Chemistry vs. bacteria. # 40, Leprosy
Leprosy control has a long history. Once upon a time the disease was looked upon as a divine punishment, leading to social isolation. Later it developed into an infection that
Chemistry vs. bacteria. Episode 39, TBC
Up to early 20th century, many doctors still believe that susceptibility to tuberculosis is determined genetically. Fierce discussions between professors and parliamentary inquests do not resolve the question: bacterial infection
Chemistry vs. bacteria, # 38. 1980-2000, new successes – really?
The sulfas were a major success; and even more so, the pens and cefs. What next? We are still confronted with infections that cannot – or only ineffectively – be
Chemistry vs. bacteria, # 37. Cephalosporins, the factory
In industrial production of the major cephalosporins, we witness a development quite similar to that in the major penicillins. Using very clever chemistry, the 6-APA nucleus of penicillin is transformed
Chemistry vs. bacteria, # 36. Amoxicillin, the factory
In 1972, almost 10 years after Ampicillin, Amoxicillin is introduced on the market. As it seems, to stay there forever. Both products are developed in the lab of the British
Chemistry vs. bacteria, # 35. Ampicillin, the factory
In these golden years 1960-1980, semisynthetic antibiotics are produced with very advanced chemistry and technology, in the eyes of contemporaries. But from today’s point of view, many primitive aspects are
Chemistry vs. bacteria, # 34. The golden age 1960-1980
It seems as if medical science grows wings, judging by the pace of subsequent successes. Pharmacologists increasingly know how chemical structure determines the action of the medicine. There are signs
Chemistry vs. bacteria, # 33. Life can be engineered
In the tumultuous events in the medical realm in the second half of the past century, we witness a remarkable change: the position of high esteem of the individual doctor
