Rita Levi-Montalcini: How a Quiet Scientist Gave the Brain Its Growth Signal
In the history of science, some discoveries arrive with loud announcements and instant fame. Others emerge quietly, slowly changing the world from the inside. The discovery of nerve growth factor (NGF) belongs to the second kind — and at its heart was a determined woman named Rita Levi-Montalcini . Her work transformed our understanding of the brain and nervous system, laying the foundation for modern neuroscience. Yet her journey was filled with obstacles: war, discrimination, lack of resources, and years of being ignored. What makes her story remarkable is not only what she discovered, but how she refused to give up when the world tried to stop her. A Dream Born from Curiosity Rita Levi-Montalcini was born in 1909 in Turin, Italy. From a young age, she was fascinated by how the human body works, especially the brain. However, at that time, women were rarely encouraged to pursue higher education or scientific careers. Her father believed daughters should focus on family life, not p...
