New use of optogenetics

This week in the Ramirez et al paper, a previously mentioned tool for neuroscience was seen. Optogenetics was previous mentioned when discussing the class discussed depression. In the previous articles read, optogenetic usage can be shown to cause or inhibit symptoms of anxiety. In the Ramirez et al paper, optogenetics was used in a different manner under the context of identifying a new model for post traumatic stress disorder. I found it interesting that the advent of optogenetics has led to a new era of research that allows the usage of optogenetics to understand the neural changes that account for behavior. In Ramirez et al, optogenetics was used to manipulate the hippocampus to generating false memories. This was done by understanding how memory recall works, which then was used to manipulate different contexts that are involved in memory.

            I found the concept behind the experiment to be very interesting. By understanding the logic behind the experiment, its applicable use can definitely be applied to studying treatments for post traumatic stress disorder. I found the results to be promising but I felt that further research can be done to improve results. This was an interesting use of optogenetics considering that it is a result tool.

            A question that popped into my head was whether generating a false memory and legitimately having a false memory shows differences in the results. If they take different pathways in the brain, would there have to be a treatment method that encompasses the overall neuronal pathways.