There's a nice feature on Karl Deisseroth, MD, PhD, and his development of optogenetics - a technology that uses light to control the brain - in the current issue of Stanford Magazine. The technology has been garnering attention for its potential to help researchers better understand and develop therapies for a variety of brain disorders. But, as Kara Platoni points out in her piece:
...As tantalizing as such potential applications are, Deisseroth's ultimate vision is focused less on cures, and more on gaining fundamental insight into the brain. Optogenetics may finally give scientists a way not only to better interpret its rapid-fire language, but also to start talking back to it using the speed and precision of light.
Previously: Karl Deisseroth outlines optogenetics in Scientific American, Using light to better understand mental illness and Using unconventional therapies to troubleshoot the brain
