Tell me a bio of Robert Guthrie.

Include key facts about their life, career, achievements, and impact.

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Robert Guthrie (1916-1995) was an American biochemist and microbiologist who made significant contributions to the field of public health, particularly in the area of newborn screening. Here's a brief bio of his life, career, achievements, and impact:

**Early Life and Education**

Robert Guthrie was born on June 28, 1916, in Marionville, Missouri. He grew up in a family of modest means and was raised by his parents, who encouraged his interest in science and mathematics. Guthrie earned his Bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Minnesota in 1939 and his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Minnesota in 1943.

**Career**

Guthrie began his career as a research scientist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he worked on the development of vaccines and antibiotics. In 1953, he joined the New York State Department of Health, where he became interested in the field of newborn screening. Guthrie's work focused on developing tests to detect genetic disorders in newborns, which led to the development of the first screening test for phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic disorder that can cause intellectual disability if left untreated.

**Achievements**

Guthrie's most significant achievement was the development of the Guthrie test, a simple and inexpensive blood test that can detect PKU in newborns. The test, which involves a heel prick to collect a blood sample, was first introduced in the 1960s and has since become a standard screening test for newborns worldwide. Guthrie's work also led to the development of screening tests for other genetic disorders, including congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease.

**Impact**

Guthrie's work had a profound impact on public health. The Guthrie test has saved countless lives and prevented intellectual disability in millions of children worldwide. The test has also led to the development of newborn screening programs in many countries, which have improved the health outcomes of newborns and reduced the incidence of genetic disorders. Guthrie's work has also inspired a new generation of researchers and scientists to work on developing new screening tests for genetic disorders.

**Awards and Recognition**

Guthrie received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the National Medal of Science in 1972, the Albert Lasker Award in 1975, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1981. He was also elected to the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

**Legacy**

Robert Guthrie's legacy extends beyond his scientific contributions. He was a pioneer in the field of newborn screening, and his work has had a lasting impact on public health. The Guthrie test remains a standard screening test for newborns worldwide, and his work continues to inspire new research and innovation in the field of genetic disorders.
Here is a bio of Robert Guthrie:

**Early Life and Education**

Robert Guthrie (1916-1995) was an American microbiologist and biochemist who made significant contributions to the field of pediatric medicine. He was born on June 28, 1916, in Hot Springs, Montana, to a family of modest means. Guthrie's interest in science was sparked by his high school chemistry teacher, who encouraged him to pursue a career in the field. He earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Minnesota in 1938 and a master's degree in organic chemistry from the University of Minnesota in 1940.

**Career**

Guthrie began his career as a research chemist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he worked on the development of penicillin. In 1945, he joined the staff of the New York State Department of Health, where he worked on the development of vaccines and diagnostic tests for infectious diseases. In 1960, Guthrie became the director of the Department of Microbiology at the New York State Department of Health, a position he held until his retirement in 1982.

**Achievements**

Guthrie's most notable achievement was the development of a simple, inexpensive test for detecting phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic disorder that can cause intellectual disability if left untreated. The test, known as the Guthrie test, involves a simple blood test that can detect the presence of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase, which is absent in individuals with PKU. The test was first introduced in 1961 and quickly became a standard diagnostic tool for PKU.

Guthrie's work on PKU testing led to the development of newborn screening programs, which have since become a standard public health practice in many countries. Newborn screening programs use a variety of tests, including the Guthrie test, to detect genetic disorders and other health conditions in newborn babies.

**Impact**

Guthrie's work had a profound impact on public health and pediatric medicine. The Guthrie test has been credited with saving thousands of lives and preventing countless cases of intellectual disability. Newborn screening programs, which were developed in part as a result of Guthrie's work, have become a cornerstone of preventive medicine and have improved the health outcomes of millions of children worldwide.

Guthrie's contributions to science were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Lasker Award, the National Medal of Science, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

**Legacy**

Robert Guthrie's legacy extends beyond his scientific contributions. He was a tireless advocate for the use of science to improve public health and a pioneer in the field of newborn screening. His work has inspired generations of scientists and public health professionals, and his legacy continues to shape the field of pediatric medicine today.

In summary, Robert Guthrie was a pioneering scientist who made significant contributions to the field of pediatric medicine, particularly in the area of newborn screening. His development of the Guthrie test for PKU and his advocacy for public health programs have had a lasting impact on the health and well-being of millions of children worldwide.