Monday, August 20, 2007

Using light to flip on a neuron

Where electrode stimulation is very shotgun, this can activate a specific type of neuron. It comes down to neurons genetically manipulated to have photosensitive molecules attached to channel proteins on one end with the appropriate transmitter on the other end. Hit it with light and the the transmitter locks into place. Can better map functional pathways.
Applications beyond neuro being imagined.

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