2006 Nobel Prize in Medicine for two American scientists

Two American scientists Andrew Z. Fire and American American Craig C. Mello won the 2006 Nobel Prize in Medicine for their work on discovering how to neutralize the effects of special genes. The award was announced yesterday, October 2 in the capital Stockholm (Sweden).

Craig C. Mello (right) and Andrew Z. Fire - "owner" of the 2006 Nobel Prize for Medicine (Photo: TTO)

Andrew Z. Fire (SN 1959) from Stanford University in California and Craig C. Mello (1960) from Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester.

Published in 1998, the scientific work entitled 'RNA interference' is now widely used in basic science as a method of studying gene function. It is currently being studied as a treatment for diseases caused by viruses, heart disease, cancer and many other diseases.

RNA interference occurs naturally in plants, animals and humans.

According to the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, this process is very important in regulating gene activity and helping to fight viral infections.

The 2005 Nobel Prize for Medicine was awarded to Australian scientists Barry J. Marshall and Robin Warren for their ability to detect bacteria and not stress that causes gastric and gastrointestinal ulcers.

The prize includes a certificate, a gold medal and a prize of $ 1.4 million. The awards ceremony will be held in Stockholm and Oslo on December 10.

WALL VY