New Brunswick in Middlesex County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Milestones in Microbiology
American Society for Microbiology
Photographed By Matthew Drews, October 31, 2016
1. Milestones in Microbiology Marker
Inscription.
Milestones in Microbiology. American Society for Microbiology. In 1901, Edward B. Vorhees established here the country's first academic Department of Soil Chemistry and Bacteriology. Early studies by Jacob Lipman, Selman Waksman, Robert Starkey, and René Dubos explored microbial roles in the nitrogen cycle, sulfur transformation, and the conversion of cellulose in the top soil. Their work laid the foundation for understanding the absolute centrality of microorganisms in recycling of biomass and other processes vital to the world's ecosystems.
These explorations also enhanced understanding of the symbolic and antagonistic relationships among soil microbes, providing the content for the first systematic search for naturally occurring antibacterial substances. Under Waksman's direction, this program led to the discovery of many of the first important antibiotics (a term coined by Waksman): actinomycin A, streptomycin, neomycin B, and candician. The extraordinary impact of these discoveries spurred the development of antibiotic research in the mid-20th century, leading to dramatic improvements in public health worldwide.
The contributions of the Rutgers Soil Microbiology program exemplify the ideals of the microbiological sciences: to advance the understanding of basic life processes, and to apply that knowledge to improve health and economic and environmental well being.
In 1901, Edward B. Vorhees established here the country's first academic Department of Soil Chemistry and Bacteriology. Early studies by Jacob Lipman, Selman Waksman, Robert Starkey, and René Dubos explored microbial roles in the nitrogen cycle, sulfur transformation, and the conversion of cellulose in the top soil. Their work laid the foundation for understanding the absolute centrality of microorganisms in recycling of biomass and other processes vital to the world's ecosystems.
These explorations also enhanced understanding of the symbolic and antagonistic relationships among soil microbes, providing the content for the first systematic search for naturally occurring antibacterial substances. Under Waksman's direction, this program led to the discovery of many of the first important antibiotics (a term coined by Waksman): actinomycin A, streptomycin, neomycin B, and candician. The extraordinary impact of these discoveries spurred the development of antibiotic research in the mid-20th century, leading to dramatic improvements in public health worldwide.
The contributions of the Rutgers Soil Microbiology program exemplify the ideals of the microbiological sciences: to advance the understanding of basic life processes, and to apply that knowledge to improve health and economic and environmental well being.
Erected
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2002 by the American Society for Microbiology.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1901.
Location. 40° 28.85′ N, 74° 26.333′ W. Marker is in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in Middlesex County. Marker is on Lipman Dr, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 88 Lipman Dr, New Brunswick NJ 08901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Marker is to the right of the door from Martin Hall.
Photographed By Matthew Drews, October 31, 2016
3. Martin Hall
Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2016, by Matthew Drews of Somerville, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 340 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on November 1, 2016, by Matthew Drews of Somerville, New Jersey. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
