Tommy Hum-Hyder
Neuroscience Across the Curriculum
October 10, 2015
Last week, Chris Moore Ph.D of Brown University spoke about his research in optogenetics, which includes techniques such as 2-photon imaging, ultra-light flex drive. Ongoing research in the Moore lab seeks to use “BLOG,” or bio-luminescence optogenetics, which allows specific neurons to be activated in the presence of light. Instead of just flashing light on an organism, there exist enzymes that, along with their substrates, can produce photons, thereby making light within the organism that can then activate certain neurons. In the future, BLOG could be coupled with certain pharmacological agents that could bring about a fuller understanding of the mechanism of certain diseases and how to best improve the brain and behavior. Moore then spoke about the Hemo-Neural hypothesis, which believes that that increases in blood flow to certain parts of the brain correlate to an increase in neural processes. The Hemo-Neural hypothesis is integral in the clinical efficacy of fMRI scans. However, many opponents of the Hemo-Neural hypothesis believe that the increase in blood flow is simply due to metabolism, or the fact that neurons “need to eat.” While Moore does concede that neurons simply need fuel in order to function, he supports the Hemo-Neural hypothesis because it seems to corroborate our understanding of vascular disease and the neuromodular capabilities of information processing. Therefore, without the Hemo-Neural hypothesis, it may take significantly more time to understand these diseases.