Around 25 years ago, Ardem Patapoutian set out to investigate the fundamental biology behind our sense of touch. Through a long process of gene elimination, he identified a class of sensors in the cell membrane that turn physical pressure into an electrical signal. He changed the game in the field of sensation and perception, and in 2021 shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work. 
He joined Host Flora Lichtman in November 2025 to talk about his research, the odd jobs he worked along the way, and how he found a <a href="https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/ardem-patapoutian-biology-nobel?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri?" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sense of belonging</a> in science.
Guests:
Dr. Ardem Patapoutian is a professor and the Presidential Endowed Chair in Neurobiology at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California.
Transcripts for each episode are available within 1-3 days at <a href="https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/ardem-patapoutian-biology-nobel?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri?" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sciencefriday.com</a><a href="https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/omb-rule-change-politicize-science-grant-funding/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">.</a>
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