Jacques Monod
Biochemist, Nobel Prize in Physiology
A French biochemist and geneticist made significant contributions to molecular biology. Monod studied enzyme regulation and the control of bacterial metabolism, which led to the development of the lac operon model. He worked at the Pasteur Institute in Paris, where he conducted research in the fields of genetics and biochemistry. In 1965, Monod, along with François Jacob and André Lwoff, received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discoveries concerning genetic control of enzyme and virus synthesis.
Discovered the lac operon model
Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1965
Other People Born on February 9th
A. R. Antulay
Indian politician and social worker
Born
February 9th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 2014 11 years ago — 85 years old
Contributed significantly to Maharashtra's political landscape. Served as the 8th Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 1980 to 1982. Held various ministerial positions, including Minister of State for Home. Focused on social causes and education reform. Active in the Indian National Congress during the 1960s and 1970s, with a commitment to improving rural development and public welfare.
Continue ReadingJoseph Stiglitz
Economist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
February 9th, 1943 82 years ago
An American economist and academic, significant contributions were made to the analysis of markets with asymmetric information. Stiglitz served as a professor at Columbia University and co-founded the Initiative for Policy Dialogue. As chief economist at the World Bank, roles included advising on economic policies for developing countries. Stiglitz received the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 2001 for work on economic theory in the presence of information asymmetries.
Continue ReadingFutabayama Sadaji
Japanese sumo wrestler, 35th Yokozuna
Born
February 9th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
December 16th, 1968 57 years ago — 56 years old
A prominent sumo wrestler, achieved the highest rank of Yokozuna during a notable career. Active from the 1930s to the 1950s, won a total of 12 top division championships. Competed for the Futagoyama stable and became a significant figure in the sport.
Continue ReadingTex Hughson
Baseball player and All-Star pitcher
Born
February 9th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
August 6th, 1993 32 years ago — 77 years old
This individual played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball from 1941 to 1945, primarily with the Boston Red Sox. Notable for his strong pitching arm, achieved an All-Star selection in 1945. Pitched a career-high of 20 wins in the 1944 season. After his playing days, transitioned into coaching and continued involvement in baseball.
Continue ReadingJohn Walker Lindh
American Taliban member
Born
February 9th, 1981 44 years ago
Born in 1981, this individual gained international attention when captured during the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. Previously, engaged with the Taliban and fought alongside them against U.S. forces. His case raised significant legal and ethical discussions regarding the treatment of combatants and citizens involved in terrorism. In 2002, sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to supporting the Taliban.
Continue ReadingClete Boyer
Baseball player and manager, All-Star
Born
February 9th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
June 4th, 2007 18 years ago — 70 years old
Boyer played Major League Baseball as a third baseman and was a key player for teams including the New York Yankees and the Atlanta Braves. His MLB career spanned from 1955 to 1969. He earned selection to the All-Star Game in 1964. Following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching and managed various minor league teams, contributing to the development of young players. Boyer was also a noted defensive player, recognized for his skills on the field.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 31st
Tim Samaras
Engineer and storm chaser, Tornado Intercept Vehicle
Born
November 12th, 1957 68 years ago
Died
May 31st, 2013 12 years ago — 55 years old
An American engineer and storm chaser specialized in studying tornadoes. Developed advanced tornado intercept technologies, including the Tornado Intercept Vehicle (TIV), which captured footage and data during severe weather events. Conducted numerous field missions to analyze tornado behavior and contribute to meteorological research. Featured in the documentary series 'Storm Chasers', which highlighted storm chasing efforts and the challenges faced in severe weather environments.
Continue ReadingGilberto Rodríguez Orejuela
Colombian drug lord, Cali Cartel leader
Born
1939 86 years ago
Died
May 31st, 2022 3 years ago — 83 years old
Co-founded the Cali Cartel, a powerful drug trafficking organization in Colombia during the late 20th century. Operated in the Medellín and Cali regions, facilitating cocaine distribution to the United States and other countries. Engaged in extensive money laundering and corruption to bolster operations and evade law enforcement. Captured in 1995, extradited to the United States in 2004, and sentenced to 30 years in prison. Convictions included drug conspiracy and racketeering.
Continue ReadingJairo Mora Sandoval
Environmental activist and sea turtle protector
Born
March 22nd, 1987 38 years ago
Died
May 31st, 2013 12 years ago — 26 years old
An environmental activist focused on sea turtle conservation. Organized efforts to protect nesting beaches in Costa Rica from poaching and development. Founded projects aimed at raising awareness about the importance of marine wildlife and habitat protection. Worked with local communities to promote sustainable practices and the preservation of biodiversity. Tragically, faced violence and death due to activism against illegal activities threatening marine life.
Continue ReadingHans Keilson
Psychoanalyst and author of 'The Death of the Adversary'
Born
1909 116 years ago
Died
May 31st, 2011 14 years ago — 102 years old
Born in 1909, a German-Dutch psychoanalyst and author focused on the psychological effects of trauma and persecution. Emigrated to the Netherlands in 1936 due to the rise of the Nazi regime. His experiences as a Jewish refugee informed his work, particularly in relation to themes of survival and human resilience. Keilson developed significant theories on the psychological ramifications of living in a hostile environment and contributed to the understanding of trauma in literature and psychoanalysis. In addition to his clinical practice, he wrote several notable works highlighting these themes, with 'The Death of the Adversary' gaining recognition for its exploration of moral conflict and existential struggle. Keilson continued to write and publish until his later years, contributing to both literary and psychoanalytic discussions.
Continue ReadingLewis Katz
Businessman and philanthropist
Born
1942 83 years ago
Died
May 31st, 2014 11 years ago — 72 years old
A prominent American businessman and philanthropist, contributed to various industries and causes throughout his career. Co-founded the New Jersey Nets and played a pivotal role in the team's relocation to Brooklyn, becoming one of the NFL's significant players in the business aspect of sports. Invested in a wide range of enterprises, including media, real estate, and aviation. Made substantial philanthropic contributions, particularly in education and healthcare, including significant donations to Temple University. Passed away in an airplane crash in 2014.
Continue ReadingBrian Duffy
Photographer known for iconic fashion images
Born
1933 92 years ago
Died
May 31st, 2010 15 years ago — 77 years old
A significant figure in fashion photography during the 1960s and 1970s. Started a career in photography after working in advertising. Gained recognition for innovative and striking photographs that captured the essence of that era. Collaborated with major fashion magazines such as Vogue and Harpers & Queen. Contributed to the iconic imagery of well-known figures in fashion and culture, including David Bowie and other notable celebrities. Was an early adopter of color photography, which set new standards in the industry. Retired from photography in the late 1970s but returned in the 1990s to revisit earlier works.
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