Ernest McCulloch
Ernest McCulloch | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 27, 1926 |
| Died | January 20, 2011 |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Alma mater | University of Toronto |
| Known for | Stem cell research |
| Awards | Order of Canada, Gairdner Foundation International Award, Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Cell biology, Hematology |
| Institutions | University of Toronto, Ontario Cancer Institute |
Ernest Armstrong McCulloch (April 27, 1926 – January 20, 2011) was a Canadian cellular biologist best known for his pioneering work in stem cell research. Along with his colleague, James Till, McCulloch conducted groundbreaking experiments that provided the first definitive proof of the existence of stem cells.
Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]
Ernest McCulloch was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He completed his undergraduate and medical degrees at the University of Toronto. After earning his medical degree, McCulloch pursued further training in hematology.
Career[edit | edit source]
McCulloch joined the faculty at the University of Toronto and later became a senior scientist at the Ontario Cancer Institute. It was here that he began his collaboration with James Till, a biophysicist. Their research focused on the behavior of bone marrow cells and led to the discovery of stem cells.
Stem Cell Research[edit | edit source]
In the early 1960s, McCulloch and Till conducted a series of experiments that involved injecting bone marrow cells into irradiated mice. They observed the formation of nodules in the spleens of these mice, which they hypothesized were clones derived from single cells. This work provided the first clear evidence of the existence of stem cells, which have the ability to self-renew and differentiate into various types of cells.
Awards and Honors[edit | edit source]
Ernest McCulloch received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science, including:
- Order of Canada
- Gairdner Foundation International Award
- Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research
Legacy[edit | edit source]
McCulloch's work laid the foundation for the field of stem cell research, which has since become a major area of scientific inquiry with significant implications for regenerative medicine and cancer treatment. His contributions have had a lasting impact on both basic science and clinical applications.
Personal Life[edit | edit source]
Ernest McCulloch passed away on January 20, 2011, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
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- 1926 births
- 2011 deaths
- Canadian biologists
- Stem cell researchers
- University of Toronto alumni
- University of Toronto faculty
- Members of the Order of Canada
- Recipients of the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research
- People from Toronto
- Canadian medical researchers
- Canadian scientists
- Cell biologists
- Medicine-stub
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
