Researchers from University College London (UCL) and the University of Oxford have unveiled a groundbreaking ultrasound helmet system that can precisely stimulate deep regions of the brain without surgery. This next-generation transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) device uses a 256-element helmet-shaped transducer array operating at 555 kHz to deliver focused ultrasound energy, allowing researchers to modulate brain circuits such as the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) with remarkable accuracy.
Equipped with stereotactic positioning, individualised 3D-printed face and neck masks and real-time fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) monitoring, the system ensures millimetre-level precision and comfort during procedures.
Experimental results showed that TUS could enhance or suppress activity in specific brain regions, with effects lasting up to 40 minutes post-stimulation, confirming its neuromodulatory potential. Unlike traditional deep brain stimulation (DBS), which requires invasive electrode implantation, this non-invasive ultrasound helmet offers a safer, highly targeted alternative for conditions like Parkinson’s disease and other neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Researchers emphasize that while further validation is needed, this innovation could redefine the future of brain research and therapy offering new, personalized approaches for modulating brain activity with unprecedented precision.
Disclaimer: This research is still in its early experimental stages and has not yet been approved for clinical use. The findings are intended for scientific and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice or an established treatment for neurological disorders.
