New fluorescent dyes highlight neuronal activity
Wednesday, January 25, 2012 - 17:30
in Biology & Nature
Researchers have created a new generation of fast-acting fluorescent dyes that optically highlight electrical activity in neuronal membranes. The ability to visualize these small, fast-changing voltage differences between the interior and exterior of neurons -- known as transmembrane potential -- is considered a powerful method for deciphering how brain cells function and interact.