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Snapshot 8:Mon, Oct 7, 2024 9:13:06 PM GMT last edited by NickBurk

US Duo Wins Nobel Prize for MicroRNA Discovery

US Duo Wins Nobel Prize for MicroRNA Discovery

Above: The Nobel Committee announces the winners of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine during a press conference at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, on Oct. 7, 2024. Image copyright: Atila Altuntas/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images

The Facts

  • On Monday, the Nobel Prize committee at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, awarded US scientists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun the 2024 Nobel Prize in Medicine for discovering microRNA and its essential role in the growth and survival of multicellular organisms.

  • Ambros and Ruvkun originally studied genes that regulate genetic development. The panel concluded that their study "revealed a new dimension to gene regulation, essential for all complex life forms."


The Spin

Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun's remarkable discovery of microRNA earned them this year's Nobel Prize in Medicine. The two scientists have uncovered a new level of understanding in the development and function of multicellular organisms, including humans, with the potential to help further research about cancer and other diseases.

There'sWhile athere 50%are chancemultiple thatmicroRNA therestudies willaimed beat atreating breakthroughcancer inand other diseases, any potential applications are far away. This discovery is an important step, but as cancer rates continue to rise, the treatmentbest ofapproach hard-is to-treat cancersfocus byon atdisease leastprevention thestrategies. timeframeRegrettably, 2031-2036treatment alone will never be enough.


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