Tikvah Alper (1909-1995) was a South African biophysicist and virologist who made significant contributions to the field of radiobiology, particularly in the study of the nature of “infectious heredity” and the effects of ionizing radiation on viruses.

Key Contributions and Achievements:

1. Prion Hypothesis: Tikvah Alper, along with British scientist John Stanley Griffith, proposed the “Prion Hypothesis” in the 1960s. They suggested that the cause of “infectious heredity” in certain neurodegenerative diseases could be attributed to unconventional agents that lack nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) and are solely composed of protein. These agents, known as prions, have since been identified as the causative agents in diseases like Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and mad cow disease.
2. Ionizing Radiation and Viruses: Alper studied the effects of ionizing radiation on viruses and demonstrated that certain viruses, when exposed to radiation, can lose their ability to cause infection while still retaining their genetic material. This work contributed to our understanding of the nature of viruses and their sensitivity to radiation.
3. Cancer Research: Tikvah Alper’s research also had implications for cancer research, as she explored the potential use of ionizing radiation in cancer treatment and the development of radioresistant strains of viruses for virotherapy.
4. Academic Career: Alper held various academic positions during her career, including at the National Institute for Medical Research in London and at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.
5. Awards and Recognition: Alper received several awards for her scientific contributions, including the Royal Society GlaxoSmithKline Prize in 1993.

Tikvah Alper’s work in radiobiology and her contribution to the understanding of prions had a lasting impact on the field of biology and medical research. Her research provided valuable insights into the nature of infectious agents and their interactions with genetic material. Despite facing challenges and skepticism in her field, Alper’s perseverance and dedication to science have been recognized and celebrated.