A technological leap that will shape the future of science and medicine

This year's Nobel Prizes in Physiology, Physics, and Chemistry are a testament to how technology, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and research with small model systems, is revolutionizing science and healthcare. As I reflect on the significance of these awards, I cannot help but add a personal note to the story, having met one of the laureates—Dr. Gary Ruvkun—at the 2007 Annual C. elegans meeting at the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Ruvkun delivered a captivating keynote address, and I remember the excitement within the C. elegans community as we asked each other, "When will Gary get the Nobel Prize for microRNAs?"

Physiology or Medicine: Dr. Gary Ruvkun, Dr. Victor Ambros and the microRNA Breakthrough

This year, Dr. Gary Ruvkun and Dr. Victor Ambros received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discovery of microRNAs, a pivotal achievement in molecular biology. MicroRNAs are small but powerful molecules that regulate gene expression, influencing critical processes such as development, cell differentiation, and disease mechanisms. Their work has already opened new avenues in cancer research and treatments for neurological diseases, bringing us closer to potential targeted, personalized medicine​.

As a scientist who has also worked on microRNAs (Ref: Front Mol Neurosci. 2017; Mol Neurobiol. 2016), I have witnessed firsthand the immense potential these molecules have in neurodegenerative disease research. My own research explored how microRNAs play a crucial role in multi-factorial aspect of neurodegenerative diseases, an effort towards bridging the gap between basic science and therapeutic development. The recognition of Dr. Ruvkun’s work reinforces how fundamental discoveries in model organisms like C. elegans can have profound implications for human health and drug discovery.

Physics: AI and the Future of Understanding

The Nobel Prize in Physics celebrated the contributions of Dr. Geoffrey E. Hinton and Dr. John J. Hopfield to the development of neural networks. Their work has paved the way for AI systems capable of processing vast amounts of data and making complex decisions. In the realm of healthcare, AI is already transforming diagnostics, allowing doctors to identify patterns in diseases with unprecedented accuracy. These advances hold the promise of revolutionizing drug discovery, where ML can now predict molecular interactions and help design personalized treatment protocols for various diseases​. The impact of AI stretches beyond healthcare. Neural networks are advancing our understanding of the universe by analyzing enormous datasets from astronomical observations, offering new insights into the behavior of stars and galaxies. For me, this prize signifies the growing importance of computational tools that complement and enhance traditional experimental research.

Chemistry: AlphaFold and the Protein Revolution

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, awarded to Dr. David Baker, Dr. Demis Hassabis, and Dr. John M. Jumper, recognized their contributions to computational protein design and structure prediction through AlphaFold. This AI-driven platform can predict the 3D structures of proteins with remarkable accuracy, a breakthrough that has reshaped biology. Proteins are the workhorses of life, and understanding their structures is key to everything from disease research to drug design. In my own research on neurodegenerative diseases, proteins like alpha-synuclein play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of conditions like Parkinson’s disease. AlphaFold’s ability to map protein structures has the potential to revolutionize how we approach these diseases​. AlphaFold is already accelerating drug discovery, enabling scientists to design drugs that target disease-associated proteins more efficiently than ever before. As a researcher working with C. elegans models to study neurodegenerative mechanisms, I find this AI-driven leap in protein science incredibly inspiring. The possibilities for drug discovery and precision medicine seem boundless.

Looking Forward: A Future Driven by Technology and Curiosity

As I reflect on my own journey through the world of science—working with model organisms like C. elegans, researching microRNAs, circular RNAs, lnc RNAs, dsRNAs and studying protein interactions—I see a future where technology, AI, and traditional biological research converge. The laureates of 2024 represent the best of this convergence, demonstrating how technology is no longer just a tool but a driving force that enables us to explore deeper questions and tackle bigger challenges.

The power of AI in reshaping drug discovery, diagnostics, and molecular biology cannot be overstated. But it is equally important to remember that behind these monumental breakthroughs are people—scientists driven by curiosity, persistence, and a vision for a better future. I had the privilege of witnessing Dr. Gary Ruvkun’s work unfold in real time, and it serves as a reminder of the incredible potential that lies within each of us to push the boundaries of knowledge.

 Author is a Senior Principal Scientist and Professor at CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Govt. of India, specializing in neurodegenerative disease research using the model system C. elegans to unravel disease  mechanisms and develop potential drug therapies.

He also serves as core team leader at Kashmir Care Foundation