There are several major scientific achievements changing lives and pushing boundaries—yet many of them haven’t been recognized with a Nobel Prize. These breakthroughs span biology, medicine, technology, and genetics. Here’s a look at five Nobel-worthy discoveries that experts believe deserve acknowledgment:
Five Breakthroughs Scientists Say Deserve a Nobel
- New treatments for obesity
Hormone-mimicking drugs (GLP-1 agonists) are transforming care for obesity and related metabolic conditions. These treatments don’t just curb appetite but also help with type-2 diabetes management. Thousands of patients globally are seeing better outcomes, making this a revolutionary health development. - Quantum computing development
There’s growing excitement around physicists who have laid the groundwork for quantum bits (qubits) and quantum networks. These advances could reshape computing, cryptography, material science, and even our understanding of physics itself. Their foundational insights are heavily cited, showing broad influence across scientific fields. - Progress in treating cystic fibrosis
Scientists have identified how the protein that malfunctions in cystic fibrosis works, what goes wrong, and how to correct it. New drug combinations are helping turn what was once a fatal childhood disease into a more manageable condition. For many, that’s life-changing. - Understanding the gut microbiome
Advances in genetic sequencing have revealed how the trillions of microbes in our gut affect health—nutrition, immune function, disease susceptibility. Work in this area has shown that the microbiome is not a side player, but a major factor in overall health, including childhood development and chronic disease. - Next-generation DNA sequencing
Breakthroughs that allow sequencing millions of fragments of DNA rapidly, accurately, and affordably have redefined genetics. From diagnosing rare disorders to guiding personalized medicine, these tools are foundational. Scientists involved in these advances have opened up possibilities that were once science fiction.
Why These Might Be Overlooked
- Large collaborative efforts: Dozens or even hundreds of scientists often contribute, which conflicts with the Nobel rule that limits awards to three individuals per prize.
- Recentness: The Nobel committees often favor discoveries that have stood the test of time. Some of these breakthroughs are relatively new, so their long-term impact is still being assessed.
- Complexity and interdisciplinarity: Many breakthroughs cut across fields—biology, computer science, physics. It can be harder to classify them neatly within existing categories, which may slow their recognition.