Alick Isaacs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alick Isaacs
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| Born | 17 July 1921 Glasgow, Scotland
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| Died | 26 January 1967 (aged 45) |
| Alma mater | University of Glasgow |
| Awards | Fellow of the Royal Society |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Virology |
| Institutions | National Institute for Medical Research |
Alick Isaacs (born July 17, 1921 – died January 26, 1967) was a Scottish scientist. He was a virologist, which means he studied viruses. He is best known for helping to discover interferon, an important substance our bodies make to fight off viruses.
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Early Life and Family Background
Alick Isaacs was born in Glasgow, Scotland. His family had moved there from Lithuania. They came to Scotland to find a better life and escape difficult times in their home country. His father, Louis, was born in 1890. The family lived in areas like Wigan and the Gorbals in Glasgow.
A Scientist's Journey
Alick Isaacs was a very dedicated student. He studied medicine at the University of Glasgow. In 1954, he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree. This was a big achievement that showed his deep understanding of medical science.
Discovering Interferon
One of Isaacs's most important discoveries happened in 1957. He worked with another scientist, Jean Lindenmann, from Switzerland. Together, they discovered a special protein called interferon.
- Interferon is like a messenger in our bodies.
- It tells our cells to protect themselves from viruses.
- When a virus attacks, our cells release interferon.
- This helps stop the virus from spreading to other cells.
This discovery was a huge step forward in understanding how our bodies fight infections. It also opened new doors for developing medicines against viral diseases.
Leading Research
From 1964 to 1967, Isaacs led a special laboratory. It was at the National Institute for Medical Research. This lab focused entirely on studying interferon. Many young scientists, like Joyce Taylor-Papadimitriou, worked with him there. They learned a lot from his leadership and passion for science.
Awards and Lasting Impact
Alick Isaacs received many honors for his work. He was especially recognized for his research on the influenza virus, which causes the flu. He was given the Bellahouston Gold Medal for his important findings.
In 1966, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists in the United Kingdom. It shows that his work was highly respected by other leading researchers.
Sadly, Alick Isaacs passed away in 1967 when he was only 45 years old. He died from a serious illness. His wife, Susanna Isaacs Elmhirst, was also a doctor. She later became a child psychiatrist.
Even though he died young, Alick Isaacs left a big mark on science. His discovery of interferon continues to help us understand and fight viruses today. His laboratory notes are kept at the National Library of Medicine. These notes help future scientists learn from his groundbreaking work.
