optogenetics en · NOUN
Etymology
(2006) Coined from optics and genetics by Karl Deisseroth and Mark J. Schnitzer in a review paper (K. Deisseroth, G. Feng, A. K. Majewska, G. Miesenböck, A. Ting, M. J. Schnitzer, Next-Generation Optical Technologies for Illuminating Genetically Targeted Brain Circuits, Journal of Neuroscience, vol. 26, no. 41 (October 2006), pp. 10380–6).
Meanings
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(uncountable) A science that combines optics and genetics, aiming at controlling cellular processes with light. The cells are made responsive to light using genetics and then activated using specific wavelengths.
It is the exquisite precision that can be achieved, without any destruction, that renders optogenetics such a powerful tool.
2021 July, Anthony David, “Knowing Me Knowing You”, in The Literary Review:
Relateds
Translations (1)
fr optogénétique (science that combines optics and genetics)