Kary B. Mullis

Kary B. Mullis was an American biochemist best known for inventing the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the 1980s. PCR is a revolutionary technique that allows scientists to quickly create millions of copies of a specific DNA segment. This process is crucial in various fields, including medicine, genetics, and forensics, enabling advancements such as genetic testing, disease diagnosis, and crime scene analysis. Mullis's work earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1993, as it fundamentally transformed molecular biology and research in life sciences. His innovative approach has had lasting impacts across many scientific disciplines.