year old teen, who lost a close family friend because of pancreatic cancer.
This loss motivated Jack to carry out research online and that led to his discovery. During his research he found out that in most cases (80%) the cancer is diagnosed when it’s in the later stages and very little can be done at that time. In fact, survival rate drops to two percent at that time. The method in use for detection of pancreatic cancer is older than Jack’s dad. This old test costs around $800 each time you take it and does not cater for around 30% of the pancreatic cancer cells. According to Jack; ‘Your doctor needs to be really suspicious before he will order a pancreatic cancer test.’
Jack’s research led him to find out that there are around eight thousand proteins which are found in pancreatic cancer. The next step was to find a common protein and Jack set out to put the numbers and find results. His attempt no. 4,000 proved to be a success; mesothelin. This protein is available in high concentration during early stages of pancreatic cancer.
Jack’s criteria for the test he was about to design was as follows; rapid, cheap, sensitive, simple, selective and minimally invasive. The breakthrough for Jack came in his Biology class where he learned about antibodies and carbon nanotech research. A mix of the two and the design was ready. So how does it work? It is quite simple; you start with some water and then you pour in nanotubes, add to it the antibodies and mix the whole thing, strips of paper need to be dipped in and then dried and finally you’re all set to detect pancreatic cancer.
Priced at merely three cents, this sensor has a very good accuracy rate when the cancer is in its early stage. Jack’s eyes are set on improving the survival rate of patients suffering from pancreatic cancer from 5% to almost 100%.
Our young inventor has won a lot of awards already including the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair Award.He has also met President Obama who congratulated him on his new invention.
My Dear Jack,
Research is beyond appreciation.Only Godly WORK. Hearty Congratulations.
Pl.see that this TEST will be easily available all over the countries for humanity & help to all.
Regards & Best Luck.
.
what a boy!!!!Best of luck……………
love the job. Congratulation to such a doctor and i will like to be a member in that group.
‘Way to go, Jack! We need more people with a vision like you!
Young man, I commend you on your discovery and many,many people will owe their life to you. People don ‘t go for a screening because of the cost. You need money for research but don’t let someone talk you into making it at such a great price that they will not take the test because of the expense, making your test and discovery not the great discovery it is today. Thanks
“priced at merely three cents” – this is wonderful. I am truly astonished that this young man’s vision ever made it to the mainstream media – usually pharma companies suppress ideas like this as there is no money to be made…
Well done, I cannot wait to see this on the shelves of pharmacies. It will make a difference.
Great job young man! As a person who has suffered with pancreatitis for years in overjoyed to hear that pancreatic cancer is being brought into the light! Took many people die took quickly from it. And I pray daily that I won’t be one of them. Not only for myself but for my child who has type 1/Juvenile diabetes. My child NEEDS me. Maybe you can make type 1 diabetes your next quest! Keep it up and don’t sell out. Drug companies kill people by denying them cures everyday. Keep going!!! ???
Great job young man! As a person who has suffered with pancreatitis for years in overjoyed to hear that pancreatic cancer is being brought into the light! Took many people die took quickly from it. And I pray daily that I won’t be one of them. Not only for myself but for my child who has type 1/Juvenile diabetes. My child NEEDS me. Maybe you can make type 1 diabetes your next quest! Keep it up and don’t sell out. Drug companies kill people by denying them cures everyday. Keep going!!! ???