Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (2006)

The 2006 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Andrew Z. Fire and Craig C. Mello for discovering RNA interference (RNAi), a natural process that cells use to regulate gene expression. They found that small RNA molecules can turn off specific genes by preventing their messages from being used to produce proteins. This discovery provides powerful tools for studying genes and holds potential for developing new treatments for diseases by selectively blocking harmful genes. Their work has significantly advanced our understanding of gene regulation and holds promise for future medical innovations.