Stabilizing selection in an identified multisensory neuron in blind cavefish.

The ability to follow the evolutionary trajectories of specific neuronal cell types has led to major insights into the evolution of the vertebrate brain. Here, we study how cave life in the Mexican tetra () has affected an identified giant multisensory neuron, the Mauthner neuron (MN). Because this neuron is crucial in driving rapid escapes, the absence of predation risk in the cave forms predicts a massive reduction in this neuron.

Comparative Validation of Scintillator Materials for X-Ray-Mediated Neuronal Control in the Deep Brain.

When exposed to X-rays, scintillators emit visible luminescence. X-ray-mediated optogenetics employs scintillators for remotely activating light-sensitive proteins in biological tissue through X-ray irradiation. This approach offers advantages over traditional optogenetics, allowing for deeper tissue penetration and wireless control.