From left: the three scientists Gregg L. Semenza, Peter Ratcliffe, and William G. Kaelin

The statement by the Swedish Nobel Council reads: "Scientists' findings this year clearly demonstrate the mechanism of one of life's most important adaptation processes."

The scientists' research lays the foundation for us to understand how oxygen levels affect the metabolic and physiological functions of cells, the statement writes.

"Oxygen sensor is at the core of studying many diseases," the Nobel Council said. "Tireless efforts of laboratories and pharmaceutical companies are now focused on developing drugs that can interfere with disease, by activating or blocking oxygen sensing mechanisms."

This remarkable physiological research enhances our understanding of how our bodies function and in turn keeps us healthy. This has great applications in everything from injury recovery and protection from disease and improving exercise. Professor Bridget Lumb, president of The Physiological Society network, said

The work of three scientists establishes an understanding of how oxygen levels affect cell metabolism and physiological function, opening up promising new vistas in the treatment of anemia, cancer, and many other diseases.

William G. Kaelin is a professor at Harvard University and works at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute of America. His compatriot Kaelin, Professor Gregg L. Semenza, teaches at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and is director of the vascular program at the Institute of Cell Engineering. Meanwhile, British doctor Peter Ratcliffe specializes in cell and molecular biology. He has research on cell responses to hypoxia.

According to the Guardian, the trio of scientists' victory is not too surprising because they also won the Albert Lasker Prize for basic medical research in 2016. The Lasker Prize is like the Nobel Prize of America and some people. each award winner also won the Nobel Prize.

Last year, the Biomedical Prize went to two American and Japanese scientists for research on immunotherapy in cancer treatment.