Biologists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun have been awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Medicine for their groundbreaking discovery of microRNA, small molecules that play a crucial role in gene regulation.
Their research has shed light on how different cell types, such as muscle and nerve cells, develop distinct characteristics through selective gene activity.
The Nobel committee highlighted their contribution to understanding how gene regulation ensures that only the relevant set of genes is active in each cell type.
Last year’s prize went to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for their work on mRNA vaccines, which were pivotal in controlling the spread of Covid-19. The 2024 prize includes a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor ($1 million).
