Colorful light reveals how worms get longer lives
A metabolite called colanic acid can extend the lifespan of worms as much as 50%. New research uses optogenetics to clarify that discovery.
Dec. 28, 2020 • ~9 min
Scientists identify specific brain region and circuits controlling attention
Norepinephrine-producing neurons in the locus coeruleus produce attention focus, impulse control via two distinct connections to prefrontal cortex.
Nov. 3, 2020 • ~8 min
Synthetic odors created by activating brain cells help neuroscientists understand how smell works
Brains recognize a smell based on which cells fire, in what order – the same way you recognize a song based on its pattern of notes. How much can you change the 'tune' and still know the smell?
July 8, 2020 • ~8 min
Optogenetics with SOUL
The Feng lab has developed a next-generation optogenetic system for non-invasive stimulation of neurons.
May 7, 2020 • ~5 min
Dirty flies offer clues to neural circuits
Researchers have mapped the brain mechanisms that drive movement in grooming fruit flies. That could help fight Parkinson's disease and OCD.
March 6, 2020 • ~6 min
New evidence that shows how the brain makes decisions
New technology helps dissect how the brain ignores or acts on information
Feb. 7, 2020 • ~5 min
Red and green light refine control of optogenetics
A new feat in optogenetics used red and green light to raise and lower the speed of beating heart cells.
Nov. 6, 2019 • ~4 min
Can brain implants with lasers ‘reprogram’ our genomes?
"Optogenomics" could one day offer the ability to manipulate our genomes, potentially upending treatment for cancer and other diseases.
July 17, 2019 • ~4 min
Leg nerves activated by light offer new path to restoring mobility
New optogenetic technique could help restore limb movement, treat muscle tremor.
Dec. 26, 2018 • ~7 min
Stress can lead to risky decisions | MIT News
Neuroscientists find chronic stress skews decisions toward higher-risk options.
Nov. 16, 2017 • ~7 min
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