Entry Date:
April 7, 2008

Controlling the Brain with Light

Principal Investigator Edward Boyden


A major goal of Boyden’s current work is to manipulate individual nerve cells using light. To do this, he takes advantage of naturally occurring light-sensitive proteins from various microorganisms, which can be artificially expressed in brain cells using genetic technology. By controlling these proteins with an implanted fiber-optic device, Boyden is developing on/off switches for brain activity. This will be a powerful way to test theories of brain function in experimental animals, and could also open the door to new clinical therapies for conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease or blindness.