Three scientists who discovered anti-parasitic drugs were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine this week. Half of the award will be shared by Dr. William C. Campbell and Dr. Satoshi Omura. Their research led to the development of a drug that fights a parasite caused by black flies. The other half goes to Dr. Tu Youyou. Tu used traditional methods of Chinese medicine as an inspiration for developing an anti-malarial drug. Malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes. She is also the first Chinese scientist to win a nobel prize.
