Trevor Ian Shaw (18 March 1928 – 26 September 1972) was an English experimental biologist who pioneered studies in physiology and biochemistry contributing to the understanding of transport across cell membranes against concentration gradients through active metabolism and the exchange of sodium and potassium ions. He also examined the mechanism by which the seaweed ''

Laminaria digitata ''Laminaria digitata'' is a large brown alga in the family Laminariaceae, also known by the common name oarweed. It is found in the sublittoral zone of the northern Atlantic Ocean. Description ''Laminaria digitata'' is a tough, leathery, dark ...

'' accumulated iodine and was known for his innovative experimental techniques.

Background

Shaw was born in York to Donovan and Mona. Educated at Great Ayton and Bootham School, York, he went to Clare College, Cambridge, where he studied medicine. His interests were mainly in physiology and he was encouraged by E.D. Adrian, Alan Hodgkin,

Frederick Russell Frederick William Russell, OC, K.St.J, CD, LL.D (September 10, 1923 - June 20, 2001) was a Canadian businessman and the ninth lieutenant governor of Newfoundland. Born in St. John's, he studied at Dalhousie University and the Atlantic Sc ...

, and others. He obtained a PhD in 1954 for studies on sodium and potassium movement in red blood cells under A. L. Hodgkin.

National Service

He then served in the Second World War where he became a close friend of

John Treherne John Edwin Treherne (15 May 1929 – 23 September 1989) was an English entomologist who specialized in insect biochemistry and physiology and conducted extensive experimental studies. He was also a noted author, including the historically locate ...

Academia

After the war he worked at Plymouth. In 1966 he became a professor at

Queen Mary College, London , mottoeng = With united powers , established = 1785 – The London Hospital Medical College1843 – St Bartholomew's Hospital Medical College1882 – Westfield College1887 – East London College/Queen Mary College , type = Public researc ...

. He collaborated with David Gilbert, Gordon Newell and K.A. Simkiss. He was among the first to use luciferin to detect ATP activity in physiological experiments.

Personal life

He married Hanna Schmeltzer who he met on a Channel crossing. They had two daughters Susan Cordelia and Caroline Imogen. He died at the age of 44 in a railway accident.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Shaw, Trevor Ian 1928 births 1972 deaths British biochemists Fellows of the Royal Society Royal Army Medical Corps soldiers Scientists from York