Ed Boyden: How to develop technologies worthy of a Nobel prize | Optogenetics & Expansion Microscopy

In this episode, we’re honoured to host Prof. Dr. Ed Boyden, a pioneering neuroscientist, inventor, entrepreneur and MIT professor who is widely known for his immense contribution to life sciences, especially to the field of neuroscience. Prof. Boyden holds nearly 300 patents and leads advancements in neural technology, from optogenetics to expansion microscopy. These innovative tools are significantly advancing our understanding of the brain, and driving groundbreaking neuroscience discoveries. We uncovered the story behind optogenetics, exploring how it began and the challenges Prof. Boyden faced in bringing this remarkable method to life. He also introduces us to expansion microscopy, a powerful technique that allows scientists to physically "expand" biological samples, achieving nanoscale precision imaging to study cellular structures and brain connectivity with unprecedented detail. We also talked about multiplex live-imaging - an innovative approach to observe cellular processes in cells and living organisms. Subscribe to our Spotify and YouTube channels for exclusive content and in-depth discussions on cutting-edge science! Supported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences in #Göttingen, the European Neuroscience Institute, SFB_1286, as well as MBExC. Follow us on social media for the latest updates! Twitter:   / neuro_beyond   Instagram:   / neurosciencebeyond   TikTok:   / neurosciencebeyond   Listen to the episodes on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3gbVlK6... Timestamps: 00:00:00 - In this episode 00:00:27 - Introduction 00:04:20 - What is optogenetics 00:06:18 - How was the idea for optogenetics born? 00:09:24 - How did people react to the idea of nanotechnology the brain? 00:14:20 - Applications of optogenetics 00:16:30 - Manipulation of behaviour using optogenetics 00:18:39 - Helping blind people using optogenetics 00:24:00 - Advanced chips stimulating the brain 00:28:00 - Expansion Microscopy 00:30:56 - Problems solved with expansion microscopy 00:34:20 - How exactly does expansion microscopy work? 00:39:07 - How does connectomics help you understand thought? 00:41:33 - Other technological inventions (multiplex live imaging) 00:42:20 - How does the internet inspire brain imaging? 00:46:20 - Technologies monitoring brain activity in the living human brain 00:47:40 - Things to keep you sharp outside academia 00:49:40 - The best scientific institute 00:51:35 - History of innovations in biology 00:53:22 - Why is studying consciousness hard? Neuroscience and Beyond team: Svilen Georgiev Kristina Jevdokimenko Ahsen Konaç Sayıcı Beatriz Apgaua Mels Akhmetali #Optogenetics #ExpansionMicroscopy #Neuroscience #BrainResearch #Neurotechnology #BrainScience #MIT