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Who Discovered the Cure for Polio?

Who Discovered the Cure for Polio?
Polio or poliomyelitis is an infectious disease, the symptoms of which are acute flaccid paralysis and muscle weakness. It is primarily caused by poliovirus. The risk of acquiring polio infection increases through these factors, namely tonsillectomy, malnutrition and immune deficiency. Other risk factors of this disease include pregnancy, skeletal muscle injury and physical activity after the onset of paralysis. Aside from these interesting details, it is good to know who discovered the cure for polio. The Discovery of the Cure for Polio Who discovered the cure for polio? In 1952, an American medical researcher named Jonas Salk became the very first person to discover the cure for polio. In April 1955, he announced the medicine, which is basically made up of an injected dose of dead or inactivated poliovirus. In 1957, American medical researcher Albert Sabin developed an oral vaccine. The drug received a license only in 1962, almost 5 years after its invention. These two vaccines helped...

Who Discovered Albinism?

Who Discovered Albinism?
Generally considered as a hypopigmentary congenital disorder, albinism is also called by other terms like achromatosis, achromasia or achromia. More than anything else, this condition is known for the insufficient melanin pigment that usually affects various body parts, specifically the hair, skin and eyes. Besides human beings, it also affects various kinds of animals including reptiles, birds and fishes. In order to learn more about this interesting medical condition, it is good to know other basic facts about it including who discovered albinism. The Discovery of Albinism Who discovered albinism? Despite the claims of earlier historians that Aulus Gellius and Plinius Secundus the Elder were the first individuals to have observed such condition, its discovery as a disease was credited to Archibald Garrod. He discovered the disease some time in 1908. He observed patients, particularly those with symptoms like hypersensitivity to light, eye misalignment as well as abnormal decussation. Additional...

Who Discovered Measles?

Who Discovered Measles?
Measles is a viral infection affecting the respiratory system. People who are affected by this disease usually show signs such as red eyes, runny nose and fever. It is very contagious and can easily spread via respiration. Furthermore, patients can also have a rash, which is generally described as erythematous and maculopapular. In addition to all these important details, it is also good to know something about its history including who discovered measles. The Discovery of Measles Who discovered measles? A Persian physician named Muhammad ibn Zakariya ar-Razi was credited for the discovery of measles as a different disease from chickenpox and smallpox. He lived from 860 to 932. He published a book written in Arabic entitled “The Book of Smallpox and Measles.” Before that, a similar disease was already found some time in between 165 and 180 A.D. However, people were unsure whether that disease was measles or smallpox. Additional Facts and Other Interesting Details Within the span...

Who Discovered Multiple Sclerosis?

Who Discovered Multiple Sclerosis?
An autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, specifically the spinal cord and the brain, multiple sclerosis inflict insurmountable amount of suffering and pain to patients. Patients usually experience demyelination, a condition wherein there is damage to the myelin sheath of neurons. Aside from knowing its symptoms, risk factors and treatments, it is also good to know things about the history of this disease including who discovered multiple sclerosis. The Discovery of Multiple Sclerosis Who discovered multiple sclerosis? French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot was the very first one to describe this medical condition some time in 1868. Because of his numerous contributions to the world of science, he was considered the founder of modern neurology. Aside from neurology, he also contributed a lot to the field of psychology. Additional Facts and Other Important Details The U.S. National Multiple Sclerosis Society defined four subtypes of multiple sclerosis in 1996, namely...

Who Discovered Achondroplasia?

Who Discovered Achondroplasia?
Primarily an autosomal dominant genetic disorder, achondroplasia is one of the common causes of dwarfism. Individuals suffering from this medical condition usually have short stature. For female patients, the average height is 4-feet and ½-inches or 123 centimeters. On the other hand, the average height for male patients is 4-feet and 3½-inches or 131 centimeters. Aside from highly valuable information like symptoms, causes and treatments, it is also nice to know something about its history including who discovered achondroplasia. The Discovery of Achondroplasia Who discovered achondroplasia? A group of scientists led by Dr. John Wasmuth discovered the cause of achondroplasia in 1994. According to their findings, this type of dwarfism resulted from the mutation of the fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 gene, which is part of the human chromosome 4. Today it affects at least one in every 25,000 live births. Additional Facts and Other Interesting Information In terms of epidemiology, achondroplasia...