Canadian-born scientist Ralph Steinman was awarded the Nobel Prize in medicine on Monday for his discoveries regarding the human immune system.
Sadly, Steinman died three days before he could receive the coveted prize.
As Reported By The Associated Press:
The Nobel committee had been unaware of Steinman’s death and it was unclear whether the prize would be rescinded because Nobel statutes don’t allow posthumous awards.
Steinman, 68, who shared the prize with American Bruce Beutler and French scientist Jules Hoffmann, died on Sept. 30 of pancreatic cancer, according to Rockefeller University, which said he had been treated with immunotherapy based on his discovery of dendritic cells two decades earlier.
The cells help regulate adaptive immunity, an immune system response that purges invading microorganisms from the body.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Steinman family as they continue to cope with this latest tragedy.
SOURCE: AP
