A new generation of technology is revolutionizing neuroscience, allowing a closer study of the brain than had ever seemed possible. They are hybrid disciplines of optics, genetics, and synthetic biology with the ability to manipulate brain activity, often in real time. Some of these techniques hold promise for the treatment of diseases like depression or schizophrenia through direct stimulation of neural connections. This salon takes a deep dive into the techniques and promise of the neural toolkit that is transforming brain science.