Rudolf Höber

Rudolf Hoeber 1873-1953

Rudolf Höber (27 December 1873 – 5 March 1953) was a German physiologist and biophysicist known for his pioneering work in the field of cell physiology and electrophysiology. He made significant contributions to the understanding of the electrical properties of cells and tissues.

Early Life and Education

Rudolf Höber was born in Stuttgart, Germany. He studied medicine at the University of Freiburg, the University of Munich, and the University of Strasbourg. He received his medical degree in 1897.

Academic Career

Höber began his academic career as an assistant to Wilhelm von Waldeyer-Hartz at the University of Berlin. He later worked with Julius Bernstein at the University of Halle, where he developed an interest in the electrical properties of cells.

In 1902, Höber was appointed as a professor of physiology at the University of Kiel. He remained at Kiel for most of his career, conducting research and teaching until his retirement in 1938.

Research Contributions

Höber is best known for his work on the electrical properties of cells. He developed the concept of the "Höber's double layer," which describes the electrical double layer that forms at the interface between a cell membrane and its surrounding environment. This concept was crucial in advancing the understanding of cell membrane physiology and bioelectrochemistry.

Höber also conducted significant research on the conductivity of biological tissues and the effects of electromagnetic fields on cells. His work laid the foundation for modern electrophysiology and contributed to the development of techniques such as electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG).

Later Life and Legacy

After retiring from the University of Kiel, Höber continued to be active in the scientific community. He published numerous papers and remained involved in research until his death in 1953.

Höber's contributions to physiology and biophysics have had a lasting impact on the field. His work on the electrical properties of cells is still referenced in contemporary research, and his theories continue to influence the study of cell physiology and bioelectrochemistry.

Related Pages

• Cell physiology
• Electrophysiology
• Cell membrane
• Bioelectrochemistry
• Electroencephalography
• Electrocardiography