The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for 2024 has been awarded to scientists Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel. The prize was announced by the Karolinska Institute, with the three laureates receiving the award for their discoveries related to light-controlled ion channels and for optogenetics.
Optogenetics is a method that allows scientists to switch specific groups of nerve cells on and off using light. This enables them to study with great precision how individual groups of neurons influence brain function, behaviour, emotions and other processes.
The discovery came from the intersection of two fields of research. Hegemann and Nagel, through their research on light-sensitive proteins in single-celled algae, helped identify ion channels that respond to light. Deisseroth then applied these mechanisms to nerve cells, enabling them to be controlled by light impulses.
These discoveries laid the foundations for optogenetics, which has become one of the key tools in modern neuroscience. The three winners will share the monetary award of 10 million Swedish krona, equivalent to around 1.1 million euros.
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was the first of this year's Nobel Prizes to be announced, with the prize for physics to follow on Tuesday. The winners of the Nobel Prizes in physics, chemistry, literature and peace will be announced later in the week. The award ceremonies will take place on 10 December in Stockholm.
