Case Study

APA citation:

Hall, S. S., & Harker, J. (2014). Neuroscience's New Toolbox. (cover story). Technology Review, 117(4), 20.

Introduction:

This article was written to describe the new technology called optogenetics, a technique that allows scientists to alter and control cells. The article explains past experiments that left unanswered questions due to lack of technology that can now be answered through optogenetics. One of the ways the article reveals its significance is through comparing optogenetics with neuroimaging (known as MRI), an older technology. It explains how imaging allows scientists to see the brain in action, but optogenetics allow them to alter this action. One experiment used to exemplify optogenetics’ profound benefit to research is a study on what triggers aggressive behavior and mating behavior in mice. Optogenetics allowed scientists to uncover more specific neuroscience on these behaviors. Not only does this article introduce the technology and explain the experiment, it also takes a look at neuroscience on a broader scale and describes different past and current technologies and projects, and their contribution to progress.

Study description:

At his lab at CalTech, David J. Anderson discovered how a small group of neurons located in the hypothalamus were associated both with aggressive behaviors and mating impulses. To discover more about these impulses and how they’re triggered, his researches inserted a genetically modified light-sensitive gene into the specified neurons, and they were able to activate or deactivate these neurons through a very thin thread connected. Researches sent bursts of light through the thread, which turned them on and off. They studied how the switches affected the mouse’s behavior to find out where these triggers derive from and if they are interrelated.

Analysis and Conclusion:

The experiment showed that activating the neurons in the hypothalamus caused the mice to be aggressive toward the...