UCSF researcher Stanley Prusiner (left) and UC San Diego Chancellor Marye Anne Fox are among National Medal of Science recipients for 2010.

UC San Diego Chancellor Marye Anne Fox and UCSF researcher and Nobel Laureate Stanley Prusiner were named today (Oct. 15) as recipients of the National Medal of Science. They are among 10 medalists, along with three individuals and one team of recipients of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, named today by President Barack Obama.

Prusiner received the medal for his discovery of and ongoing research on a novel infectious agent, which he named the prion. The prion, composed solely of protein, causes bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or "mad cow" disease, and other related fatal neurodegenerative diseases in animals and humans. Prusiner and colleagues are working on better methods for detecting prions and on the development of effective treatments for prion diseases. 

Fox, a chemist, was recognized for research in renewable sources of energy, as well as creating partnerships between the university and private industry that have resulted in spin-off companies and new jobs.

The National Medal of Science was established in 1959 and is administered by the National Science Foundation. It recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to science and engineering.