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question 43: of mice and man?

This year's Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to three scientists behind the development of the genetically-modified mice which have revolutionised biomedical research and the drugs industry. These mice are today a vital tool in the never-ending quest to cure illness and to understand how the human body works.  Read more

question 44: a Nobel Prize near you – right now?

Ever more space on our hard disks, search engines giving us rapid access to endless amounts of information – these are things we take for granted nowadays. This year's Nobel Prize for Physics spotlights the technology behind what is now considered everyday fare but which just a few years ago would have been regarded as pure science fiction.  Read more

question 45: what makes toxic gases harmless?

Automobile catalysts turn toxic carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide – a reaction that has been studied in minute detail by the winner of the 2007 Nobel Prize for Chemistry. This year, the focus is on chemical processes on solid surfaces. Catalyst technology is one area of application, others are fuel cells and fertilisers.  Read more