Gioele La Manno Wins 2026 Neurobiology Prize
The scientist received the Eppendorf & Science Prize for developing an advanced brain lipid atlas.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Science — General
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Gioele La Manno has been awarded the 2026 Eppendorf & Science Prize for Neurobiology, which marks the 25th anniversary of the honor. His winning essay, published in Science, outlines a sophisticated brain lipid map.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights breakthroughs in visualizing the chemical composition of the brain at a massive scale. This research offers new insights into the complex role of lipids in neurological structure.
The lipid atlas utilizes 7.2 million individual measurements to define 539 distinct mixtures of lipids. Researchers used MALDI imaging and mass spectrometry to reconcile gene activity, which accounts for half of the observed lipid variation.
The players
Gioele La Manno
A scientist who received the 2026 Eppendorf & Science Prize for Neurobiology for his work on mapping brain lipids.
Zuri Sullivan
A researcher named as a finalist for the 2026 Eppendorf & Science Prize for Neurobiology.
Alexander Bates
A researcher named as a finalist for the 2026 Eppendorf & Science Prize for Neurobiology.
The details
La Manno successfully integrated thousands of measurements from tissue samples into a comprehensive brain map using computational methods. Finalists Zuri Sullivan and Alexander Bates were also recognized for their work during this anniversary year.
Timeline
2026: Gioele La Manno is awarded the Eppendorf & Science Prize.
The Big Picture
The study advances the field of neurobiology by shifting from general tissue observation to high-resolution mapping of biochemical lipids. This research builds upon the 25-year legacy of the [Eppendorf & Science Prize for Neurobiology] by demonstrating how computational imaging can reveal previously unknown organizational complexity in the brain.
This work provides a foundational map of brain lipids that could eventually inform new diagnostic tools or treatments for neurological disorders. Future applications may include targeted therapies that address lipid imbalances identified through this precise mapping process.
The takeaway
The study underscores the critical importance of integrating chemical imaging with computational data to decode brain functions. Researchers can leverage these findings to better understand the chemical foundations of brain development in future studies.
Further reading
For more developments in this field, visit the Science — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
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