# A light switch for nerve cells - Ed Boyden

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/ted-ed-7859430/a-light-switch-for-nerve-cells-ed-boyden
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/ted-ed-7859430/a-light-switch-for-nerve-cells-ed-boyden.md
Podcast: [TED-Ed](https://stenobird.com/podcast/ted-ed-7859430)
Published: 2026-06-14T04:30:00+00:00
Episode link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/VG5681795536.mp3
Audio file: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/VG5681795536.mp3
Processing state: not_requested
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/ted-ed-7859430/episodes/a-light-switch-for-nerve-cells-ed-boyden
Duration seconds: 1329

## Resource

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

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## Transcript

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