John Mitrofanis, PhD, is interested in new methods that offer neuroprotection to dopaminergic cells in Parkinson's disease. Dr. Mirofanis has had a long-standing series of collaborations with Prof. Alim Benabid, from investigating the neuroprotective impact on dopaminergic cells after deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus, to more current explorations into the beneficial effects of near infrared light on dopaminergic cell survival. The red light is thought to help or protect cells from parkinsonian insult by stimulating mitochondrial activity. We are in the process of developing a new intracranial device that will deliver the red light to the cells from inside the brain. We are hopeful that this novel method of light application leads to a treatment in patients, one that helps protects cells from further pathology.