Linus Pauling - Bio, Age, Chinese Zodiac Sign & Timeline
| Born | February 28, 1901 |
|---|---|
| Died | August 19, 1994 (age 93) |
| Birthplace | Portland, Oregon, USA |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Chinese Zodiac | Ox |
| Generation | Greatest Generation |
| Known For | Pioneering research in chemistry and molecular biology, Nobel Prizes in Chemistry and Peace, and advocacy for vitamin C. |
Intro
Linus Pauling was a highly influential American chemist, biochemist, and peace activist. He remains one of the most important scientists of the 20th century, recognized for his groundbreaking work in chemical bonding and molecular biology. Pauling is distinguished as one of the only individuals to ever receive two unshared Nobel Prizes: the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1954) for his research into the nature of the chemical bond, and the Nobel Peace Prize (1962) for his activism against nuclear weapons testing. Beyond academia, Pauling became an advocate for the potential health benefits of vitamin C, though some of his claims remain controversial.
Early Life & Background
Linus Carl Pauling was born in Portland, Oregon, on February 28, 1901. He grew up in modest circumstances; his father was a pharmacist who died when Linus was nine. Interested in science from a young age, Pauling built his own chemistry laboratory as a teenager and began college at Oregon Agricultural College (now Oregon State University).
Career Highlights
- Awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1954 for research on chemical bonds and the structures of molecules
- Received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1962 for his efforts against nuclear weapons testing
- Co-founded the field of molecular biology by determining the structure of proteins such as the alpha helix
- Author of influential textbooks and numerous scientific articles
- Advocated for the health benefits of vitamin C and micronutrients
- Served as a professor at the California Institute of Technology for decades
Trivia
- Pauling is one of only four people—and the only scientist—to receive two unshared Nobel Prizes.
- He was an outspoken peace activist and circulated petitions against nuclear testing, which contributed to the Partial Test Ban Treaty.
- His advocacy for vitamin C as a cure for the common cold and as a cancer treatment remains controversial within the medical community.
- Pauling's scientific output spans chemistry, physics, biology, and medicine.
- The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University is named in his honor.
FAQs
People also ask
When was Linus Pauling born?
Linus Pauling was born the 28 February 1901.
Where is Linus Pauling from?
Portland, Oregon, USA.
On His Birth-Day
About February 28th, 1901, in brief:
- Historical events: Linus Pauling was born, a groundbreaking American chemist who would later become one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century. He is the only person to have won two unshared Nobel Prizes - the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1954) and the Nobel Peace Prize (1962). His work in quantum chemistry, molecular biology, and his advocacy for nuclear disarmament would profoundly impact scientific understanding and global peace efforts.
- Day of the week: February 28th, 1901 was a Thursday
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces (in western zodiac), Ox (in Chinese zodiac)
- Moon Phase: Waxing gibbous
- #1 US song: American Patrol by Sousa's Band
- Popular movie: The Ghost Train directed by Walter Forde
Check the link for more news and curiosities on February 28th, 1901.