Duke-NUS researchers develop light-controlled ‘switch’ for brain cells to better study the brain


Dr Stanislav Ott (standing, from left) and Associate Professor Adam Claridge-Chang with other members of the team of the Duke-NUS Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders Programme. - DUKE-NUSE MEDICAL SCHOOL

SINGAPORE: Researchers from Duke-NUS Medical School have discovered that a new class of light-sensitive proteins can be used to efficiently turn off brain cells with light, offering scientists a more effective tool to study the brain.

The study, which was published in multidisciplinary journal Nature Communications in April, paves the way for scientists to better understand the brain circuits underlying neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and depression.

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