Optogenetics as a neuromodulation tool in cognitive neuroscience

Abstract

Optogenetics may be the answer to a search for temporal and spatial specificity in neuroscience. The well-known trade-offbetween temporal and spatial specificity might be resolved with this "combination of genetic and optical methods to achieve gain or loss of function of well-defined events in specific cells of living tissue" (Deisseroth, 2011). It is a technology that enables researchers to stimulate cells with light, thereby allowing for the direct control of behavior. Until now, this technique has been applied in animal research only but, as we argue, it holds promise for research in humans as well. © 2013 Pama, Colzato and Hommel.