| Carl
Woese, Ikenberry Chair and professor of Microbiology, was one of a dozen
scientists announced as winners of the National Medal of Science in
November 2000.
"These exceptional scientists and engineers
have transformed our world and enhanced our daily lives," President
Clinton said in a White House press release.
Established in 1959, the National Medal of Science
honors scientists in the full spectrum of scientific fields, and is
considered the nation’s highest scientific award.
The White House release said Woese’s "work in
pro-posing the notion that there are three primary evolutionary domains
into which all living things may be classified led to a quantitative map,
or universal tree of life, by which the diversity of all life can be
assessed."
Woese and colleagues, particularly Ralph Wolfe,
emeritus professor of Microbiology, characterized methanogens—anaerobic
bacteria that produce methane gas as a metabolic by-product—by molecular
techniques that compared RNA. Through their work they discovered Archaea.
These microorganisms live in extreme, oxygen deprived environments.
"Carl Woese’s discovery and elucidation of
archaea, in essence a third form of life, fundamentally transformed our
view of biology," said Richard Herman, UI Provost.
Woese commented, "This award represents a
recognition by peers and public alike that the incredible diversity of
life on this planet, most of which is microbial, can only be understood in
an evolutionary framework." |
