Skip to main content

Spectrum: Autism Research News

Tag: optogenetics

September 2013

Molecular mechanisms: Oxytocin boosts brain signals

by  /  10 September 2013

Oxytocin may enhance brain signaling by increasing the strength of the signals and minimizing background noise, according to a study published 4 August in Nature.

Comments
August 2013

Genetic switch labels active neurons in mouse brains

by  /  28 August 2013

A new method, described 5 June in Neuron, allows researchers to tag only those neurons that are active during the following 12-hour time window.

Comments
June 2013

Researchers reveal obsession circuits in the brain

by  /  27 June 2013

Researchers can shut down or trigger compulsive behaviors in mice by using light to target certain brain circuits, according to two studies published 7 June in Science.

Comments
May 2013

Light toggles function of signaling proteins

by  /  1 May 2013

Researchers can use light to activate certain proteins that receive signals at the junctions between neurons and that are key targets for fragile X syndrome therapies, according to a study published in the April issue of Nature Neuroscience.

Comments
April 2013

Miniature brain bulbs manipulate neurons

by  /  24 April 2013

A light-emitting device implanted in a mouse brain can activate neurons wirelessly, allowing researchers to control and observe the mouse’s behavior, according to a report published 12 April in Science.

Comments
February 2013

The 2003 paper proposing signaling imbalance in autism

by ,  /  26 February 2013

In 2003, John Rubenstein and Michael Merzenich first described the theory, now popular in autism, that the disorder reflects an imbalance between excitation and inhibition in the brain. Takao K. Hensch and Parizad M. Bilimoria review the paper and its impact on the field.

Comments
October 2012

Video: Playing with light to manipulate the brain

by  /  17 October 2012

In a video interview at the 2012 Society for Neuroscience annual meeting, Edward Boyden discusses new tools his lab is developing to refine optogenetics techniques.

Comments

Neuroscience in NOLA

by  /  12 October 2012

After nine long years, the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting is returning to New Orleans. And SFARI.org’s reporters are ready to deliver the best advances in autism research that emerge.

Comments
August 2012

Choice of light-sensitive channel alters inhibitory signals

by  /  1 August 2012

An innovative technique that uses waves of light to silence brain signaling in live animals can affect subsequent neuronal signals, according to a study published 24 June in Nature Neuroscience.

Comments
July 2012

Targeting brain microcircuits may help treat autism

by  /  10 July 2012

Understanding the function of neuronal circuits, specifically microcircuits in the prefrontal cortex and elsewhere in the brain, will play a major role in translating research findings into new autism treatments, says Vikaas Sohal.

Comments