Ultrasound Breakthrough Enables Non-Invasive Deep Brain Stimulation
University College London researchers have developed a groundbreaking ultrasound system capable of precisely modulating activity in deep brain circuits without the need for invasive surgery. This technology, detailed in a recent Nature Communications publication (Martin, et al., 2025), represents a meaningful leap forward in both neuroscience research and potential clinical treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders.
The system utilizes transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) and, in initial experiments, demonstrated sustained decreases in visual cortex activity for up to 40 minutes following stimulation. Importantly, these changes occurred without participants consciously perceiving any alterations in their vision. This highlights the system’s ability to induce lasting changes in brain function at a neural level.
Key advantages of this new approach include:
Non-Invasive: Unlike current deep brain stimulation (DBS) methods, this technology avoids the risks associated with surgery.
Precision Targeting: The system allows for highly targeted modulation of specific brain circuits.
Reversible & Repeatable: Stimulation is safe, reversible, and can be repeated as needed.
Real-Time Monitoring: Compatibility with fMRI allows researchers to monitor the effects of stimulation in real-time, paving the way for personalized therapies and closed-loop neuromodulation.
Professor bradley Treeby (UCL Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering) describes the advance as a “paradigm shift in neuroscience,” opening opportunities to study causal relationships in deep brain circuits previously only accessible through surgery. Clinically,the technology holds promise for treating conditions like Parkinson’s disease,depression,and essential tremor.
Recognizing the clinical potential, the research team has founded NeuroHarmonics, a UCL spinout company, to develop a portable, wearable version of the system. Dr.Eleanor Martin (UCL Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering) emphasizes the system’s design for compatibility with fMRI, enabling exciting possibilities for personalized therapies. Dr. Ioana Grigoras (Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford) highlights the potential for treating neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease, where deep brain regions are notably affected.
While further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms, this study marks a significant milestone in the development of safe, effective, and targeted brain stimulation technologies.
This research was supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research council (EPSRC), Wellcome, and the NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Center.
Source: University College London (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/)
Journal Reference: Martin, E., et al. (2025). Ultrasound system for precise neuromodulation of human deep brain circuits.nature Communications.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-63020-1
