New ways to image and control nerve cells could unlock brain mysteries

Using the methods to target neurons in mice and fruit fly brains may lead to insights

nerve cells

TINY REVEAL  A powerful new technique reveals tiny, message-receiving bumps that dot nerve cells’ surfaces (green), called dendritic spines, in a mouse brain.

R. Gao et al/Science 2019

Using laser light, ballooning tissue and innovative genetic tricks, scientists are starting to force brains to give up their secrets.