search
neurons
Trends
- 1
Nathan Charles, the former Wallabies hooker who overcame cystic fibrosis to reach the top of Australian rugby, has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease at 37. He shared the news in a raw interview, describing the diagnosis as cruel. Outlets across Australia are covering the story, with many reflecting on how he defied medical expectations to play Test rugby and is now facing another serious health battle.
- 2
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded for optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control neurons. Scientists are celebrating the recognition of a method that transformed neuroscience, enabling precise manipulation of brain circuits and advancing research into conditions such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy and depression.
- 3Deisseroth, Hegemann and Nagel win 2026 Nobel Prize in Medicine▼2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine: Deisseroth, Hegemann, Nagel
Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel have been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their work on optogenetics, the technique that uses light-sensitive proteins to control the activity of specific cells. The discovery has transformed neuroscience by allowing researchers to switch neurons on and off with light, with broad implications for studying and treating brain disorders.
- 4
Former Wallabies hooker Nathan Charles has revealed he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, the aggressive and incurable condition that has claimed several high-profile rugby figures. Charles, who overcame cystic fibrosis during his playing career, is now speaking publicly about the diagnosis as part of a broader push to raise awareness and funds for research into the disease.
- 5
German biophysicist Georg Nagel is being discussed in connection with the Nobel Prize in Medicine, thanks to his pioneering work on optogenetics, a technique that uses light-sensitive proteins to switch nerve cells on and off. The method has revolutionised brain research, allowing scientists to precisely control neurons in living tissue. German media are revisiting how the 'light switch' discovery reshaped neuroscience and why Nagel's contribution remains central to the debate over who deserves the honour.
- 6
A trio of scientists has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control cells, including neurons in the brain. Swedish media are covering the announcement widely, with a brain researcher calling the work "groundbreaking". Debate is also under way about which researchers deserved the honour.
- 72026 Nobel Prize in Medicine awarded for optogenetics brain research tool▼2026 Nobel Prize in Medicine awarded for brain research tool called optogenetics
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Medicine has been awarded for optogenetics, a technique that lets scientists control brain cells with light. The method has transformed neuroscience by allowing researchers to switch specific neurons on and off in living animals, advancing the study of brain circuits and disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Health outlets are reporting the announcement.
- 8
The Nobel Prize has been awarded for optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control neurons, recognised as a major breakthrough in neuroscience. Writing in The Conversation, commentators describe it as one of a series of technological innovations helping scientists map and control the brain, opening new paths for studying and potentially treating neurological conditions.
- 9
A Nobel Prize has been awarded for work on optogenetics, the technique that uses light to control brain cell activity. The method, which lets researchers switch specific neurons on and off with pulses of light, has transformed the study of brain circuits and is being explored for treating conditions such as Parkinson's disease and blindness. Scientists have long considered the field a leading candidate for the award.
- 10Optogenetics pioneers win Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine●The new field of optogenetics won the Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine. Very cool technique to switch genes on an
Optogenetics, a technique that lets scientists switch genes and neurons on and off using light, has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The method, pioneered in part by Stanford's Karl Deisseroth, transformed neuroscience by allowing precise control of brain cells. Commenters recalled the field's early days around 2004, noting how quickly it moved from novel idea to Nobel-recognised breakthrough.
- 11Nobel medicine prize goes to optogenetics pioneers●The Nobel medicine prize was awarded Monday to US psychiatrist and neurologist Karl Deisseroth and German scientists Pet
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded Monday to American psychiatrist and neurologist Karl Deisseroth and German scientists Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel for their pioneering work on optogenetics. The technique allows scientists to control neurons with light, transforming research into how the brain works and opening new avenues for studying neurological and psychiatric disorders.
- 12Karl Deisseroth Awarded 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine▼Karl Deisseroth Awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
Stanford bioengineer and psychiatrist Karl Deisseroth has been named the recipient of the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, according to an announcement from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, where he is an investigator. Deisseroth is best known for pioneering optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control neurons and has transformed research into brain circuits underlying behaviour and neurological disease.
- 13Optogenetics pioneers tipped for Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine●Controlling the # brain with light earns a # physiology # Nobel # NobelPrize in Physiology or # Medicine rewards —Karl D
Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel are being discussed as Nobel laureates in Physiology or Medicine for developing optogenetics — the technique of controlling neurons in the brain with light. The work grew out of studies of light-sensitive algae proteins, and it is now widely used in neuroscience to switch specific brain circuits on and off.
- 14
The Prince and Princess of Wales made a surprise appearance to greet Kevin Sinfield during one of his charity running challenges raising funds and awareness for motor neurone disease, inspired by his late Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow. The royal encounter has drawn wide attention in the UK, with many praising the gesture and Sinfield's ongoing fundraising efforts.
- 15Optogenetics pioneers awarded Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine▼Optogenetics researchers win Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
Researchers in optogenetics have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, honoring their work controlling cells with light. The technique, which uses light-sensitive proteins to switch neurons on and off, has transformed neuroscience by allowing precise study of brain circuits. The award is drawing wide attention as recognition of one of modern biology's most influential tools.
- 16Optogenetics pioneers win Nobel Prize for controlling brain with light●Controlling the brain with light earns a physiology Nobel: the entire field of optogenetics traces back to light-seeking
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded for optogenetics, the technique that lets scientists control brain cells with light. The method traces back to light-sensitive proteins from algae, which researchers adapted to switch neurons on and off with precise beams of light. The approach has transformed neuroscience, allowing researchers to map and manipulate neural circuits in living animals.
- 17Three Scientists Win Nobel Prize in Medicine for Optogenetics▼3 Scientists Share Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for Optogenetics
Three scientists have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their work on optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control activity in specific cells, notably neurons. The method has transformed brain research by allowing precise manipulation of neural circuits in living tissue, with broad implications for studying and potentially treating neurological conditions.
- 182026 Nobel Prize in Medicine awarded for optogenetics discovery▼2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine awarded for optogenetics discovery
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded for the discovery of optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control neurons. The method has become a cornerstone of neuroscience research and is being explored for treating conditions such as vision loss and neurological disorders. Medical outlets are reporting the award and highlighting optogenetics' impact on brain science.
- 19Stanford's Karl Deisseroth wins Nobel Prize for optogenetics▼Karl Deisseroth: Stanford professor wins Nobel Prize in Medicine for optogenetics, new way to study brain using light
Stanford professor Karl Deisseroth has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his work on optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control and study brain cells. The method has transformed neuroscience, allowing researchers to switch specific neurons on and off and better understand how circuits in the brain drive behavior, with broad implications for studying conditions like Parkinson's disease, epilepsy and depression.
- 20Optogenetics: switching on brain cells with light▼Switching on brain cells: The Nobel-winning science of optogenetics
Science outlets are explaining optogenetics, the Nobel-recognised technique that lets researchers control brain cells with light. By making neurons light-sensitive, scientists can switch specific circuits on and off in animals, shedding new light on how the brain works and offering potential routes to treating conditions such as Parkinson's disease and epilepsy. Coverage walks readers through the method, its founders and why the work earned science's top honour.
- 21Optogenetics Pioneers Awarded 2026 Nobel Prize in Medicine▼Optogenetics Pioneers Win 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to the pioneers of optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control the activity of neurons and other cells. The method has transformed neuroscience, allowing researchers to precisely manipulate brain circuits and study behavior with unprecedented accuracy.
- 22Nobel Prize in Medicine awarded for optogenetics●"The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2026 is awarded for optogenetics — a method that makes it possible to show ho
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded for optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control nerve cells. The method allows researchers to observe how neurons shape memories, feelings and behaviours in the living brain, and it has become a foundational tool in modern neuroscience research.
- 23Optogenetics pioneers win 2026 Nobel Prize in Medicine▼2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine awarded to scientists behind optogenetics
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to the scientists behind optogenetics, the technique that uses light to control the activity of cells, especially neurons. The method has transformed neuroscience by allowing researchers to switch brain circuits on and off with precision, and it underpins experimental treatments now being tested in human patients.
- 242026 Nobel Prize in Medicine Goes to Optogenetics▼2026 Nobel Prize in Medicine Recognizes Optogenetics | Business | Oct 2026
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded in recognition of optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control cells, particularly neurons, in living tissue. The method has transformed neuroscience by allowing precise manipulation of brain circuits. Reports highlight the prize as validation of decades of work bridging optics and biology, with broad implications for understanding and treating neurological disorders.
- 25Nobel Prize in Medicine awarded to optogenetics pioneers▼Nobel Prize in medicine awarded to trio for optogenetics work
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to three scientists for their pioneering work on optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control neurons. The method has transformed neuroscience research, allowing precise manipulation of brain cells and advancing the study of neurological conditions. The announcement is drawing broad attention across international media.
- 26German and US scientists win Nobel Prize in medicine for optogenetics▼German, U.S. scientists win Nobel in medicine for advancements in optogenetics
Scientists from Germany and the United States have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their work on optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control cells, particularly neurons. The method has transformed neuroscience by allowing researchers to manipulate brain activity with unprecedented precision. The award was announced by the Nobel Assembly in Stockholm.
- 27German and US scientists win Nobel medicine prize for optogenetics▼German and US scientists win Nobel medicine prize for work on optogenetics
Scientists from Germany and the United States have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their pioneering work on optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control cells, including neurons in the brain. Major outlets including Reuters, USA Today and U.S. News & World Report are carrying the announcement, which recognises research with far-reaching implications for neuroscience and the treatment of brain disorders.
- 28Optogenetics pioneers win Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine▼Inventors of optogenetics win Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
The inventors of optogenetics have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The technique, which uses light to control cells in living tissue, has transformed neuroscience by allowing researchers to switch specific neurons on and off with pinpoint accuracy. The award is being widely covered and celebrated across the scientific press as recognition of a method that reshaped modern brain research.
- 29Deisseroth, Hegemann and Nagel win Nobel Prize in medicine▼Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel win Nobel Prize in medicine
Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The three researchers are known for their work on optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control neurons. The announcement has drawn attention across scientific and medical communities worldwide.
- 302026 Nobel Prize in Medicine Goes to Optogenetics Pioneers●2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine: How Light Became a Tool to Control the Brain
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has reportedly been awarded for work showing how light can be used to control brain cells. The recognised field, known as optogenetics, allows researchers to switch specific neurons on and off with light, transforming the study of brain circuits and disorders. Coverage is highlighting how a technique from basic science became one of the most powerful tools in modern neuroscience.
- 312026 Nobel Prize in Medicine Awarded for Optogenetics▼2026 Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine Goes to Optogenetics, Light-Gated Ion Channels
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has reportedly been awarded for optogenetics, the technique using light-gated ion channels to control nerve cell activity with light. The technology, which transformed neuroscience by allowing precise manipulation of neurons, would join a field whose pioneers already received the 2021 Lasker and 2013 breakthrough awards. Details beyond the headline remain limited.
- 32
Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, made a surprise appearance during Kevin Sinfield's ultra marathon charity run for motor neurone disease research. The royal couple greeted the former rugby league star mid-challenge, drawing widespread attention to his fundraising effort, which honours his friend and former teammate Rob Burrow, who died of MND.
- 33Deisseroth, Hegemann and Nagel win 2026 Nobel Prize in Medicine●2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine: Deisseroth, Hegemann, Nagel https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2026/
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel. The three researchers are known for pioneering optogenetics, a technique that uses light-sensitive proteins to control the activity of individual neurons, which has transformed neuroscience research. The announcement is drawing widespread attention across science communities.
- 34Nobel laureate Karl Deisseroth on the future of optogenetics▼Karl Deisseroth, winner of Nobel Prize in Medicine, explains the future of optogenetics discovery
Karl Deisseroth, a winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine, is discussing where optogenetics research goes next. The technique, which uses light to control the activity of specific neurons, has transformed how scientists study the brain, and Deisseroth remains one of its central figures. His remarks come as attention on his Nobel honour continues to focus public interest on the future of neuroscience discovery.
- 35Brain Scans Point to Dopamine Neuron Injury in Long COVID●Brain Scans of 24 People With Long COVID Reveal Signs of Injury to Dopamine Neurons
Scientists conducted brain scans on 24 people with long COVID and found signs of injury to dopamine neurons. The discovery may help explain some of the illness's most debilitating symptoms, including fatigue and cognitive difficulties. Researchers say the findings offer a biological marker for a condition that has often lacked clear physical evidence, potentially guiding future diagnosis and treatment of long COVID.
- 362026 Nobel Prize in Medicine awarded for optogenetics●The 2026 Nobel Prize in Medicine goes to Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel for optogenetics — switching i
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Medicine has been awarded to Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel for the development of optogenetics, a technique that switches individual neurons on and off with light. Their work, built on a light-sensitive protein from pond algae, has become a key tool for mapping the brain circuits behind memory, mood and disease.
- 37PhD position opens on cognitive buffering in altered environments●Cognitive buffering in an increasingly altered planet: from neurons to populations PhD project | FPU 2026 Human activiti
A PhD project funded by Spain's FPU 2026 programme is examining why some animal species cope with human-driven environmental change while others decline. The research, titled 'Cognitive buffering in an increasingly altered planet: from neurons to populations', will connect brain mechanisms with population-level outcomes, aiming to explain differences in species' persistence across rapidly transforming habitats.
- 38Nobel Prize in medicine awarded for optogenetics research▼Scientists win Nobel Prize in medicine for work on ‘light-gated ion channels and optogenetics’
Scientists have been awarded the Nobel Prize in medicine for their work on light-gated ion channels and optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control the activity of specific cells, particularly neurons. The method has become a powerful tool in neuroscience, allowing researchers to study brain circuits with precision.
- 39Sinfield completes seven ultramarathons in seven days for charity●Sinfield completes fundraising challenge of seven ultramarathons in a week https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwgkvy047
Rugby league figure Kevin Sinfield has finished a fundraising challenge running seven ultramarathons in seven days. Sinfield is well known for his long-distance efforts raising money for motor neurone disease causes in memory of his former Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow. The completion of the latest endurance feat has drawn widespread praise and attention to the charity total.
- 40Optogenetics pioneers win Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine●Controlling the brain with light earns a physiology Nobel https://arstechnica.com/science/2026/10/controlling-the-brain-
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded for optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control brain cells with remarkable precision. The work, which combines genetic engineering with optical methods, has transformed neuroscience by letting researchers switch specific neurons on and off in living animals. Coverage highlights its role in mapping brain circuits and its potential relevance to treating neurological conditions.