A bright idea -- Genetically engineered proteins for studying neurons using light

(Okayama University) In neuroscience, tools for controlling the activation and deactivation of individual nerve cells are crucial to gain insights into their functions and characteristics. Now, scientists from Okayama University, Japan, have produced mutant variants of a membrane protein that can effectively silence neurons when illuminated. The silencing effect can be quickly "toggled" on and off using green and red light sequentially, providing a more sophisticated tool than those currently av...