Stanford Nobel Laureate Carl Daiseroth Discusses Optogenetics at Press Conference

Stanford University holds a press conference to honor Carl Daiseroth, recipient of the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discoveries leading to optogenetics. The event features remarks from university leaders and a Q&A with the laureate, covering the science, clinical implications, and personal reflections.

■ Award announcement and reactions
- Stanford president and deans highlight optogenetics and interdisciplinary collaboration between engineering and medicine.
- Laureate describes the surprise early-morning call and shares credit with fellow laureates Peter Hegman and Gyoergy Nagel.

■ Optogenetics and applications
- Explanation of using light and microbial proteins to control specific neurons with millisecond precision.
- Discussion of direct and indirect optogenetic therapies, brain-computer interfaces, and a heart-brain emotion experiment.

■ Clinical role and next steps
- Laureate's dual role as practicing psychiatrist and researcher, with each informing the other.
- Human neural circuitry program, outreach plans, and celebration with students and colleagues.

This press conference is suited for viewers interested in neuroscience, optogenetics, academic medicine, and the Nobel Prize. It provides an overview of the field's foundations, potential clinical applications, and the collaborative environment at Stanford, without detailing full experimental protocols or results.