On Monday, as the week of Nobel Prize announcements commences, the spotlight could shine on cancer research or drugs targeting cardiovascular diseases, offering a glimmer of hope amidst global crises. Since its inception in 1901, the Nobel Prizes have celebrated individuals who, in the words of its founder Alfred Nobel, have 'conferred the greatest benefit on humankind.' This year, the world eagerly awaits the announcement of the Nobel Prize in Medicine, set for Monday at 11:30 am (0930 GMT) in Stockholm.
Among the potential laureates is American biologist Kevan Shokat, who discovered a method to inhibit the KRAS cancer gene, implicated in a third of cancers, including lung, colon, and pancreatic tumors. 'These are now being tested for new treatments thanks to his discovery,' noted Annika Ostman, a science reporter at Swedish public radio SR. Additionally, research into cardiovascular illnesses may be recognized, with geneticists Jonathan Cohen and Helen Hobbs, who identified genes regulating essential lipid metabolism, leading to new cholesterol-lowering drugs, being mentioned.
Other contenders include a trio of neuroscientists studying the basal ganglia, and Davor Solter and Azim Surani for their work on epigenetics. Last year, the medicine prize was awarded to Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman for their groundbreaking work on mRNA technology, which paved the way for Covid-19 vaccines.
For the Nobel Prize in Physics, Swiss physicist Christoph Gerber, a pioneer in atomic force microscopy, is a strong candidate. This tool, which provides 3D images at an atomic resolution, has become crucial in nanotechnology and nano research.
In chemistry, American-Jordanian Omar Yaghi, who developed Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and US psychiatrist Karl Deisseroth, known for his work in optogenetics, are also in the running. The literature prize, to be announced on Thursday, has sparked speculation, with Chinese author Can Xue being a popular bet.
The week culminates with the announcement of the Peace Prize on Friday, with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA and Afghan women's rights activist Mahbouba Seraj among the possibilities. The economics prize, announced on October 14, may recognize research on child development economics, nature integration, or the impact of corruption on economic growth.
