Researchers Switch Neurons Off and On Using Noninvasive Ultrasound

Posted by Soulskill on Tuesday September 15, 2015 @09:55AM from the origins-of-a-tasp dept.

Jason Koebler writes: Optogenetics, the ability to control neurons using bursts of light, has been one of the most promising breakthroughs in neurology of this decade. It's been a boon for researchers, but its invasive nature (the brain must usually be exposed) has held the technology back. Sreekanth Chalasani of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies described a new, noninvasive method of controlling neurons using ultrasound pulses in Nature Communications. For the first time ever, he was able to manipulate a genetically modified organism using a new technique called sonogenetics.

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Re:Funded by Republican corporate welfare by Anonymous Coward · 2015-09-15 10:09 · Score: 0, Funny

Even worse than the money they are funneling into this that is wasted, is the effect of this research. It furthers the Republican's plans to control our minds. Control our minds.
How technologically advanced... by frank_adrian314159 · 2015-09-15 10:32 · Score: 3, Funny

I just turn them on and off the old-fashioned way, with caffeine and alcohol.

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