Light Could Make Paralyzed Limbs Move 63
Zothecula writes "In a study that could eventually restore movement to humans' paralyzed limbs, researchers at California's Stanford University have used light to induce muscle contractions in mice. A gene derived from algae was inserted into the mice, encoding a light-sensitive protein which adhered to their nerve cell surfaces. Scientists then placed an 'optical cuff' lined with tiny, inwards-facing LEDs around the mice's sciatic nerves. By penetrating those nerves with brief, high-intensity bursts of blue light, they were able to produce muscle contractions similar to those that would occur naturally. The technology is called 'optogenetics.'"
Got ED? (Score:2, Funny)
This technology... (Score:2, Funny)
I bet people would be masters of raves and/or the disco with proper application of this tech.
I can imagine the scenes (Score:1, Funny)
On every family photograph, Rupert was an embarrasment. How he managed to flail just when the flash went off remained a mystery to the photographer.