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Illuminate your mind: Neuromodulation at the speed of light

Optogenetics may be the answer to a search for temporal and spatial specificity in neuroscience.

The well-known trade-off between temporal and spatial specificity might be resolved with this “combination of genetic and optical methods to achieve gain or loss of function of well-defined events in specific cells of living tissue”. It is a technology that enables researchers to stimulate cells with light, thereby allowing for the direct control of behaviour. Until now, this technique has been applied in animal research only but, as we argue, it holds promise for research in humans as well.

Please see: Pama, E.A., Colzato, L.S., & Hommel, B. (2013). Optogenetics as a neuromodulation tool in cognitive neuroscience. Frontiers in Psychology, 4:610. http://www.frontiersin.org/Cognition/10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00610/full

Filming date: 10 Jun 2013

Location: Leiden University

Contributors/Organisations: Claudia Pama and Lorenza Colzato

Science > Genetics

Science > Neuroscience > Behavioral Neuroscience Archive

Science > Neuroscience > Human Neuroscience Archive

Health

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Posted by: Lorenza S Colzato

Posted on: 22 Aug 2013

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