Nobel laureate Eric Cornell, a senior scientist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology and adjoint professor of physics at the University of Colorado at Boulder, has been hospitalized with a serious illness.
According to a statement from the family, "Eric has been hospitalized with an infection caused by the bacteria that causes strep throat. This is a common bacteria, but the condition Eric now has - necrotizing fasciitis - is not common. Anyone close to him who develops cold symptoms and is concerned should see their doctor for a test for strep.
"This condition is treated with aggressive surgery to stop the spread of the bacteria. Eric is in critical condition and doctors are closely monitoring his progress.
"We are grateful for the concern and support of the university community as well as our family and friends."
CU-Boulder spokesperson Pauline Hale said, "We are deeply saddened to learn of Eric Cornell's serious illness. Our thoughts are with him and his family during this difficult time. Eric is a valued member of our university family and has made enormous contributions to the field of science."
Cornell and Carl Wieman, distinguished professor of physics at CU-Boulder, led a team of physicists that created the world's first Bose-Einstein condensate in 1995. They were awarded the Nobel Prize in physics in 2001 for their creation of the new form of matter.