MOUNT SINAI HOSPITAL:
-1888—Published the first book in the United States on aseptic and antiseptic principles. This was also the first US medical textbook to use halftone photographs.

-1908—Published the first mention of using a blood test for compatibility before human blood transfusion. Became the first to note that blood groups are inherited according to Mendel's Law. Showed that group O blood could be given to group A and B patients, establishing the concept of the universal donor.

-1969—Developed an influenza vaccine—the first genetically engineered vaccine.

-1986—Developed an in vitro fertilization technique called zona drilling to help sperm cells penetrate egg cells.

-1986—Performed the first blood transfusion into the vein of an unborn fetus.

-1987—Along with Yale University School of Medicine, isolated and cloned a structural gene for human tissue factor.

-2001—Developed a novel isothermal DNA amplification method with an amplification mechanism quite different from conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), resulting in an exponential amplification that distinguishes itself from the previously described nonexponential rolling circle amplification.

-2007—Proved why influenza spreads most rapidly in the cold, dry air of winter, and showed that it can be spread just in the air, without coughing, sneezing, or physical contact.