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The Birth of Optogenetics

Posted by Soulskill on from the lasers-on-the-brain dept.

Dr. Tom writes "Scientists at MIT and other labs have created transgenic neurons that fire when exposed to light. The technique targets specific cell types in live primates. They are already talking about the possibilities for therapy and behavior modification by optically stimulating specific brain circuits."

1 of 70 comments (clear)

  1. Science for the sake of science can be dangerous. by Dr.Bob,DC · · Score: -1, Troll


    I can see all sorts of dangers, just by skimming the article.

    Imagine if these man-made monstrocities merged their DNA into the host's DNA. Then the person reproduces (as we tend to do). That child now has these neurons. Now think of a mutation that causes them to fire all willy-nilly when exposed to sunlight.

    The kids would have to live in the basement their whole lives. If they breed, eventually this FrankenNeuron would contaminate the entire species. And I shudder to think of the implications for nerve issues and subluxations. I do know one thing for sure, some Chiros will rake in millions treating the victims of this insanity.

    --
    Chiropractic Saves Lives!