Joseph Goldstein is an American biochemist known for his significant contributions to the field of cholesterol metabolism. He was born on December 18, 1940, and is a professor at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Goldstein, along with his research partner Michael Brown, discovered the mechanisms by which cells regulate cholesterol levels, leading to important insights into heart disease. In 1985, Goldstein and Brown were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their groundbreaking work. Their research has had a lasting impact on the understanding of lipid metabolism and has influenced the development of cholesterol-lowering drugs, improving cardiovascular health worldwide.