A Light Switch for Neurons

Watch a groundbreaking TED Talk by Ed Boyden on optogenetics, a revolutionary technique that allows precise control of neural activity using light. Learn how Boyden and his team insert genes for light-sensitive proteins into brain cells, enabling them to selectively activate or deactivate specific neurons using fiber-optic implants. Discover the potential applications of this technology, including successful treatments for PTSD analogs and certain forms of blindness in mice. Explore the future possibilities of neural prosthetics and their impact on neuroscience and medicine. The talk concludes with a brief Q&A session led by host Juan Enriquez, providing further insights into this cutting-edge research.

Ed Boyden: A light switch for neurons