Kary Mullis

Date of Birth: December 28, 1944

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: August 7, 2019

Biography

Kary Banks Mullis was an American biochemist renowned for his invention of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, a groundbreaking method that allows for the amplification of small segments of DNA. Born in Lenoir, North Carolina, Mullis grew up with an inquisitive mind and a fascination for the natural world. He pursued his undergraduate studies in chemistry at Georgia Institute of Technology, graduating in 1966, and earned a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1973. In 1983, while working at Cetus Corporation, Mullis conceptualized the PCR technique, which revolutionized molecular biology and medical diagnostics. This innovation earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1993, alongside Michael Smith. Beyond his scientific achievements, Mullis was known for his unconventional views on various scientific and social issues, often sparking debate within the scientific community. Mullis authored several scientific papers and an autobiography titled “Dancing Naked in the Mind Field,” where he shared his experiences and perspectives on science and life. Throughout his career, he continued to work on various scientific projects and held numerous patents.

5 Interesting Facts about Kary Mullis

1. Kary Mullis won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1993 for his invention of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique.

2. Mullis was an avid surfer and often credited his best ideas to moments of relaxation during surfing.

3. He was known for his controversial views, including skepticism about HIV’s role in AIDS and climate change.

4. Mullis’s invention of PCR has been essential in various fields, including forensic science, where it is used for DNA fingerprinting.

5. He published an autobiography, “Dancing Naked in the Mind Field,” in 1998, which details his life and unconventional thinking.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Kary Mullis

1. “Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.”

2. “Sometimes you need to let your mind wander and see what it comes up with.”

3. “PCR made it easier to see that certain diseases were caused by specific genes.”

4. “I have had the luxury of being able to follow my curiosity without having to worry about much else.”

5. “Science grows like a weed every year.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Kary Mullis’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, largely owing to the success and widespread application of the PCR technique.