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Scientist Exhibit

Rosalyn Yalow

Physics • Medicine & Health

1921 – 2011 United States

Co-developed radioimmunoassay for measuring tiny concentrations of hormones and other biological substances

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Rosalyn Yalow

Overview

About Rosalyn Yalow

Rosalyn Yalow was a medical physicist who, with Solomon Berson, developed radioimmunoassay, or RIA. The technique uses radioactive tracers and antibodies to measure extremely small concentrations of substances such as hormones in blood. RIA transformed endocrinology, diagnostics, and biomedical research. Yalow received the 1977 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

Scientific Contribution

Key Discovery

Radioimmunoassay

A highly sensitive technique for measuring very small concentrations of hormones and other biological substances.

Life Timeline

Important Moments

1947

career

Begins research at the Bronx Veterans Administration Hospital

Yalow began the long research career at the Bronx VA Medical Center where she would collaborate with physician Solomon Berson.

1959

discovery

Develops radioimmunoassay with Solomon Berson

Yalow and Berson developed radioimmunoassay, an exceptionally sensitive method for measuring tiny concentrations of hormones and other substances in blood.

1977

award

Receives the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

Yalow shared the 1977 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the development of radioimmunoassays of peptide hormones.

1988

award

Receives the National Medal of Science

Yalow received the United States National Medal of Science for her contributions to medical physics and biomedical research.

Places & Networks

Institutions

hospital/research institution

Bronx Veterans Administration Hospital

Bronx , United States

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