The Discovery of Insulin: Lifting the Death Sentence of Diabetes is the topic of of the next OMSI Science Pub on Tuesday, June 21 2011:
On October 31, 1920, Frederick Banting was an orthopedic surgeon looking for work when, half-asleep in the midst of a restless night, he scrawled 25 words that would lead to the life-saving solution to a problem that had confounded scientists for centuries. Less than two years later, the fourteen-year-old diabetic daughter of the U.S. Secretary of State, Elizabeth Hughes, became one of the first recipients of an experimental drug called insulin. This improbable meeting would change both of their lives—and millions of others. But for nearly 60 years, Elizabeth’s story was virtually lost to history. More than 23 million people in the United States, or about 8% of the population, have diabetes, and 5 to 10% of these have Type 1 diabetes. Yet many do not know the amazing story that led to the medical breakthrough on which they depend.
The presenter is writer Thea Cooper, author of Breakthrough: Elizabeth Hughes, the Discovery of Insulin and the Making of a Medical Miracle.
This science pub takes place at the Mission Theater (1624 NW Glisan) from 7pm until 9pm, but arrive early (5pm doors open) to secure your beer, grub, and a seat! There’s a $5.00 suggested donation/cover charge. Minors with adults are welcome, otherwise this event is 21 and over.
Leave a Reply