About ten years ago, neuroscientists gradually began master the optical methods of brain research. With time it turned out that optics can organically complement – and in some cases and replace – traditional methods of using electrodes in as the main measuring tool in the study of the brain.
A photo from open sources
Traditional neurological research begins with surgical implantation of metal electrodes in the brain experimental animal, most often a rabbit or mouse. These electrodes target specific types of cells that are in certain areas of the brain. Then the animal is exposed exposure to various external stimuli, and electrical activity neurons in contact with the electrodes are recorded a computer.
Careful analysis and processing of these electrical signals is then translates into a picture of individual cells excited in according to a specific pattern. Then these patterns correlate with the processes of learning, memorizing, processing sensory data and other brain functions. Therefore, research with using electrodes completely rely on passive observation.
However, optics in combination with genetics is a science that has received name optogenetics – allows scientists with incredible accuracy directly control brain functions instead of simple observations.
Optogenetic research begins with the introduction of carrier virus in the brain of the animal. A gene is loaded into the virus, the coding photosensitive protein that forms the ion channel, and then the virus goes to specific neurons that are object of study. (The brain contains many different types neurons). Surgically Implanted Light Flash fiber optic tip opens up ion channels, forcing neuron excited.
A photo from open sources
Thus, the cells of the studied brain can literally turn on and off. The capabilities of this powerful technology are practically endless. Examples include: Vision recovery after retinal damage due to excitation of remaining cells visual system of the brain; turning hunger on and off; brain training in the suppression of obsessive-compulsive syndrome. However, it should be said that at the moment, implementation plans Optogenetic studies in humans do not exist.
For the organization of this neurorevolution, biologists must thank physicists studying optics. Lasers have undergone in recent years technological improvement comparable to development computers over the past 50 years: Now they are easier, more reliable and more accessible than ever before. The same development took place optical fibers that can bend, curl, and penetrate the tiniest spaces. Today even non-specialists can collect and control commercially affordable optical systems.
Viruses
