What is optogenetics in the study of memory

In a big first, optogenetics recently restored aspects of a blind man's vision.An early clue to the potential of optogenetics came around 1 a.m.Optogenetics is an invasive neuromodulation technology involving the use of light to control the activity of individual neurons.June 1, 2016 new study of the memory through optogenetics by universitat autonoma de barcelona this image shows microphotography of the cerebral amygdala.This approach is supremely suited to study memory.

Opsins occur naturally and were first discovered in algae, which use these proteins to help them move toward light.By shining a light on the genetically modified cells in the brain, scientists have been able to switch them on or off.In this article, i explore how the development of this experimental tool has brought about methodological and theoretical advances in the neurobiological study of memory.These neurons play a key role in the.Over the past 5 years, the incorporation of optogenetics into the study of memory has resulted in a tremendous leap in this field, initiating a revolution in our understanding of the networks underlying cognitive processes.

The new code allows these neurons to make special proteins, called opsins , which respond to light.Optogenetic methods have been applied to a broad range of questions in behaviour and physiology, providing insight into movement, navigation, learning, memory, metabolism, hunger, thirst, respiration, sleep, blood pressure, reward, motivation, fear, and sensory processing.clinically inspired discoveries have also been made, helping to shed light on cellular.