Researchers improve ultrasound impulses in the brain

(CONNECT) Researchers from the University of Zurich (UZH), the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) and New York University have developed a hood with 512 ultrasound transducers. As such, they have successfully achieved what was previously only possible in a rudimentary manner with far less precision: Stimulating the brain with low-intensity ultrasound at up to five precisely defined points. This is a non-invasive technique performed on the outside of the skull that does not cause patients any pain.

As the two Zurich-based universities explain in an identical press release, initial clinical studies are already investigating whether such neuromodulation can alleviate the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy or the shaking of tremor patients. However, this recently published study served to develop this technology and was not aimed at a medical application.

“Given that the brain operates in networks, it’s easier to activate or inhibit a brain network if you stimulate it at multiple points simultaneously”, comments Daniel Razansky. He is a professor at both ETH and UZH and led the study in conjunction with a colleague in New York. The new method also makes it possible to visualize and verify this activation via imaging.

Razansky’s group specializes in the engineering aspects and data analysis in relation to the development of ultrasound and imaging methods, while the New York researchers brought their neuroscientific expertise to the table. The development of the device and the experiments took place in Zurich. The study and collaboration between the researchers were largely funded by the United States National Institutes of Health. With domestic political pressure meaning that it is no longer possible for the research institute to fund projects abroad, Razansky is focused on securing other financing sources to continue the project as good as possible. ce/mm