Carlton Gajdusek (Neurologist)

Carlton Gajdusek was an American neurologist and scientist best known for his research on prion diseases, notably Kuru, a rare and fatal brain disease affecting the Fore people of Papua New Guinea. He discovered that Kuru was linked to cannibalistic practices, where infected brain tissue was consumed. Gajdusek's work significantly advanced our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1976. Despite his scientific achievements, his later life was marred by controversy, including legal issues related to his personal conduct. His legacy is a complex blend of groundbreaking research and ethical questions.