Our case history describes the development of Prozac, a blockbuster drug that transformed the treatment of depression – and became a cultural phenomenon in the United States. Specifically, we chronicle the: 1) prior treatments for depression and the research that provided a foundation for...

Our case history describes the development of tamoxifen, considered a “gold standard” treatment for millions of breast cancer patients. Specifically, we describe breast cancer treatments prior to tamoxifen’s development; the initial development of tamoxifen from 1960 to 1973; tamoxifen’s...

We describe how and why Magnetic Resource Imaging (MRI) came to complement – and partially replace -- computed tomography (CT) imaging of soft tissue. Specifically we chronicle: 1) the development of foundational techniques and prototypes (through the 1970s); 2) initial commercialization and...

We describe how the development of x-ray-based techniques and equipment (“mammography”) lead to widespread screening for breast cancer and enabled “minimally invasive” biopsies of breast tumors. Specifically, we chronicle how: 1) new protocols and equipment catalyzed the first widespread...

We describe how efforts on multiple fronts, including advocacy, training and technological development made ultrasound the second most commonly used diagnostic imaging technology (after X-rays). Specifically, we chronicle: 1) ultrasound's development and introduction in the 1950s and 1960s; 2)...

We describe how Computed Tomography (CT) scanners - that combine x-rays and computers to image soft tissues of the brain and other organs -- have become a widely used diagnostic tool. Specifically, we chronicle the: 1) development of the first CT scanner (through the early-1970s); 2) rapid and...