A light switch for nerve cells - Ed Boyden - TED-Ed

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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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How long is this episode of TED-Ed?

This episode is 22 minutes long.

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This episode was published on June 14, 2026.

What is this episode about?

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...

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