Some of the world's richest internet entrepreneurs, including Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, have announced plans to create the largest annual prize in science.
Mr Zuckerberg has joined forces with officials at Google and Apple to create the Breakthrough Prize, aimed at encouraging more young people to take up science.
This year, awards of $US3 million each have been awarded to 11 scientists whose work leads the field in combating diseases and extending human life, the BBC reports.
In future years, five of the best will be singled out to receive a cheque each of more than $US3 million.
