Scientists at the University of Wyoming are working on creating proteins that can be controlled by light. Light is an efficient way of controlling microscopic organisms, because lasers can be used to target small areas and because lights are easy to turn on and off so there is a minimal margin of temporal error. Certain molecules such as cAMP and cGMP can control many of the cellular processes that naturally occur in a healthy body such as cell growth, glucose levels in the blood, learning, and more. Scientists hope that if these molecules can be recreated in light-activated forms, light can be used to treat and possibly even cure a number of diseases caused by mutations in these molecules.
http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-01-optogenetic-tools-biomedical-uw-scientists.html
Posted by Lauren Riffle
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That is such an interesting idea. Light however, is one of the main stimuli that maintain our internal clock and therefore our circadian rhythms. It would be interesting to see if the light use would cause a temporary reset of our internal clock similar to what occurs when we travel.
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