Light-induced behaviour

Tue 24th Jul, 2012

Pulses of blue light are able to activate brain cells and control specific behaviors in rhesus monkeys, according to work published online on July 26 in Current Biology. 

A team of researchers, led by Dr. Wim Vanduffel from the Massachusetts General Hospital, USA, used a technique called optogenetics, where light-sensitive genes are inserted into cells. Researchers used optogenetics together with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to modify and track a group of neurons responsible for particular eye movements. 

"We are the first to show that optogenetics can alter the behavior of monkeys," says Dr. Vanduffel. And this new finding promises a new era in therapeutics.

"This opens the door to use of optogenetics at a large scale in primate research and to start developing optogenetic-based therapies for humans."

DOI: 

10.1016/j.cub.2012.07.023

 


Mysterious Clay Trays from Tutankhamun's Tomb Spark Debate on Ancient Funeral Rites

The discovery of the nearly undisturbed tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922 provided an extraordinary opportunity for historians and archaeologists to delve into the intricacies of ancient Egyptian burial...

María Blasco Addresses Controversy at CNIO and Announces Legal Action

The director of the National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), María Blasco, has released an open letter to the institution's Board of Trustees, where she defends her leadership and reveals plans to...

Licia Verde: Exploring the Mysteries of the Universe

It all began with a book. At the age of seven, Licia Verde from Venice was gifted a collection of curiosities about the sky, opening her eyes to a world of clouds, stars, and planets. This early...

Internal Reports Raise Concerns Over CNIO's Decline and Leadership

The National Center for Cancer Research (CNIO) in Spain is facing a significant crisis, as internal reports submitted to the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities highlight a decline in...

Successful Launch of Dual Robotic Mission Aiming for Lunar Commercial Exploration

This Wednesday, at precisely 7:11 AM (Spanish mainland time), SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket successfully lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA. Onboard were two private robotic...

Jeff Bezos Delays New Glenn Rocket Launch Amid Technical Challenges

The ambitious space venture of Jeff Bezos faces another setback as Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by the billionaire, has postponed the inaugural flight of its New Glenn rocket due to...

More Quick Read Articles »
German PKV Insurance

German Private Health Insurance

Health Insurance in Germany is compulsory and sometimes complicated, not to mention expensive. As an expat, you are required to navigate this landscape within weeks of arriving, so check our FAQ on PKV. For our guide on resources and access to agents who can give you a competitive quote, try our PKV Cost comparison tool.

Hospitals

Hospital and Clinic Directory

Germany is famous for its medical expertise and extensive number of hospitals and clinics. See this comprehensive directory of hospitals and clinics across the country, complete with links to their websites, addresses, contact info, and specializations/services.

Events

Upcoming Events

Linkin Park Special Night

Didn't manage to get a ticket for Linkin Park? Or still not enough after the concert? Join us at CRASH on June 12th for our "IN THE END" Linkin Park Special + CORE NIGHT.All night long, we'll be playing Linkin Park's music, along with Nu Metal, Metalcore, and Alternative Rock from bands such as Limp...