Tag: robert edwards

Patrick Steptoe and Robert Edwards developed in-vitro fertilization more than 32 years ago, marking a new era of reproduction with the successful birth of Louise Brown. They were funded not by the British Medical Research Council, which, under pressure from the Vatican and other conservative groups, declined support for the researchers, but by private money. Edwards has now received the 2010 Nobel prize in medicine for his breakthrough (Steptoe died in 1988; the Nobel committee, since 1974, does not award prizes post-humously).

While it’s not uncommon for individuals to be recognized by the awards committee long after their milestone discoveries, this award works to show in many ways how quickly controversial scientific developments over the last 40 years have become common practice (for good and bad) — developments that have, for the first time in human history, changed the definition of life and death. Continue Reading →

Patrick Steptoe and Robert Edwards developed in-vitro fertilization more than 32 years ago, marking a new era of reproduction with the successful birth of Louise Brown. They were funded not by the British Medical Research Council, which, under pressure from the Vatican and other conservative groups, declined support for the researchers, but by private money. Edwards has now received the 2010 Nobel prize in medicine for his breakthrough (Steptoe died in 1988; the Nobel committee, since 1974, does not award prizes post-humously).

While it’s not uncommon for individuals to be recognized by the awards committee long after their milestone discoveries, this award works to show in many ways how quickly controversial scientific developments over the last 40 years have become common practice (for good and bad) — developments that have, for the first time in human history, changed the definition of life and death. Continue Reading →