Dr. John Gurdon, a developmental biologist from Oxford University, and Dr. Shinya Yamanaka, a physician and researcher at Kyoto University, have been chosen to receive the prestigious Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award. In 2007, Yamanaka discovered Induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS) cells.
iPS cells are embryonic-like cells that can become specialized cell types without destroying a human embryo.
In a promotional video from the Lasker Institute, Yamanaka said he's excited about the future of the research.
"I expect some diseases like heart disease, heart failure, and some retinal diseases," he said, "may be a good candidate" (for therapies using this research).
Gurdon and Yamanaka will split the $250,000 cash prize and receive their awards in New York on Oct. 2.
Contact: Steve Jordahl
Source: CitizenLink
Publish Date: September 16, 2009
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