Until the mid-70s the only answer to serious peptic ulcers was surgery. The popular belief was that ulcers are due to stress which causes acid. After experimenting on his own stomach, Barry Marshall discovered that most people with ulcers were actually harbouring a previously unknown bacteria, helicobacter pylori.
He concluded that these bacteria create an infection which lasts for a lifetime if it is not treated, and developed a cheap and simple antibiotic cure. Marshall's discovery was explored in an edition of this programme broadcast earlier this year, since when there has been a dramatic change to the way in which ulcers are now treated.
(Repeated next Saturday)
Transcript: please send a cheque for £2.00, payable to BSS, to [address removed]