Google Doodle on Thursday
celebrated the birthday of Dr Michiaki Takahashi, the Japanese virologist who
developed the first vaccine against chickenpox, with an artwork.
Takahashi’s vaccine prevents severe cases of contagious viral disease and its
transmission. The vaccine has been administered to millions of children around
the world.

Also Read: Google Doodle: India’s Republic Day themed illustration shows Jan 26 parade

The Google Doddle on
Takahashi has been illustrated by Japan-based guest artist Tatsuro Kiuchi.
Sharing his thoughts behind the making of this Doodle, Tatsuro Kiuchi said he
learned that vaccines can cure the disease and prevent the spread of a highly
contagious disease and change the world.

Also Read: Google Doodle celebrates Stephen Hawking’s 80th birthday

Born in 1928 in Osaka,
Japan, Michiaki Takahashi earned a degree in medicine from Osaka University and
joined the Research Institute for Microbial Disease, Osaka University in 1959.
After studying measles and polioviruses, Dr Takahashi accepted a research
fellowship in 1963 at Baylor College in the United States. During this time,
his son developed chickenpox, which made him turn his expertise into combating
the highly transmissible disease.

Also Read: Who was Fatima Sheikh, feminist icon honoured with Google Doodle?

After returning to Japan in
1965, Dr Takahashi began living in Osaka and weakened chickenpox viruses in
animal and human tissue. In five years, the vaccine was ready for clinical
trials. In 1974, Dr Takahashi had developed the first vaccine targeting the
varicella virus that causes chickenpox. It was subsequently subjected to
rigorous research with immunosuppressed patients and was proven to be extremely
effective.

Also Read: Google gets ready to bid adieu to 2021 with its doodle

Takahashi’s vaccine was then
used in over 80 countries. In 1994, he was appointed the director of Osaka
University’s Microbial Disease Study Group—a position he held until his
retirement. Thanks to his innovations, millions of cases of chickenpox are
prevented each year.

Also Read: Google Doodle honours Indian educator and feminist icon Fatima Sheikh

Takahashi’s lifesaving
vaccine, which has been utilized over the years in over 80 countries, has been
administered to millions of children around the world as an effective measure
to prevent chickenpox disease.