Stanley Falkow

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Stanley Falkow

Stanley Falkow (January 24, 1934 – May 5, 2018) was an American microbiologist and a professor of microbiology and immunology at the Stanford University School of Medicine. He is widely recognized for his pioneering work in the field of bacterial pathogenesis, the study of how bacteria cause disease.

Early Life and Education

Stanley Falkow was born in Albany, New York. He earned his B.S. degree in biology from the University of Maine in 1955 and his Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Michigan in 1961.

Career and Research

Falkow's early research focused on the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. He was one of the first scientists to demonstrate that plasmids, small DNA molecules within bacteria, could carry genes responsible for antibiotic resistance and could be transferred between bacteria, a process known as horizontal gene transfer.

In the 1970s, Falkow's research shifted towards understanding the molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis. He developed the concept of "molecular Koch's postulates," a set of criteria for establishing a causal relationship between a microbe and a disease at the molecular level. This work has had a profound impact on the study of infectious diseases.

Falkow's laboratory made significant contributions to the understanding of several important bacterial pathogens, including Salmonella, Yersinia, and Helicobacter pylori. His work on Helicobacter pylori, in particular, helped to establish its role in peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Stanley Falkow received numerous awards and honors, including:

• The Robert Koch Prize in 2000
• The Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award in 2008
• Election to the National Academy of Sciences in 2003
• Election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2004

Personal Life

Stanley Falkow was married to Lucy Tompkins, a fellow microbiologist, and they had two children. He was known for his mentorship and dedication to teaching, having trained many prominent scientists in the field of microbiology.

Legacy

Stanley Falkow's contributions to microbiology and infectious disease research have left a lasting legacy. His work has paved the way for new approaches to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of bacterial infections. The Stanley Falkow Medical Microbiology Award was established in his honor to recognize outstanding contributions to the field of medical microbiology.

See Also

• Microbiology
• Bacterial pathogenesis
• Antibiotic resistance
• Horizontal gene transfer
• Helicobacter pylori