We think that life develops spontaneously on Earth, so it must be possible for life to develop on suitable planets elsewhere in the universe. But we don't know the probability that a planet develops life.
Stephen HawkingRead
Autoimmunity is probably the next frontier. The majority of cases of autoimmune disease result from a complex genetic problem that has environmental influences. It is a colossal task for the immune system to maintain tolerance to self and yet be ready to react to everything in the world around us.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Autoimmunity represents a significant challenge for the immune system, influenced by both genetics and the environment.
In this quote, Bruce Beutler highlights the complexity of autoimmune diseases, suggesting that their origins are intertwined with genetic factors and environmental influences. He emphasizes the immune system's difficult role of distinguishing between self and non-self, which is crucial for maintaining health and responding to external threats; this underscores the intricate balance necessary for immune function in the face of diverse challenges.
Themes
AutoimmunityImmune SystemGeneticsEnvironmental InfluencesHealth
In practice
Example use cases
In a presentation on advancements in immunology, you might quote Beutler to emphasize the need for research in autoimmune diseases.
Similar quotes
Science, as everyone knows, is responsible, moderate, unsentimental, and otherwise good.
Noam ChomskyRead
I dreamed of becoming a scientist, in general, and a paleontologist, in particular, ever since the Tyrannosaurus skeleton awed and scared me.
Stephen Jay GouldRead
Astronauts are not superhuman. They lead ordinary lives and have varied personalities.
Buzz AldrinRead
Global warming is controversial, of course, but the controversy is mainly over whether human activity is driving it.
Michio KakuRead
If Watson and I had not discovered the [DNA] structure, instead of being revealed with a flourish it would have trickled out and that its impact would have been far less. For this sort of reason Stent had argued that a scientific discovery is more akin to a work of art than is generally admitted. Style, he argues, is as important as content. I am not completely convinced by this argument, at least in this case.
Francis CrickRead