-
First vaccine for Influenza
Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. -
First successful kidney transplant
Earlier attempts failed because physicians did not know that organs had to be compatible. -
First vaccine for Measles
Measles is the most deadly of all childhood rash/fever illnesses. The disease spreads very easily, so it is important to protect against infection. -
First vaccine for Mumps
Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. There is no cure for mumps, and it can cause long-term health problems. -
First vaccine for Rubella
Rubella, sometimes called “German measles,” is a disease caused by a virus. The infection is usually mild with fever and rash, but if a pregnant mother gets infected, the virus can also cause serious birth defects. -
Dolly the sheep becomes the first mammal cloned from an adult cell
A birth met with elation by scientists who see cloning as a potential cure for illnesses and alarm by those who are fearful of a future populated by less-than-human clones. -
First test-tube baby is born in the U.K.
This medical breakthrough, in-vitro fertilization, gave hope to hundreds of thousands of couples not able to conceive naturally.
