Prions infect animals and humans
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All known prion diseases are fatal. Since the immune system does not recognize prions as foreign, no natural protection develops. Scrapie in sheep was first described during the18th century. It has been transmitted to other animals such as mink and cats, and more recently to cows (mad cow disease or bovine spongiform encephalopathy, BSE) through contaminated feedstuff. |
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In New Guinea, the Fore-people contracted kuru by eating the brains of deceased people. Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) frequently arises spontaneously, while fatal familial insomnia (FFI) Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker (GSS) disease, and 10-15% of CJD are caused by mutations in the gene encoding the prion protein. A new variant CJD, diagnosed in some 20 patients, may have arisen through transmission of BSE to humans.
Nobel Prizes and laureates
Eleven laureates were awarded a Nobel Prize in 2023, for achievements that have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind. Their work and discoveries range from effective mRNA vaccines and attosecond physics to fighting against the oppression of women.
See them all presented here.
See them all presented here.
Explore prizes and laureates
Look for popular awards and laureates in different fields, and discover the history of the Nobel Prize.