rhodopsin
Yeast Made to Harvest Light Hint at Evolution’s Past
Kamal Nahas, PhD | Feb 21, 2024 | 6 min read
Scientists transferred light-harvesting proteins into yeast for the first time, shining a light on the past lives of eukaryotic cells.
Blind Patient Recovers Partial Vision with Optogenetics
Alejandra Manjarrez, PhD | May 24, 2021 | 4 min read
After receiving an intraocular injection of the gene for a light-sensitive protein, a 58-year-old man diagnosed with the neurodegenerative eye disease retinitis pigmentosa was able to locate objects on a table using engineered goggles.
Researchers Discover the Largest Virus in the Oceans Yet
Kerry Grens | Mar 1, 2020 | 4 min read
The ChoanoVirus genome codes for rhodopsin, perhaps giving its choanoflagellate host extra energy-harvesting capabilities.
Oceanic Bacteria Trap Vast Amounts of Light Without Chlorophyll
Abby Olena, PhD | Aug 8, 2019 | 3 min read
Microbes that dwell in nutrient-poor waters use a photopigment called retinal to harvest energy from sunshine at levels at least equal to those stored by chlorophyll-based systems.
Redirecting Gene Therapy Restores Sight
Amanda B. Keener | Aug 17, 2015 | 1 min read
By targeting rhodopsin genes to neurons, scientists help blind mice see.
The Birth of Optogenetics
Edward S. Boyden | Jul 1, 2011 | 10+ min read
An account of the path to realizing tools for controlling brain circuits with light.
OPSINS: Tools of the trade
Edward S. Boyden | Jul 1, 2011 | 1 min read
The optogenetic toolset is composed of genetically encoded molecules that, when targeted to specific neurons in the brain, enable the electrical activity of those neurons to be driven or silenced by light.
Optogenetics: A Light Switch for Neurons
Edward S. Boyden | Jul 1, 2011 | 1 min read
This animation illustrates optogenetics—a radical new technology for controlling brain activity with light.