optogenetics

The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel. The three are widely associated with the development of optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control nerve cells, which has transformed neuroscience research. The announcement is drawing broad attention as one of the most anticipated prizes in science.

The Nobel Prize in medicine has been awarded for optogenetics, the technique that uses light to control the activity of genetically modified neurons. Scientists are celebrating the recognition of a method that transformed neuroscience, allowing researchers to switch specific brain cells on and off and study how neural circuits drive behaviour with unprecedented precision.

Stanford bioengineer and psychiatrist Karl Deisseroth has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine. Deisseroth, a pioneer of optogenetics, spoke about receiving the honour. The award is drawing wide attention from the scientific community and the public, with many congratulating him on one of medicine's highest recognitions.

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.

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.