Our brains communicate with electrical and chemical signals. But scientists have discovered that light stimulation may hold the key to manipulating neuron communication pathways affecting motor control, sensory perception, memory, neurochemical and emotional production, or, according to a report, the Cell Virtual Reality Journal of Cell Biology explains Huh.
Who Cares Optogenetics
With the introduction of the White House’s $ 300 million Brin initiative in 2013, interest in uncovering the secrets of the human mind has skyrocketed, and now includes government agencies, public / private partnerships and universities. Many places
As far back as 1971, optics research has matured enough to divert attention from organizations such as NIH, DARPA and IARPA, who are soon discovering the role that light-sensitive cells play in the field Can.
The relationship between machines and humans related to the nervous system, including physical and mental health, and the development of artificial intelligence through reverse engineering.
How do optogenetics work
Current optogenetic experiments rely on the extraction of “opsin” (innate protein) from plants that can be applied to mammals in a variety of ways, including injection and infection.
Once transported to an organism, opsins can express themselves in eye, brain, or skin cells, allowing their sensitivity to be remotely activated or muted by light pulses on a schedule at broken color wavelengths. She goes. They differ in a spectrum of light that can target multiple body systems and their biological effects.
However, researchers have suggested that introducing opsin into living organisms may not be a long-term requirement, as methods are being applied to apply optogenetics in mammalian cells that naturally respond to light, such as humans In the retina.
Current talent and interests
As part of the Bryan initiative, scientists are working on neuron barcodes and filling in detailed online brain maps for researchers. Finally, it hopes to provide a detailed circuit diagram of each neuron and synapse in the brain that will allow it to identify patterns of different neurons so that they can be run to achieve the desired effect.
If sufficiently targeted with appropriate light, it is thought that optogenetics can be used by manipulating neural circuits involved in pain, fear, reward, alertness, and social behavior.
For example, in a Yale study, mice were infected with a virus that makes neurons sensitive to blue light. Scientists then use that light path to encourage predatory behavior.
In 2015, optogenetics was merged with CRISPR to develop a toolkit capable of stimulating imaging that allows the organism genome to be edited through the use of external light.
The devices are capable of controlling the location, timing, and reversibility of genome editing processes, whether it is by compression or stimulating gene modifications.
Optogenetics has also been mentioned as a key feature of the DARPA-funded Neural Engineering Systems (NESD) design program, a joint effort between six teams committed to building a neural interface. Implemented over the next four years with high-resolution brain-machine communication capabilities.
For example, such advanced touch may facilitate the development of a mind-controlled prosthesis, such as the DARPA-supported ‘look’ arm (formerly known as the ‘deca arm’).
In the past, DARPA has looked at optogenic memory modulation techniques for treating veterans with brain injury and / or PTSD through memory restoration or deletion.
Recently, a mental health conference during November 2017 in which 30,000 people attended the Washington, D.C., optogenetics was recorded to affect the brain’s ability to study.
NPR science correspondent John Hamilton said the technique allows the reproduction of the nature of human mental health disorders in animals, helping map the neuronal circuits involved in problems such as depression.
Future clinical trials and technologies
Companies interested in the application of optogenetics technology have begun to emerge over the past decade, especially when the FDA approved the technique in 2015 to treat an eye disorder called retinitis pigmentosa. ”
Approval leads to clinical trials and visual improvements have been used to restore partial vision in patients. “Severe blindness” chronic pain management Epilepsy and Parkinson’s are several health concerns that researchers deal with with optics genetics Are using.
The technology is also contributing to other research fields such as “sonogenetics”, which use low-pressure ultrasound to stimulate neurons sensitive to ultrasound.
