Algae Proteins Control Heart Cells With Light
Algae use light-sensitive channelrhodopsin proteins to detect sunlight. Scientists now use these proteins in optogenetics to control heart cells with light pulses. This technique restored normal rhythms in mice with arrhythmia. Johns Hopkins researchers explore human applications with trials expected in two years. Light might someday replace electricity in pacemakers. This approach would eliminate the need for battery-powered devices, instead using external light sources to control internal heart function.