Thomas Brock

Thomas Brock was an American microbiologist best known for his research on extremophiles, particularly thermophilic bacteria that thrive in high-temperature environments, such as hot springs. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of life in extreme conditions and contributed to biotechnology, particularly the development of thermally stable enzymes used in laboratory processes and industrial applications. Brock also co-discovered the bacterium Thermus aquaticus, which is crucial for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique used in genetic research and diagnostics. His contributions have had a lasting impact on microbiology, molecular biology, and various scientific fields.