Light based approaches in the observation and manipulation of neural circuits

Light-based techniques (LBT) in science are revolutionising research. Here, LBTs were used to characterise a unique receptor without a known signalling molecule and to explore the role of a hunger-related receptor in a key population of neurons driving food intake. This thesis expands on techniques to link the receptor with its signalling molecule and explores the effects of a receptor that drives food intake in real time.