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.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:45 AM EDT2013-05-22 10:45:09 GMT
Philadelphia police are hoping surveillance video will help them catch the gunmen who shot and killed a teenager in the parking lot of a Rita's Water Ice.
Philadelphia police are hoping surveillance video will help them catch the gunmen who shot and killed a teenager in the parking lot of a Rita's Water Ice.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:50 AM EDT2013-05-22 09:50:07 GMT
Still feels like summer out there. Highs in the mid 80s today. Just like summer, it'll be humid, with a chance of a few spotty showers late in the day.
Tomorrow, strong thunderstorms move through, from the same cold front that caused the midwest tornadoes. That front will also usher in cooler air for the holiday weekend.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:49 PM EDT2013-05-22 03:49:33 GMT
You'll never believe who is dancing circles around these people. Meet the Allentown-area lady with the fancy footwork that leaves her disciples breathless!
You'll never believe who is dancing circles around these people. Meet the Allentown-area lady with the fancy footwork that leaves her disciples breathless!
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:13 PM EDT2013-05-22 03:13:58 GMT
Helmeted rescue workers raced Tuesday to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots and claimed 24 lives.
Helmeted rescue workers raced Tuesday to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots and claimed 24 lives.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:04 PM EDT2013-05-22 03:04:07 GMT
Bucks County EMT Bryan Elwell is heading out to Oklahoma to help assist overwhelmed emergency responders dealing with the deadly tornado aftermath in Moore, just outside Oklahoma City. He's prepared
Two local EMTs are headed to Oklahoma to help victims and crews dealing with the aftermath of a deadly tornado.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:08 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:08:36 GMT
Police in Lancaster say they've detained two men in an investigation prompted by a woman's call to 911 from the trunk of a car to report that she had been abducted by strangers.
Police in Lancaster say they've detained two men in an investigation prompted by a woman's call to 911 from the trunk of a car to report that she had been abducted by strangers.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:59 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:59:26 GMT
A man was critically injured Tuesday in New Castle by an explosion that happened while he opened an antique army ammunition box he picked up from his neighbors trash.
A man was critically injured Tuesday in New Castle by an explosion that happened while he opened an antique army ammunition box he picked up from his neighbors trash.
WTXF-TV 330 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19106-2796
Lijia Xie has spent the last two summers working in a Doylestown lab with his mentor, Dr. Ying Hsiu Su.
