Ernest McCulloch

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Ernest McCulloch
Ernest McCulloch
BornApril 27, 1926
DiedJanuary 20, 2011
NationalityCanadian
Alma materUniversity of Toronto
Known forStem cell research
AwardsOrder of Canada, Gairdner Foundation International Award, Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research
Scientific career
FieldsCell biology, Hematology
InstitutionsUniversity 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:

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]

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD