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Nature 446, 617-619 (5 April 2007) | doi:10.1038/446617a; Published online 4 April 2007
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Neuroscience: Controlling neural circuits with light
Michael Häusser1 & Spencer L. Smith1
Abstract
Two light-sensitive proteins from unicellular organisms have been harnessed to rapidly activate or silence neurons. This optical remote control allows precise, millisecond control of neural circuits.
The prospect of direct brain control has long been a dream of philosophers, science-fiction writers and dictators. Neuroscientists have also indulged in this dream, because observation alone is insufficient to find out how the brain works.
- Michael Häusser and Spencer L. Smith are at the Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Physiology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
Email: m.hausser@ucl.ac.uk
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