A light switch for nerve cells - Ed Boyden

View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/a-light-switch-for-neurons-ed-boyden 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. Talk by Ed Boyden. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices