Nobel Prize awarded for showing inner workings of the brain
US psychiatrist Karl Deisseroth and German colleagues Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their pioneering work in optogenetics. This technique, which uses light to control the electrical activity of brain cells, has revolutionized neuroscience by allowing researchers to map neural circuits and understand the basis of memories, feelings, and behaviors. The Nobel Committee highlighted that optogenetics has opened a new era in understanding the brain and its connection to neurological and psychiatric disorders. Researchers are also exploring optogenetics for medical treatments, with early trials showing promise in restoring sight to individuals with visual impairments. The trio will share the prize money for their groundbreaking contributions.