“Acceptance Speech” Frontiers of Knowledge Award 2021 in Biology and Biomedicine

Acceptance speech by Ardem Patapoutian, winner of the 2021 Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Biology and Biomedicine, who was honored alongside David Julius for identifying the molecular receptors that enable us to sense temperature, pain and pressure. His research led to the discovery of the Piezo1 and Piezo2 ion channels, which are essential for detecting mechanical forces and understanding physiological processes such as touch, blood pressure regulation and the perception of body position.

Patapoutian recalls arriving in the United States as a refugee from Lebanon and reflects on the role of science and art in his personal journey. He explains how cells convert physical stimuli, such as pressure and temperature, into biological signals, using examples such as a gentle breeze, the prick of a cactus or the sensation of a full bladder. He also highlights the unexpected medical appl

Acceptance speech by Ardem Patapoutian, winner of the 2021 Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Biology and Biomedicine, who was honored alongside David Julius for identifying the molecular receptors that enable us to sense temperature, pain and pressure. His research led to the discovery of the Piezo1 and Piezo2 ion channels, which are essential for detecting mechanical forces and understanding physiological processes such as touch, blood pressure regulation and the perception of body position.

Patapoutian recalls arriving in the United States as a refugee from Lebanon and reflects on the role of science and art in his personal journey. He explains how cells convert physical stimuli, such as pressure and temperature, into biological signals, using examples such as a gentle breeze, the prick of a cactus or the sensation of a full bladder. He also highlights the unexpected medical applications of these discoveries in conditions such as hypertension, atherosclerosis and osteoporosis, and advocates supporting basic research and inspiring future generations of scientists.