Jack Myers (1913–2006): The Architect of Algal Physiology and Science Education
Jack Edgar Myers was a titan of 20th-century plant physiology whose work fundamentally reshaped our understanding of how plants convert light into chemical energy. While his name is etched into the annals of the National Academy of Sciences for his rigorous research on photosynthesis, he is equally remembered by generations of Americans as the "Science Editor" of Highlights for Children. His career was a rare bridge between the high-stakes world of Cold War biophysics and the whimsical, inquisitive world of childhood education.
1. Biography: From the Susquehanna to the Lone Star State
Born on July 10, 1913, in Boyertown, Pennsylvania, Jack Myers grew up in a household that valued both intellectual rigor and communication. He attended Juniata College, earning his B.S. in 1934, followed by an M.S. from Montana State University in 1936. He completed his Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota in 1939, focusing on the physiology of algae—a subject that would define his professional life.
After a brief fellowship at the Smithsonian Institution, Myers joined the faculty of the University of Texas at Austin in 1941. He arrived as an Assistant Professor and remained at the university for 65 years until his death in 2006. His tenure at UT Austin was interrupted only by his service during World War II, where he worked as a physiologist for the Army Air Corps, researching the effects of high-altitude flight on human biology.
2. Major Contributions: Cracking the Photosynthetic Code
Myers’ primary research focused on the kinetic and metabolic processes of photosynthesis, primarily using the unicellular green alga Chlorella as a model organism.
- The "Enhancement Effect" and Two Photosystems: In collaboration with Robert Emerson, Myers helped elucidate what became known as the "Emerson Enhancement Effect." They discovered that the rate of photosynthesis is significantly higher when a plant is exposed to two different wavelengths of light (long-wave red and short-wave red) simultaneously, rather than the sum of the rates from each wavelength individually. This was a "Eureka" moment in biology, providing the experimental proof that photosynthesis involves two distinct photochemical reactions (Photosystem I and Photosystem II) working in series.
- Action Spectra: Myers perfected the measurement of "action spectra"—the efficiency with which different colors of light trigger biological activity. His precision in this area allowed scientists to identify which pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids) were responsible for capturing specific photons.
- Mass Algal Culture: During the 1950s and 60s, Myers was a pioneer in the "Mass Culture of Algae." He explored the potential of algae as a high-protein food source and, crucially, as a biological component of closed-loop life support systems for space travel. His work for the Air Force and NASA investigated how algae could recycle carbon dioxide into breathable oxygen for astronauts.
3. Notable Publications
Myers was a prolific writer, contributing over 100 peer-reviewed papers to journals such as Plant Physiology and the Journal of General Physiology.
- "The Patterns of Photosynthesis in Individual Cells" (1946): An early, influential look at the variability of photosynthetic efficiency.
- "Enhancement of Photosynthesis in Chlorella as Activated by Several Wavelengths of Light" (1960): A seminal paper published in Plant Physiology that detailed the synergistic effects of different light qualities.
- "Algal Culture: From Laboratory to Pilot Plant" (1953): Published by the Carnegie Institution of Washington, this monograph became the "bible" for researchers looking to scale up algal growth for industrial or nutritional use.
4. Awards and Recognition
Myers’ contributions were recognized at the highest levels of the scientific community:
- National Academy of Sciences: Elected as a member in 1975.
- Charles Reid Barnes Life Membership Award (1976): Awarded by the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) for his career-long contributions to the field.
- The Kettering Award (1959): Bestowed for his excellence in photosynthesis research.
- The Gilbert Morgan Smith Medal (1994): Awarded by the National Academy of Sciences for his excellence in published research on marine or freshwater algae.
5. Impact and Legacy
Jack Myers’ legacy is twofold. In the scientific realm, he is considered one of the "fathers of modern photosynthesis." His work on the Z-scheme (the linear flow of electrons in photosynthesis) provided the foundational framework for modern plant biochemistry and bioenergy research.
In the public realm, his impact was perhaps even broader. His father, Garry Cleveland Myers, founded the magazine Highlights for Children in 1946. Jack served as the magazine’s Science Editor for 50 years. He personally answered thousands of letters from children, treating their questions about why the sky is blue or how fish breathe with the same analytical seriousness he applied to his laboratory work. He taught a generation of children that science was not a collection of facts, but a way of asking questions.
6. Collaborations and Mentorship
Myers was known for his collaborative spirit. His most significant partnership was with Robert Emerson at the University of Illinois; together, they settled the "Quantum Yield" controversy that had divided the field for decades.
At UT Austin, he was a legendary mentor. He directed the doctoral work of dozens of students who went on to lead their own departments. He was also a key figure in the UT Austin Institute for Marine Science at Port Aransas, helping to integrate botanical research with oceanography.
7. Lesser-Known Facts
- The "Algal Astronauts": In the 1950s, Myers built a "mouse-alga" system where a mouse lived in a sealed chamber, surviving entirely on oxygen produced by a tank of Chlorella that, in turn, consumed the mouse’s CO2. This was one of the first successful demonstrations of a bioregenerative life-support system.
- A "Low-Tech" Genius: Despite his sophisticated findings, Myers was known for building much of his own laboratory equipment. He often used repurposed materials and simple electronics to create high-precision photometers and culture vessels.
- The "Science Letters": In his role at Highlights, he wrote a column called "Science Letters." He famously refused to provide simple "yes/no" answers, instead guiding children through the logic of how they might find the answer themselves through observation.