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James W. Black (July 14, 1924 - March 22, 2010) Born in Scotland Year of Discovery: 1964, 1972   Image Courtesy: Lasker Foundation Transformed Heart and Blood Pressure Treatments Sometimes a bit of inspiration is necessary to move a life in the right direction. Black, a self-described daydreamer, coasted through most of his school years. He did, however, become intensely interested in both math and music during two separate periods of his young teen years. There were also the physiology books his older brother was bringing home from his medical training. This was the spark of inspiration the young Black needed. When he won a scholarship to St. Andrews University he decided to study medicine. It was here the young daydreamer became the determined scientist. Black was captivated by the scientific process and he developed a love for hard work and disciplined research. His persistence, coupled with his keen insight, eventually led to his breakthrough development of the first beta blocker, propranolol. Black's unique approach to treating severe chest pains (angina pectoris) became the worldwide standard and beta blockers continue to be a mainline treatment for heart rhythm disorders and high blood pressure. Narrowed arteries can be a killer. People with narrowed arteries, the underlying cause of most high blood pressure and heart disease, are at an increased risk of heart attack and stroke because whenever the body needs more oxygen, it responds by having the heart pump harder. Beta blockers take a unique approach to easing stress on the heart. Rather than attempting to increase the supply of oxygen to the heart, beta blockers reduce the heart’s demand for additional oxygen. They block the action of adrenalin-responsive beta receptors on the heart’s membranes. The result is a continued normal demand for oxygen and a lowered risk of heart attack or stroke. Black brought an insightful mind and a steady work ethic to his research. When he first explored the development of a drug to fight against heart attacks he found himself on the other side of the scientific common wisdom. Those already studying the issue were seeking ways to increase the supply of oxygen that reached the heart. This certainly seemed reasonable, as it was the lack of oxygen that caused the severe chest pain and other difficulties. But, Black had a different idea. He reasoned the best approach might be to reduce the heart’s demand for oxygen instead. It was this novel approach that opened the door to his breakthrough development of the first beta blocker drug. He had been interested in blood pressure and its effect on the metabolism for many years. This research provided the perfect outlet for him to explore this relationship in depth. Black’s success was remarkable. His drug effectively reduced the workload of the heart without requiring the supply of additional oxygen. His unique ability to see beyond the conventional wisdom provided the breakthrough that became the early standard in treating heart disease. Black’s remarkable achievements certainly never went to his head. He once told an interviewer that he was unsure whether he was even actually a scientist. “Well, I’m untrained, you see,” said Black. “I’ve never had any formal instruction in experimental science - I’ve just picked it up. I’ve never done a Ph.D.” Scientist or not, many are alive today thanks to his brilliance.   
Table of Contents IntroductionLinks to More Information About the Scientist Key Insight Key Experiment or Research Quotes by the Scientist Quotes About the Scientist Anecdotes Similar Scientists Fun Trivia About The Science The Science Behind the Discovery Personal Information Key Contributing Scientists Science Discovery Timeline Recommended Books About the Science Books by the Scientist Books About the Scientist Awards Major Academic Papers Curriculum Vitae Links to Science and Related Information on the Subject Sources
Links to More About the Scientist & the Science Nobelprize.org autobiography: Nobelprize.org press release: Wikipedia entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_W._Black Molecular Interventions interview with James Black: http://molinterv.aspetjournals.org/cgi/content/full/4/3/139 McGill Reporter article detailing Black's work with beta-blockers: http://www.mcgill.ca/reporter/37/03/black/ Sliders & Images here Image Flow Here
The Science Behind the Discovery
Curriculum VitaeLinks to Information on the Science Sources/ReferencesDetailed information about the scientist and discovery will be added upon completion of the Nominee Review Process. |
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