ST. LOUIS, Mo. (KSDK) - A researcher at the University of
Missouri has been selected as one of 22 recipients of the
nation's highest honor for scientists. M. Frederick Hawthorne,
director of the International Institute of Nano and Molecular
Medicine at MU, was named a recipient of the National Medal of
Science for his work with the chemical element boron. Hawthorne
developed a technique known as Boron Neuron Capture Technology,
which is used in experimental treatments for cancer, arthritis
and other disease. Hawthorne's work with boron is also used in
treating heart disease and Alzheimer's. M. Frederick Hawthorne
came to the University of Missouri in 2006 because of the
resources the university provided him to carry out his research.
The National Medal of Science was created in 1959 as a way of
recognizing outstanding achievements in the fields of science
and engineering. M. Frederick Hawthorne will receive his
National Medal of Science with the other recipients at a White
House ceremony in early 2013.