Description
American molecular biologist known for his work in genetics, artificial intelligence, and space exploration, Lederberg was just 33 years old when he won the 1958 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for discovering that bacteria can mate and exchange genes. He shared the prize with Edward L. Tatum and George Beadle, who won for their work with genetics.
In addition to his contributions to biology, Lederberg did extensive research in artificial intelligence. This included work in the NASA experimental programs seeking life on Mars and the chemistry expert system Dendral.
