Researchers from University College London (UCL) and the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Oxford have developed a groundbreaking technology that opens a completely new chapter in brain research and the treatment of complex neurological conditions. The new ultrasound system allows for highly precise stimulation of deep brain regions without any need for surgical intervention. This method marks a significant advancement over previous approaches and offers numerous possibilities for treating conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and depression.
Modulating brain activity has long been one of the key goals of modern neuroscience. However, existing non-invasive methods have had limitations—they were either not precise enough or unable to reach internal structures. This new technology uses transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS), an advanced technique that delivers gentle mechanical pulses to either activate or suppress neural activity in very specific areas.
Unlike earlier solutions, this device can target regions up to 1000 times smaller than those accessible with previous methods. It consists of 256 precisely directed ultrasound emitters arranged inside a helmet-like frame, while a soft plastic face mask ensures the subject’s head remains still during treatment. The research team successfully tested the system on human participants, focusing on the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), a small structure in the center of the brain responsible for transmitting visual information to the cortex.
In the first test, participants observed a flickering checkerboard visual stimulus, which was used to activate the visual system. When combined with ultrasound pulses, this triggered increased activity in the brain's visual centers, as confirmed by functional MRI scans. A second experiment showed that this effect could last for up to 40 minutes, with long-lasting changes in neural activity—without the participants consciously noticing any visual differences.
This development could also transform clinical practice. Deep brain stimulation (DBS), a current treatment option for several neurological disorders, requires invasive surgery that carries certain risks. The new ultrasound system offers a safer alternative with similar precision, eliminating the need for invasive procedures. It also gives clinicians the ability to test specific brain regions before deciding on further treatment—or potentially avoid surgery altogether.
Recognizing the immense therapeutic potential of this approach, the research team has launched a spin-off company called NeuroHarmonics, aiming to commercialize a portable and wearable version of the technology. The company’s vision is to create a widely accessible solution for personalized neurological therapy, usable in clinical settings as well as everyday scenarios. This innovation has the potential to completely reshape how we approach brain treatment—focusing on safety, precision, and patient-specific care.