Optogenetics: A Revolutionary New Tool for Understanding and Controlling the Brain

MIT News

Ever thought that light could be used to treat the brain? Me neither. Optogenetics is a biological technique that uses light to control the activity of neurons. It works by genetically engineering neurons to express light-sensitive proteins, called opsins. When these opsins are exposed to light, they change their shape and allow ions to flow into or out of the cell. This either excites or inhibits the neuron, depending on the type of opsin.

It allows researchers to precisely control the activity of specific neurons in living animals, which can be used to study the role of these neurons in behavior, cognition, and other brain functions. 

One of the ways that optogenetics could be used is in treating neurological disorders. Optogenetics is being developed as a new treatment for a variety of neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and depression. For example, researchers have developed optogenetic implants that can be used to control the activity of neurons in the brain that are involved in Parkinson's disease.

Optogenetics is a rapidly developing field with the potential to revolutionize the way we understand and treat the brain. As this technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative and groundbreaking applications in the years to come.