Joachim messing biography

Joachim Messing , an internationally renowned Rutgers University scientist who sought to end hunger, protect the environment and advance medicine, died Friday, Sept. Jo Messing, director of the Waksman Institute of Microbiology since , made pioneering contributions that underpin the modern fields of genetics, genomics and evolutionary biology.

Joachim messing biography: Joachim Wilhelm "Jo" Messing (September

His technique led to the creation of new lines of drought-tolerant plants with greater resistance to insects, herbicides and other environmental stresses. The method enabled biofuels to be extracted for energy from plants such as corn and sorghum, a drought-tolerant African grass grown in regions where corn and other grains do not thrive.

The technique also led to the development of drugs such as erythropoietin EPO to treat cancer patients. When he discovered a way to crack the genetic code of humans and plants such as rice, corn and wheat, Messing did not patent his work. Instead, he gave away the tools he invented to scientists worldwide because he believed it was vital for future research.

His decision enabled his colleagues to further decipher the genetic blueprint of living cells, revolutionizing medicine, agriculture and basic sciences. Messing was an inspiration to many of his peers and students. While serving as a mentor and consistently encouraging his team to strive to do the impossible, he also took time to celebrate milestones big and small.

Birthday celebrations were his favorite, with his team fondly noting Dr.