Re: Nobel Prize in Phys/Med

Beverly W. Shimada (bshimada@phoenix.princeton.edu)
Fri, 23 Oct 1998 11:07:39 -0400 (EDT)

I just can't let this go. Although the result of the scientific result
was the development of Viagra, and although I also doubt the real value
of Viagra in our society, the research for which the prize was developed
was fundamentally sound, and had little to do with male virility as I
understand it. The significance of the research was that a small,
inorganic, gas molecule can act as a signal to human cells. Not only
that, but the particular gas molecule may also have some very beneficial
medical uses. Quoting from the USA Today article:

The winners' research has sparked studies on a wide range
of new drugs, including those that can be used in the
treatment of heart problems and atherosclerosis and
shock.

Studies of the gas have also shown that white blood cells
use it to kill infectious invaders, and that it also can
defend against tumors. This has led to tests to see whether
nitric oxide could be used to halt tumor growth.

I would guess it will also spark research into the other effects on nitric
oxide (a common air pollutant) on other systems-and that does bring the
discussion back to sustainable ag, at least in some sense.

I really don't think we should allow the end results (Viagra) of
fundamental research (effect of gas on cells) to color our evaluation of
the original research.

Beverly

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