Origins & Early Life

Kary Banks Mullis (December 28, 1944 – August 7, 2019) was an American biochemist. In recognition of his role in the invention of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, he shared the 1993 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Michael Smith and was awarded the Japan Prize in the same year. PCR became a central technique in biochemistry and molecular biology, described by The New York Times as "highly original and significant, virtually dividing biology into the two epochs of before PCR and after PCR." Mullis downplayed humans' role in climate change, expressed doubt that HIV is the cause of AIDS, and professed a belief in astrology and the paranormal. He also practiced clandestine chemistry by producing LSD.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Mullis's unscientific statements about topics outside his area of expertise have been named by Skeptical Inquirer as an instance of "Nobel disease". Mullis was born in Lenoir, North Carolina, near the Blue Ridge Mountains, on December 28, 1944, to Cecil Banks Mullis and Bernice Barker Mullis. His family had a background in farming in this rural area. As a child, Mullis said, he was interested in observing organisms in the countryside. He and his cousins...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aimee Semple McPherson — Contemporary (Died in 1944) (1944): Pioneering Pentecostal evangelist, famous for founding the Foursquare Church.
• Alan Parker — Contemporary (Born in 1944) (1944): Acclaimed English filmmaker known for genre versatility and numerous BAFTA and Golden Globe wins.
• Ban Ki-moon — Contemporary (Born in 1944) (1944): South Korean diplomat who served as the UN Secretary-General from 2007 to 2016.
• Agnès Varda — Contemporary (Died in 2019) (2019): Pioneering French filmmaker, artist, and documentarian celebrated for her unique vision.
• Akihito — Contemporary (Died in 2019) (2019): 125th Emperor of Japan; reigned during the Heisei era (1989-2019).
• Albert Finney — Contemporary (Died in 2019) (2019): Esteemed English actor celebrated for his versatile stage and screen performances.
• Ante Pavelić — Shared historical date (12-28 · Died) (1959): Croatian politician and dictator of the Independent State of Croatia (1941-1945)
• Armando Manzanero — Shared historical date (12-28 · Died) (2020): Mexican composer and singer, celebrated for defining the romantic sound of postwar Latin America.
• Abanindranath Tagore — Shared historical date (08-07 · Born) (1871): Pioneering figure of the Bengal School, modernizing Indian art against Western influence.
• Constantius II — Shared historical date (08-07 · Born) (317): Roman Emperor whose reign was marked by border wars and religious strife.
• 1944 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1944
• December 28 (12-28) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on December 28
• 2019 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2019
• August 7 (08-07) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on August 7