Professor Block is an organic chemist, who has been exploring the chemical basis of a worldwide tradition of folk medicine based on garlic and onions. Today�s epidemiological and medical studies suggest that individuals regularly consuming garlic show a lower incidence of stomach cancer, have longer blood clotting times and show lower blood lipid levels (which indirectly translates into reduced risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease). A recent report from China showed that diets heavy with vegetables from the allium food group might reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

The Chemistry of Garlic. Click for a larger image (91k)

In addition to his more than twenty years of excellent teaching and mentoring students at UAlbany, Dr. Block has written three books, holds four U.S. or world patents and has written nearly 200 articles in refereed journals.

"Professor Eric Block is one of the world�s leading scholars in organosulfur and organoselenium chemistry. His studies of allium are recognized as being among the most important to date," said UAlbany President Karen R. Hitchcock.

The award of "Distinguished Professor" is the highest rank that can be achieved by an educator in the State University system. It is given to an individual who has achieved national or international prominence and a distinguished reputation in his field. Block joins the elite group of Distinguished Professors, Distinguished Teaching Professors and Distinguished Service Professors who are part of the full-time UAlbany faculty.

By the way, Dr. Block�s opinion on the tear-less onion? "Possible to grow, but most likely, tasteless," he says. Some things are worth crying over.