Noninvasive Brain Control Possible with New Light-Sensitive Protein
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 30, 2014 — A new molecule, along with optogenetics, has put brain control in the hands of scientists. Researchers from MIT developed the protein, which is sensitive to red light and enables neurons to be manipulated noninvasively, as the controlling light source is outside the body. In addition, the new protein opsin allows a larger volume of tissue to be influenced simultaneously. In their experiments, the researchers were able to essentially shut down neuronal activity in the brains of mice