Announcement of Nobel Prize 2026 has started. The Prize Committee has announced the winners of the 2026 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine category. The Prize Committee has announced the awarding of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to Carl Disseroth, Peter Hagemann and Georg Nagel. All three have been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize for their discoveries related to light-gated ion channels and optogenetics. After this, the Prize Committee will announce the names of Nobel laureates in other categories as well.

Come, find out in this episode what is it that Carl Disseroth, Peter Hagemann and Georg Nagel have been awarded the Nobel Prize for their discovery? For example, let’s look at what light-gated ion channels and optogenetics are. Let’s know in how many categories Nobel is given.

What is Light-Gated Ion Channel and Optogenetics?

Light-sensitive proteins that open or close when exposed to specific wavelengths of light are called light-gated ion channels. In this, the flow of ions (a molecule or molecule that has an electrical charge) is controlled and the electrical activity of nerve cells (neurons) is carried out precisely.

Optogenetics is a modern scientific technique that controls the activity of cells (especially neurons) in living tissues through a combination of light and genetics.

BREAKING NEWS Carl Disseroth, Peter Hagemann and Georg Nagel have been awarded the 2026 #NobelPrize in Physiology or Medicine for their discoveries of light-gated ion channels and optogenetics.

— Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) October 5, 2026

What is the Nobel Prize?

The award was started in 1901 by the Nobel Foundation. The award is given in memory of Swedish scientist Alfred Nobel. It is given to those who have contributed the most to mankind during the past year. The award is the world’s highest award in the fields of peace, literature, physics, chemistry, medical science and economics. Where every award winner is given a medal, diploma and monetary award.

Nobel Foundation

The Nobel Foundation was established on 29 June 1900. Where the Nobel Prizes are managed financially. Nobel Foundation is a team of 5 people. The head of which is decided by the council of the King of Sweden.

The remaining 4 are decided by the trustees of the awarding body. The award is presented to the winners by the King of Sweden. The winners of this prize are announced in October every year where it is awarded on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.