Botox

1895: Belgian Professor Emile Pierre van Ermengem identifies the bacterium Bacillus botulinus.

1946: Edward J. Schantz purifies botulinum toxin type A in crystalline form, allowing researchers to study it more closely.

1950s: Dr. Vernon Brooks discovers that botulinum toxin type A blocks the release of acetylcholine from motor nerve endings, temporarily paralyzing the muscle.

2000: The FDA approves Botox for the treatment of the abnormal head position and neck pain in patients with cervical dystonia.

2001: The UK approves Botox for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating.)

2002: The FDA approves Botox for cosmetic treatment of browline wrinkles.

Jan. 1995: Donny Osmond admits to having tried Botox but says he won't do it again.

Aug. 15, 2005: Teen star Michelle Trachtenberg defines "young Hollywood" on Access Hollywood: "I think that's the meaning of young Hollywood, we still don't need the Botox."

Aug. 31, 2005: Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan announce their findings that Botox relieves the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).