The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet has decided to award the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2026 to three individuals: Dr. Maria Chikina, Dr. Alisa E. Koch, and Dr. Sarah A. Tishkoff. The prize is awarded for their discoveries on the genetic basis of human variation in the HLA system, which has led to a deeper understanding of the human immune system and its role in disease. The work has also led to the development of new treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancer. The Nobel Assembly cited the laureates' discovery of the genetic basis of the HLA system and their demonstration of how genetic variations in the HLA system affect the immune system's ability to distinguish between self and non-self. The prize is worth 10 million Swedish kronor, and the award ceremony will take place in Stockholm on December 10, 2026. Dr. Chikina, Dr. Koch, and Dr. Tishkoff will share the prize equally.

New forensic analysis of ancient Egyptian mass burials from the First Dynasty has revealed evidence of fatal blunt force trauma on approximately 39% of skulls. The study focused on two groups of mummies: 23 from the royal cemetery at Abydos and 30 from the royal cemetery at Saqqara. Researchers used CT scans and macroscopic examination to analyze the skulls. The results suggest that 9 out of 23 skulls from Abydos and 15 out of 30 skulls from Saqqara showed signs of blunt force trauma, with the majority of injuries occurring on the left side of the skull. The study's findings support the theory of 'retainer sacrifice', which suggests that servants or retainers were killed to accompany their pharaohs in the afterlife.