Washington (eCanadaNow) - The Albany Medical Center Prize, the largest medical prize in the U.S. worth $500,000 has been awarded to two top women scientists.

The two women scientists were named on Friday and consist of Elizabeth Blackburn of the University of California, San Francisco as well as Joan Steitz of Yale University.

The prize was awarded in the field of medicine as well as biomedical e=research.

This is the second-largest medical prize in the world behind the $1.4 million Nobel Prize.

James Barba, president of the Albany Medical Center stated “Dr. Blackburn’s studies of this fascinating enzyme and its effect on cellular aging may hold the key to prolonging life by helping to treat a variety of diseases and disorders from cancer to chronic stress.”

“Many scientists believe that Dr. Steitz’ research may ultimately lead to breakthroughs in treating a varity of autoimmune diseases including lupus.”

It is believed that their work on RNA could lead to many medical advancements over time.