Zeatin

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30541, 9 September 1964, Page 16

Zeatin

Few New Zealanders have much idea of what Dr. D. S. Letham, of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, has achieved in isolating “ zeatin ”, a hormone that stimulates cell division. But overseas recognition that he has made “ a major “ scientific break-through ” should leave us in no doubt that his achievement reflects credit not only on him but on his country. Though interest may be confined largely to scientists, a discovery of such significance adds at least as much to national prestige as the running of a world record mile by P. G. Snell. It is a valuable reminder that this small country has made no mean contribution to the world of ideas; that New Zealand is more than a great sheep farm or the home of notable performers in athletic sports. Within New Zealand Dr. Letham’s success should stimulate the interest and energies of many young scientific workers and students. If his work is found to have medical and commercial applications, as seems probable, Dr. Letham will achieve still wider fame; but even without such developments New Zealanders have reason to be proud that the discovery was made in a New Zealand laboratory and that in “zeatin” their country has given a word to the language of science.