International scientists win Israeli prize

Wolf Foundation recognizes Japan's Shinya Yamanaka, Germany's Rudolf Jaenisch for finding that induced stem cells can potentially be used to cure genetic disease

Associated Press|Published: 05.29.11 , 07:29

American, German and Japanese scientists have been named this year's winners of Israel's prestigious Wolf Prize.

The Wolf Foundation said Monday Japanese researcher Shinya Yamanaka and German researcher Rudolf Jaenisch have been recognized for finding that induced stem cells can potentially be used to cure genetic disease.

Other winners include three American chemistry researchers, an American animal agriculture researcher, German physicists researching electrons and a German artist.

Wolf winners are considered strong contenders for Nobel prizes. In the 33 years the Wolf Foundation has granted the awards, one out of three laureates in chemistry, physics and medicine have gone on to receive the Nobel.

President Shimon Peres will present the $100,000 prizes in five categories on Sunday.