By on June 5, 2019 - 2:07pm
Nobel Laureate Dr. Vincent du Vigneaud pioneered research in oxytocin during his long career at Cornell University Medical College (now Weill Cornell Medicine.) Oxytocin, a polypeptide hormone, is responsible for social bonding during sex, childbirth, and breastfeeding. It also produces breast milk and the contractions of the uterus during labor. Dr. du Vigneaud was awarded a Nobel Prize in Chemistry for landmark research in sulfur compounds and the first synthesis of oxytocin in 1955. His work opened new research in the field of protein organic chemistry.
Dr. du Vigneaud served as chair of the college’s Department of Biochemistry from 1938-1967. In addition to his Nobel award-winning research, Dr. du Vigneaud and his colleagues successfully synthesized penicillin, another pioneering research breakthrough.
Visit our lobby exhibit at 1300 York Avenue for more information on Dr. du Vigneaud and four other pioneers in reproductive medicine!
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