Nobel Honors Breakthrough in Brain Control Using Light-Activated Proteins
The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel for pioneering optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control neuron activity. Their work, originating from studies on algae, enables precise activation or inhibition of neurons in living brains, advancing neuroscience research significantly.
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This development could transform our understanding of brain functions and disorders by allowing scientists to manipulate specific neural circuits with high precision. It positions the field to explore new treatments for neurological conditions and deepen insights into brain behavior, potentially leading to innovative therapies.
- Optogenetics allows precise control of neurons with light.
- The technique builds on discoveries from algae to human cells.
- This breakthrough could impact future neurological treatments.
Source: arstechnica.com, 2026-10-05
Published there as: “Controlling the brain with light earns a physiology Nobel”
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