Deisseroth, Hegemann and Nagel Win 2026 Medicine Nobel for Optogenetics

Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel have received the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discoveries that led to optogenetics. Optogenetics allows researchers to use light to activate or silence selected nerve cells. The method relies on light-sensitive proteins known as light-gated ion channels. Hegemann and Nagel helped identify and characterise the proteins, while Deisseroth developed ways to use them to control specific neurons. The technique has given scientists a precise tool for studying brain functions such as movement, memory, emotion and behaviour. It is now widely used in research into neurological and psychiatric conditions linked to abnormal brain-cell activity.

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