Scientific achievements from the Philippines are a relatively recent development in the country, with its schools and universities coming of age during the 20th century. The field of medicine has proved particularly strong with many breakthroughs being in every day use throughout the world.
MEDICINE
Fe del Mundo made one of the greatest breakthroughs in medicine - inventing the incubator and also a jaundice-relieving device. He was the first Asian to attend the world-famous Harvard University. Another to make an important breakthrough in medicine is Dr. Abelardo Aguilar who discovered erythromycin in 1949. Sadly he died not long after that discovery but by 1952 it was commercially available as an alternative medication to penicillin.
Jose N Rodriguez made a number of amazing breakthroughs controlling leprosy in a career spanning over 50 years. He was recognized worldwide as a leading expert in the condition and had a program of control implemented in the Philippines and also in other countries through Asia.
TECHNOLOGY
As well as medical breakthroughs Filipino scientists have been heavily involved in some environmental breakthroughs in relatively recent times. Agapito Flores is widely respected as being the inventor of the fluorescent light, although there are a number of claims over that invention - the fact that his name is used suggests that he deserves the lion's share of credit.
SUMMARY
With a young and growing population the Philippines is gaining a reputation as a progressive nation that encourages and embraces fresh ideas and thinking. There are many great centers of learning currently at the forefront of various fields of research and that is only going to grow and develop in the years ahead. As the nation grows and develops in confidence more and more breakthroughs will develop from the Philippines.
MEDICINE
Fe del Mundo made one of the greatest breakthroughs in medicine - inventing the incubator and also a jaundice-relieving device. He was the first Asian to attend the world-famous Harvard University. Another to make an important breakthrough in medicine is Dr. Abelardo Aguilar who discovered erythromycin in 1949. Sadly he died not long after that discovery but by 1952 it was commercially available as an alternative medication to penicillin.
Jose N Rodriguez made a number of amazing breakthroughs controlling leprosy in a career spanning over 50 years. He was recognized worldwide as a leading expert in the condition and had a program of control implemented in the Philippines and also in other countries through Asia.
TECHNOLOGY
As well as medical breakthroughs Filipino scientists have been heavily involved in some environmental breakthroughs in relatively recent times. Agapito Flores is widely respected as being the inventor of the fluorescent light, although there are a number of claims over that invention - the fact that his name is used suggests that he deserves the lion's share of credit.
SUMMARY
With a young and growing population the Philippines is gaining a reputation as a progressive nation that encourages and embraces fresh ideas and thinking. There are many great centers of learning currently at the forefront of various fields of research and that is only going to grow and develop in the years ahead. As the nation grows and develops in confidence more and more breakthroughs will develop from the Philippines.
