May 13 2026SCIENCE
Who really found the leprosy bacteria? A closer look at old claims
Back in the 1800s, two scientists named Hansen and Neisser both studied leprosy. Hansen published findings first, naming the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. Neisser followed a year later, but never said Hansen was wrong or ignored his work. Yet over time, a story grew that Neisser tried to take credi
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