Light-Sensitive Algal Protein Wins 2026 Nobel in Medicine for Brain Control
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel for work on light-gated ion channels and optogenetics. Their research began with channelrhodopsin, a light-responsive protein from the alga Chlamydomonas that allows ions to cross cell membranes. Scientists later used this protein to switch specific nerve cells on with light, including experiments that reactivated a fear memory in mice.
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[paragraph] Need maybe blank line between paragraphs? "2 short paragraphs" under 120 words total. We can include two paragraphs separated by blank line. Then CONTEXT. That's okay. Need ensure no copying source phrasing. Let's check phrases: "light-gated ion channels and optogenetics" maybe exact from article. But that's a term. We can avoid? In expanded, we didn't use. "channelrhodopsin" term. "Chlamydomonas" term. "retinaldehyde" term. "positive ions such as sodium" maybe source says "Positively charged particles, including sodium". We rephrased. "modified virus" source says "virus that has been altered". Good. "thin fiber" source says "thin optical fiber". Good. "fear-associated memory" source says "fear memory". Good. Need maybe mention Nobel 2026? We didn't mention Nobel in expanded. The prompt says additional factual detail and background. Could mention "The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine recognized..." But we already have laureates. Maybe include? We have 114 words