# Light Controls Brain Cells: Nobel Winner Karl Deisseroth Explains Optogenetics

> Neuroscientist Karl Deisseroth reveals how light controls brain cells, leading to Nobel Prize-winning optogenetics breakthrough.
- Title: Light Controls Brain Cells: Nobel Winner Karl Deisseroth…
- Summary: Neuroscientist Karl Deisseroth reveals how light controls brain cells, leading to Nobel Prize-winning optogenetics breakthrough. Karl Deisseroth developed…
- Keywords: optogenetics, karl deisseroth, neuroscience, neurons, neuropsychiatry, autism, schizophrenia, nobel prize 2026, brain cells, light therapy, neural control, neuroscience research
- Source: The Conversation — https://theconversation.com/using-light-to-control-brain-cells-neuroscientist-karl-deisseroth-explains-how-he-made-his-nobel-winning-discovery-293926
- Author: Karl Deisseroth
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: optogenetics, karl deisseroth, neuroscience, neurons, neuropsychiatry, autism, schizophrenia, nobel prize 2026, brain cells, light therapy, neural control, neuroscience research
## Optogenetics Basics
Optogenetics uses light to alter neuron activity, a technique that won the 2026 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine.
## Early Brain Research Challenges
The brain's complexity made it hard to study, with treatments for neuropsychiatric conditions lacking solid cellular understanding.
## Genetic Targeting Approach
Deisseroth used genetics to target specific brain cells, like dopamine neurons, by inserting genes into them.
## Algae Gene Breakthrough
A single-celled algae gene for channelrhodopsin-2 worked when inserted into neurons, unlike mammalian genes.
## First Live Animal Test
In 2007, Deisseroth controlled mouse movement by activating neurons in the motor cortex with light.
## Brain Function Insights
Optogenetics helped identify cells involved in hunger, thirst, aggression, parenting, anxiety, memory, and motivation.
## Retinal Restoration Trials
In 2021, researchers restored light sensitivity to retinas in people with retinitis pigmentosa using optogenetics.
## Indirect Optogenetics for Treatment
Indirect optogenetics targets specific cells to develop medications for autism and schizophrenia.
## Clinical Applications
Deisseroth sees optogenetics helping treat irritability and anxiety in autistic patients through new medications.
## Nobel Prize Recognition
Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel won the 2026 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for optogenetics.
## Key takeaway

Karl Deisseroth developed optogenetics using light to control neurons, enabling treatments for neuropsychiatric conditions like autism and schizophrenia.