The epidemic was the most significant medical threat to humanity in recent memory, and the Nobel Committee did well by recognizing the contribution made by two scientists who assisted in the development of the most effective defense mechanism against it.
The goal of the Nobel Prize was to recognize people who during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind. Millions of lives were saved thanks to the Covid vaccinations, which undoubtedly did that. The two received recognition for their discoveries of nucleoside base changes that facilitated the creation of successful mRNA vaccines. Additionally, thanks to their work, vaccinations against the flu, herpes, malaria, etc. have been developed.Source: Hindustan Times
Additionally, their study is notable for two additional factors. One is that they once again demonstrated the fact that cross-disciplinary research often yields significant findings. Weissman is an immunologist, while Kariko is a biochemist. As a result of their collaboration, mRNAu2014messengers that transmit DNA instructions to cells for the production of particular proteinsu2014is now being used as a tool to aid the body in producing its own treatments.
Their research was also noteworthy for how tenaciously and persistently they followed their hypothesis. The scientific community had little confidence in their theory when they first began their investigation in the 1990s. It was believed that introducing mRNA into the human body would result in rejection and immune system attack. In studies involving animals, this was true. However, the two held that mRNA that had been altered in a particular way would not be targeted by the body.
They established that in 2005, but even then, its importance was not understood. The idea wasn’t ready for practical application until 2020. The mRNA narrative led to the development of numerous additional scientific theories that were initially thought to be impractical but were steadfastly pursued by researchers and ultimately proved to be significant turning points.
The fact that Katalin Kariko overcame numerous personal obstacles to win the prize is equally noteworthy. She is one of the 62 women who have won any Nobel Prize and one of the 13 women who have won the Nobel Prize for Medicine thus far. She immigrated to the US from a destitute family in a small Hungarian town, concealing her few funds in her daughter’s teddy bear. Her university had already demoted her for failing to secure funds for her research. Hers is a tale of ambition, self-belief, and achievement as well.
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