Optogenetics: Restoring Sight and Hearing With Light

Could tiny light switches borrowed from microbes help restore sight—and change how we treat hearing loss? Scientists can use these proteins to make selected neurons respond to light, activating or quieting them within milliseconds.

In this episode of Intellectually Curious, we explore how optogenetics gives surviving retinal neurons a new way to sense light, including an approach that has demonstrated partial functional vision using special goggles. Then we turn to experimental optical cochlear implants, where focused light could one day improve how people distinguish different pitches. From molecular switches to sensory restoration, we explore the possibilities of communicating with the nervous system through light.

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