Shinya Yamanaka, Researcher
Shinya Yamanaka, 55, won the Nobel Prize in 2006 for creating iPS cells, a type of pluripotent stem cell. He demonstrated how the addition of 4 genes allows skin and other cells to turn into various types of cells in the body. His discovery opened up tremendous possibilities for both regenerative medicine and the development of new medications. Yamanaka has been leading efforts to use iPS cells in treatments for intractable diseases and injuries, and has teamed up with Japan's largest pharmaceutical company. Together, they aim to create dream medications for cancer, as well as nerve and muscle diseases. Their work is still in the animal-testing stage, but always in the back of Yamanaka's mind are the patients who are waiting. While it may take considerable time, his focus is helping people struggling from untreatable diseases. Even after winning the Nobel Prize, Yamanaka continues on the long and unforgiving road of research, never losing sight of his goal.
