GoKawiilNobel Prize in Medicine goes to three scientists for optogenetics
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Karl Deisseroth of Stanford University, Peter Hegemann of Humboldt University of Berlin and Georg Nagel of the University of Würzburg for developing optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control neurons. Hegemann and Nagel first identified a light-sensitive protein called channelrhodopsin in algae, and Deisseroth later inserted the gene for it into rodent neurons, enabling precise activation of brain cells with light. The trio will share 12 million Swedish kronor, about $1.2 million.
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The technology gave neuroscientists a tool to move beyond passive observation of brain activity to directly testing cause-and-effect relationships in neural circuits, according to Nobel Committee chair Per Svenningsson. This capability has shaped nearly two decades of brain research and could continue to inform work on vision restoration and other neurological applications built on precise neuronal control.
- Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel share the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
- Their work on optogenetics lets scientists trigger neurons using light via the protein channelrhodopsin.
- The prize carries a $1.2 million award and recognizes a tool now central to modern neuroscience research.
Source: nature.com — Naddaf, 2026-10-05
Published there as: “Medicine Nobel awarded for brain ‘switch’ that controls neurons with light: live updates”
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