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

<p><strong>New Delhi: </strong>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.</p> <p class="Component-root-0-2-153 Component-p-0-2-144">The winners were announced Monday by Thomas Perlmann, secretary-general of the Nobel Committee.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <span style="color: #e03e2d;"><a style="color: #e03e2d;" href="https://ift.tt/3B9c60j Kishida Approved By Parliament To Become Japan's 100th Prime Minister</a></span></strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p class="Component-root-0-2-153 Component-p-0-2-144">&ldquo;This really unlocks one of the secrets of nature,&rdquo; said Perlmann according to the report.</p> <p class="Component-root-0-2-153 Component-p-0-2-144">&ldquo;It&rsquo;s actually something that is crucial for our survival, so it&rsquo;s a very important and profound discovery.&rdquo;</p> <p class="Component-root-0-2-153 Component-p-0-2-144">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&rsquo;s creator, Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel, who died in 1895.</p> <p class="Component-root-0-2-153 Component-p-0-2-144">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.</p> <p class="Component-root-0-2-153 Component-p-0-2-144">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.</p> <p class="Component-root-0-2-153 Component-p-0-2-144">&nbsp;</p>