Description: (Geneticist)
Oliver Smithies was a distinguished geneticist and physical biochemist known for his groundbreaking contributions to genetic research. In 1955, he introduced starch as a medium for gel electrophoresis, revolutionizing the field. Smithies played a pivotal role in the discovery of homologous recombination of transgenic DNA with genomic DNA, a significant advancement in altering animal genomes. This technique led to the development of gene targeting and the creation of knockout mice. In 2007, Smithies was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in recognition of his exceptional work in genetics.