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US duo Victor Ambros, Gary Ruvkun win Nobel medicine for microRNA discovery

The scientists win the prize for their discovery of microRNA, a fundamental principle governing how gene activity is regulated.

Scientists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun have won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discovery of microRNA and its role in gene regulation.

The Nobel Assembly said in a statement on Monday that the United States-based laureates discovered the new class of tiny RNA molecules, which play a crucial role in regulating gene activity.

“Their groundbreaking discovery revealed a completely new principle of gene regulation that turned out to be essential for multicellular organisms, including humans,” the statement said.

Ambros conducted the research that led to his prize at Harvard University. He is currently a professor of natural science at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School.