Michael W. Young

Explore the timeline of Michael W. Young, a pioneering scientist in chronobiology whose groundbreaking research on the genetic and molecular mechanisms of circadian rhythms earned him a Nobel Prize. Discover the key milestones and achievements in his illustrious career, from his early life and education to his significant contributions to biology.

Born: March 28, 1949
Geneticist
University of Texas at Austin

28 maart 1949

1 januari 1975

1 januari 1978

1 januari 1984

1 januari 1994

1 januari 1998

1 januari 2000

1 januari 2007

1 januari 2013

2 oktober 2017

28maart
1949
28 March 1949

Birth of Michael W. Young

Michael Warren Young was born on March 28, 1949, in Miami, Florida, USA. He grew up with a keen interest in biology and genetics.

01januari
1975
01 January 1975

Young Completes His Ph.D.

Michael W. Young completed his Ph.D. at the University of Texas at Austin in 1975. His doctoral research focused on the genetics of Drosophila, setting the stage for his future work on the circadian rhythm.

01januari
1978
01 January 1978

Joining Rockefeller University

In 1978, Michael W. Young joined Rockefeller University as an assistant professor. His time at Rockefeller would lead to significant breakthroughs in understanding the genetics of circadian rhythms in Drosophila.

01januari
1984
01 January 1984

Discovery of the Period Gene

In 1984, Michael W. Young's research led to the discovery of the period gene in Drosophila. This gene is crucial for the regulation of circadian rhythms. His work provided significant insights into the biological mechanisms behind the circadian clock.

01januari
1994
01 January 1994

Discovery of the Timeless Gene

In 1994, Young's lab discovered the timeless gene, another crucial component of the circadian clock in Drosophila. This discovery highlighted how the timeless and period genes interact to regulate biological rhythms, transforming our understanding of genetic regulation of the circadian clock.

01januari
1998
01 January 1998

Becomes a Member of the National Academy of Sciences

In 1998, Michael W. Young was elected as a member of the National Academy of Sciences, an honor that recognized his outstanding contributions to the field of genetics, particularly his work on circadian rhythms.

01januari
2000
01 January 2000

Discovery of Doubletime Gene

In 2000, Young's research led to the discovery of the doubletime gene, which encodes a protein that modifies the period protein. This gene is essential in maintaining the pace of the biological clock, ensuring organisms adapt to daily environmental changes.

01januari
2007
01 January 2007

Receives Gruber Neuroscience Prize

In 2007, Michael W. Young received the Gruber Neuroscience Prize alongside Jeffrey C. Hall and Michael Rosbash. This recognition was for their groundbreaking work on the genetic basis of circadian rhythms, further cementing the impact of their discoveries on neuroscience and biology.

01januari
2013
01 January 2013

Discovery of the Genetic Mutation in Humans Affecting Sleep Patterns

In 2013, Michael W. Young's team identified a genetic mutation in humans that affects sleep patterns, a breakthrough that linked their foundational work in Drosophila to human circadian rhythms. This study provided insights into how similar genetic mechanisms can influence human sleep disorders.

02oktober
2017
02 October 2017

Awarded Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

On October 2, 2017, Michael W. Young, along with Jeffrey C. Hall and Michael Rosbash, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discoveries of molecular mechanisms controlling the circadian rhythm. Their work unveiled the role of specific genes in the regulation of daily biological rhythms.

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