The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for the discovery of microRNA and its role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. This discovery has changed the way we understand genetics and the way cells function, and is yet another example of why funding basic science is so vital to progress. Rather than trying to solve a more applied problem, Ambros and Ruvkun delved deeply into understanding a bigger, more fundamental question:
Every cell contains the same chromosomes, so every cell contains exactly the same set of genes and exactly the same set of instructions. Yet, different cell types, such as muscle and nerve cells, have very distinct characteristics. How do these differences arise?
As a former developmental biologist, I’m thrilled to see this groundbreaking work, and the field in general, recognized with one of science’s most prestigious honors.
In celebration, today we present a short film from the British Society for Developmental Biology and the Company of Biologists, on The Fascinating World of Developmental Biology.