Edward B. Lewis, sometimes called the father of developmental genetics, has dedicated a lifetime of research to the study of gene clusters responsible for early embryonic development. His tenacity resulted in important discoveries and led to formal recognition of his work. In 1995, Lewis was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his groundbreaking genetic research. He shared the prize with two other scientists, Eric Wieschaus of Princeton University and Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard of the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology in Germany. Working independently of his co-recipients, Lewis studied "master control" gene clusters in fruit flies and subsequently discovered their corresponding human counterparts. Such a discovery promises to explain and eventually prevent congenital human malformations (about 40% of all human birth defects). It may also lead to improved in-vitro fertilization techniques, as well as a better understanding of substances harmful to early pregnancy.

Edward B. Lewis...