Charles Best

Charles Best was a renowned Canadian medical scientist who made significant contributions to the field of physiology and biochemistry. He is best known for his work with Frederick Banting on the discovery of insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, at the University of Toronto. Best's research was influenced by the work of Paul Langerhans, Oskar Minkowski, and Joseph von Mering, who had previously studied the pancreas and its role in diabetes. His collaboration with Banting was facilitated by John Macleod, a Scottish-Canadian physiologist who had made important contributions to the understanding of carbohydrate metabolism.

● Early Life and Education

Best was born in West Pembroke, Newfoundland and Labrador, to Lucretia Ann Fowler and Herbert Best. He moved to Toronto, Ontario, with his family at a young age and attended Harbord Collegiate Institute. Best then enrolled in the University of Toronto, where he studied physiology and biochemistry under the guidance of John Macleod and Archibald Byron Macallum. During his time at the university, Best was exposed to the work of prominent scientists such as Henry Dale, Otto Loewi, and Corneille Heymans, who were making significant contributions to the field of physiology. Best's education was also influenced by the research of Robert Koch, Louis Pasteur, and Robert Millikan, who had made important discoveries in the fields of bacteriology, virology, and physics.

● Career

After completing his education, Best began working with Frederick Banting at the University of Toronto on the isolation and purification of insulin. Their research was supported by the University of Toronto, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the Eli Lilly and Company. Best's work with Banting led to the development of a method for extracting insulin from the pancreas of animals, which was then used to treat patients with diabetes. The discovery of insulin was a major breakthrough in the treatment of diabetes and had a significant impact on the field of endocrinology. Best's career was also influenced by the work of Hans Selye, Bernardo Houssay, and Edward Calvin Kendall, who were making important contributions to the understanding of hormone regulation and stress response.

● Research and Discoveries

Best's research focused on the isolation and purification of insulin and its effects on carbohydrate metabolism. He worked closely with Banting and other researchers, including James Collip and John Macleod, to develop a method for extracting insulin from the pancreas of animals. Best's research was also influenced by the work of Carl Cori, Gerty Cori, and Earl Sutherland, who were making important contributions to the understanding of carbohydrate metabolism and hormone regulation. The discovery of insulin was recognized with the awarding of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to Banting and Macleod in 1923. Best's contributions to the discovery of insulin were also recognized with the awarding of the Flavelle Medal and the Banting Medal.

● Legacy and Awards

Best's legacy is closely tied to the discovery of insulin and its impact on the treatment of diabetes. He was awarded numerous honors and awards for his contributions to the field of physiology and biochemistry, including the Flavelle Medal, the Banting Medal, and the Order of Canada. Best's work with Banting and other researchers led to the establishment of the Banting and Best Diabetes Centre at the University of Toronto, which is dedicated to the study and treatment of diabetes. The centre is supported by the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and the World Health Organization. Best's legacy is also recognized by the American Diabetes Association, the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, and the International Diabetes Federation.

● Personal Life

Best was married to Margaret Mahon, and they had two children together. He was a prominent figure in Toronto society and was involved in various charitable organizations, including the Canadian Red Cross and the Salvation Army. Best's personal life was also influenced by his friendships with other prominent scientists, including Linus Pauling, Erwin Schrödinger, and Niels Bohr, who were making important contributions to the fields of chemistry, physics, and biology. Best's legacy continues to be celebrated by the University of Toronto, the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, and the National Academy of Sciences. Category:Canadian scientists