Yesterday, three American scientists — Elizabeth Blackburn, Carol Greider, and Jack Szostak — were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their contributions to the study of cell biology in a way that positively impacts our understanding of cancer and aging.
One of the stories not being covered about the Nobel winners is that one of them, Australian-American researcher Elizabeth Blackburn, played a “brave role” in exposing the Bush administration’s anti-science policies, particularly with respect to blocking embryonic stem cell research.
Think Progress has the particulars of her battles with Bush at the link above, there. And Cujo's got more on the prize.
All in all, well done, Elizabeth!
When it was first announced here it was reported that an australian scientist had won a nobel prize in science and or medicine. Then a little later I saw some US news that announced three american scientists had won.
ReplyDeleteIt took me a minute to work out that, no, there wasn't a mistake, just both countries claiming the same person.
Of the three, two are naturalized U.S. citizens. We used to be really good at attracting foreign scientists to work here. I fear that won't be true much longer.
ReplyDeleteOn the plus side, it looks like Australia is trying to make being a scientist somewhere other than Australia more attractive.
BTW, thanks for the link, Dana. When I saw the link, I was inspired to add a bit to a follow-up article I'd written.
ReplyDelete