Buck, Linda

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US neuroscientist. With US neuroscientist Richard Axel she shared the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 2004 for her contributions to understanding how the olfactory system is able to recognize and differentiate between different smells.

Buck was awarded her half share of the Nobel Prize for work carried out initially in partnership with Axel. They determined that the mechanism that allowed the sense of smell to function involved a large gene family made up of over 10,000 different genes (or about 3% of all human genes). The genes have an equivalent number of receptors in particular cells in the lining of the nose. The researchers' work showed that each of these receptors is sensitive to only one type of odour molecule, but when activated the receptors start a chain reaction that sends a signal to the higher brain functions. This reaction can trigger a connection of the smell to a particular memory or emotion. Buck and Axel published their fundamental paper in 1991, and subsequently have worked separately in this field to clarify and define the workings of the olfactory system.

The bison's head, star, rose, and crescent are traditional symbols of Moldavia. The colours are based on the Romanian flag. Effective date: 3 November 1990. >>