Dr. Harman named an AAAS fellow

Denham Harman, M.D., Ph.D.

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Washington has honored UNMC’s Denham Harman, M.D., Ph.D., as an AAAS fellow. Election as a fellow is an honor bestowed upon AAAS members by their peers for their efforts to advance science.

Dr. Harman is the Emeritus Millard Professor of Medicine at UNMC and is known internationally as the father of the free radical theory of Aging, which he proposed in 1954.

He was elected for distinguished contributions and leadership in the field of biological aging, particularly for originating the free radical theory of aging and for founding the American Aging Association.

The theory is one of the most well-known and respected theories on the aging process.

Dr. Harman proposed that free radicals — highly reactive molecules freed in the normal chemical processes — cause aging and disease through their destructive actions in cells and tissues. The theory suggests that antioxidants such as vitamin E, C and beta carotene can decrease cell destruction.

Fellows will be presented with an official certificate and a gold and blue (representing science and engineering, respectively) rosette pin on Feb. 14, during the 2009 AAAS Annual Meeting in Chicago.

The tradition of AAAS fellows began in 1874. Currently, members can be considered for the rank of fellow if nominated by the steering groups of the association’s 24 sections, or by any three fellows who are current AAAS members, or by the AAAS chief executive officer.