Researchers from University College London (UCL) and the University of Oxford have developed an innovative ultrasound device that can precisely stimulate deep brain regions without the need for surgery. This breakthrough, published in the journal Nature Communications, could be a game-changer for neurological research and the treatment of diseases like Parkinson’s, depression, and essential tremor.
The technology is based on the principle of transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS), a non-invasive method that uses mechanical impulses to influence neuronal activity. Unlike previous systems, the new device can accurately target deep brain structures. It can focus on areas more than 1,000 times smaller than conventional ultrasound systems.
The helmet-shaped system is equipped with 256 ultrasound elements. In trials with seven volunteers, the research team successfully stimulated the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN)—a small structure located in the thalamus that is involved in processing visual information. Brain scans showed an immediate increase in visual cortex activity, as well as a sustained decrease, demonstrating that the system can modulate brain function with a lasting effect.
“This advancement offers new possibilities for both neuroscience research and clinical treatment,” said Professor Bradley Treeby (UCL). “For the first time, scientists have a chance to non-invasively study brain regions that were previously only accessible through surgical intervention.”
This technology is a safe alternative to deep brain stimulation (DBS), which is used to treat Parkinson’s and similar diseases. While DBS requires surgery, this new method may achieve the same effect non-invasively, without an operation.
To accelerate the integration of the research results into clinical practice, the research team founded the company NeuroHarmonics, which is working on a portable version of the new device. The scientists are optimistic about the technology’s potential and hope it will bring about revolutionary changes in the field of neuromodulation.
Source: Nature
