Groundbreaking Non-Invasive Device offers New Hope for Brain Disorders
London, UK – In a landmark achievement for neuroscience, researchers at University College london (UCL) and the University of oxford have unveiled a revolutionary device capable of precisely targeting deep brain structures without surgery. Published today in Nature Communications, this breakthrough promises a new era in the treatment of debilitating conditions like depression, essential tremors, and Parkinson’s disease.
For years,Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) has offered relief to patients with neurological disorders. However, DBS requires invasive surgery to implant electrodes directly into the brain. This new technology offers a compelling, non-invasive alternative.
The system utilizes transcranial stimulation with ultrasound (TUS), delivering focused mechanical pulses to modulate neuronal activity. Unlike previous ultrasound methods, this device boasts unprecedented precision. A helmet equipped with 256 individual ultrasonic components works in concert to generate highly targeted beams, capable of focusing on brain regions 30 times smaller than previously achievable with deep cerebral ultrasound.”The possibility of accurately modulating deep brain structures without surgical intervention represents a paradigm shift in neuroscience,” explains Professor Bradley Treeby of UCL, the study’s principal author. “This offers a safe,reversible,and reproducible method to understand brain functions and develop targeted therapies.”
In a pilot study involving seven human participants, the team successfully demonstrated the device’s pinpoint accuracy. They precisely targeted the lateral geniculated nucleus (LGN), a small brain structure crucial for vision, with real-time MRI confirming prosperous targeting.
The potential impact of this technology is immense. Recognizing its transformative potential,several members of the research team have founded Neuroharmonics,a spin-off company from UCL,dedicated to developing a compact and portable version of the device.
If successful,Neuroharmonics’ efforts could revolutionize neuroscience,offering a less risky,more accessible path to treating a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders. This innovation marks a significant step forward in our understanding of the brain and our ability to treat its complexities.
Keywords: Deep brain Stimulation, Ultrasound, Neuroscience, Parkinson’s Disease, Depression, Essential tremors, Non-Invasive treatment, Brain Technology, UCL, University of Oxford, Neuroharmonics, TUS, Lateral Geniculate Nucleus.