King-Wai Yau

King-Way Yau 2008 ARVO

King-Wai Yau is a prominent neuroscientist known for his significant contributions to the field of sensory physiology, particularly in the study of phototransduction and olfaction. He is a professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Early Life and Education

King-Wai Yau was born in Hong Kong. He completed his undergraduate studies in physics at the University of Hong Kong. He then pursued a Ph.D. in neurobiology at Harvard University, where he worked under the mentorship of John G. Nicholls.

Research and Contributions

Yau's research has primarily focused on the mechanisms of phototransduction in retinal cells and the processes involved in olfactory transduction. His work has provided deep insights into how light and odorants are converted into electrical signals in the nervous system.

Phototransduction

Yau's studies on phototransduction have elucidated the role of ion channels and second messengers in the conversion of light into electrical signals in rod cells and cone cells of the retina. His research has been pivotal in understanding retinal diseases and vision disorders.

Olfactory Transduction

In the field of olfaction, Yau has investigated the molecular mechanisms by which olfactory receptors detect odorants and initiate a signal transduction cascade. His work has contributed to the broader understanding of sensory systems and their function.

Awards and Honors

King-Wai Yau has received numerous awards for his contributions to neuroscience, including the prestigious Alfred P. Sloan Prize and the Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Personal Life

Yau is married and has two children. He continues to reside in Baltimore, Maryland, where he conducts his research and teaches at Johns Hopkins University.

See Also

• Neuroscience
• Photoreceptor cell
• Olfactory system
• Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine