Thursday, October 6, 2011

The 2011 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

Ralph M. Steinman is this year's winner.  Well, co-winner.  Half-winner.

Dr. Steinman died of pancreatic cancer days before the announcement, which recognizes him and colleagues Bruce A. Beutler and Jules A. Hoffmann for providing greater insight into human immunology.  Steinman's discovery in particular could lead to new ways to treat and prevent cancer, and at the time of his death he was already receiving treatment based on his own work.

Though the rules of the Nobel Prize prohibit posthumous awards, the prize committee made an exception in his case.  

Got to respect a man who fights his disease so hard he personally revolutionizes its treatment.

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