Herbert Spencer Gasser (5 July 1888 – 11 May 1963) was a prominent American physiologist. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
Life and Career
He was born on 5 July 1888, in Platteville, Wisconsin, United States. He received his education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in 1910. He then continued his studies at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, earning his medical degree in 1915.
During his time at Johns Hopkins, Gasser became fascinated with the field of electrophysiology, which involves the study of electrical phenomena in living organisms.
His studies involved developing innovative techniques to measure and analyze nerve signals. He conducted experiments on nerve fibers and muscle cells to investigate the mechanisms underlying the transmission of electrical impulses along neurons. His research laid the foundation for understanding how nerve impulses are generated, propagated, and interpreted by the nervous system.
One of Gasser’s notable achievements was his collaboration with Joseph Erlanger. Together, they conducted studies in the early 1920s that involved stimulating nerves and recording the resulting electrical signals. Their work led to the development of the “Erlanger-Gasser method,” which allowed for precise measurements of nerve conduction velocities.
He continued his influential work and made significant contributions to the field of neurophysiology. He served as the head of the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research (now Rockefeller University) from 1953 to 1967, where he mentored numerous aspiring scientists and furthered our understanding of nervous system function.
He died on 11 May 1963, in New York City.
Award and Legacy
In 1944, Gasser was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, jointly with his colleague Joseph Erlanger, for their work on the conduction of nerve impulses.
His legacy in the field of physiology and neuroscience is significant. His pioneering work in electrophysiology revolutionized our understanding of how nerve signals are transmitted and processed. Gasser’s experiments and discoveries provided a foundation for further advancements in neurophysiology and laid the groundwork for future research in the field.