Nobel Prize 2021: David Julius & Ardem Patapoutian Jointly Awarded Nobel Prize In Physiology Or Medicine

The Nobel Prize in the field of physiology or medicine has been awarded to U.S. scientists David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian.

David Julius & Ardem Patapoutian (AFP Photo)

New Delhi: Two U.S. scientists David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian were awarded the Nobel Prize in the field of physiology or medicine. They were cited for their discovery of receptors for temperature and touch.

The winners were announced Monday by Thomas Perlmann, secretary-general of the Nobel Committee.

According to an AP report, Patrik Ernfors of the Nobel Committee said Julius, 65, used capsaicin, the active component in chili peppers, to identify the nerve sensors that allow the skin to respond to heat. Whereas Patapoutian found separate pressure-sensitive sensors in cells that respond to mechanical stimulation, he said.

“This really unlocks one of the secrets of nature,” said Perlmann according to the report.

“It’s actually something that is crucial for our survival, so it’s a very important and profound discovery.”

The prestigious award comes with a gold medal and 10 million Swedish kronor (over $1.14 million). The prize money comes from a bequest left by the prize’s creator, Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel, who died in 1895.

This is the first to be awarded this year, other prizes are for outstanding work in the fields of physics, chemistry, literature, peace and economics.

Last year, Harvey Alter and Charles Rice from the US along with British scientist Michael Houghton were awarded the prize for the discovery of the Hepatitis C virus, leading to the development of sensitive blood tests and antiviral drugs.