# Stanley Cohen

> American biochemist

**Wikidata**: [Q232299](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q232299)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_Cohen_(biochemist))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/stanley-cohen-q232299

## Summary
Stanley Cohen was an American biochemist who discovered nerve growth factor (NGF), a crucial protein that stimulates the growth and survival of neurons. His work laid the foundation for understanding neural development and neurodegenerative diseases. Cohen was a professor at Washington University in St. Louis and a member of the National Academy of Sciences.

## Biography
- Born: November 17, 1922, in New York City, United States
- Nationality: American
- Education:
  - Bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College (1942)
  - Master’s degree from Brooklyn College (1943)
  - Ph.D. from Brooklyn College (1946)
- Known for: Discovering nerve growth factor (NGF) and its role in neural development
- Employer(s):
  - Washington University in St. Louis (1950–2020)
  - Vanderbilt University (1960s)
  - University of Michigan (1970s)
- Field(s): Biochemistry, endocrinology, physiology

## Contributions
- **Discovery of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)**: Cohen identified NGF in 1954, a protein essential for the survival and growth of neurons. This discovery revolutionized neuroscience by providing a key regulator of neural development and repair.
- **Research on Protein Synthesis**: Cohen contributed to the understanding of protein synthesis in cells, particularly in the context of neural function.
- **Awards and Recognition**:
  - Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1986, shared with Rita Levi-Montalcini)
  - Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research (1972)
  - National Medal of Science (1989)
  - Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize (1972)
  - Rosenstiel Award (1971)
  - Franklin Medal (1986)

## FAQs
### What was Stanley Cohen’s most significant scientific discovery?
Stanley Cohen discovered nerve growth factor (NGF) in 1954, a protein critical for the survival and growth of neurons. This discovery provided foundational insights into neural development and neurodegenerative diseases.

### Where did Stanley Cohen conduct his academic career?
Cohen held faculty positions at Washington University in St. Louis, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Michigan. He was a professor at Washington University for over 70 years.

### What awards did Stanley Cohen receive?
Cohen received numerous prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1986), the Albert Lasker Award (1972), and the National Medal of Science (1989).

### How did Stanley Cohen’s work influence neuroscience?
Cohen’s discovery of nerve growth factor (NGF) laid the groundwork for understanding neural development, repair, and neurodegenerative diseases, shaping modern neuroscience research.

## Why They Matter
Stanley Cohen’s discovery of nerve growth factor (NGF) was a landmark achievement in biochemistry and neuroscience. His work provided critical insights into neural development and repair, influencing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Cohen’s Nobel Prize-winning collaboration with Rita Levi-Montalcini demonstrated the power of interdisciplinary research. His contributions to protein synthesis and cellular biology have had lasting impacts on medical research and biotechnology. Cohen’s legacy endures through his mentorship of scientists and his role in advancing our understanding of neural function.

## Notable For
- **Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1986)**: Shared with Rita Levi-Montalcini for discovering nerve growth factor (NGF).
- **Discovery of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)**: Revolutionized neuroscience by identifying a key regulator of neural development.
- **Longstanding Academic Career**: Held faculty positions at Washington University, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Michigan.
- **Prestigious Awards**: Recipient of the Albert Lasker Award, National Medal of Science, and Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize.
- **Membership in National Academy of Sciences**: Recognized for his contributions to biochemistry and endocrinology.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Stanley Cohen was born on November 17, 1922, in New York City. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Brooklyn College in 1942 and 1943, respectively. He completed his Ph.D. in biochemistry from Brooklyn College in 1946.

### Academic Career
Cohen began his academic career at Washington University in St. Louis in 1950, where he remained for over 70 years. He also held faculty positions at Vanderbilt University and the University of Michigan. His long tenure at Washington University solidified his reputation as a leading biochemist.

### Scientific Contributions
Cohen’s most significant contribution was the discovery of nerve growth factor (NGF) in 1954. This protein was later found to be essential for the survival and growth of neurons, making it a critical regulator of neural development. His work on protein synthesis furthered our understanding of cellular processes.

### Awards and Recognition
Cohen received numerous prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1986), the Albert Lasker Award (1972), and the National Medal of Science (1989). His accolades reflect the impact of his research on biochemistry and neuroscience.

### Legacy
Stanley Cohen’s legacy endures through his groundbreaking discoveries and mentorship of scientists. His work on NGF continues to influence research in neurodegenerative diseases and neural repair. Cohen’s contributions to biochemistry and endocrinology have left a lasting impact on the scientific community.

## References

1. [Stanley Cohen, Vanderbilt biochemist who won Nobel Prize, has died. Vanderbilt University. 2020](https://news.vanderbilt.edu/2020/02/06/stanley-cohen-vanderbilt-biochemist-who-won-nobel-prize-has-died/)
2. Integrated Authority File
3. [Stanley Cohen – Biographical. Nobel Foundation](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/1986/cohen/biographical/)
4. [Vanderbilt Nobel Laureates: Stanley Cohen. Vanderbilt University](https://www.vanderbilt.edu/info/nobel/#:~:text=Stanley%20Cohen%20and%20Rita%20Levi,Distinguished%20Professor%20of%20Biochemistry%2C%20Emeritus.)
5. [Source](https://www.vanderbilt.edu/info/nobel/#:~:text=Stanley%20Cohen%20and%20Rita%20Levi,Distinguished%20Professor%20of%20Biochemistry%2C%20Emeritus.)
6. [1986 Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award: Growth factors – NGF and EGF. Lasker Foundation](http://www.laskerfoundation.org/awards/show/growth-factors-ngf-and-egf/)
7. [The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1986. Nobel Foundation](http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/1986/)
8. [The Nobel Prize amounts. Nobel Foundation](https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/about/amounts/)
9. [GM Cancer Previous Prize Winners](http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/philanthropy/cancer_research/prize.htm)
10. [Source](https://www.brandeis.edu/rosenstiel/rosenstiel-award/past.html)
11. [Stanley Cohen. Franklin Institute](https://fi.edu/en/awards/laureates/stanley-cohen)
12. [Source](https://www.endocrine.org/awards/laureate-awards/past-laureate-award-recipients)
13. Virtual International Authority File
14. Stanley Cohen (biochemist). SNAC
15. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
16. Munzinger Personen
17. [Biochemist and Nobel Prize winner Stanley Cohen dies in Nashville at age 97. 2020](https://eu.tennessean.com/story/news/local/2020/02/05/stanley-cohen-biochemist-nobel-prize-winner-dies/4669415002/)
18. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
19. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
20. Enciclopedia Treccani
21. LIBRIS. 2018