This year’s Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to two scientists for their ideas on human immunity, which have already been successfully used to cure some cancers.

    Earlier in the year, genetic changes relating to immunity were discovered in astronauts returning from space. Age-related genetic changes observed in microgravity in space can now be seen much before they affect people on Earth. A new gateway to cure and health has opened.

    In the summer of 1973 in Moscow, I had the privilege of interviewing the world’s first physician cosmonaut, Boris G. Yegorov. It was a special gesture to an Indian author, a recipient of Soviet Land Nehru Award. A leading brain surgeon, Yegorov was in Earth orbit for about a day aboard Vohkod-1, the first Soviet multi-member spacecraft in 1964. He recalled his thrilling moments and detailed his observations.He said microgravity was a much misunderstood....