Ardem Patapoutian and David Julius declared joint winners of Nobel Prize for Medicine

News
Oct 04 2021 03:40 PM
P C Thomas

Ardem Patapoutian and David Julius declared joint winners of Nobel Prize for Medicine

The 2021 Nobel for Medicine this year was awarded jointly to and Ardem Patapoutian and David Julius both of the United States, “for their discoveries of receptors for temperature and touch.” The prizes for the other disciplines will follow in the days ahead. The prizes for Physics, Chemistry, Literature and Peace are to be announced Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday respectively.

it was noted that "Intensive ongoing research originating from this year’ Nobel Prize awarded discoveries focuses on elucidating their functions in a variety of physiological processes. This knowledge is being used to develop treatments for a range of disease conditions, including chronic pain,"

The prominent award comes with a gold medal and 10 million Swedish kronor (over USD 1.14 million). The prize money comes from a bequest left by the prize's creator, Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel, who died in 1895. Last year's prize went to three scientists who discovered the liver-ravaging hepatitis C virus, a breakthrough that led to cures for the deadly disease and tests to keep the scourge from spreading though blood banks.

The Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine is awarded for the discovery of major significance in life science or medicine. Discoveries that have changed the scientific paradigm and are of great benefit for humankind are awarded the prize. Lifetime achievements or scientific leadership cannot be considered for the prize.