# Shinya Yamanaka

Japanese stem cell researcher who discovered that mature adult cells can be reprogrammed to become pluripotent stem cells (called iPSCs) capable of developing into any cell type. Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2012, shared with John Gurdon. His discovery opened the door to patient-specific stem cell therapies without the ethical controversies of embryonic stem cells.

## Quick Facts

- **Born:** September 4, 1962
- **Birthplace:** Higashiōsaka, Japan
- **Nationality:** Japanese
- **Occupation:** Stem Cell Biologist
- **Category:** Scholars & Educators
- **Also Known As:** iPS Cell Pioneer

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Source: https://peoplebio.info/p/shinya-yamanaka