Ambros and Ruvkun Win 2024 Nobel Prize in Medicine

Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun have been awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Medicine for their groundbreaking discovery of microRNA, which plays a crucial role in the growth and development of multicellular organisms. Their research, conducted on the roundworm C. elegans, has significantly advanced our understanding of gene regulation, shedding light on how cells become specialized despite having identical genetic material. The Nobel committee recognized that their work lays foundational knowledge for future biomedical advancements, potentially leading to novel treatments for diseases like cancer and diabetes. This discovery has been described as revealing a new principle of gene regulation essential for multicellular life, including humans. The award ceremony is set for December 10, coinciding with the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death.