Carl Woese

Microbiologist and biophysicist; discovered archaea

Carl Woese - Microbiologist and biophysicist; discovered archaea
Born

July 15th, 1928
97 years ago

Died

December 30th, 2012
12 years ago — 84 years old

Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

United States

Links & References

Contributed significantly to microbial phylogeny and the tree of life. Developed the concept of archaea, a separate domain of life distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes. His work utilized ribosomal RNA sequencing techniques to classify organisms based on genetic material. Published the groundbreaking paper 'The Universal Tree of Life' which reshaped the understanding of evolutionary biology. Served as a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and received numerous accolades for research in genetics and microbiology.

Discovered and classified archaea as a separate domain of life

Advanced ribosomal RNA sequencing techniques for phylogenetic studies

Published influential research on the tree of life

Other People Born on July 15th

Brigitte Nielsen

Danish-Italian actress and model
Born
July 15th, 1963 62 years ago

Born in 1963, an actress and model gained fame in the 1980s. Starred in the movie 'Rocky IV' as Ludmilla Drago and appeared in the television series 'The Surreal Life'. Additionally, had a successful modeling career during the 1980s and 1990s, working with various fashion brands. Engaged in reality television, further expanding popularity. Also known for her marriage to actor Sylvester Stallone, which garnered significant media attention.

Continue Reading

Twinkle

English singer-songwriter with chart hits
Born
July 15th, 1948 77 years ago
Died
May 21st, 2015 10 years ago — 66 years old

A singer-songwriter born in England, notable for contributions to the music scene in the late 1960s. Gained recognition with hit singles, particularly 'Golden Lights' and 'Angel of the Morning'. Her style incorporated elements of folk and pop, leading to a dedicated fan base. Continued to perform and release music decades after initial fame, showcasing resilience in the industry.

Continue Reading

Frances Xavier Cabrini

Italian-American nun and saint
Born
July 15th, 1850 175 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1917 107 years ago — 67 years old

Born in Italy and later naturalized in the United States, dedicated life to serving the Italian immigrant community. Founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to provide education and aid in New York City. Established numerous schools, hospitals, and orphanages across the country and abroad. Canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1946 and recognized as the first American citizen to be made a saint.

Continue Reading

Ed Litzenberger

Ice hockey player and Stanley Cup champion
Born
July 15th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
2010 15 years ago — 78 years old

Played professional ice hockey primarily in the National Hockey League (NHL) from the 1950s to the 1960s. Played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, and New York Rangers. Achieved significant success, winning the Stanley Cup in 1961 with the Blackhawks. In addition to the championship title, contributed consistently to each team throughout his career, showcasing versatility and skill on the ice. After retiring from active play, transitioned into coaching and other hockey-related activities.

Continue Reading

Joanna Merlin

Actress and casting director
Born
July 15th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 92 years old

An American actress and casting director, recognized for a career spanning several decades in film, television, and theater. This individual gained prominence for roles in productions such as 'Fiddler on the Roof' on Broadway and the film 'The Ten Commandments'. As a casting director, contributions include work on acclaimed projects that significantly influenced the arts. This person's expertise in both acting and casting has been pivotal in shaping various productions over the years.

Continue Reading

James Hope-Scott

English lawyer and academic scholar
Born
July 15th, 1812 213 years ago
Died
1873 152 years ago — 61 years old

A prominent lawyer and academic, contributed extensively to legal scholarship in the 19th century. Engaged in various legal fields, including constitutional law and equity. Served as an advocate before the House of Lords, championing important cases. His work included a focus on legal reforms and education, significantly influencing the legal profession of the time. Contributed to the establishment of important legal precedents through rigorous scholarship and advocacy.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 30th

Abdurrahman Wahid

Indonesian politician and journalist, 4th President
Born
September 7th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2009 15 years ago — 69 years old

Served as the 4th President of Indonesia from 1999 to 2001, playing a key role in the transition to democracy after the fall of Suharto. Co-founded the National Awakening Party (PKB) and was a prominent leader of the Nahdlatul Ulama, the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia. Advocated for human rights and religious tolerance, and was involved in various interfaith dialogues. Post-presidency, continued to contribute to Indonesian society through writing and public speaking.

Continue Reading

Heinrich Bünting

German priest and cartographer
Born
1545 480 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1606 418 years ago — 61 years old

A German priest and cartographer, specialized in geography and maps during the late 16th century. Contributed to cartographic literature with the publication of 'Itinerarium Sacrae Scripturae', a detailed work that illustrated the biblical world. Focused on integrating geographic knowledge with theological references, producing maps that were both informative and religiously significant. Emphasized the importance of terrestrial and celestial maps in understanding scriptural texts, thereby linking physical geography with spiritual interpretation.

Continue Reading

Eleanor J. Gibson

American psychologist and academic
Born
1910 115 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2002 22 years ago — 92 years old

Served as a prominent psychologist specializing in perceptual development and learning. Contributed significantly to the understanding of visual perception through groundbreaking experiments. Established the 'visual cliff' experiment, studying depth perception in infants and animals. Influenced educational psychology and developmental science, shaping theories on how children learn about their environment.

Continue Reading

Song Jin-woo

Journalist and South Korean politician
Born
1889 136 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1945 79 years ago — 56 years old

A South Korean journalist and politician with significant contributions to the political landscape. Played a pivotal role in the Korean independence movement and advocated for democratic reforms. Established various media outlets to promote freedom of expression and informed the public about political issues. Worked towards the liberation of Korea from colonial rule. His efforts in both journalism and politics helped shape the discourse around Korean identity and governance during a turbulent period in history.

Continue Reading

Wang Shenzhi

Founder of the Min Kingdom
Died
December 30th, 925 1099 years ago — None years old

Founded the Min Kingdom in 909 during the chaotic Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. Established a regime that maintained a level of independence from the central authorities of the time. Set the groundwork for the regional governance of the area now known as Fujian Province in China. Governed until death in 925, shaping local politics and culture during his reign.

Continue Reading

Irving "Swifty" Lazar

Talent agent, represented Hollywood stars
Born
1907 118 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1993 31 years ago — 86 years old

A prominent talent agent, facilitated the careers of many Hollywood actors and writers. Established a reputation for securing lucrative deals for clients. Represented several notable figures, becoming a key figure in the film industry during the mid-20th century. His agency was instrumental in shaping the landscape of talent representation during that era. Worked with numerous high-profile projects and was involved in significant negotiations that impacted the careers of his clients.

Continue Reading