Medicine Nobel awarded for brain ‘switch’ that controls neurons with light: live updates

American scientist Karl Deisseroth, along with German researchers Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel, have been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The prestigious honor was bestowed upon the trio for their groundbreaking work on light-gated ion channels and optogenetics, which has significantly enhanced our understanding of the brain's functions.

The Nobel Assembly of Sweden's Karolinska Institute announced that these scientists were selected for their discoveries concerning light-gated ion channels and optogenetics. Optogenetics, a technique that enables the precise control of individual nerve cells in a living brain, has become a valuable tool for researchers worldwide.

This method has already been employed in clinical trials to restore vision in people suffering from retinitis pigmentosa by introducing light-sensitive proteins into the retina. Additionally, researchers believe that optogenetics could enhance cochlear implants, providing more targeted stimulation of the auditory nerve compared to existing electrical devices.

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine is the first award in the annual Nobel announcements, which also includes prizes in physics, chemistry, literature, peace, and economics. The prize sum of 12 million Swedish crowns (€1.06 million) will be shared equally by Deisseroth, Hegemann, and Nagel. The laureates, who have been surprised and delighted by the recognition, expressed their delight at sharing the award with their peers.