Optogenetics
Millisecond-timescale, genetically targeted optical control of neural activity
In plain English
Genetically targeted channelrhodopsin enabled millisecond-scale optical control of mammalian neuronal activity.
On the show2
- EP 60
2026 Nobel Prize Predictions: Medicine, Physics & Chemistry
Our 2026 Nobel predictions: the science behind GLP-1, light-controlled neurons, quantum interference, cellular droplets and more.
- EP 61
Nobel Prize in Medicine 2026 Explained: Optogenetics
How did proteins from algae give scientists control over brain cells? We explain the 2026 Medicine Nobel, optogenetics, memory experiments and early medical applications.
Key findings1
- 01
Genetically targeted channelrhodopsin enabled millisecond-scale optical control of mammalian neuronal activity.
5
Edward S Boyden, Feng Zhang, Ernst Bamberg, Georg Nagel, Karl Deisseroth