"Researchers inserted the human cells into the brains of mice where they successfully integrated themselves into the wiring."

"Then the UW team applied a new technology, using light to stimulate the human cells and watching as they in turn activated mouse brain cells."

In a lab dish, the brain cells or neurons began firing simultaneously "like a power surge lighting up a building," said Jason Weick, an assistant scientist...

Weick said the use of light stimulation, called optogenetics, raises the possibility of modifying transplanted brain cells, in effect turning them up or down like the dimmer control on a light....

In the experiments with live mice, the UW researchers anesthetized the animals, inserted a needle into precise areas of the brain and injected the human neurons. The scientists selected a target for the cells where the brain's architecture is well defined and the cells would have a good chance to integrate into the circuitry: the mouse hippocampus. The hippocampus is the part of the brain in which memories are formed, organized and stored.

Here's what it looked like:



Man, I may need a dimmer switch for my brain... to modulate the fear.

Or... what am I saying? Hooray for the University of Wisconsin, and onward to treating Parkinson's and Lou Gehrig's diseases.

IN THE COMMENTS: Ignorance is Bliss said: "She tried to warn you, but would you listen?"

Question — "What accounts for the differences between these 2 fliers?" — answered.

Asked here, 2 days ago. The advertised event is this evening (7:15, Room 3253). From the comments thread:

I assume you objected to the original "Pissing Match" poster planned for your event?

That's basically it, from Ignorance is Bliss. When I was invited to participate, I didn't want to commit to being on the other side of whatever our guest might decide to say. I prefer conversation and commentary, drawing out questions that somebody else might not be asking. I'm not going to promise to put up a fight. Maybe I'll agree with Professor Garry.

It's a furlough day here at the University of Wisconsin, and I am forbidden to work.

There's a new Supreme Court case that I might like to write about — Kentucky v. King —  but I am not even allowed to read it. I'm deprived of pay today, and on top of that, the hands of the state are clasped tight over my eyes and my typing hands are bound. I cannot read or write in any subjects in the range of my professorial job.

This furlough business is a vestige of the Doyle administration. The new governor — the infamous Scott Walker — has a different approach to balancing the state budget.

IN THE COMMENTS: Ignorance is Bliss writes:

I'd ask 'Doesn't that violate your first amendment rights?', but since that is a constitutional law question, you wouldn't be able to read it, let alone write a response.

Now, normally, that's enough to make me add the "law" tag, but I must refrain, lest my enemies wreak revenge.

ADDED: A previous discussion of the furlough day, with better detail.