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. 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. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in New Jersey’s Central Jersey,

in Greater Princeton,

and in the New York City Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Selman Waksman and Antibiotics (a few steps from this marker); The Indian Trail (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Ravine Bridge (approx. 0.4 miles away); Air-Inflated Double-Layer Polyethylene Greenhouse (approx. 0.6 miles away); Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple (approx. ¾ mile away); Sister City September 11 Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); Henry Guest House (approx. 0.8 miles away); Sister City Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Brunswick.

Marker view from Lipman Dr. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Matthew Drews, October 31, 2016

2. Marker view from Lipman Dr.

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 515 times since then and 17 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.