George Wald (Scientist) - On This Day

Profession: Scientist

Biography: George Wald was an American scientist known for his work with pigments in the retina. He shared the 1967 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Haldan Keffer Hartline and Ragnar Granit. The trio's collective work significantly contributed to our understanding of vision, particularly how the eyes perceive and adapt to color.

Wald spent most of his scientific career studying the eye. He made several critical discoveries concerning the chemical reactions that occur in the retina and allow it to respond to light. He also researched the role of vitamin A in vision, establishing that it is a component of the photoreceptor molecule in the retina.

Wald's pioneering work in the field of vision physiology greatly advanced scientific understanding of the eye. Beyond his scientific contributions, he was also known for his social activism, particularly his public opposition to the Vietnam War and his views on the dangers of nuclear weapons.

Born: November 18, 1906
Birthplace: NYC, New York, USA

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Horse
Star Sign: Scorpio

Died: April 12, 1997 (aged 90)

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