For those of us who use GFP and other fluorescent proteins in our everyday science techniques, it’s probably no surprise that the work that led to “fluorescence” becoming a household term in science might be Nobel prize-worthy. Well, the Nobel committee thought so too, and today it was announced that a local UCSD researcher, Professor Roger Tsien, will be recognized for his work on developing a rainbow of fluorescent proteins.

These markers are potentially applicable to a wide range of basic science and clinical techniques, as I was fortunate enough to learn a little bit about from Dr. Tsien himself in a class on fluorescent techniques last year. Dr. Tsien says he hopes to use these fluorescent proteins to make advancements that could benefit human health, which could perhaps aid in diagnosing or treating cancer in the future.

“I’ve always wanted to do something clinically relevant in my career, if possible, and cancer is the ultimate challenge,” he said.

Congratulations to Dr. Tsien, from all of us local grad students, post-docs and researchers in San Diego!