SAIFR:4527

Neuroscience discoveries through the use of visible light and viruses

(2024). Neuroscience discoveries through the use of visible light and viruses. ICTP South American Institute for Fundamental Research. https://scivideos.org/ictp-saifr/4527

Neuroscience discoveries through the use of visible light and viruses. ICTP South American Institute for Fundamental Research, Aug. 20, 2024, https://scivideos.org/ictp-saifr/4527 

          @misc{ scivideos_SAIFR:4527,
            doi = {},
            url = {https://scivideos.org/ictp-saifr/4527},
            author = {},
            keywords = {ICTP-SAIFR, IFT, UNESP},
            language = {en},
            title = {Neuroscience discoveries through the use of visible light and viruses},
            publisher = { ICTP South American Institute for Fundamental Research},
            year = {2024},
            month = {aug},
            note = {SAIFR:4527 see, \url{https://scivideos.org/ictp-saifr/4527}}
          }
Avishek Adhikari
Talk numberSAIFR:4527
Source RepositoryICTP – SAIFR
Collection
Talk Type Conference
Subject

Abstract

We have known for centuries that the brain controls vital behaviors such as the natural instinct to search for food and emotions such as fear, anxiety, and depression. However, each brain region has many different types of neurons which have different functions. Previously, it was not possible to study how a specific type of neuron affected behavior.Neuroscientists now use a method called optogenetics in which they use genetically-engineered viruses to selectively infect a single type of neuron. The virally-infected neurons then produce a protein that converts visible light into increased or decreased electrical activity in those neurons. By delivering light to the brain with lasers, we can precisely identify how changes in electrical activity of a single neuron type affects behavior. I will discuss how we used optogenetics to discover neurons that control numerous survival behaviors, such as escaping from threats and seeking food. I will also show how these findings used contributions from diverse fields, such as microbiology, biophysics, optics and genetics, highlighting how multidisciplinary insights are a key feature of modern neuroscience.