David Baltimore is an American biologist and Nobel laureate known for his groundbreaking contributions to molecular biology and virology. He was born on March 7, 1938, in New York City, USA.

Key Contributions and Achievements:

1. Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine: David Baltimore was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1975, jointly with Howard Temin and Renato Dulbecco. They were recognized for their discoveries concerning the interaction between tumor viruses and the genetic material of the cell. Baltimore’s specific work focused on the enzyme reverse transcriptase, which is critical for the replication of retroviruses like HIV.
2. Discovery of Reverse Transcriptase: In 1970, Baltimore discovered reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that can reverse the flow of genetic information by transcribing RNA back into DNA. This discovery led to a better understanding of the life cycle of retroviruses and was a significant breakthrough in the study of viral replication.
3. RNA Splicing: Baltimore’s research also contributed to the understanding of RNA splicing, a process in which non-coding regions (introns) are removed from pre-messenger RNA to form mature messenger RNA. His work revealed the importance of RNA processing in gene expression.
4. Molecular Immunology: Baltimore’s research extended to the field of molecular immunology, where he studied the regulation of immune responses and the development of B lymphocytes.
5. Leadership in Science: Throughout his career, Baltimore played a prominent role in shaping the scientific community. He served as the president of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and the Rockefeller University.
6. Public Policy and Ethics: Baltimore was involved in public policy and served as the co-chair of the National Research Council’s committee that issued the report “Biotechnology in the Age of Terrorism,” addressing the potential misuse of biotechnology.
7. Awards and Honors: In addition to the Nobel Prize, Baltimore received numerous awards and honors, including the National Medal of Science, the Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

David Baltimore’s research and contributions to molecular biology have had a profound impact on the field, and his leadership and advocacy for responsible scientific practices have been widely recognized and respected. He remains an influential figure in the scientific community and continues to be involved in research and public policy discussions.