Eugene O. Major facts for kids
Eugene O. "Gene" Major is a very important scientist. He works at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). This is a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States. Think of it as a big science center that helps people.
Dr. Major studies diseases that affect the brain and nervous system. One disease he focuses on is called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). This disease is caused by a tiny germ called JC virus. It often affects people whose bodies have a hard time fighting off sickness, like those with HIV/AIDS. Dr. Major has written over 140 science papers. He also helped write a major book about viruses called Fields Virology.
Gene Major's Journey in Science
Gene Major started his science journey at the College of the Holy Cross. This is a university in Massachusetts. He then went on to earn two advanced degrees: a Master of Science (MS) and a PhD. He got these degrees at the University of Illinois College of Medicine.
While studying there, he researched viruses called papovaviruses. One of these was the BK virus. (Fun fact: papovaviruses were later split into two groups: papillomaviruses and polyomaviruses.)
After finishing his studies, Dr. Major became a professor. He taught at the University of Illinois Medical School. Later, he moved to Loyola University Medical School in Chicago. There, he also helped lead the graduate programs for students.
In 1981, Dr. Major joined the National Institutes of Health. He became a lead scientist there. Today, he runs a special lab that studies how tiny things like viruses affect our brains. He is a senior investigator at NINDS, still working to understand and fight brain diseases.
Discoveries and Research
Throughout his long career, Dr. Major has studied many different viruses. These include the BK virus, adenoviruses, and the JC virus. He also researched simian virus 40 (SV40), HIV-1, HIV-2, HHV-6, and HPV-16. His work helps us understand how these viruses affect people's health.
In the News
Dr. Major is a well-known expert. He has been quoted a lot in the news. This happened when scientists found that a medicine called natalizumab (also known as Tysabri) could increase the risk of PML. This rare brain disease is caused by the JC virus. Because of his deep knowledge, a science column in 2001 called Dr. Major a top expert in brain diseases that affect "white matter." White matter is an important part of your brain.
