Tuesday, 6 October 2026 Updated 1 hour ago
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Switching on brain cells: the Nobel-winning science of optogenetics

The Nobel medicine prize was awarded Monday to US psychiatrist and neurologist Karl Deisseroth and German scientists Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel for…

Image accompanying the story: Switching on brain cells: the Nobel-winning science of optogenetics
Image: France 24 · via France 24

France 24 reports that the Nobel medicine prize was awarded Monday to US psychiatrist and neurologist Karl Deisseroth and German scientists Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel for their pioneering work in the neuroscience field of optogenetics.

In optogenetics, scientists control neurones by stimulating them with light -- potentially unlocking breakthroughs for conditions such as dementia, depression and blindness.

This science story centres on the United States. Names and organisations mentioned in the coverage include Nobel-winning, Nobel and Karl Deisseroth.

Why it matters

Research developments are often early steps — further studies typically determine how significant they prove to be.

Key details

Location
United States · Americas
Reported by
France 24
First reported
Key names
Nobel-winning, Nobel, Karl Deisseroth, German
Section
Science

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

Read the full story at France 24

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