Tag: physiology

Compound InterestExplorations of everyday chemical compounds

The 2021 Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine: The discovery of the receptors that let us sense temperature and touch

October 4, 2021 0Comments 0Likes 83Views

Infographic on the 2021 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, which was awarded for the discoveries of several receptors for temperature and touch. David Julius identified the TRPV1 receptor, which senses temperature, using capsaicin from chilli peppers. Further temperature sensing ion channels include TRPM8, activated by cold temperatures and identified using menthol, the cool compound in mint. Ardem Patapoutian discovered mechanosensitive receptors, Piezo1 and Piezo2, which are essential for the sense of touch, regulating blood pressure, respiration and bladder control. Understanding these receptors has led to the development of treatment for pain, some cancers, and asthma. — Click to enlarge

The 2021 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded today, to David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian “for their discoveries of receptors for temperature and touch”.

The 2019 Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine: How our cells sense and adapt to oxygen levels

October 7, 2019 1Comment 0Likes 85Views

Today saw the first of the 2019 Nobel Prizes awarded. The 2019 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to William G. Kaelin Jr, Sir Peter J. Ratcliffe and Gregg L. Semenza “for their discoveries of how cells sense and adapt to oxygen availability.” This graphic takes a look at the prize-winning research.