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    2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine Awarded for Optogenetics Innovations

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    Nobel Prize winners Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel with neural imagery representing their optogenetics discoveries.

    What happened

    The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel for their pioneering work in optogenetics.

    The Context

    • Foundational Research: The award recognizes decades of research into light-sensitive proteins from algae, which laid the groundwork for optogenetics.
    • Neuroscience Applications: Deisseroth's adaptation of these proteins allows precise control of neurons, advancing studies on brain functions and disorders.
    • Global Impact: This recognition emphasizes the growing importance of neuroscience in addressing psychiatric and neurological conditions worldwide.

    The Number

    12 million Swedish kronor

    — the total prize amount shared equally among the laureates, highlighting the significance of their contributions to global neuroscience.

    Takeaway

    Expect continued advancements in neuroscience research, potentially leading to new treatments for mental health disorders.

    18 Articles
    Silicon Republic

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    France 24

    Switching on brain cells: the Nobel-winning science of optogenetics

    The Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to US psychiatrist and neurologist Karl Deisseroth, alongside German scientists Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel, for their groundbreaking work in optogenetics, a field that allows for the control of neurons thro...

    France 24

    Switching on brain cells: the Nobel-winning science of optogenetics

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    ABC News Technology

    California scientist wins a Nobel Prize, then makes school lunches for his kids

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    The New York Times

    Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine Is Awarded for Discoveries in Neuroscience

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    The New York Times

    Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine Is Awarded for Discoveries in Neuroscience

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    Gulf Times

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    Emirates 24|7

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    The Guardian

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    Ars Technica

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    Dow Jones – Health

    Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel share the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for their work in optogenetics

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    Trio Awarded Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for Neuroscience Discoveries

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    Global News

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    Global News

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    Saudi Gazette

    Nobel Prize in medicine awarded to trio for research into mysteries of brain

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    BBC News

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    BBC News

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    HuffPost

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    Scientific American

    2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine awarded to Karl Deisseroth, Georg Nagel and Peter Hegemann for work on optogenetics

    The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Karl Deisseroth, Georg Nagel, and Peter Hegemann for their pioneering work in optogenetics, a technique that utilizes light and genetics to manipulate individual cells. This groundbre...

    Scientific American — Global

    2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine awarded to Karl Deisseroth, Georg Nagel and Peter Hegemann for work on optogenetics

    The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Karl Deisseroth, Georg Nagel, and Peter Hegemann for their pioneering work in optogenetics, a technique that utilizes light and genetics to manipulate individual cells. This groundbre...