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Remote Control Worms With Laser Light, Using FOSS

Posted by timothy on from the haven't-you-always-wanted-to-see-those-words? dept.

Kramer747 writes "to share a new tool I've developed for neuroscience that uses optogenetics to remotely control the neurons of a worm as it swims or crawls. Its called CoLBeRT, Controlling Locomotion and Behavior in Real Time. With the instrument I can induce the worm to stop, accelerate, lay eggs or experience the illusion of touch. All source code to run the instrument is GPLd and available. Science News and Scientific American both have stories. The project homepage is at colbert.physics.harvard.edu." I hope that name also constitutes a successful bid to get on the actual Colbert show!

7 of 78 comments (clear)

  1. Good PR department by Amorymeltzer · · Score: 5, Funny

    The CoLBeRT project is dedicated to its namesake, Stephen Colbert, who manipulates the neurocircuits of millions of Americans daily using only the light from their monitors.

    --
    I live in constant fear of the Coming of the Red Spiders.
  2. Minions! by SuricouRaven · · Score: 4, Funny

    I see very little practical use for controlling worms. Now, get me a vertebrate, a good-sized one... can you get it light enough to mount on a bird? That would be useful. Birds have a lot of lift in them.

    I can see why C. Elegans was used. I know of that worm. It's been mapped: Every neuron teased apart, and it's connections to the others documented.

    1. Re:Minions! by AchilleTalon · · Score: 3, Funny

      Obviously, you completely missed the point about the military potentiel of a platoon of tapeworms remotely controlled.

      --
      Achille Talon
      Hop!
  3. Old hat by anza · · Score: 4, Funny

    I played this game on my Nokia YEARS ago.

  4. Did a double take when I read the headline... by mark-t · · Score: 4, Funny

    I think I need new glasses. I first read the headline as "Remote Control Women With Laser Light, using FOSS"

    Read what you will into what that says about my subconscious. I'm making an appointment with my eye doctor this week.

    --
    File under 'M' for 'Manic ranting'
    1. Re:Did a double take when I read the headline... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

      Do not look at Remote Control Women With Laser Light, using FOSS with remaining eye.

  5. Why use lasers? by PPH · · Score: 1, Funny

    Mod points seem to work pretty well here.

    --
    Have gnu, will travel.