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A conversation that began with a couple of deli sandwiches ended with one of the most profound advances in the history of science.
Stanley Cohen (right), a Stanford University professor, and Herbert Boyer (left), a University of California professor, met at a conference in Hawaii, where they were both presenting papers on their research. Cohen had been working on ways to splice genes together, but couldn't find a way to merge the splices together, while Boyer had just recently discovered an enzyme that had the capacity to do just that.
The two immediately began the process of creating the framework for recombinant DNA (gene splicing), the basis of the entire biotechnology revolution. Together, they figured out how to take a piece of foreign DNA, introduce it into a simple cell called a "plasmid," and turn that plasmid into a factory recreating the original DNA over and over again.
To put it simply, they were able to splice together genes from two different organisms to create an entirely new variation. Their work produced myriad innovations, including synthetic insulin, interferon, and human growth hormone. It also set the stage for future generations of scientists to use and advance the technology to make advancements in science, medicine and agriculture.
For their efforts, they were awarded numerous scientific honors, including the Lemelson-MIT Prize, the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology.
Cohen and Boyer's collaboration, not only resulted in great recognition in the scientific community, it made them both fabulously wealthy. Licenses from their patents have earned them over $250 million.
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