The Man Who Protected Babies with Down Syndrome

In 1958, a brilliant young medical researcher made a startling discovery—Down syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects about one in 700 babies in the U.S., is caused by the presence of an extra 21st chromosome. Dr. Jerome Lejeune's discovery and future research would revolutionize the field of genetics. He quickly shot to distinction as a scholar and researcher. In 1969, he was awarded the highest prize in genetics—the William Allan Award. Lejeune was probably ...