This week, the Nobel Prizes in physics, chemistry, and physiology or medicine will bring some of the brightest minds in science into the spotlight. Established by Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel over a century ago, these prestigious accolades recognize groundbreaking work that often takes decades to complete.
One possible contender is the mapping of the human genome, a monumental project that involved thousands of researchers across several countries. While this endeavor has had a transformative impact on biology and medicine, it has yet to receive a Nobel due to the sheer number of contributors involved.
Another significant achievement is the development of GLP-1-based weight-loss drugs, which have revolutionized the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The recent Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award for the scientists involved suggests that a Nobel Prize might follow in the future.
Novo Nordisk production facilities in Hillerød, Denmark, produce GLP-1 injection pens. Carsten Snejbjerg/Bloomberg/Getty Images/File
The AI-driven AlphaFold project, which decodes protein structures and accelerates biological research, also stands out. The field of AI in scientific research may still be too new for a Nobel, but the transformative nature of AlphaFold positions it as a strong contender.
Other fields deserving recognition include the study of the human gut microbiome and the identification of cancer-causing genes, which have advanced our understanding of health and disease. The Nobel Prizes will be announced throughout the week, honoring those whose work has significantly contributed to scientific progress.
