Imagine if you could deal with pain by just using light. According to research from Stanford's futuristic Bio-X lab, it might just be possible!

A team of researchers developed a way to turn pain on and off using light. They used a technique called optogenetics to insert light sensitive proteins called opsins into the nerves of lab mice. When it became light sensitive, one color of light would increase the sensation of pain while another would decrease it.

The implications of this is huge because it could help millions of people who suffer from chronic pain. What's also impressive is that the researchers made the discovery by accident, as with all great things.

Optogenetics is a field pioneered by Karl Deisseroth who was a co-author of a study of the new technique published in this week's Nature Biotechnology. The technique allows scientists to control nerves using light, as well as control muscle movement.

Check it out below: