New on-off 'switch' triggers and reverses paralysis in animals with a beam of light
Wednesday, February 3, 2010 - 12:42
in Biology & Nature
In an advance with overtones of Star Trek phasers and other sci-fi ray guns, scientists in Canada are reporting development of an internal on-off "switch" that paralyzes animals when exposed to a beam of ultraviolet light. The animals stay paralyzed even when the light is turned off. When exposed to ordinary light, the animals become unparalyzed and wake up.