The high-yield variety of rice he produced in the 1970s prevented countless people from dying of starvation.

Throughout his career, the University of California, Berkeley, herpetologist named 144 species of salamanders.

Free’s dip-and-read urinalysis allowed diabetics to monitor glucose levels at home, rather than at a hospital.

Dyck was widely respected for working alongside indigenous groups as he studied polar bears on their ancestral lands.

In addition to isolating the first protein-coding gene from a eukaryote, Kedes furthered scientists’ understanding of actin genes and also laid the foundations for modern DNA databases such as GenBank.

Brock’s discovery of a thermophile bacteria at Yellowstone National Park in 1966 eventually enabled the development of PCR.

Research by the Stanford University School of Medicine professor revealed how newly formed strings of amino acids fold into complex three-dimensional shapes.

A physician and neurobiologist at the Rockefeller University who specialized in addiction research, Kreek was best known for her work on developing the treatment for heroin addiction.

The cancer researcher and executive vice president of AstraZeneca’s oncology research and development is well known for his role in the development of pivotal breast cancer therapies.

Wolpert, who conducted research at University College London, was known for his work on morphogenesis and pattern development in embryos and for his multiple books and broadcast appearances.

The oncologist developed lifesaving childhood leukemia treatments and revolutionized chemotherapy.

His career was dedicated to understanding and protecting frog populations.

The Cardiff University researcher was famous both for his work on genetic disorders and for his documentation of the history of his field.

The Rutgers University researcher created the first FDA-authorized spit test, which has since been used by millions of people.

The Boyce Thompson Institute researcher’s work revealed key insights into how plant pathogens recognize and colonize their hosts.

Sykes sequenced famous ancient remains, such as Ötzi and Cheddar Man, and was one of the first researchers to use mitochondrial DNA to trace genetic lineages.

The UCSF microbiologist pioneered investigations into the deadly disease starting in the late 1960s that have led to the near eradication of trachoma, a chlamydia-related eye infection.

The Sloan Kettering researcher used mutagenic screening to probe genes and molecular pathways, including Toll and Hedgehog, essential to development in fruit flies and mice.

The scientific community bid farewell to researchers who furthered the fields of molecular biology, virology, sleep science, and immunology, among others.