"Mind-controlled" gene expression

[Pythagorean]

Mind-controlled transgene expression by a wireless-powered optogenetic designer cell implant.

Kind of a sensationalized title, since it's really just interpreting brain waves through a BCI, but neat anyway.

An electroencephalography (EEG)-based brain–computer interface (BCI) processing mental state-specific brain waves programs an inductively linked wireless-powered optogenetic implant containing designer cells engineered for near-infrared (NIR) light-adjustable expression of the human glycoprotein SEAP (secreted alkaline phosphatase). The synthetic optogenetic signalling pathway interfacing the BCI with target gene expression consists of an engineered NIR light-activated bacterial diguanylate cyclase (DGCL) producing the orthogonal second messenger cyclic diguanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP), which triggers the stimulator of interferon genes (STING)-dependent induction of synthetic interferon-β promoters. Humans generating different mental states (biofeedback control, concentration, meditation) can differentially control SEAP production of the designer cells in culture and of subcutaneous wireless-powered optogenetic implants in mice.

http://www.nature.com/ncomms/2014/141111/ncomms6392/full/ncomms6392.html

 

[Torbjorn_L]

Sometime soon you are what you think.