Conclusion

This chapter explained that the first wave of progress in preventing premature death started with astute observations about how diseases are spread. The gradual adoption of hygienic practices and epidemiological protocols in hospitals and communities saved countless lives. The discoveries of vaccines and antibiotics started a second wave of disease prevention. These breakthroughs had a dramatic impact on mortality from infectious diseases, especially in the developed world. The third wave of breakthroughs is coming from cell and molecular biology. The sequencing of the human genome and development of novel biotechnology tools is transforming medicine. The cloning of therapeutic proteins, the creation of monoclonal antibodies and other brea....