Muir, Helen (1920–2005)
Muir, Helen (1920–2005)
English biochemist. Born Isabella Helen Mary Muir, Aug 20, 1920, in UK; died Nov 28, 2005; Oxford University, MA, 1944, PhD, 1947, DSc, 1973.
Contributor of influential research on osteoarthritis, researched the chemical composition of ligaments and joints (1950s); discovered the protoglycan molecule (acts as a shock absorber); while exploring methods to slow osteoarthritis, discovered that injury can trigger the disease; at Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology in London, headed the Biochemistry Division (1966–86) and, as the institute's director (1977–90), garnered international recognition for the institution; served on editorial boards of Journal of Orthopaedic Research, Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, the Biochemical Journal and Connective Tissue Research; opened Cell Matrix Research's Welcome Centre in Manchester (Mar 1996); was the 1st woman council member of Medical Research Council (1973–77); appointed a fellow of Royal Society (1977), a foreign member of Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (1989), and honorary member of American Society of Biological Chemists (1982). Named Commander of Order of the British Empire (1981).