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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!

3 of 78 comments (clear)

  1. Explains the Fremen control of sandworms by Insanity+Defense · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Herbert was a Prophet?

    1. Re:Explains the Fremen control of sandworms by icebike · · Score: 4, Interesting

      But all Herbert dreamed up was hooks. Not half as cool as worms with freaking lasers on their heads.

       

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      Sig Battery depleted. Reverting to safe mode.
  2. Why it's useful by Ichoran · · Score: 4, Interesting

    One of the big questions in science is how neurons control behavior. It's a tough thing to answer when you can't control the neurons. (E.g. "tell me what this software program works without using it or altering the source code.")

    So this is a big help in figuring out how neurons control worm behavior. Since we don't know much about how neurons control the behavior of anything, this is a big step forward!