Imagine being able to flick a light switch to control a single brain cell. That’s exactly what optogenetics does – it lets researchers activate or silence neurons using pulses of light. The key ingredient came from a humble green algae, whose light‑sensitive protein became the tool for this revolutionary technique.
This year the Nobel Committee recognized the pioneers behind the discovery. Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel uncovered the algae protein, and Karl Deisseroth adapted it for use in mammals, opening new paths for treating neurological disorders and mapping brain circuits.