Nobel and IgNobel

In case you missed it, the 2008 Nobel Prizes were awarded last week. The prize for physiology and medicine was split between three researchers, one who discovered human papilloma virus (HPV) and its link to cancer. The other two researchers were among the fist to discover human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and its link to AIDS. There is a fair bit of controversy over who should get credit for the discovery of HIV. The Nobel committee decided to reward the French group, while ignoring the American contribution. Of course, I may be a little biased, since Robert Gallo is at the University of Maryland.

The prize for chemistry went to three researchers involved in isolating, cloning and basic research on green fluorescent protein (GFP). GFP was first isolated in jellyfish, and has lead to a revolution in molecular biology. Most likely, there are few molecular research laboratories that do not use some form of GFP in research right now. And you can make cool stuff like this. Or this. Or... yeah you get the idea.

As important as the Nobel Prizes are, there is an interesting take on them here. Very interesting read; if you have time and are contemplating a career in the sciences I highly recommend reading it.

Almost as prestigious as the Nobel Prizes are the IgNobel Prizes, which

honor achievements that first make people laugh, and then make them think. The prizes are intended to celebrate the unusual, honor the imaginative -- and spur people's interest in science, medicine, and technology.

The list of 2008 (and past years) winners can be found here. Which award would you rather receive?