Nobel Prizes and Their Meaning in the Science World
Science is a vital part in the continuing development of humankind. There are many discoveries that are constantly made when it comes to science, that help benefit the world. Additionally, these scientists spend hours upon hours trying different ways to come up with a solution. Despite constantly failing, they continue to strive to find the solution to any scientific problem. Nobel Prizes are typically given out when a scientist has helped with a particular breakthrough, that benefits all humankind.
When there is a solution achieved, it is always a huge breakthrough, especially in the medicinal field. Medicinal practices encompass science in each endeavor. Medicine relies on science to achieve the things that they have achieved throughout time.
These are given to scientists that have spent their life completely dedicated in the world of science. Additionally, they help solve huge issues with hours and hours of work put into their craft. Brilliant scientists, such as Albert Einstein, have received this prize. Not many people have won this prize, as it is a huge honor to have it given to someone.
Who Are The Recent Winners of the Nobel Prize?
There are two individuals who have recently won the Nobel Prize because of their work against the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only did these individuals and their work help find a vaccine that worked against COVID-19, they were able find it in such a short amount of time.
“Today’s Nobel Prize in medicine is a testament to the power of perseverance in science. Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman won the award for their discoveries that helped enable mRNA to be used as a drug or vaccine,” according to Bloomberg News. Furthermore, at first, mRNA was never thought out to be able to work against a virus of this magnitude and danger, but decades of work said otherwise. Katalin Kariko has also achieved a major feat in Nobel Prize history. “Kariko is only the 13th woman to receive the accolade,” according to DW News.
Additionally, being able to have these vaccines available to the public in such a short amount of time was another great feat. Nobody would have ever thought that this vaccine would be available as quick as it was. The Nobel Prize committee stated, “The laureates contributed to the unprecedented rate of vaccine development during one of the greatest threats to human health in modern times.”
Since these two scientists have been studying mRNA since their college years, they had plenty of experience within the sector. Therefore, they were able to use what they knew about mRNA to make their scientific decisions regarding this virus.
The Future of COVID-19 As Well As Science
Clearly, mRNA can certainly be used for a vaccine of this magnitude, and maybe can be used in the future if need be. However, there have been COVID-19 cases that have been rising across the U.S., and a new vaccine may be needed. There can be a possibility where scientists can build upon what is already known about mRNA, and make a possible cure for this virus.
Despite there being a vaccine, a cure has still not been found for this virus. However, anything is needed right now, in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19, to a very low minimum. There is a hope within the near future, that with the knowledge that scientists have now, a cure can be found. Additionally, if a cure is found, there will be millions of lives that are saved. Only time will tell what the future has in store for science.
Written by David Loran Jr
Sources:
DW News: Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman win Nobel Prize in Medicine
Bloomberg News: Nobel for mRNA Vaccine Shows Power of Perseverance
BBC News: Nobel Prize goes to scientists behind mRNA Covid vaccines
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of C.K. Koay’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Philip McMaster’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
