Sentences with phrase «optogenetic methods»
Optogenetic methods are techniques in which light is used to control and manipulate the activity of cells in living organisms. It involves genetic modification of cells to make them sensitive to light, which allows researchers to study and remotely control the behavior of these cells. Full definition
Neuroscientists have used optogenetics methods to control the firing of neurons in animals, and others have also fused light - sensitive switches to enzymes, but this new approach goes beyond that to allow light to control a chosen gene, explains MIT neuroscientist Edward Boyden.
sciencemag.org
The current optogenetic methods for vision require some hardware.
The new technique, described in the journal Neuron on March 12, represents a significant technological advance with potential advantages over current optogenetic methods, including possible use in the development of therapeutics toward diseases such as macular degeneration.
In contrast to traditional methods, optogenetic methods allow more temporally and spatially accurate way to control cells.
Boyden said three commercial firms now are developing optogenetic methods to insert light - sensitive molecules into other cells in the eye that would transmit visual information directly to the brain.
They developed a new optogenetic method for controlling cell forces with light.
That researchers are using an optogenetic method to study depression «is fantastic progress», says Helen Mayberg, a neuroscientist and clinical psychiatrist at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Optogenetic methods and tools have evolved fast, and in addition to be able to control cellular activity, researchers can now control the activity of gene function.
Stuber's team plans to follow up by applying similar imaging and optogenetics methods to the workings of the VTA neurons downstream from the mPOA.
Like other forms of gene therapy, the optogenetic method could theoretically restore vision with a one - time treatment.
Optogenetic methods would offer key advantages over DBS by enabling selective activation of diseased circuits without modifying nearby healthy nerves.