For the last century of neuroscience, lots of people have tried to control neurons using all sorts of different technologies - pharmacology (drugs), electrical pulses, and so on. But none of these technologies are precise. With optogenetics, we can aim light at a single cell, or a set of cells, and turn just that set of cells on or off.
Edward BoydenMaybe we'll understand more about how the universe came to be, and what forces drove it in the early days and which forces drive it now.
Edward BoydenIf our brain is understanding some parts of the universe and not understanding other parts, and those understandings are about the laws of physics that our brains are built on top of, then it's kind of a loop, right?
Edward BoydenRemember, when we're conscious of something, that state is quite often generated by unconscious processes that happen right before it.
Edward BoydenIf you give somebody a lot of questions to answer and then they walk by a bowl of candy, they are more likely to grab the candy because they're tired out from answering questions and can't resist.
Edward Boyden