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Post by PeterB on Oct 4, 2005 21:25:21 GMT -4
A couple of Australians have won the Nobel prize for medicine, thanks to their research which showed that many stomach ulcers are caused by a bacteria, rather than stress.
For those who think that science is stuck in a rut, and never changes its collective mind, here is a story to read. Back in the 1980s, they found that this bacterium cropped up in many cases of people with ulcers. The mainstream opinion was that stress and spicy food caused the ulcers, so the main treatments were bland food and antacids. But these guys persisted, down to the point that they even ingested some of the bacterium, and gave themselves gastritis. As a result of their work, the medical world has changed the way it treats ulcers – a course of antibiotics.
The wonderful thing about the story is that it shows how science works, right down to the point that they proved their case with research. It makes a pleasant counterpoint to the way “alternate” medicine works (or doesn’t). And for those who like to see conspiracies in everything, you might like to explain what became of the alliance of ulcer surgeons and antacid producers who had a turf to protect.
Finally, this is the first time that a team of Australians has won a Nobel Prize. Australians have won Nobel Prizes in the past, but only in partnership with non-Australians.
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Post by Count Zero on Oct 5, 2005 4:24:50 GMT -4
In my mind I have this image of the award ceremony. The entire Nobel Academy and guests, in Black Tie & Tails, on their feet, chanting, AUSSIE-AUSSIE-AUSSIE!!! OI-OI-OI!!! Congrats to all the board members from Oz. Rick
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Post by Dead Hoosiers on Oct 5, 2005 12:37:10 GMT -4
My friend's husband's life was saved because a doctor at the emergency room prescribed antibiotics for his bleeding ulcers. He was back on his feet in less than a week. Thank you Australia!
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