Neurophotonics
Neurophotonics
Neurophotonics (pronunciation: /ˌnʊər.oʊ.fəˈtɒn.ɪks/) is a branch of neuroscience that involves the use of photonics to image and map the structure and function of the nervous system.
Etymology
The term "Neurophotonics" is a combination of "neuro" from the Greek νεῦρον (neûron), meaning "nerve", and "photonics" from the Greek φῶς (phôs), meaning "light".
Overview
Neurophotonics is a rapidly evolving field that uses light-based technologies to explore the mysteries of the brain and nervous system. It combines the principles of optics and photonics with the study of neurobiology to visualize how neurons communicate, how brain circuits function, and how larger networks of neurons give rise to behavior and cognition.
Techniques
Some of the techniques used in neurophotonics include optical microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, optogenetics, and two-photon excitation microscopy. These techniques allow scientists to visualize the activity of neurons and neural circuits in real time, and in some cases, even manipulate their activity.
Related Terms
- Optogenetics: A technique in neuroscience that uses light to control neurons that have been genetically modified to express light-sensitive proteins.
- Two-photon excitation microscopy: A fluorescence imaging technique that allows imaging of living tissue up to about one millimeter in depth.
- Fluorescence microscopy: An optical microscope that uses fluorescence and phosphorescence instead of, or in addition to, reflection and absorption to study properties of organic or inorganic substances.
- Optical microscopy: The traditional form of microscopy that uses visible light and a system of lenses to magnify images of small samples.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Neurophotonics
- Wikipedia's article - Neurophotonics
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