Method of the Year 2010: Optogenetics - by Nature Video

This video shows how scientists can control the behaviour of cells simply by switching on a light. The technique, known as optogenetics, is teaching us about everything from how we wake up to how we learn. That's why Nature Methods has named optogenetics as its Method of the Year 2010. Read more at www.nature.com/nmeth/focus/moy2010/index.html

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[satori85]

@Linsforever Ummm, what? I think you are missing a part of this story. It would not work on anybody who has not received the treatment to produce light gated ion channels. Secondly it would be very difficult to penetrate the chest. Third and lastly, people rely on pace makers currently, a device that is susceptible to EMP's. Your overall post was some what bothersome and uneducated but the most glaring problem was the use of "bioterroism".

[KemaTheAtheist]

Great video. It's nice to not have the explanations dumbed down or overhyped.

[jhamien920]

They have very interesting vids here at NVC

[MonsieurRondu]

This is pretty neat. The part where the heart cells are being stimulated makes me think that perhaps this technology could be applied as an effective treatment of heart disease.

[alteregoash]

This is easily the most exciting advancement for neuropsychology and neurobiology in years. It's so much cleaner than breeding or surgery and so much more capable of human application (not in the current state of course).

[likemy]

this is hilarious. Though I'm guessing most of these proteins only respond to visible spectrum light, I'm sure it's possible that engineered proteins could respond to, say, radio waves. We could control infected life forms with radio waves (!), perhaps even certain human behaviors

[gabbergandalf667]

@Linsforever

Many decades before this technology will be cheaper and more convenient than just plain simply throwing sarin gas in a subway xD

[MrHarrytubing]

@Linsforever too much CIA series (e.g. Alias, Nikita ) is not healthy :)

[Earlpersoon]

@LunchAnderson I agree. However, it appears that basic grammar, spelling, and sentence construction have deterioated on the Internet. Perhaps we need a form of optogenetic technology for the improvement of writing. Thanks for actually taking the time to consider your words and punctuation. :)

[racehorse87]

Quick to see the potential? The algal proteins were discovered in the 1970s. Optogenetics is a product of the 2000s. Hehe.

[sebzskp]

To see how optogenetics could restore sight in blind individuals check corticalcolums.wordpress