Edwin Cohn

Edwin Cohn was a renowned American biochemist who made significant contributions to the field of protein chemistry and hematology. He is best known for his work on the development of plasma fractionation, a process that led to the creation of life-saving medicines such as albumin and gamma globulin. Cohn's research was heavily influenced by his collaborations with prominent scientists, including Linus Pauling and Karl Landsteiner. His work had a profound impact on the development of modern medicine, particularly in the fields of transfusion medicine and immunology.

● Early Life and Education

Edwin Cohn was born in New York City to a family of German and Austrian descent. He developed an interest in science at an early age, which was encouraged by his parents and teachers at DeWitt Clinton High School. Cohn went on to study chemistry at Harvard University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in 1914. He then pursued his graduate studies at Harvard University, working under the guidance of prominent chemists such as Theodore William Richards and Lawrence Joseph Henderson. Cohn's graduate research focused on the physical chemistry of proteins, which laid the foundation for his future work in protein chemistry and hematology.

● Career

Cohn began his academic career as an instructor at Harvard University, where he taught chemistry and biochemistry courses. He later became an assistant professor at Harvard University and established his own research laboratory, which focused on the study of proteins and their applications in medicine. Cohn's research was supported by grants from organizations such as the Rockefeller Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. He also collaborated with scientists from other institutions, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University of California, Berkeley. Cohn's work on plasma fractionation led to the development of new medicines and therapies, which were used to treat patients at hospitals such as Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston Children's Hospital.

● Research and Contributions

Cohn's research on plasma fractionation revolutionized the field of transfusion medicine and led to the development of life-saving medicines such as albumin and gamma globulin. He worked closely with scientists such as Karl Landsteiner and Alexander Solomon Wiener to develop new methods for blood typing and cross-matching. Cohn's research also focused on the study of proteins and their applications in medicine, including the use of enzymes and hormones as therapeutic agents. His work was influenced by the research of prominent scientists such as Linus Pauling and Emil von Behring, and he collaborated with organizations such as the American Red Cross and the National Academy of Sciences. Cohn's contributions to science and medicine were recognized by his election to the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

● Awards and Honors

Cohn received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science and medicine, including the Elliott Cresson Medal from the Franklin Institute and the Albert Lasker Award from the Lasker Foundation. He was also awarded honorary degrees from universities such as Harvard University and Yale University. Cohn's work was recognized by organizations such as the American Medical Association and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and he was elected to the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. His contributions to transfusion medicine and protein chemistry were also recognized by the International Society of Blood Transfusion and the Protein Society.

● Personal Life

Cohn was married to Martha Louise Cohn, and they had two children together. He was a prominent figure in Boston society and was involved in various philanthropic activities, including supporting the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Cohn was also an avid music lover and enjoyed playing the piano in his free time. He was a member of various social clubs, including the Harvard Club of Boston and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Cohn's legacy continues to be celebrated by organizations such as the Edwin Cohn Memorial Fund and the Harvard University Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Category:American biochemists