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But
there are many who toil beneath the radar, who persevere and over a
lifetime of service produce profound long-lasting benefits to the world. One
example is research scientists. I think of research scientists as the
really smart people in my Physiological Chemistry classes who now work in
bat caves chasing cures for the physical maladies of mankind.
I
have a friend who is over 80 years old and has developed Parkinson’s
disease. Before he got his Schedule D prescription drug plan he was paying
$800 a month for pills. Sometimes the high price of his medicine
drove him to complain. Then he reminded himself what his life would
be like without those pills. It is unthinkable. His ability to
walk around and have a fairly normal life exists because of the work of
thousands of research scientists who toil like miners in lab coats in
pursuit of the causes of body malfunctions.
They
use whatever tools are necessary and ethical in their quest. Issues like
use of stem cells, cloning and laboratory animals keep popping up in the
news. That is because these subjects stimulate a public reaction. In
reality they are but a small rainsquall on the surface of an ocean of
scientific endeavor. But most reporters and readers have neither the
knowledge nor the interest to dig deeper.
Much
of our knowledge about the human body has come from studying animals. From
Sir Alexander Fleming’s mouse to Dr. Debakey’s heart transplant calf,
from NASA’s monkey to Dolly the cloned sheep, animals have been used to
discover and unlock the secrets of disease and initiate their cures. Is
it worth it? Ask my friend with Parkinson’s. Ask his family.
Sir
Fleming discovered Penicillin in 1929. The average life expectancy of
a 29-year-old person that year in the U.S. was 49 years. In 2006 the
average life expectancy of a 29-year-old person is now 72.
If
you want to thank somebody for this gift of life you personally have
received, seek them out in a bat cave at some university or pharmaceutical
company or research hospital. You’ll find them in the basement hard
at work on something that might add ten years to the life of your
grandchild. Oh, and don’t forget to thank the mice for their
sacrifice.
Baxter
Black is a former large animal veterinarian who can be followed nationwide
through this column, National Public Radio, public appearances, television
and also through his books, cds, videos and website, www.baxterblack.com.
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