Archives

Headlines: 2003

January 2004 Research Headlines

Special Reports

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Smoking Definitely Linked to Breast Cancer (07/01)
Scientists have produced hard evidence that smoking increases the risk of breast cancer. Previous research has produced mixed results - some has even suggested smoking may have a protective effect.

Gene 'raises heart attack risk' (04/01)
Scientists have identified a gene that may play a key role in determining who has a heart attack or stroke. Researchers in the United States say they have found a link between a gene called ALOX5 and atherosclerosis.

Drug cocktail 'may beat malaria' (02/01)
Scientists believe they may have found a powerful new weapon against drug-resistant malaria. A team of experts from around the world says an ancient Chinese remedy when used in combination with modern drugs can beat these strains of the disease.

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Special Reports:

• Dolly the sheep dead
• DNA: Beyond the double helix
  The world of science is gearing up to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Watson and Crick's seminal paper.
• The Genes We Share: New Clues to Human Health and Disease
• Africa AIDS Epidemic
• Nobel Laureates Back Animal Research
• Diabetes Library
• Novel Strategies to Combat the AIDS Virus

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Nobel Laureates Back Animal Research

Winners of Nobel prizes in physiology or medicine overwhelmingly support responsible use of animals in research, according to Seriously Ill For Medical Research (SIMR) of Bedfordshire, England. SIMR has carried out a survey of Nobel prize winners in physiology or medicine to find the views of top medical researchers worldwide on the need for animals in medical research.

The centenary of Alfred Nobel's death in 1896 seemed an ideal opportunity. "We are concerned that animal rights propaganda has undue influence in the media, leading to confusion amongst the public and patients about animal research. SIMR wants to help sort out science fact from science fiction," said the late Andrew Blake of SIMR.

Questionnaires were sent to all living Nobel laureates in medicine or physiology. They were asked to indicate their level of agreement with five statements on the use of animals in medcal research. Their responses show unanimous support on the need to use animals in medical research.

The complete survey results are available at the SIMR website. To review the achievements of these great scientists, see a Timeline of Nobel Laureates in Physiology or Medicine.