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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!

6 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.

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    I live in constant fear of the Coming of the Red Spiders.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

  4. Old hat by anza · · Score: 4, Funny

    I played this game on my Nokia YEARS ago.

  5. 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.

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    File under 'M' for 'Manic ranting'
  6. 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!