Episode Details
Back to Episodes
A light switch for nerve cells - Ed Boyden
Published 3 weeks, 3 days ago
Description
View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/a-light-switch-for-neurons-ed-boyden
Ed Boyden shows how, by inserting genes for light-sensitive proteins into brain cells, he can selectively activate or de-activate specific neurons with fiber-optic implants. With this unprecedented level of control, he's managed to cure mice of analogs of PTSD and certain forms of blindness. On the horizon: neural prosthetics. Session host Juan Enriquez leads a brief post-talk Q&A.
Talk by Ed Boyden.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices