Episode
A light switch for nerve cells - Ed Boyden
- Podcast
- TED-Ed
- Published
- Jun 14, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1329
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://traffic.megaphone.fm/VG5681795536.mp3
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Summary
View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/a-light-switch-for-neurons-ed-boydenEd 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