Pioneering researcher who used X-ray crystallography to study the structure of biological molecules, leading to major breakthroughs in understanding DNA and proteins.
William Astbury, a renowned English physicist and molecular biologist, left an indelible mark on the scientific community with his groundbreaking X-ray diffraction studies of biological molecules. His pioneering work laid the foundation for Linus Pauling's discovery of the alpha helix, a fundamental structure in protein chemistry, and paved the way for a deeper understanding of DNA's double helix structure.
Born on February 25, 1898, in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, Astbury was the fourth of seven children to William Edwin Astbury, a potter. A scholarship to Longton High School sparked his interest in chemistry, thanks to the guidance of the Headmaster and second master. This early foundation led him to win the Duke of Sutherland's gold medal and secure a place at Jesus College, Cambridge.
Astbury's studies at Cambridge were interrupted by service during World War I. After being medically rated as unfit for combat due to an appendectomy, he was posted to Cork, Ireland with the Royal Army Medical Corps in 1917. Upon his return to Cambridge, he completed his studies with a specialization in physics.
After graduating, Astbury worked with the esteemed William Bragg, first at University College London and later at the Davy-Faraday Laboratory at the Royal Institution in London. During this period, he published papers in Classic Crystallography, including a seminal work on the structure of tartaric acid. This collaboration laid the groundwork for his future research in textile physics and biomolecular structure.
In 1928, Astbury was appointed Lecturer in Textile Physics at the University of Leeds, where he remained for the rest of his career. He was promoted to Reader in Textile Physics in 1937 and later became Professor of Biomolecular Structure. It was during this period that he made significant contributions to the understanding of DNA structure, publishing his findings in 1937.
Astbury's work not only provided the foundation for Linus Pauling's discovery of the alpha helix but also paved the way for Rosalind Franklin's and James Watson's discovery of the double helix structure of DNA. His pioneering research in biomolecular structure has had a profound impact on our understanding of the fundamental building blocks of life.
In recognition of his contributions, Astbury was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) in 1941. His legacy continues to inspire scientists and researchers, shaping our understanding of the intricate molecular structures that underpin life itself.
Born in 1920
A British scientist who contributed significantly to the discovery of the structure of DNA, providing high-quality X-ray crystallography images that helped James Watson and Francis Crick develop their famous model.
Born in 1916
A Nobel Prize-winning physicist and biologist who contributed significantly to the discovery of the structure of DNA, using X-ray crystallography to produce the first clear images of the molecule.
98 Years Old
Discovered the structure of DNA, revolutionizing our understanding of genetics and earning a Nobel Prize. Pioneering work in molecular biology has far-reaching implications for medicine and beyond.
Born in 1916
Pioneering scientist who discovered the structure of DNA, revolutionizing our understanding of genetics and life itself.
Born in 1901
Pioneering chemist and peace activist who won two unshared Nobel Prizes, one for chemistry and one for peace, for his groundbreaking work on the nature of the chemical bond and his tireless efforts to promote nuclear disarmament.
Born in 1885
A pioneer in quantum mechanics, he introduced the concept of wave-particle duality, revolutionizing our understanding of atomic structure. His philosophical approach to science also explored the nature of reality and human understanding.
Born in 1879
A brilliant physicist who developed the theory of relativity and is considered one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century, known for his groundbreaking work in physics and mathematics.
