The first prize, in the category of physiology or medicine, went to a pair of American scientists for their work in discovering microRNAs – a new class of tiny RNA molecules that play a crucial role as on-off switches inside cells, helping control what the cells do and when they do it.
Recipients of the Nobel Prize in chemistry, literature, peace, and economic sciences will be announced over the coming week. Winners are given a medal, a personal diploma, and a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor ($986,270).
This year’s Nobel Prize laureates will receive their awards at prize ceremonies on December 10, the anniversary of award founder Alfred Nobel’s death.
