The Brain Project: Unraveling Complexity and Identifying Cell Types

Transformational research techniques shaping our understanding of how the brain works.

Guest Karl Deisseroth is a bioengineer and a psychiatrist who has developed two of the most transformational research techniques shaping our understanding of how the brain works — optogenetics, which allows neuroscientists to control brain cells with light, and CLARITY, a way to render the brain’s gray matter transparent yet retain all its intricate wiring for easier study.  There is a vast chasm between neuroscience and psychiatry, Deisseroth says of the reasons he felt compelled to develop technology ahead of pursuing science. It was never a trade-off of one over the other, however. It was simply where we had to go to get better at the science, Deisseroth tells fellow bioengineer and host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Chapters:
(00:00:00)  Introduction to Karl Deisseroth

Russ Altman introduces the episode and Karl Deisseroth, highlighting his roles as a professor of bioengineering and psychiatry. Explanation of Karl Deisseroth's approach to addressing challenges in neuroscience through technology development and application.

(00:03:23) Balancing Technology Development and Scientific Exploration

Discussion on the challenges of balancing technology development with scientific exploration. Karl Deisseroth's perspective on integrating technology development as a primary goal in neuroscience research.

(00:05:03) Optogenetics: Controlling Neurons with Light

Introduction to optogenetics as a method for precise control of individual cells using light. Explanation of the historical challenges in controlling neurons and the need for precise techniques.

(00:07:25) Importance of Bioengineering in Innovation

Highlighting the role of bioengineering in translating scientific ideas into practical tools. Importance of collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches in bioengineering and neuroscience.

(00:10:04) Discovering Microbial Rhodopsins and Opsins

Karl Deisseroth explains the class of proteins known as microbial rhodopsins and their genes, microbial opsins. Discussion on the historical knowledge of these proteins and their presence in biochemistry textbooks.

(00:12:50) Realizing Optogenetics in Human Brains

Karl Deisseroth discusses the practical application of optogenetics in the central nervous system of human beings. An example of a successful experiment by Karl's colleague Botond Roska, enabling a blind person to see objects.

(00:16:01) Bridging Psychiatry and Neurotechnology

Transition to discussing Karl Deisseroth's role as a practicing psychiatrist and the challenges faced in patient care. Integration of clinical experiences into scientific research and its impact on experimental design and understanding disease processes.

(00:16:54) The Intersection of Science and Medicine

Examination of the balance between clinical practice and scientific research in Karl Deisseroth's work. Importance of firsthand patient experiences in shaping research goals and addressing clinical challenges.

(00:20:25) Unraveling Brain Complexity with Optogenetics

Discussion on the complexity of the brain's parts list and challenges in categorizing cell types. Utilizing optogenetic tools to explore specific brain cell types and their functions. The intersection of clinical psychiatry, technology, and neuroscience in advancing our understanding of the brain.

(00:21:00) Integrating Optogenetics into Neuroscience

Exploration of the significance of having a detailed parts list for the brain and its impact on optogenetic research. Integrating optogenetic tools to study diverse brain functions and disorders. The evolving landscape of neuroscience research and the potential applications of optogenetics in the future.

(00:24:53) The Interconnectedness of Brain Cells

Examination of experiments recording from tens of thousands of cells while observing a thirsty mouse's behavior. Insights into the rapid and interconnected nature of the brain, lead to widespread correlations among neurons.

(00:28:05) Writing "Projections": Balancing Science and Literature

Karl Deisseroth's motivation for writing "Projections" was to share the inner worlds of psychiatric patients and communicate scientific advancements. Challenges in balancing literary creativity with scientific accuracy, capturing patients' experiences while staying grounded in truth.

(00:31:02) Receiving Feedback and Impact of "Projections"

Reflection on the reception of "Projections" and feedback received from readers, including patients with psychiatric disorders.Karl Deisseroth's satisfaction in capturing the experiences of patients and the impact of the book on diverse readers.

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