Researcher Implants Laser-Activated Brain Cells 98
destinyland writes "A Stanford researcher has spliced light-sensitive algae genes into human brain cells to fire neurons when activated by a laser. Light is shined through an implanted fiber optic cable (blue light on, yellow light off), and the procedure can target very specific deep brain structures too fragile for most surgery. 'Once the researcher attaches the other end of the cable to a laser, he or she has absolute and flawless control over that group of neurons.' Science writer Quinn Norton cites it as a first attempt at 'building useful handles on the very things that make us ourselves.'"
Why brain cells.... (Score:3, Informative)
Re:So.... (Score:1, Informative)
This is surgery, it's a way to manipulate cells that you can't reach.
RTF Summary.
Re:Laser Heads (Score:2, Informative)
I'll have them run a copper wire alongside my fiber, just in case.
Congratulations, you've invented the droud [wikipedia.org]. Larry Niven would be proud.