Australian doctor, Barry Marshall, believed that a spiral-shaped bacterium called Helicobacter pylori caused stomach ulcers and even stomach cancer.
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Despite strong resistance from the medical community and journals, he proved his theory in 1984.
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Dr. Marshall took the extraordinary step of drinking the bacteria himself and confirming its presence in his stomach. When he developed gastritis and cured it with antibiotics, he provided compelling evidence for his hypothesis.
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For his groundbreaking work showing ulcers are an infectious disease treatable with antibiotics, Dr. Marshall received the 2005 Nobel Prize in Medicine, transforming treatment for millions worldwide.
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h/t: Discover Magazine
Photo: Barry Marshall
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