Tu Youyou: Malaria Breakthrough
In Tu Youyou: Malaria Breakthrough, host Chris Packham tells the story of Tu Youyou’s groundbreaking discovery of artemisinin, a drug that transformed the fight against malaria. Her extraordinary courage, including volunteering as the first test subject, went unnoticed as she was never named on the research papers that led to the breakthrough. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
Lesson Express
Q: What was Tu Youyou’s significant contribution to the fight against malaria?
A: She discovered artemisinin, a drug that transformed malaria treatment.
Q: Why was Tu Youyou’s work initially unrecognized?
A: Her name was not included in the research papers, reflecting the lack of acknowledgment of some scientists’ contributions, especially women.
Q: How does artemisinin help in the treatment of malaria?
A: Artemisinin is effective in killing the malaria parasite and reducing its impact on infected patients.
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In Tu Youyou: The Discovery of Artemisinin, host Chris Packham recounts the extraordinary journey of Chinese scientist Tu Youyou. Driven by determination, she unearthed an ancient remedy to combat malaria, ultimately saving millions of lives worldwide. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Tu Youyou: The Discovery of Artemisinin, host Chris Packham recounts the extraordinary journey of Chinese scientist Tu Youyou. Driven by determination, she unearthed an ancient remedy to combat malaria, ultimately saving millions of lives worldwide. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.