Robert K. Burns
# Robert K. Burns

Robert Kyle Burns (July 26, 1896 – June 26, 1982) was an American biologist known for his work on sexual differentiation in vertebrates. Burns was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1955. The New York Times reported in 1937 that Burns together with Thomas R. Forbes were able to change the sex of alligators by injecting them with female hormones.

The National Academies Press said that Burns "pioneered the experimental manipulation of sex hormones in order to establish their roles in sex determination and differentiation".

## Life and career

Burns was born in Hillsboro, West Virginia, and died in Bridgewater, Virginia. He received his Ph.D. from Yale University in 1924.

## Sources

* 1 2 3 4 "Biographical Memoirs Home". www.nap.edu. Retrieved 2016-07-28.
* ↑ Scientists Change Sex of Male 'Gators By Injecting the Hormone of Females, New York Times, Feb 8, 1937
* ↑ SIGMA XI TO SHOW GAINS IN SCIENCE; Exhibit of Recent Advances Will Be Held Tomorrow University of Rochester WIDE RANGE IS COVERED New Treatment for Whooping Cough Will Be Demonstrated as Part of Program, New York Times, February 14, 1937
