How Algae Allowed Scientists To Control The Brain

It’s well known that many organisms have abilities that elevate them to a level of complexity comparable to human intelligence. An article in Science News describes how one of these organisms, a species of algae called Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, gave scientists a new way to study the neurons that make up the human brain, through their special ability to sense and react to light. 

When scientists first noticed the ability of C. reinhardtii, they were excited at this new potential to control neuron’s reactivity while studying the brain. In order to harness this power, they needed to genetically program the neurons to produce the same protein found in the algae. Essentially, the scientists were “borrowing” the algae’s ability and transferring it to nerve cells.

These genetically engineered nerve cells were able to be activated merely by sensing light, and were able to do some pretty astonishing things to the organisms they were a part of. This method of controlling neurons, called optogenetics, made it possible for scientists to induce hallucinations in mice, and even control the mice’s behavior. To me, this sounds like the first step in developing some sort of mind control machine straight out of a science fiction film, but who knows, that might be a bit optimistic.