Nobel Prize 2026: Medicine prize awarded to three scientists for research into brain activity
PTC News Desk: Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel have jointly won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discoveries related to light-controlled ion channels and optogenetics. The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet announced the award on Monday, October 5.
Their research helped develop optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control nerve cells. It has given scientists a new way to study how different brain circuits influence memories, emotions and behaviour.
What is optogenetics?
The breakthrough began with Hegemann and Nagel's research on a single-celled alga called Chlamydomonas.
They discovered a protein called channelrhodopsin on the surface of the alga. When blue light hits the protein, it opens a channel that allows charged particles to pass through and produces an electrical signal.
Deisseroth later introduced the gene responsible for channelrhodopsin into rat nerve cells. By shining blue light on these cells, he was able to activate nerve signals.
He published this breakthrough in 2005. In 2007, he showed that the same light-controlled technique could be used in the brains of living mice. This method became known as optogenetics.
The technique has transformed brain research because scientists can use light to activate specific nerve cells and study their role in memories, emotions and behaviour. Researchers are also studying whether optogenetics could eventually help restore vision in people with certain types of visual impairment.
Why is the Nobel Prize in Medicine important?
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine is one of the original Nobel Prizes created through Alfred Nobel's will. It has been awarded since 1901 to recognise discoveries that have made important contributions to humanity.
The 2026 prize comes with a cash award of Rs 11.5 crore, which will be divided equally among the three winners.
The Medicine Nobel is selected by the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet, which has 50 professors. A Nobel Committee first evaluates the nominations before the Assembly makes the final decision.
The award was announced at the Nobel Forum at Karolinska Institutet in Solna, near Stockholm.
The Medicine prize is the first Nobel award to be announced this year. The remaining prizes, including Physics, Chemistry, Literature, Peace and Economic Sciences, will be announced in the coming days, with the final award scheduled for October 12.
- PTC NEWS
