From the Century of Endocrinology: 1959 – 1960: Radioimmunoassay Developed

  • Aug 2016
Solomon Berson and Rosalyn Yalow
Solomon Berson and Rosalyn Yalow

Rosalyn Yalow (Society President, 1978-1979) and Solomon Berson (Society member) developed a technique that uses radioactive materials to investigate the human body for small amounts of substances.

In 1959, Yalow and Berson perfected their measurement technique and named it radioimmunoassay (RIA). RIA is extremely sensitive. It can measure one trillionth of a gram of material per milliliter of blood. Due to the small sample required for measurement, RIA quickly became a standard laboratory tool. Yalow later won the 1977 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for her work.

For more about the Century of Endocrinology, go to: www.ESCentennial.org/timeline.

You may also like

  • Webinar Will Examine Concerns Around Compounding Anti-Obesity Medications

    Endocrine Society to host virtual Science Writers Conference Nov. 14 Surging demand for a new generation of highly effective anti-obesity medications is creating interest in compounded versions of these medications. Endocrine Society experts will discuss the importance of prescribing FDA-approved medications to treat obesity during the Society’s Virtual Science Writers Conference on November 14. What:…

  • Bianco Named Vice President and Vice Provost for Research, Chief Research Officer at UTMB

    Antonio Bianco, MD, PhD, has joined the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) as vice president and vice provost, research, and chief research officer, effective Sept. 1. A renowned physician-scientist, scholar, and research leader, Bianco possesses an impressive academic career that includes influential contributions to the field of thyroid diseases and an enduring commitment to…

Find more in