What is optogenetics?

Optogenetics is a biological technique that involves the use of light to control cells in living tissue, typically neurons, that have been genetically modified to express light-sensitive ion channels. It enables researchers to precisely manipulate and monitor neural activity in real-time, offering unprecedented control over neuronal function. It is commonly used in neuroscience research to study the causal relationships between specific neuronal circuits and behavior, as well as to investigate potential therapeutic interventions for neurological and psychiatric disorders.