1. Germ Theory of Disease
Louis Pasteur's discovery that microorganisms are responsible for many diseases revolutionized the field of medicine. This breakthrough led to significant advances in vaccination development, sanitation, and public health policies. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), global mortality rates decreased by 72% between 1900 and 2006 due to improvements in germ theory-based treatments.
2. Relativity Theory
Albert Einstein's special theory of relativity challenged long-held assumptions about space and time, introducing concepts like time dilation and length contraction. The theory led to the development of nuclear energy and paved the way for modern particle physics research. Today, relativity theory has been tested and confirmed in numerous experiments, with its predictions having a 99.999% accuracy rate.
3. Structure of DNA
James Watson and Francis Crick's discovery of the double helix structure of DNA revealed the fundamental basis of genetic inheritance. The double helix model explained how DNA replicates and transmits genetic information from one generation to the next. The Watson-Crick model has been instrumental in advancing genetics, molecular biology, and medicine.
4. Theory of Evolution through Natural Selection
Charles Darwin's concept that species evolve over time through a process of natural selection transformed our understanding of life on Earth. His groundbreaking book "On the Origin of Species" (1859) provided irrefutable evidence for evolution by means of observation, experimentation, and comparative anatomy. Today, the theory of evolution remains a cornerstone of modern biology, with 97% of all species still unidentified.
5. Discovery of Penicillin
Alexander Fleming's accidental discovery of penicillin in 1928 marked a turning point in the history of medicine. This antibiotic has saved countless lives, and its development paved the way for the creation of numerous other life-saving medications. In recognition of his discovery, Fleming was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1945, sharing it with Ernst Boris Chain and Howard Walter Florey.