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Peter Duesberg, Pioneer in Cancer Research, Dies at 89

1/31/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Peter H. Duesberg, molecular biologist, died January 13 in Lafayette, California, at 89 from kidney failure.
He gained fame for identifying the first cancer-causing gene, Src, in 1970.
Despite accolades including election to the National Academy of Sciences, he claimed Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) does not cause AIDS.
He continued research at the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Heidelberg, focusing on chromosome damage as a cancer cause.

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Story summary

Peter H. Duesberg, molecular biologist, died January 13 in Lafayette, California, at 89 from kidney failure.
He gained fame for identifying the first cancer-causing gene, Src, in 1970.
Despite accolades including election to the National Academy of Sciences, he claimed Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) does not cause AIDS.
He continued research at the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Heidelberg, focusing on chromosome damage as a cancer cause.