September 1, 2010 (Vol. 30, No. 15)
URL:
http://www.stanford.edu/group/dlab/optogenetics
Rating:
Strong Points: Nice organization, down-loadable reference papers
Weak Points: Content is sparse in some areas
Summary:
Here’s a hint to all you researchers out there: if you want a fast track to scientific fame, first develop a new technique and then (now this is the important part) give it a catchy name. Dr. Karl Deisseroth was able to do just that with his invention of “optogenetics,” a now fertile playground for neuroscientists. This technology consists of light-inducible gene expression in neurons, and its impact on neuroscience research will undoubtedly continue to grow in the years to come. If you want a crash course on optogenetics, head to the source: Dr. Deisseroth’s Optogenetics Resource Page. This site, which features the very photogenic optogenetic mouse himself, contains background and sequence information for various optogenetic vectors, protocols and product lists, and pdfs of thirty-one reference papers. So until you perfect your own rolls-off-the-tongue technique, you can study up on the wonders of optogenetics in the meantime.