Science Tech8 October 2026
Nobel Medicine 2026: Optogenetics
Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel received the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discoveries behind optogenetics. Hegemann and Nagel discovered channelrhodopsin in a unicellular alga; Deisseroth developed its use as a light-controlled switch for nerve cells. By combining light-sensitive proteins with genetic targeting, researchers can control selected neurons and study circuits involved in memory, emotions and behaviour.
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Knowledge CheckWith reference to optogenetics, consider the following statements:
- Channelrhodopsin is a light-sensitive protein discovered in unicellular algae.
- Optogenetics combines genetic targeting with light to control selected nerve cells.
- Optogenetic control using channelrhodopsin requires nerve cells to naturally produce this algal protein without genetic introduction. Which statements are correct?