The History Of Brain Circuits

Submitted By hockeyboybrad
Words: 371
Pages: 2

One of the great mysteries to all of science is the brain, and how it gives rise to conscious thought. In order to get a better understanding of the brain, neuroscientists need new tools for analyzing the functioning of neural circuits. Certain technological advances than can record the brain's activity along with controlling it's actions could be the solution for the tools needed. In order to obtain these tools, the Obama administration has an initiative underway designed to promote the manufacturing. In brain circuits, electrical signals pass from one neuron to the next. Neuroscientists need an easier and less intrusive way in order to access these circuits. Technologies being developed at the moment, may allow scientists to record from millions of neurons. These technologies will replace slow and inefficient imprecise methods used by scientists today. In order to understand what is happening in the brain's neural circuitry, researchers must be able to turn neurons on and off at will in order to complete the tests they are preforming accurately. At the moment, researches use genetically engineered animals with neurons that produce light-sensitive proteins derived from bacteria or algae. When a certain wavelength of light is exposed to the proteins, the neurons are caused to be either turned on or off. This technique has allowed researchers to activate neural circuits involved in pleasure, and the impaired movements of Parkinson's. If new technology comes out, the researchers will no longer need to produce a