James V. Neel

James V. Neel

Birth date	March 22, 1915
Birth place	Hamilton, Ohio, United States
Died	February 1, 2000
Place of death	Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Nationality	American
Known for	Human genetics, Thrifty gene hypothesis
Awards	National Medal of Science

James Van Gundia Neel (March 22, 1915 – February 1, 2000) was a pioneering American geneticist and a key figure in the development of human genetics. He is best known for his work on the genetic basis of human disease and his contributions to the understanding of population genetics.

Early Life and Education

James V. Neel was born in Hamilton, Ohio, and developed an early interest in the natural sciences. He attended Ohio State University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1935. He then pursued graduate studies at the University of Rochester, where he received his Ph.D. in 1939. His doctoral research focused on the genetics of Drosophila, a model organism in genetic studies.

Career and Research

Neel's career was marked by his innovative research in human genetics. After completing his Ph.D., he joined the faculty at the University of Michigan, where he spent the majority of his career. Neel's research interests were broad, encompassing the genetic basis of sickle cell anemia, the effects of radiation on human populations, and the genetic structure of indigenous populations.

Sickle Cell Anemia

One of Neel's most significant contributions was his work on sickle cell anemia. In the 1940s, he proposed the "heterozygote advantage" hypothesis, suggesting that carriers of the sickle cell trait had a survival advantage in regions endemic with malaria. This work laid the foundation for understanding the balanced polymorphism in human populations.

Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission

Following World War II, Neel was involved in studies of the survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. As part of the Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission, he investigated the genetic effects of radiation exposure, contributing to the understanding of mutagenesis and radiation genetics.

Thrifty Gene Hypothesis

Neel is also known for proposing the "thrifty gene hypothesis" in 1962. This hypothesis suggests that certain genetic traits that were advantageous in ancient environments, such as efficient fat storage, may predispose individuals to metabolic disorders like diabetes in modern societies with abundant food supplies.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Neel received numerous accolades for his contributions to science. In 1974, he was awarded the National Medal of Science for his pioneering work in human genetics. He was also a member of the National Academy of Sciences and received honorary degrees from several institutions.

Legacy

James V. Neel's work has had a lasting impact on the field of genetics and human biology. His research has influenced studies on genetic diseases, population genetics, and the interaction between genetics and environment. Neel's interdisciplinary approach and commitment to understanding human diversity continue to inspire geneticists and anthropologists today.

Also see

• Human genetics
• Population genetics
• Sickle cell anemia
• Thrifty gene hypothesis
• Radiation genetics