Optogenetics
Recent articles
‘Perturb and record’ optogenetics probe aims precision spotlight at brain structures
The tool provides a new way to characterize cells and study neuronal circuits.
‘Perturb and record’ optogenetics probe aims precision spotlight at brain structures
The tool provides a new way to characterize cells and study neuronal circuits.
Dopamine ‘gas pedal’ and serotonin ‘brake’ team up to accelerate learning
Mice learn fastest and most reliably when they experience an increase in dopamine paired with an inhibition of serotonin in their nucleus accumbens, a new study shows, helping to resolve long-standing questions about the neuromodulators’ relationship.
Dopamine ‘gas pedal’ and serotonin ‘brake’ team up to accelerate learning
Mice learn fastest and most reliably when they experience an increase in dopamine paired with an inhibition of serotonin in their nucleus accumbens, a new study shows, helping to resolve long-standing questions about the neuromodulators’ relationship.
Putting a bright idea to the test
A surprising wave of findings in mice suggests that light and sound flickering at 40 hertz clears the brain of Alzheimer’s-disease-linked plaques. Several companies are hoping to prove it works in people.
Putting a bright idea to the test
A surprising wave of findings in mice suggests that light and sound flickering at 40 hertz clears the brain of Alzheimer’s-disease-linked plaques. Several companies are hoping to prove it works in people.
Climbing to new heights: Q&A with Kaspar Podgorski
The optical physiologist tracks neural computations inside the lab and scales sheer rock faces outside—even after a life-changing fall.
Climbing to new heights: Q&A with Kaspar Podgorski
The optical physiologist tracks neural computations inside the lab and scales sheer rock faces outside—even after a life-changing fall.
Robots boost data consistency in rodent studies reliant on mechanical, optogenetic stimulation
Two new devices take experimenter variation out of the equation, the lead investigators say.
Robots boost data consistency in rodent studies reliant on mechanical, optogenetic stimulation
Two new devices take experimenter variation out of the equation, the lead investigators say.
Learning or performance? Why the distinction matters for memory science
New methods make it possible to probe the neural substrates of memory with unprecedented precision. Making the most of them demands careful experimental design.
Learning or performance? Why the distinction matters for memory science
New methods make it possible to probe the neural substrates of memory with unprecedented precision. Making the most of them demands careful experimental design.
Newly found hypothalamus circuits shape bullying behaviors in mice
Activity in the tiny brain region helps submissive rodents learn to avoid aggressors, and aggressive mice to curb their attacks, according to two recent studies.
Newly found hypothalamus circuits shape bullying behaviors in mice
Activity in the tiny brain region helps submissive rodents learn to avoid aggressors, and aggressive mice to curb their attacks, according to two recent studies.
What goes up must come down: New marker flags decreased neural activity
Phosphorylation of the metabolic enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase inversely correlates with neural activity, offering scientists a tool to study inhibition for the first time.
What goes up must come down: New marker flags decreased neural activity
Phosphorylation of the metabolic enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase inversely correlates with neural activity, offering scientists a tool to study inhibition for the first time.
Sheena Josselyn and memories lost, found and created
Her hunt for the engram opened a new avenue in memory research.
Sheena Josselyn and memories lost, found and created
Her hunt for the engram opened a new avenue in memory research.
Immune-activation model mice escape infantile amnesia, retain early memories
Male pups born to mothers treated with immune-stimulating molecules show autism-like behaviors and, unlike wildtype animals, do not lose memories formed during early life.
Immune-activation model mice escape infantile amnesia, retain early memories
Male pups born to mothers treated with immune-stimulating molecules show autism-like behaviors and, unlike wildtype animals, do not lose memories formed during early life.
Explore more from The Transmitter
CDC autism prevalence numbers warrant attention—but not in the way RFK Jr. proposes
The head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is ignoring decades of research findings.
CDC autism prevalence numbers warrant attention—but not in the way RFK Jr. proposes
The head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is ignoring decades of research findings.
‘These plans are simply not acceptable’: Q&A with Helen Tager-Flusberg
Last week, Tager-Flusberg formed the Coalition of Autism Scientists to push back on the U.S. government’s plans for autism research, as described by Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. The coalition already has 220 members.
‘These plans are simply not acceptable’: Q&A with Helen Tager-Flusberg
Last week, Tager-Flusberg formed the Coalition of Autism Scientists to push back on the U.S. government’s plans for autism research, as described by Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. The coalition already has 220 members.
Federal funding cuts imperil next generation of autism researchers
As the International Society for Autism Research’s annual meeting begins, its next president reflects on a brewing crisis.
Federal funding cuts imperil next generation of autism researchers
As the International Society for Autism Research’s annual meeting begins, its next president reflects on a brewing crisis.