Kary B. Mullis

Kary B. Mullis was born on December 28, 1944, in Lenoir, North Carolina, United States. He grew up in a small rural town and showed an early interest in science and chemistry. His curiosity and inventive spirit would later lead him to revolutionize molecular biology with his development of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique.

In 1983, while working at Cetus Corporation, Kary B. Mullis invented the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a method that allows for the amplification of specific DNA sequences. This revolutionary technique enabled exponential replication of DNA fragments, transforming molecular biology and forensic science by allowing for the copying of small segments of DNA quickly and accurately. Mullis conceptualized PCR as he drove down a California highway, and later refined the technique through experimentation.

In September 1983, Kary B. Mullis published his paper on the polymerase chain reaction method in the journal Science. The publication detailed the mechanism of PCR and demonstrated its profound potential to amplify DNA, which would revolutionize genetic and molecular research. His paper showcased PCR's ability to amplify a particular DNA segment into millions of copies, which was a groundbreaking advancement at the time.

On October 13, 1993, Kary B. Mullis was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his invention of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. This prestigious recognition highlighted the tremendous impact of PCR on biology and medicine, as it enabled scientists to copy DNA sequences rapidly for research, diagnostics, and forensics. Mullis shared the prize with Michael Smith, who made significant advancements in mutagenesis.

In 1994, Kary B. Mullis published his memoir "Dancing Naked in the Mind Field," where he shares his life experiences, scientific achievements, and personal philosophies. The book offers insights into Mullis's creative thinking and his unconventional approach to problem-solving and scientific inquiry. He discusses various scientific ideas, his invention of PCR, and other interests outside of science, making it a fascinating read for both scientists and general readers.

In 1998, Kary B. Mullis stepped away from the limelight of laboratory research to become a consultant. He began working with various biotechnology firms and continued to engage with the scientific community through talks and advisory roles. As a consultant, Mullis leveraged his inventive spirit and deep scientific knowledge to assist companies in developing new technologies and applications, particularly those involving PCR and related areas of molecular biology.

On April 10, 1999, Kary B. Mullis received the Japan Prize, one of the most prestigious international awards, in recognition of his development of PCR. This award solidified his status as a visionary scientist whose work transformed molecular biology and biotechnology. The Japan Prize acknowledged the impact of PCR on scientific research and its applications across various disciplines, emphasizing the technique's global significance.

In June 2000, Kary Mullis was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, an honor that recognized his inventiveness and significant contributions to science and technology, particularly his development of PCR. This induction celebrated Mullis's creative contributions and highlighted the lasting impact of his revolutionary technique in advancing medical and genetic research worldwide.

In September 2004, Kary B. Mullis spoke at the TED Conference, presenting his ideas on science and innovation. His talk was well-received and covered various topics, including his revolutionary invention of the polymerase chain reaction and his views on scientific exploration and discovery. Mullis's TED talk inspired an audience of technologists and thinkers with his unique perspective on the role of science in society.

On August 7, 2019, Kary B. Mullis passed away in Newport Beach, California. He was 74 years old. His death marked the end of a remarkable life filled with groundbreaking scientific contributions, particularly his invention of PCR, which had a profound influence on the fields of molecular biology, genetics, and medicine. Colleagues and admirers remember Mullis as a creative and eccentric scientist who changed the course of scientific research.