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 30 August 2008 04:28 BST

Nobel prize handed to stem cell researchers

Monday, 08 Oct 2007 15:37
Stem cell research holds clues about human diseases

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Three researchers have been awarded the Nobel prize for physiology or medicine after their "ground-breaking" work into stem cells.

US scientists Mario Capecchi and Oliver Smithies and eminent UK researcher Sir Martin Evans were jointly handed the award.

The three men discovered how to introduce specific gene modifications in mice by the use of embryonic stem cells.

Some 50 medical professors at the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet made the decision to reward the scientists.

The three scientists' technique, referred to as gene targeting in mice, is now being applied to virtually all areas of biomedicine including bioresearch and the development of new therapies.

To date more than 10,000 mouse genes have been inactivated to determine the roles of numerous genes in embryonic development, adult physiology, ageing and disease.

By targeting genes, the Nobel prize-winning scientists have been able to produce more than five hundred different mouse models of human disorders, including cardiovascular and neuro-degenerative diseases, diabetes and cancer.

"Gene targeting in mice has pervaded all fields of biomedicine," a statement from the Nobel Prize organisation said. "Its impact on the understanding of gene function and its benefits to mankind will continue to increase over many years to come."

As well as medicine/physiology, Nobel prizes have been awarded in the areas of physics, chemistry, medicine, literature and peace since 1901. Each prize consists of a medal, personal diploma and cash prize.
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