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Questions and Answers
What was the original meaning of 'immunity' in ancient Rome?
What was the original meaning of 'immunity' in ancient Rome?
- Protection from diseases
- Exemption from legal prosecution (correct)
- A form of disease prevention
- A type of physical defense mechanism
Which practice in ancient China contributed to early ideas about immunity?
Which practice in ancient China contributed to early ideas about immunity?
- Performing rituals to ward off illness
- Using herbal remedies for disease prevention
- Inhaling powder from smallpox lesions (correct)
- Creating vaccines from animal blood
What observation did Thucydides make during the plague in Athens?
What observation did Thucydides make during the plague in Athens?
- Only young people were affected by the disease
- Vaccinated individuals did not get sick
- Survivors of the plague had lasting immunity (correct)
- The disease spread more quickly among the wealthy
How did Edward Jenner contribute to the understanding of immunity?
How did Edward Jenner contribute to the understanding of immunity?
What did Emil von Behring and Shibasaburo Kitasato discover about diphtheria?
What did Emil von Behring and Shibasaburo Kitasato discover about diphtheria?
What was a significant outcome of Jenner's experiments with cowpox?
What was a significant outcome of Jenner's experiments with cowpox?
Which prize did Emil von Behring receive for his work in immunology?
Which prize did Emil von Behring receive for his work in immunology?
What concept of immunity originated from the actions of milkmaids in England?
What concept of immunity originated from the actions of milkmaids in England?
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Study Notes
Evolution of Immunity Concept
- In ancient Rome, "immunity" referred to legal protection for senators against prosecution, highlighting an early form of immunity as an exemption.
- The modern definition shifted to biological immunity, protecting bodies from diseases and infections.
Historical Practices of Immunity
- Ancient China practiced early immunization by having children inhale powdered lesions from smallpox patients, a precursor to vaccination concepts.
- Greek historian Thucydides noted that survivors of the Athenian plague did not fall ill again, suggesting natural immunity and inspiring future research.
Edward Jenner’s Breakthrough
- Edward Jenner observed that milkmaids infected with cowpox did not contract smallpox, leading to a groundbreaking idea for vaccination.
- Conducted a landmark experiment injecting cowpox material into a young boy, who subsequently remained immune to smallpox, marking a significant advancement in immunology.
Advancements in Scientific Immunology
- Researchers Emil von Behring and Shibasaburo Kitasato discovered that blood serum from immunized animals could confer immunity to non-immunized subjects.
- This revelation in the late 19th century led to von Behring receiving the first Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1901, underscoring the importance of serum therapy.
Ongoing Research and Recognition
- Since those early discoveries, approximately 17 Nobel Prizes have been awarded in immunology, recognizing scientists’ contributions to understanding and enhancing immunity.
- Current awareness of immunity continues to evolve, prompting questions about public understanding of this vital biological defense mechanism.
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