Biomedical technique of introducing a gene into a cell that produces a photosensitive molecule, which can be activated by light stimulation without disturbing neighbouring cells.
In this way, targeted neurons can be stimulated remotely by light and groups of neurons can be activated or deactivated to determine their role in movement or other cognitive functions.
This technique is applicable, for example, in the study of neural circuits involved in Parkinson's disease or obsessive compulsive disorders.
- Brain Imaging :
- Means all medical imaging techniques that can be used to observe the brain (MRI, Scanner, EEG, MEG-EEG, etc.).
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) :
- Imaging technique used to obtain 2 or 3-dimensional views of organs or limbs.