Slashdot Mirror
Light Could Make Paralyzed Limbs Move
Zothecula writes "In a study that could eventually restore movement to humans' paralyzed limbs, researchers at California's Stanford University have used light to induce muscle contractions in mice. A gene derived from algae was inserted into the mice, encoding a light-sensitive protein which adhered to their nerve cell surfaces. Scientists then placed an 'optical cuff' lined with tiny, inwards-facing LEDs around the mice's sciatic nerves. By penetrating those nerves with brief, high-intensity bursts of blue light, they were able to produce muscle contractions similar to those that would occur naturally. The technology is called 'optogenetics.'"
How long until some uses this for erectile dysfunction? Lol
I bet people would be masters of raves and/or the disco with proper application of this tech.
On every family photograph, Rupert was an embarrasment. How he managed to flail just when the flash went off remained a mystery to the photographer.