The article focuses on the research of German scientist Thomas Knöpfel regarding the genetically encoded voltage sensor that works with neurons. It states that his goal to combine the fluorescent protein into a protein voltage sensor has been hindered due to lack of funds. Meanwhile, it mentions that Knöpfel had an opportunity to continue his research when he was hired at the RIKEN Institute to create a laboratory in Brain Science Institute in Wako City, near Tokyo, Japan.