Karl Deisseroth is focused on developing and applying high-resolution tools for controlling and mapping specific well-defined elements within intact biological systems. Deisseroth and his team develop and then use these and other tools – integrated with optical, electrophysiological, computational, molecular, and behavioral approaches – to study neural physiology and behavior in freely moving mammals. Their ultimate aim is to understand the neural circuit dynamics underlying normal behavior as well as the pathological neural circuit dynamics underlying neuropsychiatric disease.
Thirteen project teams involving 70 scientists from 29 institutions are collaborating on basic research targeted at preparedness for future emerging pathogens that could threaten human health. Karl Deisseroth honored with research award for work on the biological basis of psychiatric disorders. HHMI investigators Karl Deisseroth and Helen Hobbs are among five scientists honored for transformative advances toward understanding living systems and extending human life. HHMI scientists develop new tool to silence neurons with an unprecedented level of control. A new technique transforms biological tissue into an optically transparent sample that retains its original structure and molecular information. Fourteen HHMI scientists are among 84 newly elected members.