|Mouse neurons. Image via Wikimedia Commons. |
Originally published in PLoS Biology.
The very word "neuroscience" sounds expensive. Measuring the signaling of nerves? That sounds pretty fancy. But with some wires and basic neuroscience tools, anyone can give it a try, measuring the nerve signaling, for example, in an insect. Which, do you think, would be the more memorable learning experience, a full-on sensory exposure to the sights and sounds of neuron signaling, or this?
As part of their bringing the neuroscience to the people, the Backyard Brains scientists have created the Spiker Box kit, which lets students listen to neurons firing in a de-legged cockroach. These kits are friendly with computers, iPhones, and iPads, so students can use these devices to record and listen to the Zzzzzzztt! of a firing neuron (see video below). Electrophysiology in action, made accessible.
An even fancier introduction to science awaits. Some proteins are especially made to change their shape in response to a light trigger. Scientists have produced animals--mostly fruit flies--that make these proteins in some neurons, where they don't usually occur. With light-reactive proteins present in the neurons, researchers can actually make the neurons fire by giving them a shot of laser light. In other words, they can make the animals move using light. Wouldn't it be cool if classroom students could see that kind of neuroscience in action?
Backyard Brains is on the case. They're working on a product that will allow students to use blue light emitted from an iPad to trigger light-reactive proteins in nerves that communicate with muscle cells. Because the process involves light and organisms with introduced genes, it's called optogenetics. That sounds even more swanky than neuroscience, but Backyard Brains is working on making it accessible.
Other Backyard Brains products include RoboRoach (you'll have to read that one for yourself), soldering kits, and the roaches themselves.