Scientist gets posthumous Nobel prize

A pioneering scientist who died just a few days ago has been confirmed as this year's Nobel Prize winner for medicine.

The award for Canada-born Ralph Steinman had been thrown into doubt because only living scientists are considered eligible. But the committee said their decision stood leading to the first posthumous Nobel prize in half a century.

Steinman and two others were recognised for their work on the immune system.

The Rockefeller University, Steinman's former employer, said he had been diagnosed with cancer four years ago, but had managed to extend his life using his own immuno-therapy.

Al Jazeera's Caroline Malone reports.