D. Carleton Gajdusek

D. Carleton Gajdusek was an American physician and biochemist who made significant contributions to the study of infectious diseases, particularly in the context of a rare brain disorder called Kuru. He discovered that Kuru was caused by prions, misfolded proteins that can induce other proteins to misfold, leading to severe neurological damage. His research highlighted the dangers of cannibalism in certain cultures, where infected human tissue was consumed. Gajdusek was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1976 for his work, although his later life was marred by controversy related to his personal conduct.