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Molecular ‘Light Switch’ Could Cure Epilsepsy & Parkison’s

James Joyner
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A stunning new medical breakthrough could revolutionize treatment for brain diseases like epilepsy and Parkison’s.

Scientists can now turn on and off specific parts of the brain with a simple flash of light. The new molecular tool, developed by scientists at MIT and Stanford, allows unprecedented control over the brain and could lead to more-effective treatments for epilepsy, Parkinson’s, and other diseases. It could also help neuroscientists crack the language of the brain: the information encoded in the electrical activity of neurons, which forms our memories and directs our every move.

Amazing.

via Johnathan Pearce

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4 responses to “Molecular ‘Light Switch’ Could Cure Epilsepsy & Parkison’s”

  1. legion Avatar
    legion

    Ugh. I suppose it’s just the utter bastard in me, but the first thing I noticed is that they specify that they can turn cells on as well as off. I expect DARPA is going to be all over this…

  2. charles austin Avatar
    charles austin

    I share similar concerns to those expressed by legion said — any tool or treatment this simple, yet this powerful, can be used for ill purposes just as easily as for good, although my fear is less about DARPA than many other more nefarious organizations. Could such a light be used in the video surveillance cameras now so ubiquitous in the UK? Is Big Brother that close? Hmm…, could this be considered an effective interrogation technique or torture?

  3. Michael Avatar
    Michael

    Could such a light be used in the video surveillance cameras now so ubiquitous in the UK? Is Big Brother that close? Hmm…, could this be considered an effective interrogation technique or torture?

    Um, no. This technique is similar in principle to using implanted electrodes, it still requires putting something inside your brain (and in this case, your neural cells too). So unless you don’t trust the person you are going to let open your skull, you have nothing new to worry about.

  4. Sean Hackbarth Avatar
    Sean Hackbarth

    I’m guessing it’s nothing like the flashing red light from The Andromada Strain.

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