The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2008

This years Nobel Prize for medicine is shared by three European scientists who discovered viruses that cause cervical cancer and AIDS.
Harald zur Hausen (b. 1936) (Tel.: (06221) 42 – 28 50), a German virologist, who discovered the human papilloma viruses (H.P.V.), thus leading to the development of vaccines (Gardasil and Cervarix) against cervical cancer – the second most common cancer among women after breast cancer – will recieve half the award (5 000 000 Swedish kronor = 32.9111834 million Indian rupees).

Françoise Barré-Sinoussi (b. 1947) and Luc Montagnier (b. 1932), both from France, will share the other half of the award (2 500 000 Swedish kronor = 16.4555917 million Indian rupees) but will get full medals and certificates for their discovery of human immunodeficiency virus, which needs no introduction.

Sources :
1) NobelPrize.org
2) The New York Times

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