Nobel Prize in Medicine: American scientists David Julius, Ardem Patpoutian win prestigious prize
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to American scientists David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian.
He was cited for discovering receptors for temperature and touch. The winners were announced on Monday by Thomas Perlman, the Secretary-General of the Nobel Committee.
Patrick Ernfors of the Nobel Committee said that Julius used capsaicin, the active ingredient in peppers, to identify the nerve sensor that allows the skin to respond to heat.
He said Patapoutian found distinct pressure-sensitive sensors in cells that respond to mechanical stimulation.
“It really opens up one of nature’s mysteries,” Perlman said. “It’s really something that’s important to our existence, so it’s a very important and profound discovery.”
Last year’s prize went to three scientists who discovered the liver-damaging hepatitis C virus, a breakthrough that led to a cure for the deadly disease and tests to stop the disease spreading through blood banks.
The coveted prize comes with a gold medal and 10 million Swedish kronor (over $1.14 million). The prize money comes from a will left by the prize’s creator, Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel, who died in 1895.
This award is the first to be given this year. Other awards are for outstanding work in the fields of physics, chemistry, literature, peace and economics.
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