1982
Prions are discovered in hamsters. Subsequent studies in mice have shown that these misshaped, disease-causing proteins can be inherited.

1885
Louis Pasteur develops a vaccine for rabies.

vac • cine / noun /
From the Latin vaccinus, meaning "from cows"

1796
Edward Jenner develops the world's first vaccine, against smallpox. Critics express skepticism, calling it ungodly to inoculate people with material from cows.

1700

1950s
Open heart surgery and cardiac pacemakers developed.

1800
1750
1850
1900
1950
2000

1726
Stephen Hales first measures blood pressure in a horse.

1955
Polio vaccine released.

1902
Robert Ross wins the Nobel Prize for his work, using pigeons, showing how malaria is transmitted.
1964
Dr. Michael DeBakey performs the first coronary bypass surgery using techniques perfected on animals.

1989
Organ transplantation
advances developed.
   
1901-1939
   Animal research advances our understanding of blood, making transfusions possible.
1922
Researchers isolate insulin. In 1923, Dr. Frederick Banting and Dr. J. MacLeod win the Nobel Prize for their discovery.
Photo courtesy Banting Family Collection.
1881
Louis Pasteur proves the germ theory of disease by inoculating sheep against anthrax.
1982
Treatment for leprosy developed using armadillos.