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Rewiring the urge to smoke

Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center found that stimulating a specific brain region regulates self-control reduced how much people smoked, with participants showing significant reductions in smoking and cravings after treatment

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 8, 2026

Scientists finally see inside the ‘black box’ of depression treatment

Researchers at UCLA Health have discovered that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) selectively targets specific brain cells to restore communication channels in the brains of stressed mice. The study found that TMS repairs damaged dendritic spines, leading to enhanced activity and rapid improvements in stress-related behaviors.

UT Health San Antonio researchers report breakthrough findings significantly reducing symptoms for combat PTSD victims

Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have made a significant breakthrough in treating combat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by adding navigated TMS to psychotherapy, showing an 85% reduction in symptoms. The study used a patented MRI-guided, robotic-controlled form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), known as navigated T...

SourceThe University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 7, 2026

A depression treatment that once took eight weeks may work just as well in one

Researchers found that a condensed brain stimulation therapy, known as '5x5' TMS, produced comparable results to the standard six-week course of treatment. Patients who showed little improvement immediately after finishing their five-day course still benefited significantly in the weeks that followed.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2026

Study revealed brain stimulation may improve attention but also heighten threat sensitivity in individuals with anxious depression

A new study found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can enhance task engagement and activation of brain regions associated with executive function in individuals with comorbid anxiety and depression. However, it unexpectedly heightened sensitivity to threats, including increased eyeblink startle response under conditi...

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2026

Study reveals promising insights on treatment to improve speech after a stroke

Researchers at the University of Calgary investigate the effectiveness of transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with intensive speech therapy for treating poststroke aphasia. The study found significant improvements in speech, confidence, and mood among participants, offering new hope for those affected by stroke.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNeurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 16, 2025

Patients with mental health conditions would favour non-invasive interventions over medication, finds a new survey

A new survey found that patients with neurological and mental health disorders prefer non-invasive neuromodulation interventions over current medications. The study, published in Scientific Reports, suggests that providing accurate information to patients improves their perception of these treatments.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalScientific Reports·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 27, 2025

Research spotlight: Mapping lesions that cause psychosis to a human brain circuit and proposed stimulation target

Studies identified 153 cases of psychosis caused by brain lesions, which connected to a common circuit in the hippocampus. The circuit, including the rostromedial prefrontal cortex, is a promising target for transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy, potentially improving symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 12, 2025

Magnetic field applied to both sides of brain shows rapid improvement for depression

A magnetic field applied to both sides of the brain has been shown to rapidly treat depression in patients who have not responded to standard treatments. The therapy, known as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), targets two areas of the brain implicated in depression and corrects imbalances in key processes.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPsychological Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 28, 2024

Revolutionary brain stimulation technique shows promise for treating brain disorders

A new brain stimulation technique called Patterned Low-Intensity Low-Frequency Ultrasound (LILFUS) has been developed by researchers at the Institute for Basic Science. This non-invasive method uses ultrasound to induce long-lasting changes in brain function and has shown promise in treating various neurological disorders.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024

Releasing “brakes” in the brain

A team of researchers used deep brain stimulation to localize disrupted neural pathways in patients with Parkinson's disease, dystonia, OCD, and Tourette's syndrome. The study identified specific brain circuits associated with each disorder, revealing overlapping malfunctions that suggest a complex network of brain dysfunctions.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 22, 2024

CityU neuroscientists uncover the therapeutic potential of low-dose ionizing radiation for traumatic brain injury and ischemic stroke

Researchers found that low-dose X-ray irradiation reduced lesion size and reversed motor deficits in TBI and ischemic stroke mice, demonstrating its potential as a therapeutic strategy. The treatment also accelerated substantial motor function recovery and promoted brain rewiring after stroke.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2024

Novel MRI technique improves the lasting effects of treatment for severe depression

A new MRI technique has shown that patients with severe depression can experience substantial improvements in symptoms and quality of life for at least six months. The technique uses functional MRI to guide the delivery of magnetic stimulation to specific areas of the brain, reducing variability and increasing effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 16, 2024

Scientists use high-tech brain stimulation to make people more hypnotizable

Researchers found that less than two minutes of electrical stimulation targeting a precise area of the brain could increase participants' hypnotizability for about one hour. Highly hypnotizable individuals have stronger functional connectivity between the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex.,

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Mental Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 4, 2024

Evidence early, but emerging, that gamma rhythm stimulation can treat neurological disorders

A growing number of studies have found that non-invasive sensory, electrical, or magnetic stimulation of gamma brain rhythms can reduce Alzheimer's pathology and its consequences. These studies have shown increases in gamma power, brain network connectivity, and improvements in memory, cognition, and sleep.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 20, 2023

Can brain stimulation benefit individuals with schizophrenia?

Researchers found that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) improved event-based prospective memory in patients with schizophrenia, but not time-based prospective memory. The study suggests rTMS as a potential therapeutic option for prospective memory impairments in individuals with schizophrenia.

SourceWiley·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology Reports·DateDec 6, 2023

Study finds possible early predictor of successful transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy for major depression

A new study from UCLA Health researchers demonstrates that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is effective in most patients with major depressive symptoms, starting to alleviate symptoms as quickly as one week. The treatment was found to be associated with a significant response rate of 54% of patients, with early impr...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalPsychiatry Research·TypeObservational study·DateNov 20, 2023

Perfecting the performance of nerve implants

Nerve damage can lead to severe and long-lasting effects, including depression. Researchers have developed new technology to repair and reconstruct damaged nerves using simple electrical circuitry in implants. This innovation has the potential to benefit people with injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBioelectromagnetics·TypeObservational study·DateNov 20, 2023

Pupil response may shed light on who responds best to transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression

New studies from UCLA Health found that measuring pupil response to light before TMS treatment correlates with improved depression symptoms. Pupil size reflects activation of the autonomic nervous system, which is negatively impacted in people with depression. Researchers discovered a significant association between baseline pupil cons...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalBrain Stimulation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 20, 2023

Cortical thinning is associated with altered neurotransmission in young adults with a history of heavy drinking since adolescence

Young adults with a history of heavy drinking since adolescence exhibit lower cortical gray matter thickness and altered neurotransmission, according to a recent study. Cortical thinning is associated with increased inhibitory neurotransmission, especially in the frontal and parietal lobes.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAlcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research·DateJun 12, 2023

New Jersey Health Foundation awards grants to Kessler Foundation to advance research in brain and spinal cord stimulation methods

Two Kessler Foundation scientists will conduct studies on upper extremity exercise after stroke and restoration of cardiovascular function in spinal cord injury populations. Dr. Shenoy Handiru's study combines transcranial electrical stimulation and wearable sensor-based exergaming to improve hand dexterity, while Dr. Einat Engel-Haber...

Transcranial magnetic stimulation measured cortical inhibition provides insight into interindividual differences in progressive myoclonic epilepsy

A new study has found that abnormality of intracortical inhibition in patients with progressive myoclonic epilepsy type 1 is associated with the magnitude of genetic change. The results suggest that transcranial magnetic stimulation could be useful in assessing patient prognosis and may have use as a marker of GABAergic impairment.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalEpilepsia·DateJan 11, 2023

HSE University researchers caused people to behave less rationally by suppressing activity in specific parts of the brain

Researchers at HSE University used transcranial magnetic stimulation to suppress brain activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, leading to test subjects making less rational decisions. The study provides insight into the mechanisms behind gaming addiction and offers a potential new approach to understanding risky choice.