Skip to main content

A light switch for neurons - Ed Boyden

24,176 Views

2,631 Questions Answered

TED Talk

Let’s Begin…

Ed Boyden shows how, by inserting genes for light-sensitive proteins into brain cells, he can selectively activate or de-activate specific neurons with fiber-optic implants. With this unprecedented level of control, he's managed to cure mice of analogs of PTSD and certain forms of blindness. On the horizon: neural prosthetics. Session host Juan Enriquez leads a brief post-talk Q&A.

Boyden says that neuroscience research has informed us that the brain is made up of hundreds of billions of cells called ___________.

About TED Talk Lessons

TED Talk Lessons are created by TED-Ed using phenomenal TED Talks. Do you have an idea for a lesson? Create it now using any video from YouTube »

Meet The Creators

  • Speaker Ed Boyden

More from Mind Matters