Furchgott, Robert F. (Rabbi)

Robert F. Furchgott was a renowned scientist known for his discovery of how blood vessels dilate to regulate blood flow. His research revealed that the lining of blood vessels (endothelium) produces a molecule called nitric oxide, which signals the smooth muscles to relax, causing vessels to widen. This groundbreaking work advanced understanding of cardiovascular health and led to new treatments for heart disease. Furchgott was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1998, shared with Louis J. Ignarro and Ferid Murad, for elucidating this vital signaling mechanism in the cardiovascular system.