Nobel Prize awarded for optogenetics research in neuroscience
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5 Oct, 09:35ZNobel Prize in medicine awarded to three scientists for optogenetics and light-gated ion channels.
First reportCNN · 5 Oct, 09:35Z
Latest reportBBC · 5 Oct, 10:10Z
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Why it matters
What
Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for optogenetics research.
Why
Optogenetics links specific neural pathways to memories, feelings, behaviors, and mechanisms underlying neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Watch
Researchers are exploring clinical uses, including restoring sight for people with visual impairments.
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Summary
- Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel win 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
- They are recognized for discoveries on light-gated ion channels and optogenetics.
- The prize totals 12 million Swedish crowns, shared among winners.
- Hegemann and Nagel discovered channelrhodopsin, enabling light sensitivity in cells.
- Deisseroth demonstrated blue-light activation of nerve cells in living rats and mice.
Summary
- Three scientists win the 2026 Nobel Prize in Medicine for optogenetics research.
- Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel work at Stanford, Humboldt, and Würzburg.
- Prize recognizes work on light-gated ion channels controlling nerve cell activity.
- Optogenetics helps reveal neural circuits related to memories, emotions, and disorders.
- Prize amount is 12 million Swedish kronor per laureate, awarded December 10.
Summary
- Nobel Prize in Medicine awarded to Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel.
- They were honored for research into light-gated ion channels and optogenetics.
- Prize money this year amounts to 12 million Swedish kronor (~$1.2 million).
- Deisseroth is affiliated with Stanford, Hegemann with Humboldt University, Nagel with University of Würzburg.
- The Nobel Assembly notes the method is used globally to study brain activity.
Summary
- Three scientists win the 2026 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for brain research.
- Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel share the award for optogenetics.
- Prize recognizes discoveries about light-gated ion channels and optogenetics.
- Winners will share 12 million Swedish kronor (about £901,500).
- This marks the 117th Nobel Prize in the category; 14 of 235 laureates have been women.
Summary
- Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel win 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
- They developed optogenetics, using light to control neurons in living brains.
- Channelrhodopsin discovery by Hegemann and Nagel enabled light response in cells.
- Deisseroth added the gene to neurons to trigger signals with blue light.
- Prize amount is 12 million SEK (about $1.2 million) to be awarded.
Summary
- Karl Deisseroth and Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel awarded Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
- Prize recognizes optogenetics as a foundation for understanding neural circuits.
- Researchers linked memories, feelings, and behaviors to specific neural pathways.
- Method aids study of neurological and psychiatric disorders and their mechanisms.
- Clinically, optogenetics is explored to restore sight in visual impairments.