Optogenetics News and Research

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Researchers create novel light sensor from algae's rhodopsins

The unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has already given research a massive boost: One of its light sensors, channelrhodopsin-2, founded the success of optogenetics about 20 years ago.

30 Mar 2021

Wireless neuromodulation technology could improve the lives of patients with brain disorders

Scientists make pivotal discovery of method for wireless modulation of neurons with X-rays that could improve the lives of patients with brain disorders. The X-ray source only requires a machine like that found in a dentist's office.

25 Mar 2021

Using new neurotechnology techniques to improve treatment of brain disorders

Two FET projects - HERMES and STARDUST - aim to improve the treatment of widespread brain disorders such as Parkinson's and epilepsy by developing and adopting the latest neurotechnology techniques: "biohybrid neuronics" and "in-vivo optogenetics".

16 Mar 2021

Novel tool can add or remove sugar from proteins

Sugar has been called "evil," "toxic," and "poison." But the body needs sugars, too. Sugar molecules help cells recognize and fight viruses and bacteria, shuttle proteins from cell to cell, and make sure those proteins function.

12 Mar 2021

Artificial control of the glial state could help improve memory function

Tohoku University scientists have shown that neuronal and glial circuits form a loosely coupled super-network within the brain.

25 Feb 2021

Salk Institute uses $1 million gift to support world class cancer researcher

The Salk Institute received a matching $1 million gift from the BioMed Realty Management Team, which was used to fund the recruitment of award-winning cancer researcher Christina Towers and to support her research and that of the Salk Cancer Center.

24 Feb 2021

Understanding the dynamics of brain blood flow could hold key for treating neurologic conditions

While the human brain has over 400 miles of total vasculature, little is known about the tiny capillaries that make up much of this intricate labyrinth of blood vessels critical for delivering oxygenated blood and nutrients to billions of brain cells.

19 Feb 2021

Noninvasive brain stimulation restores behavioral flexibility in cocaine-exposed rats

A major impediment to treatment of substance use disorder (SUD) is a loss of behavioral flexibility, whereby one's judgment is impaired such that their actions continuously result in negative consequences.

16 Feb 2021

New molecular tool can be used to study single synapses of neurons

Neurons are the primary cells of the nervous system, and the signals that are transmitted between them are responsible for all our actions and our cognitive ability.

9 Feb 2021

LSD could be a viable and safe therapeutic option for certain psychiatric diseases

Researchers from McGill University have discovered, for the first time, one of the possible mechanisms that contributes to the ability of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) to increase social interaction.

26 Jan 2021

Wireless medical device might help with weight loss

Gastric bypass surgery is sometimes the last resort for those who struggle with obesity or have serious health-related issues due to their weight.

8 Jan 2021

Researchers receive $2.1 million NIH grant to study causes of congenital heart defects

Congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defect, affecting nearly 1% of births in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Doctors have been unable to lower that number due to a lack of knowledge about their source.

5 Jan 2021

New tool may help monitor serotonin transmission with greater fidelity than current methods

Serotonin is a neurochemical that plays a critical role in the way the brain controls our thoughts and feelings.

23 Dec 2020

Research shows how colanic acid extends lifespan in C. elegans

Baylor College of Medicine researcher Meng Wang had already shown that bacteria that make a metabolite called colanic acid (CA) could extend the lifespan of worms in her lab by as much as 50%, but her collaboration with Rice University synthetic biologist Jeffrey Tabor is providing tools to answer the bigger question of how the metabolite imparts longer life.

22 Dec 2020

Researchers control cardiac waves with light to study abnormally rapid heart rhythms

Over 300,000 people die each year in the U.S. due to sudden cardiac death. In many cases, sudden cardiac death is caused by abnormally rapid heart rhythms called tachycardias, which means the heart cannot pump adequate blood to the body.

22 Dec 2020

Scientists shed light on how neurons form long-term memories

On a late summer day in 1953, a young man who would soon be known as patient H.M. underwent experimental surgery. In an attempt to treat his debilitating seizures, a surgeon removed portions of his brain, including part of a structure called the hippocampus. The seizures stopped.

9 Dec 2020

MIT study shows how the brain is wired for reactive, reflexive movements

When riding your bike to the store you might have two very different reasons to steer: plain old reflex when you something dart into your path, or executive control when you see street signs that indicate the correct route.

1 Dec 2020

Study pinpoints specific areas of the brain where serotonin promotes patience

We've all been there. Whether we're stuck in traffic at the end of a long day, or eagerly anticipating the release of a new book, film or album, there are times when we need to be patient.

27 Nov 2020

UNC scientists find brain cells that help drive arousal responses to strong emotions

Strong emotions such as fear and anxiety tend to be accompanied and reinforced by measurable bodily changes including increased blood pressure, heart rate and respiration, and dilation of the eyes' pupils. These so-called "physiological arousal responses" are often abnormally high or low in psychiatric illnesses such as anxiety disorders and depression.

23 Nov 2020

Researchers use optogenetics to mitigate addiction-related behaviors

In the United States alone, over 14 million adults suffer from alcohol use disorder. For those that seek treatment, 90% will experience at least one relapse within the first four years.

19 Nov 2020