Optogenetics uses light to control neurons that have been genetically sensitized to light. Using this technique our lab is able to control the activity of individual neurons in living and freely-moving animals. Further, we recently developed a computer vision device called the Multi-worm tracker that allows us to analyze the effects of these and other genetic manipulations in hundreds of animals in real-time, simultaneously.
VIDEO: Optogenetic stimulation of ASH – a polymodal nociceptive sensory neuron that detects potentially harmful stimuli – promotes a reversal escape response in C. elegans.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0rsZBy1eBo[/youtube]