Nobel Prize in Medicine 2026: One American and two Germans honored for technique activating neurons with light
- Posted on October 6, 2026
- By Le Monde
- 1 Views
- 1 min read
In brief
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Medicine recognizes a groundbreaking achievement in neuroscience: optogenetics. Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel developed a revolutionary technique that uses light to precisely control neuronal activity. By engineering light-sensitive proteins into nerve cell membranes, researchers can now activate or deactivate specific neurons with unprecedented accuracy. This innovation promises dual benefits: deeper understanding of brain function and development of cutting-edge treatments for neurological disorders.
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Nobel Prize in Medicine 2026: One American and two Germans honored for technique activating neurons with light
By inserting certain proteins into the membrane of nerve cells, the three laureates, Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel, succeeded in switching neurons 'on' or 'off' at will. The technique has a dual purpose: Unlocking the secrets of the brain and developing innovative treatments.
