Decade of Advances in Medicine — 1994

The Americas are declared a polio-free zone. Studies show regular exercise raises good cholesterol (high-density lipoproteins, or HDL). Alfred G. Gilman and Martin Rodbell (USA) win Nobel Prize in Medicine for discovery of a family of proteins (G-proteins) that translate messages into action inside our cells. Scientists find antibiotics cure some peptic ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria. A gene that triggers breast cancer is identified. FDA approves surgical laser procedure (keratotomy) for correcting vision problems such as near-sightedness. Robotic arm designed to hold laparoscope (slender optical instrument) during abdominal surgery.

Scientists observe a great increase in bacterial infections resistant to regular treatment with antibiotics. To learn about why this is happening and what researchers are doing to solve this problem, click here to read the full story.

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