Karl Deisseroth Hegemann and Nagel Win Nobel Prize in Medicine

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded on Monday to United States psychiatrist Karl Deisseroth and German scientists Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel, France 24 reported. The three researchers received the award for their pioneering work in the field of optogenetics. [1][7]

In optogenetics, scientists control neurons by stimulating them with light, France 24 reported. According to France 24, the technique holds potential to unlock breakthroughs in neuroscience by allowing targeted stimulation of specific brain cells. [1]

Optogenetics is a biological technique used to characterize and manipulate the activity of neurons or other cell types with light. This is achieved by expressing light-sensitive ion channels, pumps, or enzymes in target brain cells. A specialization within the discipline is known as nano-optogenetics. [6]

The Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute awards the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine annually for outstanding discoveries in physiology or medicine. The prize was established under the 1895 will of Alfred Nobel to honor discoveries that confer the greatest benefit to humankind. [7]