US scientists Mario Capecchi and Oliver Smithies and UK researcher Sir Martin Evans have been jointly felicitated by Nobel Prize for their substantial research in the field of stem cells, which hold clues about many life endangering human diseases.
Fifty medical professors at the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institute zeroed on to the three scientists who discovered the technique of introducing specific gene modifications in mice by the use of embryonic stem cells. Called gene targeting in mice, the innovative technique is being applied to almost all areas of biomedicine including bioresearch and the development of new therapies. As a part of the revolutionary research, around 10,000 mouse genes have been successfully inactivated to gauge the roles of numerous genes in embryonic development, adult physiology and ageing.
Officials from Nobel Prize organization said,
Gene targeting in mice has pervaded all fields of biomedicine. Its impact on the understanding of gene function and its benefits to mankind will continue to increase over many years to come.
The concept of Nobel Prize first came into being in 1901, as a part of which, prizes comprising of a medal, personal diploma and cash prize are awarded to people doing exceptional work in the field of medicine/physiology, physics, chemistry, medicine, literature and peace.
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