12/29/05 The Gates Foundation and science

In 2003 Bill Gates challenged the best and brightest in the scientific community to come up with new methods to help mankind. Since that time doctors and scientist have rushed to meet his challenge with the carrot being millions of dollars worth of grant money. 1600 ideas came flooding in and a generous Mr. Gates decided to more than double his original offer to $450 million. The winners were world wide, the rules simple. Contestants could patent their ideas but they must remain affordable for developing countries. One doctor came up with the means to dry vaccines thus enabling them to have a longer shelf life and better absorption . Another found that certain prostitutes in Kenya remained immune to the HIV virus after many exposures and desires more funding to determine if this is a pathway to irradiate aids. A hookworm vaccine was developed to help treat the billion people in third world countries infected. Plant biologists received a grant to improve biotech golden rice vitamin fortified to prevent blindness. Through his grants Mr. Gates is actually laying stepping stones to democratizing healthcare throughout the world. Source: http://www.ecbt.org/gates.html Source: NYTimes 12/06/5