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Automated control of light-responsive nematode worms marks the first foray into the development of multicellular, biorobotic organisms.

A new protein may allow researchers to home in on individual neurons, determining their activity minute by minute.

With a clinical trial underway to restore vision optogenetically, researchers also see promise in using the technique to treat deafness, pain, and other conditions.

Researchers uncover the first light-controlled negative-ion channels in algae, and they are fast.

Optical techniques for monitoring action potentials

An account of the path to realizing tools for controlling brain circuits with light.

The optogenetic toolset is composed of genetically encoded molecules that, when targeted to specific neurons in the brain, enable the electrical activity of those neurons to be driven or silenced by light. 

This animation illustrates optogenetics—a radical new technology for controlling brain activity with light.