Erling Norrby Ordine dei libri

The present book discusses the Nobel Prizes in physiology or medicine 1966-68. The 1966 prize recognized that viruses may be involved in cancer formation. Later studies revealed that these kinds of infectious agents could pick up and transmit cellular genes of importance for regulation of cellular growth. It was then possible to recognize that many genes of this kind could be involved in the formation of cancer. The disease was found to represent the dark side of evolution. As a consequence of this insight new means of treatment fortunately have been developed.The rear parts of the eyes are extensions of the central nervous system. They have a fascinating intrinsic complexity, the neurophysiology and biochemistry of which has been progressively analyzed. These revealing studies concern both our capacity to distinguish different colors and also our possibility to see in the dark. The Prize in 1967 identified seminal contributions in this wide field by Ragnar Granit, Haldan Hartline and George Wald.The 1968 Prize is distinct in its recognition of Robert Holley, Ghobind Khorana and Marshall Nirenberg, who in different ways had contributed to the cracking of the genetic code. Insights into the language used by Nature, since the dawn of cellular life some 4.6 billion years ago, have completely revolutionized modern life sciences. The capacity to read and also to write the books of life has defined new kinds of science, deepening our understanding of the magic of evolution and opened the possibilities for molecular medicine by understanding the genetic background to diseases, not least cancer.Related Link(s)

This is the third book in a series presenting Nobel Prizes in life sciences using the remarkably rich archives of nominations and reviews which are kept secret for 50 years after the awards have been made. The two previous books are Nobel Prizes and Life Sciences (2010) and Nobel Prizes and Nature's Surprises (2013).

Focusing on groundbreaking discoveries in the natural sciences, this book explores Nobel Prizes awarded up to 1962, highlighting significant advancements in immunology and their implications for infectious disease control and organ transplantation. It emphasizes the pivotal 1962 award for the double-helix structure of DNA, marking a revolutionary moment in biology since Darwin's theory of evolution. Building on Norrby's previous work, it delves into the archives to reveal the evolution of scientific knowledge and the ongoing impact of molecular biology.

Through the examination of newly released archival documents, the book critiques the Nobel Prize system in natural sciences, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses over more than a century of awards. It offers a unique historical perspective on the laureate selection process, emphasizing factors that influence scientific discoveries, including the roles of individuals and institutions. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights for researchers and anyone interested in the evolution of scientific excellence.

Considerable research effort has been devoted to the prevention and therapy of AIDS using approaches which have been successful against infection with other viral or microbial agents, ie, active and passive immunization. This effort is impeded by the high variability of the HIV envelope glycoproteins, the major target for immunotherapy. This problem is analyzed in detail in this review. The immunodominant epitopes recognized by antibodies, contributing to protective immunity against HIV-1, are discussed. Epitopes recognized by helper and cytotoxic T cells, instrumental in eliciting antibody responses and cytotoxic responses against infected cells, respectively, are also described. The preparation of human monoclonal antibodies by conventional techniques and the application of recombinant DNA methods for this purpose are described in several chapters. The design of preventive and therapeutic measures against AIDS is hampered by the lack of appropriate animal model systems. Some macaque systems are susceptible to infection with HIV-2 and SIV, and develop disease after infection. The third and fourth chapters focus on these two viruses and their relevance as model systems for human AIDS.