Nobel laureate Karl Deisseroth on how light is changing what we know about the brain
Summary
Carl Deisseroth discusses his journey to winning the 2026 Nobel Prize for developing optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control specific nerve cells. He recounts discovering that a light-sensitive protein from pond algae, channelrhodopsin-2, could effectively activate mammalian neurons. Deisseroth explains how this breakthrough allows scientists to map brain functions like hunger and anxiety, and he details its potential to restore vision and treat psychiatric disorders like autism and schizophrenia.
Topics discussed
Discovery of channelrhodopsin-2 by Hegemann and Nagel
2026 Nobel Prize announcement for optogenetics
Introduction of Carl Deisseroth and the podcast
Challenges in studying the brain and psychiatric training
Early experiments and the search for genetic control
Testing the algal gene in cultured rodent neurons
Developing optogenetics: targeting genes and delivering light
First live animal experiments: controlling mouse behavior
Applying optogenetics to map brain functions
Direct optogenetics: restoring sight in humans
Indirect optogenetics and new drug development
Closing remarks and credits
Promotion of the new podcast 'Strange Health'
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