100 years of chemistry vs. bacteria, episode 2. Paul Ehrlich, Salvarsan and chemotherapy
In 1890, Robert Koch appoints Paul Ehrlich his assistant. Although Ehrlich (1854-1915) is above all a medical doctor (together with Emil Adolf von Behring he develops a vaccine against diphtheria), he is primarily fascinated by chemistry. Project ‘100 years of antibiotics’ Episode 1. Louis Pasteur vs. Robert Koch Episode 2. Salvarsan and Paul Ehrlich’s chemotherapy
100 years of chemistry vs. bacteria, episode 1. Louis Pasteur vs. Robert Koch
In long-term conflicts, often we can hardly tell when they started, or what their origin was. And who played what part? Often, the beholder is the judge of the answer; or the latter depends on the moment of reflection on past events. Dutch 17th century history mentions four sea wars with the English. English history
The 100 year war between chemistry and bacteria, in 100 episodes
As soon as World War I had ended, research on infections soared. There was pressure to come up with results, much pressure. Bacterial infections had been responsible for most casualties in the muddy trenches. In the previous decades, researchers had isolated and characterized many of those bacteria. Chemistry and chemical industry developed several lines of
New biobased materials
New biobased materials pop up everywhere these days. On the basis of organic materials, often processed with modern chemical technologies. They seem to be able to substitute many fossil-based and mineral materials. Just a few of these innovations. Natural materials from local resources One portfolio of new biobased materials that drew our attention was developed
A strategy to reduce animal tests
Animal tests are a controversial issue. On the one hand, many people object to actions that deliberately damage animal welfare. On the other hand, we need these tests in order to establish the safety of medicines and new materials; people demand such safety. But new scientific discoveries might turn the tide. In the Netherlands, the
Pandemics: prevention is better than cure
Our lifestyle greatly promotes the outbreak of pandemics like Covid-19, and this could have devastating consequences. Unless we take action. Says a new report by IPBES, the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. Policy measures are required. An era of pandemics Pandemics are a modern phenomenon. Large trade networks facilitate a rapid diffusion of
Nebulised interferon as a COVID-19 medicine
In a small clinical study conducted in April and May 2020, British scientists investigated the effect of inhalation of nebulised interferon-beta-1a (SNG001) on the development of COVID-19 in patients. The results are encouraging and justify further research. Lung infections Being a 71-year-old asthmatic man, I have to take great care not to run into a
on: 27 December 2020