Two Scientists Share Largest Medical Prize In U.S.

Washington (dbTechno) - The largest medical prize in the U.S., the Albany Medical Center Prize, has been awarded for the first time in history to two women scientists. The prize is worth $500,000 and is the world’s second largest prize award.

Elizabeth Blackburn of the University of California, San Francisco and Joan Steitz of Yale University won the prize on Friday.

The prize was won in the field of medicine and biomedical research. The two will be sharing the second largest prize award in the U.S. worth $500,000.

It is only second to the Nobel Prize, worth $1.4 million.

Blackburn is known for her discovery of the ribonucleoprotein enzyme telomerase. Steitz is also known for her work in the same field.

James Barba, president of the Albany Medical Center stated “Dr. Blackburn’s studies of this fascinating enzyme and its effect on cellular aging may hold the key to prolonging life by helping to treat a variety of diseases and disorders from cancer to chronic stress.”

“Many scientists believe that Dr. Steitz’ research may ultimately lead to breakthroughs in treating a varity of autoimmune diseases including lupus.”

The two are highly respected in the science world, and their work could lead to big things in the future.