The Nobel Committee has announced the winners of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The award was given to American researchers Victor Ambros and Harry Ravkan for their revolutionary discovery of microRNA molecules, pravilamag.ru reports.

Scientists have uncovered a previously unknown mechanism of gene regulation that has enormous implications for understanding the development and functioning of complex organisms, including humans. Their research has shown that the human genome contains thousands of microRNAs – small molecules of ribonucleic acid that play a key role in controlling gene activity.

This discovery has enormous potential for medicine, as disruptions in the functioning of microRNAs can lead to serious diseases such as autoimmune disorders, diabetes and cancer. Understanding these processes opens up new horizons in the development of diagnostic and therapeutic methods.

Ambros and Ravkan, who specialize in molecular biology and genetics, will share the prize of 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately 990 thousand euros).

Let us remind that last year, the Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for their contribution to the development of a vaccine against COVID-19.

In the coming days, the Nobel laureates in other fields will be announced: physics, chemistry and literature. The week will end with the announcement of the peace laureate on October 11.