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  • Article

A history of twins in science

For thousands of years, twins have been a source of fascination in mythology, religion and the arts. Since the 19th century, they have also been the subject of scientific study and experimentation.

  • Article

The prostitute whose pox inspired feminists

Fitzrovia, 1875. A woman recorded only as A.G. enters hospital and is diagnosed with syphilis.

  • Article

The making of ‘Quacks’

How do you create a medical comedy that’s authentic and laugh-out-loud funny?

  • Article

Mask, ritual and fertility

Today many of us learn about fertility, conception and pregnancy online. But that wasn’t always the way. Discover how masks and rituals played an important educational role.

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  • From the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kenneth Calman, MD PhD FRCS (Glas, ed) FRCP (Lond, Ed) FRCGHP FRCR MFCM FRSE ... HIV & AIDS, the issues : Dear Colleague, "HIV and AIDS - the issues" education pack for hospital doctors ...
  • From the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kenneth Calman, MD PhD FRCS (Glas, ed) FRCP (Lond, Ed) FRCGHP FRCR MFCM FRSE ... HIV & AIDS, the issues : Dear Colleague, "HIV and AIDS - the issues" education pack for hospital doctors ...
  • Catharanthus roseus (L.)G.Don Apocynaceae. Madagascar Periwinkle Distribution: Madagascar. It is the source of vincristine and vinblastine, which impair cell multiplication by interfering with microtubule assembly, causing metaphase arrest and are effective medications for leukaemias, lymphomas and some solid tumours. The mortality from childhood leukaemia fell from 100% to 30% once it was introduced - not a drug that could ethically be tested by double-blind trials. These chemicals were initially discovered by investigators in 1958 who were looking for cures for diabetes so tested this plant which was being used in the West Indies to reduce blood sugar levels. There are 70 different alkaloids present in this plant, and some - catharanthine, leurosine sulphate, lochnerine, tetrahydroalstonine, vindoline and vindolinine - lower blood sugar levels. However, the toxicity of this plant is such that this is not a plant to try at home for diabetic management. The vincristine content of the plant is 0.0003%, so two kilograms of leaf are required to produce sufficient vincristine for a single course of treatment for a child (6gm). Fortunately it is a vigorous weed and easy to grow in the tropics. Artificial synthesis has now been achieved. Photographed in the Medicinal Garden of the Royal College of Physicians, London.
  • Call for abstracts for conference on medical education and service in Ethiopia. Colour lithograph by the Ethiopian Medical Association, 2007.
  • Notice for annual medical conference in Ethiopia. Colour lithograph by the Ethiopian Medical Association, 2003.
  • Notice for an event on malaria and antiretroviral treatment in Ethiopia. Colour lithograph by the Ethiopian Medical Association, 2003.
  • Notice for annual medical conference in Ethiopia. Colour lithograph by the Ethiopian Medical Association, 2002.
  • Notice for annual medical conference in Ethiopia. Colour lithograph by the Ethiopian Medical Association, 2001.
  • A teacher pointing to the words 'Responsible behaviour' on a blackboard before a class of pupils; an AIDS prevention advertisement for the NGO AIDS Cell Centre for Community Medicine in New Delhi. Colour lithograph by N.R. Nanda, ca. 1998.
  • Notice for an exhibition and conference on HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis in Ethiopia. Colour lithograph by the Ethiopian Medical Association, 2001.
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