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Researchers Develop Light Activation Treatment For Parkinson's March 21, 2009 (No Ratings Yet) A team of scientists in California have been exploring a technique whereby brain cells are activated by flashes of light, and may have made a breakthrough with regard to actual application of the technology. The team has developed what is described as a hit-and-miss treatment for Parkinson's Disease while at the same time demonstrating how the light-based technique could be used to manipulate virtually any cell. The process is called optogenetics, and it works by making use of light-sensitive proteins known as channel rhodopsins. These proteins are normally produced by algae in nature. The team, led by Karl Deisseroth, a psychiatrist at Stanford University, discovered that inserting channel rhodopsins into neurons allowed them to be activated by blue light. An engineered protein known as halo-rhodopsin can then be used to silence neurons by being exposed to yellow light. In the process of their research, the team also discovered a group of cells that may be responsible for the positive results of the fledgling treatment. By targeting these neurons specifically, scientists may soon have a much more effective and much less invasive method of treating Parkinson's. Of the new optogenetics research, Marla Feller, a neuroscientist at the University of California at Berkeley, says "I think it's going to have a big impact outside of neuroscience." Rayilyn Brown Director AZNPF Arizona Chapter National Parkinson Foundation [log in to unmask] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn