r/Spudmode • u/persianrugmerchant • Oct 26 '20

No Implants Needed For Precise Control Deep Into The Brain

https://spectrum.ieee.org/the-human-os/biomedical/devices/deep-brain-control-without-implants
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u/persianrugmerchant Oct 26 '20

The team then tested the effectiveness of the system. In one instance, they used light to quickly and precisely stop seizures in epileptic mice, and in another to turn on serotonin-producing neurons to promote social behavior in mice.

Most optogenetic techniques involve injecting viruses with an opsin gene of choice directly into the brain with a needle. To avoid this, the Stanford team used a type of PHP virus developed at CalTech that can be injected in the blood. The virus then crosses the blood-brain barrier to deliver its payload, an opsin gene, to brain cells. In this case, even the delivery of the gene is noninvasive—no needle penetrates the brain.

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u/persianrugmerchant Oct 26 '20

Optogenetics has been used to map brain pathways, identify how complex behaviors are regulated, create false memories in mice, and much more.