The Science Behind the Nobel-Winning Technology That Controls Neurons With Light
The Nobel Prize-winning technology of optogenetics, which uses light to control neurons, originated from basic research into how single-celled algae detect light. Scientists discovered that specific proteins in algae could act as ion channels, a finding that revolutionized neuroscience research.
Why it matters
This discovery demonstrates the critical importance of fundamental biological research in driving breakthroughs for treating neurological diseases.
According to Per Svenningsson, chair of the Nobel Committee for Medicine, “Optogenetics provides opportunities for mapping the brain in a way that we could once only dream of.” No other technique allows for such precise study of a living brain, helping researchers better understand the functions of our nervous systems as well as various neurological diseases and disorders.
But this prize is not just a celebration of neuroscience. It also serves as a triumphant example of what can happen when different disciplines of biology converge, as the findings that served as the basis for the development of optogenetics emerged from research in microbiology.
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