Lighting Up the Brain

October 15, 2017
It may soon be possible for neuroscientists to look inside the human brain and see exactly what it is doing thanks to pioneering technology called optogenetics. Neuroscientists are already using optogenetics in mice and other laboratory animals, activating neurons inside their brains. In a two-step process, animals are genetically modified in such a way that certain neurons produce light-sensitive proteins. Researchers can direct flashes of light onto these neurons, triggering them to send signals to other neurons. Using optogenetics on human brains would allow neuroscientists to map the brain's complicated neural circuitry for the first time in history. It could conceivably enable scientists to control neurons to direct thoughts and actions. Optogenetics also has the potential to be used to treat conditions such as blindness and neural disorders like Parkinson's, depression, and Alzheimer's disease. Zimmer's accessibly written text offers a good deal of background information to put the subject in context. He includes a discussion of the ethics of using animals as test subjects. Well-organized and appealingly designed, the text is complemented with numerous color charts, diagrams, and photographs. An intriguing and informative introduction to the field of neuroscience and the frontiers of modern brain research. (photos, source notes, glossary, bibliography, further information) (Nonfiction. 14-18)

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November 1, 2017
Grades 8-11 In concise text, this book explains optogenetics, which uses light to control cells in living tissue, particularly the neurons in the brain. It also explores the groundbreaking innovations and tools developed to do this and how they work. Neuroscientists genetically modify lab animals so specific neurons within them will produce light-sensitive proteins. When flashes of light are directed onto these neurons, it triggers them to send signals to other neurons, helping scientists map the brain's neural circuitry and explain how the brain directs behavior and processes information. Inherent risks are acknowledged, and the controversy over animal testing is mentioned, but the hope is that this will ultimately lead to treatment of certain disorders and diseases, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, anxiety, depression, narcolepsy, and perhaps even visual impairments. This attractively designed book is full of color photos and includes a table of contents, source notes, a glossary, a selected bibliography, further information, and an index. It will be useful for students doing reports on new research techniques in the field of neuroscience.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)