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In Optogenetics, Femtosecond Lasers Blaze New Paths

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Longer wavelengths open the way to deeper studies of brain processes, with inherent 3D resolution. But challenges remain before this technique can be fully exploited.

DARRYL MCCOY AND MARCO ARRIGONI, COHERENT INC.

One of the most active and exciting areas in neuroscience is the use of optogenetics to unravel how neural pathways in the brain process and transmit information. Optogenetics involves the use of light-sensitive opsins — a special class of membrane-embedded proteins. Opsins are switchable channels or pumps for specific cations or anions with on or off states determined by irradiation with light of an appropriate wavelength. It has been known for decades that neurons transmit signals in the form of an action potential or voltage spike along their membranes. If opsins are present in a...Read full article

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    Published: March 2017
    Glossary
    optogenetics
    A discipline that combines optics and genetics to enable the use of light to stimulate and control cells in living tissue, typically neurons, which have been genetically modified to respond to light. Only the cells that have been modified to include light-sensitive proteins will be under control of the light. The ability to selectively target cells gives researchers precise control. Using light to control the excitation, inhibition and signaling pathways of specific cells or groups of...
    FeaturesoptogeneticsBiophotonicsDarryl McCoyMarco ArrigoniCoherent

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