Three American researchers won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine this morning for their discovery, in the 1980s, of how chromosomes are duplicated in a complete way during cell division, and how telomeres — the caps at the ends of chromosome strands — prevent the copying from being degraded. According to a news release issued by Sweden’s Karolinska Institut, the winners who will equally share this year’s prize, worth about $1.4-million, are Elizabeth H. Blackburn, of the University of California at San Francisco; Carol W. Greider, of the Johns Hopkins University; and Jack W. Szostak, of the Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. Ms. Blackburn and Mr. Szostak discovered that “a unique DNA sequence” in telomeres protects chromosomes from degradation, and Ms. Greider and Ms. Blackburn identified the enzyme that makes telomere DNA. The work has important implications in cancer and aging research. The prize will be presented at an awards ceremony in December.
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2 Responses to 3 Scientists to Share Nobel Prize for Discovery of Key Process in Cell Division
22021213 - October 6, 2009 at 7:16 am
It is unbelievable that The Chronicle continues to insult our most distinguished scientists, like Drs. Blackburn, Greider, and Szostak, addressing them as “Ms.” and “Mr.” Apparently The Chronicle considers only physicians honorable enough for the title “Dr.” Is that view broadly shared by the academic world? I doubt it.
cmsmw - October 6, 2009 at 9:12 am
It’s no insult to be referred to be the honorific “Mr.” or “Ms.” These titles don’t cease to apply, especially outside the office, when one earns a doctorate. And, yes, I have a Ph.D.