EurekAlert!, Oct. 18, 2007 Two researchers who pioneered the development of an artificial immune system that mimics that of the human body and will allow researchers to speed the development of vaccines are being honored tonight at a showcase sponsored by R&D Magazine and known as "the Oscars of invention." UTMB anesthesiology associate professor Joaquin Cortiella and microbiology and immunology associate professor Joan Nichols are being recognized at R&D Magazine's 45th Annual R&D 100 Awards for their role in creating an "immune system in a bottle" - a test-tube version of the human immune system that will enable biomedical scientists to quickly and cheaply screen large numbers of prospective vaccines and therapeutic compounds.