Origins & Early Life

Rita Levi-Montalcini (born Rita Levi; 22 April 1909 – 30 December 2012) was an Italian neurobiologist. She was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine jointly with colleague Stanley Cohen for the discovery of nerve growth factor (NGF). From 2001 until her death, she also served in the Italian Senate as a senator for life. This honor was given due to her significant scientific contributions.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

On 22 April 2009, she became the first Nobel laureate to reach the age of 100, and the event was feted with a party at Rome's City Hall. Levi-Montalcini was born on 22 April 1909 in Turin, to Italian Jewish parents with roots dating back to the Roman Empire. She and her twin sister Paola (who would become a respected artist best known for her reflective aluminum sculptures) were the youngest of four children. Her parents were Adele Montalcini, a painter, and Adamo Levi, an electrical engineer and mathematician, whose families had moved from Asti and Casale Monferrato, respectively, to Turin at the turn of the twentieth century. In her teenage years, she considered becoming a writer and admired Swedish writer Selma Lagerlöf, but after seeing a close...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

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

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Barry Goldwater — Contemporary (Born in 1909) (1909): Conservative Senator and Presidential Nominee who championed modern American conservatism.
• Burl Ives — Contemporary (Born in 1909) (1909): Iconic American folk singer, actor, and voice artist known for Christmas music.
• Adam Yauch — Contemporary (Died in 2012) (2012): Founding member of Beastie Boys; influential rapper, filmmaker, and Tibetan activist.
• Alfred F. Young — Contemporary (Died in 2012) (2012): Pioneering American historian of the Revolution and working-class social history.
• Blue Ivy Carter — Contemporary (Born in 2012) (2012): American singer, actress, and dancer, daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
• Aaron Spelling — Shared historical date (04-22 · Born) (1923): Pioneering American producer of hit TV series like Dynasty and Beverly Hills, 90210.
• Alan Bond — Shared historical date (04-22 · Born) (1938): Australian businessman known for high-profile dealings, the America's Cup, and founding Bond University.
• Al-Qushayri — Shared historical date (12-30 · Died) (1072): Eminent Arab scholar, Sufi philosopher, and master of Islamic sciences.
• Alfred North Whitehead — Shared historical date (12-30 · Died) (1947): Pioneering philosopher and mathematician who established Process Philosophy.
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