Unit Plan

Ted: Ted Ed: A Light Switch for Neurons

Curated by ACT

Ed 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. [18:24]

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Classroom Considerations
  • Knovation Readability Score: 5 (1 low difficulty, 5 high difficulty)
  • The intended use for this resource is Practice
NGSS