David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian, both of the United States were jointly awarded the 2021 Nobel for Medicine, “for their discoveries of receptors for temperature and touch.”

"Intensive ongoing research originating from this year’ Nobel Prize awarded discoveries focuses on elucidating their functions in a variety of physiological processes. This knowledge is being used to develop treatments for a range of disease conditions, including chronic pain," it was noted as quoted by Times of India.

The prestigious award comes with a gold medal and 10 million Swedish kronor that is over $1.14 million. The prize money comes from a bequest left by the prize's creator, Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel, who died in 1895.

The Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine is awarded for discovery of major importance in life science or medicine. Discoveries that have changed the scientific paradigm and are of great benefit for humankind are awarded the prize. Karolinska Institutet which is now known as The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet selects the winner. Candidates eligible for the medicine prize are nominated by nominators who have received an invitation from the Nobel Committee to submit names for consideration. No one can nominate herself or himself.

Eligible nominations are then considered by the prize awarders, who make the final decision as to who will receive a Nobel Prize.

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