Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, high-throughput screening of a mammalian brain is performed to locate neural circuit targets of interest. A variety of search patterns may be used for this neural screening, including (a) iterative subdivision, (b) serial search, and (c) combinatorial. To perform this neural screening, an array of optical fibers (or an array of waveguides) is inserted into the brain. Alternately, the array is positioned adjacent to the brain. Each fiber or waveguide in the array is coupled to a light source (LED or laser). The brain has been previously sensitized to light, using genetically encoded optical neural control reagents, which are delivered either using viruses or via transgenic means. In the screening, the array is used to optically perturb the brain. For example, the neurons of the brain may be activated by one color of light, and/or silenced by another color of light.

Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, an implant device is wholly or partially implanted in a mammal. The implant device includes an antenna, circuitry, a supercapacitor, one or more light sources, and an array of optical fibers or light guides. The antenna and circuitry receive energy by wireless transmission from an external transmit coil. The supercapacitor stores at least a portion of the energy and provides power to one or more light sources. The array of optical fibers or light guides deliver light from the light sources to living tissue of a mammal. The tissue includes light-sensitive, heterologously expressed proteins. The light affects the light-sensitive proteins, triggering a change in all or part of the tissue, such as a change in voltage, pH or a change in function.

Abstract: This invention may be implemented as a microstructure probe for delivering light of variable color and/or power, via a set of integrated lightguides, from an optical source (or set of sources) to regions spatially arranged 3-dimensionally, with a length scale of microns to millimeters. In exemplary embodiments of this invention, a microstructure probe comprises many lightguides and is adapted to be inserted into neural or other tissue. The lightguides run in parallel along at least a portion of the axis of the probe. The probe may deliver light to many points along the axis of insertion of the probe. This invention may be implemented as an array of two or more such probes (each of which comprises multiple lightguides). This array may be used to deliver light to neural tissue in a complex 3D pattern.

Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, high-throughput screening of a mammalian brain is performed to locate neural circuit targets of interest. A variety of search patterns may be used for this neural screening, including (a) iterative subdivision, (b) serial search, and (c) combinatorial. To perform this neural screening, an array of optical fibers (or an array of waveguides) is inserted into the brain. Alternately, the array is positioned adjacent to the brain. Each fiber or waveguide in the array is coupled to a light source (LED or laser). The brain has been previously sensitized to light, using genetically encoded optical neural control reagents, which are delivered either using viruses or via transgenic means. In the screening, the array is used to optically perturb the brain. For example, the neurons of the brain may be activated by one color of light, and/or silenced by another color of light.

Abstract: This invention may be implemented as a microstructure probe for delivering light of variable color and/or power, via a set of integrated lightguides, from an optical source (or set of sources) to regions spatially arranged 3-dimensionally, with a length scale of microns to millimeters. In exemplary embodiments of this invention, a microstructure probe comprises many lightguides and is adapted to be inserted into neural or other tissue. The lightguides run in parallel along at least a portion of the axis of the probe. The probe may deliver light to many points along the axis of insertion of the probe. This invention may be implemented as an array of two or more such probes (each of which comprises multiple lightguides). This array may be used to deliver light to neural tissue in a complex 3D pattern.

Abstract: A toe protector and foot support for an orthopedic cast is provided incorporating a flat elongated tongue for supporting the foot and for facilitating the laying-up of a cast, with a forward portion having an arcuate rim affixed rigidly to the tongue, which rim encircles and protects the toes by extending to the forward part of the foot. A simplified protector and support is provided for interchangeable use with either right or left feet.