Infection emergent
Article Abstract:
A large public health program is needed to cope with potentially devastating infectious diseases. In January, 1996, 35 journals, including JAMA, published articles about emerging pathogens, but in reality many are organisms that have been around for a long time. What is different is that many are becoming resistant to antibiotics or can be easily spread from country to country by international travel. And the US is still largely spared the huge impact of infectious disease that is seen in developing countries. Still, there is a need for government-industry cooperation to respond quickly in the event of a pandemic such as the influenza pandemic of 1918. Clinical laboratories must be equipped to detect pathogenic organisms and disease outbreaks must be reported. Vectors such as mosquitoes and rodents must be controlled and the safety of food and water must be assured. Much of this work is already coordinated by government agencies.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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What the double helix (1953) has meant for basic biomedical science: a personal commentary
Article Abstract:
James Watson and Francis Crick published an article in 1953 with a model for the macromolecular structure of DNA. The publication of this article has affected the course of modern medical science profoundly. Watson and Crick proposed that DNA was composed of two complementary strands wound together to form a double helix. They also proposed that the structure of DNA was implicit to its role in the transmission of genetic information. Watson and Crick's model for the structure of DNA led to many new discoveries in the field of molecular genetics. These discoveries included deciphering the genetic code and learning about the enzymes involved in DNA metabolism. The multi-billion dollar biotechnology industry is one of the most important products of these discoveries. Development of the tools for genetic engineering has lead to the discovery of many new drugs and treatments.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1993
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Infectious disease - a threat to global health and security
Article Abstract:
The Executive branch of the US government has renewed its interest in fighting infectious diseases but little will happen unless ambitious programs are funded by the Legislative branch. The National Science and Technology Council released a report in Sep 1995 which was presented to the public by Vice Pres Al Gore at an international health conference. Pres Clinton has proposed increased funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in his 1997 budget and has promised to give the agency authority to respond to emerging infectious diseases.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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