Esther Lederberg

Microbiologist and geneticist

Esther Lederberg - Microbiologist and geneticist
Born

December 18th, 1922
102 years ago

Died

2006
19 years ago — 84 years old

Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

United States

Links & References

Contributions to microbiology included work on bacterial genetics and the development of methods to study the interactions of viruses and bacteria. Established the importance of transduction in bacteria utilizing the bacteriophage. Collaborated with the husband in various research projects, including studies on the lambda phage and strain construction in Escherichia coli. Pioneering work laid foundations for future research in molecular genetics and understanding of bacterial recombination.

Discovered transduction in bacteria

Developed techniques for bacteriophage studies

Other People Born on December 18th

Giuliano Razzoli

Italian alpine skier; Olympic gold medalist
Born
December 18th, 1984 40 years ago

Competed in alpine skiing and achieved significant success in slalom events. Secured the gold medal in the slalom at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Represented Italy in multiple World Cup seasons and consistently finished among the top competitors in his discipline throughout his career.

Continue Reading

Gianluca Pagliuca

Footballer, FIFA World Cup participant
Born
December 18th, 1966 58 years ago

A prominent footballer, played as a goalkeeper in Serie A for clubs including Sampdoria, Bologna, and Inter Milan. Achieved significant success with Sampdoria, winning the Coppa Italia in 1988, and became the first goalkeeper to score in Serie A. Represented Italy in three FIFA World Cups, earning acclaim for performances in 1994, where the team reached the final. Transitioned to a role as a sportscaster after retirement, providing analysis and commentary on football.

Continue Reading

Joan Wallach Scott

Historian and author on gender studies
Born
December 18th, 1941 83 years ago

Specializes in gender and women's history within academic discourse. Contributed to the development of the field, particularly through the analysis of gender's role in history and society. Authored important works, including The Gender of History, which explores the intersections of gender and historical narratives. Served as a professor at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey.

Continue Reading

Vijay Mallya

Businessman and politician from India
Born
December 18th, 1955 69 years ago

Born in 1955, a businessman and politician became well known in the beverage industry as the chairman of United Breweries Group. Mallya owned the Kingfisher beer brand, which gained popularity in India and internationally. He also founded Kingfisher Airlines, which operated domestic and international flights from 2005 until its grounding in 2012. Mallya engaged in politics as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2002 to 2008, representing Karnataka. Mallya's career faced challenges, leading to significant legal issues and a controversial exit from India in 2016, amid allegations of financial misconduct.

Continue Reading

Bhikhari Thakur

Indian actor, singer, playwright
Born
December 18th, 1887 137 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 84 years old

An influential figure in the Bhojpuri cultural sphere, contributed significantly to regional theatre and music. Created works that blended drama, song, and social message, reflecting the traditional life and issues faced by the rural community. Credited with popularizing Bhojpuri folk theatre through performances that resonated with local audiences. Established a legacy through characters and stories that captured the essence of village life in Bihar.

Continue Reading

Charles Oakley

Basketball player and coach
Born
December 18th, 1963 61 years ago

A professional basketball player and coach, he played in the NBA primarily as a power forward. His career spanned from 1985 to 2000, with a significant portion of years spent with the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, and the Toronto Raptors. He was recognized for his rebounding ability and toughness on the court. After retiring, he transitioned into coaching roles and served as an assistant coach for various teams in the NBA.

Continue Reading