Stem cell scientist, Linux creator share Millennium Technology PrizeJune 14, 2012 - 20:41 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Japanese stem cell scientist Dr Shinya Yamanaka has been awarded the Millennium Technology Prize, BBC News reported. His award is for discovering how to reprogram human cells to mimic embryonic stem cells, which can become any cell in the body. Called induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, these now aid research into regenerative medicine. He was joint-winner with Linus Torvalds, who created the open-source Linux operating system for computers. This is the first time the prize has been shared by two scientists - they will split the 1.2m euros ($1.3m; £800,000) award. The President of the Republic of Finland, Sauli Niinisto, presented the prize at the Finnish National Opera in Helsinki. Dr Ainomija Haarla, President of Technology Academy Finland - the foundation which awards the prize every two years - said: "The International Selection Committee has to judge whether an innovation has had a favourable impact on people's lives and assess its potential for further development to benefit humanity in the future. "The innovations of both this year's winners embody that principle. Dr Shinya Yamanaka's discovery of a new method to develop pluripotent stem cells for medical research could help combat intractable disease." Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |