Internationally renowned scientist Karl Deisseroth has been jointly awarded the 2026 Nobel prize for physiology or medicine for his pioneering work in optogenetics. This breakthrough field involves controlling nerve cells with light to investigate their activity and its impact on human feelings and behaviour. Deisseroth, a professor at Stanford University in the US, spoke about his research and the experience of receiving the prestigious award. His journey began in the 1990s while studying to be a doctor and working with psychiatric patients.
Deisseroth's research focuses on understanding the brain, a complex system comprising billions of fragile and vulnerable cells. He used a gene from a single-celled pond algae, discovered by German scientists Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel, to develop optogenetics. This innovation has allowed researchers to identify cells involved in basic survival drives, such as hunger and thirst, as well as those controlling aggression, defensiveness, and parenting. The discovery has far-reaching implications for understanding human behaviour.
The Conversation Weekly podcast recently featured Deisseroth, who discussed his research journey and hopes for the future of optogenetic research. He highlighted the significance of his work, which has led to a deeper understanding of the brain and its functions. Deisseroth's contribution to the field has been recognised globally, and he continues to be a leading figure in brain research.
Deisseroth's work has been funded by reputable organisations, including the NIH and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. He is also the founder of MapLight Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company. His research has the potential to lead to new treatments and therapies for various neurological disorders.
The podcast episode featuring Deisseroth was produced by Gemma Ware, Grace Jennings-Edquist, and Isabella Podwinski, with mixing by Lloyd Barrett and theme music by Neeta Sarl. A transcript of the episode is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Listeners can access The Conversation Weekly via various apps or download it directly via the RSS feed.
Deisseroth's Nobel prize win is a testament to his dedication to understanding the brain and its functions. His work in optogenetics has opened up new avenues for research and has the potential to lead to significant breakthroughs in the field. As a leading researcher, Deisseroth continues to push the boundaries of human knowledge.
The Conversation Global, the source of the original report, provides in-depth analysis and insights into various topics, including science, technology, and global news. Their publication features articles and podcasts on a range of subjects, including brain research and optogenetics.
Key points
- Karl Deisseroth was jointly awarded the 2026 Nobel prize for physiology or medicine for his work in optogenetics.
- Deisseroth used a gene from single-celled pond algae to develop optogenetics.
- His research has led to a deeper understanding of the brain and its functions, with potential applications in treating neurological disorders.
