They used light-sensitive molecules to turn on and off nerve cells in the deep brain structure of mice.
VOA: special.2009.04.07
To achieve the building's effect, Mr. Ma created an envelope inspired by the structure of nerve tissue, which wraps around the 29 stories of curtain windows.
His conclusion is that the main difference is in the structure of the small columns of nerve cells that are packed together to form the cerebral cortex.