New light-sensitive protein enables simpler, more powerful optogenetics.
Optogenetics, a technology that allows scientists to control brain activity by shining light on neurons, relies on light-sensitive proteins that can suppress or stimulate electrical signals within cells. This technique requires a light source to be implanted in the brain, where it can reach the cells to be controlled.
MIT engineers have now developed the first light-sensitive molecule that enables neurons to be silenced noninvasively, using a light source outside the skull. This makes it possible to do long-term studies without an implanted light source. The protein, known as Jaws, also allows a larger volume of tissue to be influenced at once.
This noninvasive approach could pave the way to using optogenetics in human patients to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders, the researchers say, although much more testing and development is needed.
Read more . . .
The Latest on: Noninvasive brain control
via Google News
The Latest on: Noninvasive brain control
- Laryngeal vibration as a non-invasive neuromodulation therapy for spasmodic dysphoniaon November 29, 2019 at 2:25 am
Vibro-tactile stimulation (VTS) alters afferent proprioceptive input to sensorimotor cortex that controls speech. This proof-of-concept study examined the ... This study sought to establish the ...
- Concussion recovery not clear cut for childrenon November 28, 2019 at 8:36 pm
For children with persistent concussion symptoms, a child-friendly non-invasive brain stimulation therapy is being trialled ... fewer and fewer individuals or organizations control increasing shares ...
- Ultrasound Treatment Might Ease Parkinson's Tremorson November 27, 2019 at 10:46 am
It's called "focused ultrasound." Though characterized as surgery, it's actually a noninvasive procedure that involves no incisions. For patients with uncontrolled muscle movements, clinicians use it ...
- Changes in pupils after asymptomatic high-acceleration head impacts indicate changes in brain functionon November 27, 2019 at 5:53 am
In a comparison of QP measurements obtained following high-acceleration head impacts with those obtained at the midseason evaluation (control), the authors found significant ... QP may prove to be an ...
- Treating the patient as a whole - not just the canceron November 27, 2019 at 3:54 am
Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an innovation - often described as non-invasive brain-sparing surgery – that has transformed ... The aim is to destroy the tumour and achieve permanent local control ...
- New wearable sensor for non-invasive gout detectionon November 26, 2019 at 4:19 pm
Tyrosine is a marker of certain metabolic diseases, liver disease, eating disorders and disorders of the mind and brain. High uric acid levels are seen in gout ... the researchers also carried out ...
- NextMind Unveils World's First Brain-Sensing Wearable That Delivers Real-Time Device Control With Just Your Thoughtson November 21, 2019 at 7:38 am
HELSINKI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sid Kouider, founder and CEO of NextMind, a fast-growing neurotechnology startup, today unveiled the world's first brain-sensing wearable that delivers real-time device ...
- US Military Aims to Telepathically Control Drones in Four Yearson November 20, 2019 at 4:59 am
is funding researchers to develop wearable devices that would have military applications such as using the mind to control unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs, commonly known as drones. Instead of using ...
- Improve Your Overall Health and Find Relief From Chronic Pain and Other Health Issues With Chiropractic Careon November 19, 2019 at 3:00 pm
A Doctor of Chiropractic, more commonly referred to as chiropractors or chiropractic physicians, practice a hands-on, drug-free, and non-invasive approach to health care ... which is where it ...
- EBT Secures USD $10M Series Aon November 19, 2019 at 12:45 pm
EBT Medical was founded in 2014 with a mission to develop novel neuromodulation technologies that restore control, dignity and independence to those silently suffering from pelvic floor disorders. EBT ...
via Bing News
