The Nobel Prize Winning Discoveries in Infectious Diseases

by David Rifkind, Geraldine Freeman

Overview

This book presents the 24 discoveries in infectious diseases that have merited Nobel Prize recognition since the inception of the awards in 1901. Grouped according to biological groups rather than chronology, each discovery includes a biographical sketch of the laureate(s), a description of the research, and a summary of the current status of the field. In addition, consideration is given to the relevance of the research on the general field of biology and medicine.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780080459578
Publisher:	Elsevier Science
Publication date:	05/20/2005
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	160
File size:	2 MB

Table of Contents

Part A: Immunity

Introduction to Part A: IMMUNITY

Chapter 1: SEROTHERAPY

Chapter 2: ANTIMICROBIAL DEFENSES

Chapter 3: MHC RESTRICTION

Part B: Antimicrobials

Introduction to Part B: ANTIMICROBIALS

Chapter 4: PRONTOSIL AND THE SULFONAMIDES

Chapter 5: PENICILLIN

Chapter 6: STREPTOMYCIN

Chapter 7: CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC AGENTS

Part C: Bacteria

Introduction to Part C: BACTERIA

Chapter 8: TUBERCULOSIS

Chapter 9: TYPHUS

Chapter 10: SYPHILIS THERAPY

Part D: Viruses

Introduction to Part D: VIRUSES

Chapter 11: TOBACCO MOSAIC VIRUS

Chapter 12: YELLOW FEVER

Chapter 13: POLIOMYELITIS VIRUS

Chapter 14: HEPATITIS B VIRUS

Chapter 15: BACTERIOPHAGE

Chapter 16: BACTERIOPHAGE LYSOGENY

Chapter 17: ROUS SARCOMA VIRUS

Chapter 18: POLYOMA VIRUS

Chapter 19: REVERSE TRANSCRIPTASE

Chapter 20: VIRAL ONCOGENES

Chapter 21: KURU

Chapter 22: PRIONS

Part E: Parasites

Introduction to Part E: PARASITES

Chapter 23: MALARIA

Chapter 24: CANCER PARASITE

Chapter 25: DDT

COUNTERPOINT: HIV/AIDS

INDEX

Editorial Reviews

3 Stars from Doody

Reviewer: Grace M Auten, MD (Piedmont Infectious Diseases Consultants, PA)
Description: The 25 discoveries in the area of infectious diseases and medical microbiology that have been worthy of Nobel Prizes are summarized in this book, along with biographies of the individuals who received the awards. The book is organized by broad scientific topic rather than chronology. The introduction and conclusion sections offer general information about scientific discoveries and present current infectious diseases that are affecting humans.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide the general reader with a summary of the Nobel Prize winning discoveries in infectious diseases, and to enhance consideration of global infectious disease problems. Current worldwide events related to infectious diseases, with the associated challenges of treatment and prevention, support the worthiness of the authors' objectives. The objectives are met in a concise and factual book.
Audience: According to the authors, the book is targeted at general readers who are not expected to be experts in the scientific field. The largest impact of this book will likely be on individuals who are actively applying their knowledge to practical solutions for worldwide problems, such as physicians, biomedical engineers, basic scientists, pharmaceutical scientists, and teachers and students with interests in science. Policy makers and political leaders would also benefit from the enhanced understanding of the impact of scientific advances on global health.
Features: Landmark discoveries that have resulted in Nobel Prizes since its inception in 1901 are organized by category: immunity, antimicrobials, bacteria, viruses and parasites. Each category is prefaced by a definition of the topic. The introduction is a biography of Alfred Bernhard Nobel and a description of the selection process of Nobel Prize winners. The unique features are the introduction and the counterpoint sections that provoke reader thought regarding the never-ending process of scientific pursuit, and future candidates for Nobel Prizes. Advanced, rather than general, readers will gain the most knowledge from this book.
Assessment: The format of this concise book is attractive to a reader because it can be used as a handy pocket reference for historical details, and useful to provoke new ideas and topics for discussion in a science-based classroom or industry, or in any setting. This book is similar to other publications in this area in the presentation of facts, but unique in the organization by topic and the active call to readers regarding the future of science.

Doody's Review Service