Nobel Prize Winner Manipulates Neurons...with LIGHT.

This week, 3 researchers from California and Germany demonstrated that neuropathways can be turned on and off, seemingly at will.

First, the Germans isolated a light sensitive protein from algae.

Then, the American used that protein to make other types of cells sensitive to light.

THEN, they figured out how turn nerve cells on AND off in mice. ("Optigenetics")

I'll let the BBC take it from here:

"In ongoing clinical trials, scientists have been working to restore vision in people who have become blind due to retinitis pigmentosa, a disease that destroys the eye's rods and cones.

By inserting a special protein in the damaged region of the eye, the patient regained some vision when wearing special glasses emitting light. This switched on the therapeutic algae proteins."

And according to the Novel Committee,

Using optogenetics, researchers have been able to reveal neural circuits governing specific memories, feelings, and behaviours relevant for neurological and psychiatric disorders.

So why am I bringing this research to you?

Do you know HOW INSANE it would be if we could put someone in front of a specialized light and watch it heal their brain cells?

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(The punchline is that this is what EMDR therapists already do!)

I know the EMDR Community loves to debate how necessary the light bar is when providing bilateral stimulation.

I personally have grown comfortable using tactile forms instead, to serve the clients who are light sensitive, easily overstimulated, or have unstable internet connections.

But this research makes me wonder if there isn't something to the class of EMDR purists who insist on eye-movements for the most robust change.

Because we can intuit that moment when someone activated a new neuropathway. Their whole demeanor and belief structure changes.

So, points to them today! 🏆

I'm going to follow the developments on this research further.

Maybe we could give people a special algae protein drink prior to session and see what happens. /kidding

Sources:

https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2026/press-release/

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ev3ypmzly8o