Researchers from Prof. Karl Deisseroth's laboratory have developed techniques for specifically modulating the activity of excitable cells in vivo. This approach introduces light-responsive proteins to create photo-sensitive cells.
Stanford researchers at the Moore Lab have developed an algorithm for on-line, real time post processing of large amounts of neuronal data from high-density, multi-channel electrophysiological recordings to identify which neurons were firing (on-line spike recovery).
Stanford researchers have developed a wirelessly powered, fully internal implant which allows for optogenetic control of neurons throughout the nervous system in mammals, and in particular, mice.