Scientists use light to cure Parkinsons in mice

Started by twocows October 21st, 2009 10:54 PM
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twocows

The not-so-black cat of ill omen

Age 32
Male
Michigan
Seen February 19th, 2023
Posted April 30th, 2021
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14.2 Years
http://www.wired.com/magazine/2009/10/mf_optigenetics/all/1

Yes, it's as amazing as it sounds. Definitely read; this is one of the most interesting articles I've read in a while. The basic concept is that fiber optic cables threaded through mouse brains altered with pond scum viruses flashed a particular type of light that allowed mice with severe Parkinson's to walk normally. They're working on doing it without requiring a big cable through your head, and it's working quite well, it seems. There's a lot more cool stuff, like two-way communication between neurons and machines. The article's a bit lengthy, but definitely worth a read; this is a field I fully expect to explode over the next few years.
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