Ultrasound used to noninvasively manipulate brain function in worms
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.029209
Nature : Researchers have demonstrated a new technique that uses ultrasound to stimulate individual brain cells in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Called sonogenetics , it involves genetically engineering the tiny worms’ neurons with touch-sensitive channel proteins, which can then be activated by low-pressure sound waves. Although similar to optogenetics, which has been in use for about a decade, sonogenetics avoids the need for invasive surgical procedures to insert fiber-optic cables, electrodes, or other hardware into the brain. In addition, sonogenetics can target specific cell types and neurons, unlike earlier techniques that affect entire regions of the brain. Next, the researchers hope to try the technique on mice and eventually other animals.
