Nobel Prize 2026: Medicine award goes to Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel
New Delhi, Oct 5 : Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel have jointly won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discoveries concerning light-gated ion channels and optogenetics, the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet announced on Monday, October 5.
Their work laid the foundation for optogenetics, a method that uses light to control nerve cells and has allowed scientists to study how specific brain circuits shape memories, feelings and behaviours.
WHAT IS OPTOGENETICS?
The breakthrough began with Hegemann and Nagel’s work on a single-celled alga called Chlamydomonas.
They discovered a protein called channelrhodopsin on the surface of the alga. When exposed to blue light, the protein opens a channel through which charged particles flow, creating an electrical signal.
By shining blue light on them, he could trigger a nerve signal. He published the breakthrough in 2005 and, two years later, demonstrated that the light-controlled switch could work in the brains of living mice.
The method has changed how researchers study the brain because it allows them to activate particular nerve cells with light and investigate their role in specific memories, feelings and behaviours.
Researchers are also exploring its use in attempts to restore sight in people with visual impairment.
WHY IS NOBEL PRIZE IN MEDICINE SIGNIFICANT?
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine is one of the original Nobel Prizes established from Alfred Nobel’s will. It has been awarded since 1901 for discoveries considered to have made an important contribution to humanity.
The 2026 prize carries Rs 11,50,00,00, with the amount divided equally among the three laureates.
An image of a gavel being hit after ballots were counted and the Nobel Assembly made their decision on the winner. (Photo: Nobel Prize)
A a gavel being hit after ballots were counted and the Nobel Assembly made their decision on the winner.
The Medicine Nobel is selected by the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet, which consists of 50 professors. Its Nobel Committee evaluates nominations before the Assembly makes the award decision.
The award was announced at the Nobel Forum at Karolinska Institutet in Solna, near Stockholm.
The Medicine prize is the first Nobel award announced this year.
The remaining prizes, including Physics, Chemistry, Literature, Peace and Economic Sciences, will be announced over the days ahead, with the final award scheduled for October 12.
-The India Today
