Impact

In 2018, Tabitha Broadbelt received funding to study how optogenetics can be used to control memory cells at the University of Edinburgh.

What is optogenetics?

Tabitha will use an exciting new technique called optogenetics, which allows scientists to use light to control memory cells. Using light to turn on specific memory cells has been shown to restore memories in mice with symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

How will this research make a difference?

Memory loss is one of the biggest symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease, but scientists are still unclear whether memory problems are caused because memory cells fail to store memories, or because they can no longer fetch the stored information.

By solving this puzzle, Tabitha hopes to unlock new treatments and help people keep hold of their precious memories.