Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann și Georg Nagel au câștigat Nobelul pentru Medicină 2026. Ce au descoperit? • Newsweek România

Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel received the 2026 Nobel Prize in Medicine for their discoveries related to light-activated ion channels and optogenetics. Hegemann and Nagel identified channelrhodopsin, a unique protein that makes cells light-sensitive. Deisseroth introduced this gene into mouse neurons, enabling the control of nerve signals with blue light. This technique, known as optogenetics, has revolutionized neuroscience by allowing researchers to map brain functions and explore neural circuits related to memories and behaviors. The method is also being applied in clinical settings to restore vision in individuals with visual impairments, significantly advancing our understanding of brain function.