When was Linus Pauling born and where did he grow up?
Linus Carl Pauling was born on the 28th of February 1901 in Portland, Oregon. The family moved to Condon, Oregon in 1905 when he was four years old.
Questions about Linus Pauling
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What major scientific theories did Linus Pauling develop during his career?
Linus Pauling published orbital hybridization theory in 1932 and introduced the electronegativity scale that same year. He also proposed the alpha helix and beta sheet structures for proteins in 1951 alongside Robert Corey and Herman Branson.
Why did Linus Pauling receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1962?
The Nobel Peace Prize Committee awarded Linus Pauling the prize for 1962 for campaigning ceaselessly against nuclear weapons tests since 1946. The award coincided with the day the Partial Test Ban Treaty went into force on the 10th of October 1963.
How did Linus Pauling contribute to the understanding of sickle cell anemia?
Linus Pauling published work on sickle cell anemia in November 1949 proving human disease could be caused by abnormal proteins. This research marked the dawn of molecular genetics by showing individuals had modified hemoglobin forms while those with the trait possessed both normal and abnormal versions.
What happened when Linus Pauling claimed vitamin C treated cancer?
Clinical trials conducted by Mayo Clinic oncologist Dr. Edward T. Creagan concluded ten thousand milligrams of vitamin C offered no benefit over placebo at treating cancer. The medical establishment judged his claims quackery despite Pauling denouncing study handling as fraud and deliberate misrepresentation.