Optogenetics News and Research

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Optogenetic control of stomatal guard cells could help prevent transpiration in plants

Stomata, the small microscopic pores present on leaves in plants, aids in regulating the influx of carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.

13 Jul 2021

Researchers construct smallest and cheapest high-resolution microscope

An international team led by researchers of the University of Barcelona builds the smallest and cheapest high-resolution microscope to date.

From University of Barcelona 10 Mar 2021

Neuronal and glial circuits form loosely coupled super-network within the brain

Tohoku University scientists have shown that neuronal and glial circuits form a loosely coupled super-network within the brain.

25 Feb 2021

Light-activated protein can be used to study single synapses of neurons

Neurons are the primary cells of the nervous system, and the signals that are transmitted between them are responsible for all our actions and our cognitive ability.

10 Feb 2021

Researchers use different colors of light to control gut bacteria genes

Baylor College of Medicine researcher Meng Wang had already shown that bacteria that make a metabolite called colanic acid (CA) could extend the lifespan of worms in her lab by as much as 50%, but her collaboration with Rice University synthetic biologist Jeffrey Tabor is providing tools to answer the bigger question of how the metabolite imparts longer life.

23 Dec 2020

Study sheds light on molecular underpinnings of long-term memory

On a late summer day in 1953, a young man who would soon be known as patient H.M. underwent experimental surgery.

From Harvard Medical School 10 Dec 2020

Astrocytes modulate balance in neural networks, control decision making

Decision-making during goal-directed behaviors is deliberative process involving different brain areas that considers pros and cons of each option.

8 Dec 2020

Scientists propose a promising new tool based on optogenetics to study neurons

In many human endeavors, having good tools for a particular task is an essential requirement to obtain the best results possible, and neuroscience is no different than other scientific fields in this regard.

19 Aug 2020

Light impulses can be used to trigger electrical excitation in plants

Optogenetics denotes the manipulation of cellular processes by light-based biological techniques. An international research team led by the Würzburg plant scientists Rainer Hedrich, Georg Nagel and Dirk Becker has succeeded in applying this method to higher plants: Light impulses can now be used to trigger electrical excitation in plants.

11 Aug 2020

Optical fibers made of agar have potential for various medical applications

An optical fiber made of agar has been produced at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. This device is edible, biocompatible and biodegradable.

27 Jul 2020

Unfamiliar social interactions can produce negative emotions in people with autism

Some individuals love meeting new people, while others abhor the idea. For individuals with conditions such as autism, unfamiliar social interactions can produce negative emotions such as fear and anxiety.

15 Jul 2020

Research reveals how colored light can help control biological processes in plants

University of East Anglia scientists have helped find a way to control different plant processes - such as when they grow - using nothing but colored light.

29 Jun 2020

Biophysicists shed light on how optogenetic tool works

An international research team has for the first time obtained the structure of the light-sensitive sodium-pumping KR2 protein in its active state.

29 May 2020

Genes control courtship and aggressive behaviors in fruit flies

Similar to many other animals, fruit flies engage in many different courtship and fighting behaviors.

29 Apr 2020

Scents regulate fat metabolism without affecting feeding habits

Dr. Ayse Sena Mutlu, a postdoctoral fellow at Baylor's Huffington Center On Aging, had an intriguing question. Is it possible to change the body's fat storage without changing eating habits?

17 Apr 2020

Memory cells that help to interpret new situations identified

Imagine you are meeting a friend for dinner at a new restaurant. You may try dishes you haven't had before, and your surroundings will be completely new to you. However, your brain knows that you have had similar experiences -- perusing a menu, ordering appetizers, and splurging on dessert are all things that you have probably done when dining out.

7 Apr 2020