Daniel Nathans Quotes

A collection of quotes by Daniel Nathans.

Daniel Nathans (1928-1999) was an American microbiologist and geneticist who made significant contributions to the field of molecular biology. He was born on October 30, 1928, in Wilmington, Delaware. Nathans showed an early interest in science and pursued his academic career at the University of Delaware and Washington University in St. Louis, where he obtained his M.D. degree.

Nathans' groundbreaking research focused on understanding the structure and function of DNA, the molecule that carries genetic information. In 1978, he, along with Hamilton O. Smith and Werner Arber, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery and development of the technique called restriction enzymes. These enzymes enable scientists to cleave DNA molecules at specific sequences, which was pivotal for the study of genetic material and opened the door for gene manipulation and genetic engineering.

Throughout his career, Nathans served as a faculty member at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he founded and directed the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. His leadership and dedication facilitated significant advancements in the understanding of DNA replication and repair mechanisms, paving the way for breakthroughs in the treatment of genetic disorders and the development of biotechnology.

Daniel Nathans' pioneering research and commitment to scientific discovery have had a lasting impact on the field of molecular biology. He passed away on November 16, 1999, leaving behind a legacy of innovative contributions to the understanding of genetic information and its applications in medicine.

At every stage of my career I have had interesting and cordi

At every stage of my career I have had interesting and cordial colleagues, some of whom are close friends.

Daniel Nathans


Small science, which includes most research in the life scie

Small science, which includes most research in the life sciences all over the world, is science directed usually by an individual senior scientist and a small team of junior associates, perhaps three, ten, fifteen, something in that order.

Daniel Nathans

Life Science Order Associates

So I applied to medical school and received a scholarship at

So I applied to medical school and received a scholarship at Washington University in St. Louis. Washington University turned out to be a lucky choice. The faculty was scholarly and dedicated and accessible to students.

Daniel Nathans

Medical

And of course, identifying all human genes and proteins will

And of course, identifying all human genes and proteins will have great medical significance.

Daniel Nathans

Medical

The glimpses of human strength and frailty that a physician

The glimpses of human strength and frailty that a physician sees are with me still.

Daniel Nathans

Strength