Event Title
How Light Controls the Body and Mind: A Look at Optogenetics
Location
Diamond 145
Start Date
1-5-2014 10:30 AM
End Date
1-5-2014 12:00 PM
Project Type
Presentation
Description
Optogentics is a new field of research that utilizes differing forms of light in order to control the activation and inhibition of different neurons that have been genetically altered to be photosensitive. By using light sensitive channels like channelrhodopsin-2 extracted from a green algae, scientists have been able to develop methods in which light information fed to the brain via fiber optic wire, can elicit specific behaviors in various animal models such as rats. This talk will give a brief insight into the history of optogenetics, its methods, and the deferring fields of research that are integrating its use into their fields of study. From neuroscience to medicine there are boundless applications for optogentics.
Faculty Sponsor
Melissa Glenn
Sponsoring Department
Colby College. Psychology Dept.
CLAS Field of Study
Social Sciences
Event Website
http://www.colby.edu/clas
ID
692
How Light Controls the Body and Mind: A Look at Optogenetics
Diamond 145
Optogentics is a new field of research that utilizes differing forms of light in order to control the activation and inhibition of different neurons that have been genetically altered to be photosensitive. By using light sensitive channels like channelrhodopsin-2 extracted from a green algae, scientists have been able to develop methods in which light information fed to the brain via fiber optic wire, can elicit specific behaviors in various animal models such as rats. This talk will give a brief insight into the history of optogenetics, its methods, and the deferring fields of research that are integrating its use into their fields of study. From neuroscience to medicine there are boundless applications for optogentics.
https://digitalcommons.colby.edu/clas/2014/program/1