Nobel Prize in medicine awarded for optogenetics research on the brain

US psychiatrist and neurologist Karl Deisseroth, along with German researchers Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel, have received this year's Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The announcement was made at Sweden's Karolinska Institute.

The three scientists were honoured for developing optogenetics, a technique that has advanced understanding of how the human brain functions.

According to the Nobel Committee, the trio's work established the groundwork for a new era in neuroscience by showing how neural circuits linked to particular memories, emotions and behaviours relevant to neurological and psychiatric conditions can be activated or deactivated.

The technique is also being applied in clinical settings, where researchers are attempting to use it to help restore vision in people with visual impairments.

The Nobel Assembly noted that optogenetics has transformed scientific understanding of the brain, adding that new discoveries continue to emerge regularly, contributing to solving one of humanity's greatest mysteries regarding how the brain operates.

The laureates expressed that receiving the award was a wonderful experience and said it was an honour to share the recognition alongside close colleagues.