Brain Stimulation
Articles tagged with Brain Stimulation
First clinical use of intranasal breast milk therapy in brain-injured newborns in Hungary
A study published in Pediatric Research demonstrated the safety of intranasal breast milk therapy in brain-injured newborns. The therapy was found to be effective in supporting nervous system regeneration without causing any adverse effects.
Researchers test a two-way brain interface with wearable robotic legs that could one day restore walking and sensation after paralysis
Researchers at USC, Caltech, and UC Irvine have developed a two-way brain interface that allows patients to control wearable robotic legs using their thoughts. The system accurately detected brain signals indicating the intent to walk about 92% of the time and restored walking sensations with about 93% accuracy in an early proof-of-con...
Ultrasound gives the brain a nudge in the right direction
Scientists employed targeted sound vibrations to influence brain behavior in a computer game, revealing robust effects on neurotransmitter levels and choice behavior. The technique may offer new treatments for conditions like depression and addiction, which involve disrupted brain regions.
From the lab to the living room: Decoding Parkinson’s patients movements in the real world
Researchers from UC San Francisco successfully decoded brain activity patterns associated with walking, enabling the development of personalized neural biomarkers for movement state classification. This breakthrough could lead to more effective adaptive DBS systems that adjust stimulation in response to a patient's activity state.
Brain stimulation can nudge people to behave less selfishly
Researchers used transcranial alternating current stimulation to synchronize frontal and parietal lobes, increasing participants' ability to make altruistic choices. This study provides new insights into the neural basis of social decisions and has implications for future research on cooperation.
Gentle implant can illuminate, listen, and deliver medication to the brain
Researchers have developed a long, needle-thin brain electrode with channels that enables neural signal recording and precisely targeted medication delivery across different brain regions. The technology has primarily been developed for basic research but may be important for future treatments in epilepsy and other neurological diseases.
Brain network responsible for Parkinson’s disease identified
A new study identifies the somato-cognitive action network (SCAN) as responsible for Parkinson's disease symptoms, which can be treated with non-invasive transcranial magnetic stimulation. Targeting this network improves symptoms more than twice as much as treatments targeting nearby brain areas.
Unexpected partial recovery of natural vision observed after intracortical microstimulation in a blind patient
A blind patient partially recovered natural vision through electrical stimulation of the visual cortex, independent of the implant. The recovery was sustained over time and remained even after the device was removed, suggesting individual factors may have contributed to this outcome.
Brain stimulation device cleared for ADHD in the US is overall safe but ineffective
A large multicentre clinical trial of a brain stimulation device (TNS) for ADHD showed no significant change in symptoms. The study was conducted by King's College London and tested 150 children and adolescents, finding the device to be safe but ineffective.
Medications could help the aging brain cope with surgery, memory impairment
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that propofol, a common anesthetic agent, can improve cognitive function after surgery in older individuals. Additionally, intranasal insulin was found to mitigate age-related memory impairment by modulating neuroinflammatory mechanisms.
University Hospitals is the first health system in the world to successfully treat patients with the OneRF® trigeminal nerve ablation system
Trigeminal neuralgia is a debilitating condition causing sudden, severe electric shock-like pain in the face. University Hospitals has successfully treated two initial patients with the OneRF Trigeminal Nerve Ablation System, providing complete pain relief without complications. The minimally-invasive procedure uses radiofrequency ener...
Researchers show visual training dramatically improves cognitive function after concussion
A new study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience reveals that a visual training program called Perceptual Attention Therapy (PATH) produces rapid improvements in reading, attention, memory, and executive function after concussion. PATH addresses underlying visual timing deficits before strengthening specific cognitive skills.
New ECU tool can help concussion patients manage fear and improve recovery
Researchers developed a new tool, Fear Avoidance after Concussion Tool (FACT), to assess fear avoidance behavior following a concussion. The 28-item questionnaire can be completed in five minutes, enabling targeted management for individuals at risk of persisting post-concussion symptoms.
EBRAINS Summit brings world-leading neuroscientists to Brussels
The EBRAINS Summit 2025 will bring together experts to assess how neuroscience can drive medical progress, digital innovation, and responsible data use. Preliminary results from the EPINOV clinical trial, integrating virtual brain technology for epilepsy surgery planning, will be presented.
Brain stimulation improves vision recovery after stroke
Researchers used brain stimulation to synchronize communication between visual regions and enhance motion perception in stroke patients. The approach showed significant improvements in visual fields and real-world performance, suggesting a faster, more accessible therapy for hemianopia recovery.
UMH pioneers a visual neuroprosthesis that communicates with the brain in real time, tested in two blind volunteers
Spanish researchers at UMH have developed a new generation of visual neuroprosthesis capable of bidirectional communication with the cerebral cortex. The system uses a small external camera to capture images, which are processed electronically and converted into electrical stimulation patterns sent to the occipital cortex. Participants...
Rice and Houston Methodist researchers to study brain-implant interface with Dunn Foundation award
A team of researchers from Rice University and the Houston Methodist Research Institute will study how the brain responds to neural implants. They aim to develop more stable and longer-lasting brain-computer interfaces and neuroprosthetics, which could treat neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and stroke.
University of Minnesota research team awarded $4M grant for first-of-its-kind study on bipolar disorder
A University of Minnesota Medical School research team, led by Ziad Nahas, has been awarded a $4.4 million grant to explore how large-scale brain networks regulate mood in bipolar disorder. The team will test a novel type of brain stimulation called Personalized and Adaptive Cortico Electrostimulation (PACE) to relieve symptoms and ide...
Mount Sinai awarded $4.5M BD2 grant to advance research on the biology of bipolar disorder
The Mount Sinai team will investigate neural mechanisms underlying bipolar disorder and pioneer novel neuromodulation-based treatment strategies.
Emerging roles of neuromodulation in the management of treatment-resistant OCD
A comprehensive review of emerging neuromodulation techniques reveals their potential to treat treatment-resistant OCD. Targeting abnormal brain activity, these methods aim to normalize circuits underlying decision-making and emotion regulation.
Small study suggests 40Hz sensory stimulation may benefit some Alzheimer’s patients for years
A small study found that five volunteers with late-onset Alzheimer's disease showed significant improvements in cognitive tests and decreased biomarker tau proteins after two years of receiving 40Hz light and sound stimulation. This suggests that the therapy may slow cognitive decline and have direct biological impacts on Alzheimer's p...
Combining non-invasive brain stimulation and robotic rehabilitation improves motor recovery in mouse stroke model
A recent study published in PLOS Biology found that combining non-invasive brain stimulation and robotic rehabilitation can significantly improve motor recovery in a mouse stroke model. The treatment restored parvalbumin interneuron dynamics, leading to better motor function.
Vision therapy reverses concussion-related double and blurred vision, NJIT-led study finds
A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that vision therapy can effectively treat concussion-related eye coordination disorders, including convergence insufficiency and accommodation insufficiency. Nearly 90% of patients in the treatment group were able to see normally after 12 weeks of therapy.
Listening to a story could help diagnose language disorders, UH researcher finds
A University of Houston researcher found that recording brain activity while listening to a story can help diagnose primary progressive aphasia, a rare neurodegenerative syndrome. The method was up to 75% effective in classifying the disorder's subtypes using machine-learning algorithms and electroencephalography data.
Personalized brain stimulation shows benefit for depression
A new form of electric brain stimulation, HD-tDCS, has been shown to be effective and faster than traditional treatments for depression. Participants who received the therapy reported significant improvements in mood scores, which were sustained during follow-up assessments.
New ultrasound helmet enables deep brain stimulation in people without surgery
A new ultrasound device has been developed to precisely stimulate areas deep in the brain without surgery, offering new possibilities for neurological research and treatment. The technology features a special helmet with 256 elements that target specific parts of the brain, and includes a soft plastic face mask to keep the head still.
Female pilots perform better under pressure, study finds
A new study led by University of Waterloo researchers found that female pilots tend to make fewer flight control errors under stress, despite similar visual attention patterns. The findings challenge gender bias in aviation performance and suggest a need for more inclusive pilot training and evaluation systems.
UNDER EMBARGO: Neurotechnology reverses biological disadvantage in maths learning
A new study found that safe brain stimulation could help people aged 18 to 30 solve maths problems more efficiently by strengthening connectivity between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and posterior parietal cortex.
BCI robotic hand control reaches new finger-level milestone
Researchers have successfully controlled a dexterous robotic hand using noninvasive EEG-based Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) for individual finger movements. The study demonstrates real-time brain decoding and motor imagery control, paving the way for potential applications beyond basic communication to intricate motor control.
From puck drop to brain pop
Researchers found that passionate fans show more activity in the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex during offensive faceoff opportunities, indicating emotional involvement and evaluative thinking. The study used functional near-infrared spectroscopy to track brain activity in 20 participants watching a professional European ice hockey game.
New study highlights potential boost to brain stimulation therapy through targeted symptom provocation
A new meta-analysis found that symptom provocation before repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) treatment may enhance clinical response for depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and nicotine dependence. rTMS was nearly twice as effective when symptom provocation was used compared to when it wasn't.
First-of-its-kind study suggests that mindfulness and brain stimulation could reduce bladder leaks
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that mindfulness training and non-invasive brain stimulation can significantly reduce bladder leaks and feelings of urgency evoked by specific environments or scenarios. The study, published in Continence, used transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to activate the prefrontal co...
Focused ultrasound halts growth of debilitating brain lesions
A new technique using focused sound waves and microbubbles has shown great promise in treating debilitating brain lesions called cerebral cavernous malformations. The approach has halted the growth of lesions almost entirely, offering a potential paradigm shift in treatment.
Exploring REM sleep's role in PTSD: New insights from the University of Texas at San Antonio research
Researchers from the University of Texas at San Antonio discovered a significant link between REM sleep disturbances and increased PTSD severity. The study suggests that targeting REM sleep could be a promising approach for improving PTSD treatment outcomes.
How ‘magic mushrooms’ could help Parkinson’s disease patients
Researchers at UCSF found clinically significant improvements in mood, cognition, and motor function after psilocybin therapy for patients with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that psilocybin could provide relief from multiple symptoms of the disease by reducing inflammation and promoting neuroplasticity.
In Down syndrome mice, 40Hz light and sound improve cognition, neurogenesis, connectivity
Research finds that 40Hz sensory stimulation promotes broad-based restorative neurological health response in mice with Down syndrome. The study shows improved cognition, increased neural activity, and enhanced neurogenesis, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits.
Brain research: Study shows how brain stimulation can influence decisions
A new study by Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg found that brain stimulation can influence decisions, making choices faster with anodal stimulation and slower with cathodal stimulation. The research used transcranial direct current stimulation to activate or inhibit specific brain regions.
Research spotlight: A generalized epilepsy network derived from brain abnormalities and deep brain stimulation
A team of researchers has identified a common brain network that generalized seizures hijack, which is located in the region where deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes are placed. This finding could help explain why DBS is effective in alleviating generalized seizures and potentially improve treatment outcomes.
Brain stimulation shows promise in reducing fatigue for post-stroke patients
Researchers from Syracuse University found potential benefits of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on attention and fatigue in post-stroke patients, but results were mixed. Participants who received real tDCS showed decreased fatigue, while actual treatment did not improve attention tests.
Bacteria invade brain after implanting medical devices
A team of researchers found bacteria linked to the gut in the brains of mouse models implanted with microelectrodes, breaching the blood-brain barrier. The discovery highlights the need for permanent strategies to prevent bacterial invasion from implanted devices, which can contribute to inflammation and reduced device performance.
The Open Brain Institute announces the dawn of a new frontier in neuroscience
The Open Brain Institute launches a groundbreaking platform to simulate and study digital brains, empowering researchers to explore brain complexity and diseases. With its virtual neuroscience laboratories, the OBI enables global collaboration and access to cutting-edge virtual labs.
Carnegie Mellon researchers discover new minimally invasive method for deep brain stimulation to treat depression and other neural conditions
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new, minimally invasive method called DeepFocus for treating depression and other neural conditions using transnasal electrical stimulation. This technique offers more accurate and efficient targeting of deep brain structures with lower risk.
Evidence expanding that 40Hz gamma stimulation promotes brain health
Studies have consistently shown that 40Hz gamma stimulation can improve cognitive function and reduce Alzheimer's pathology in mice. In human clinical trials, participants exposed to 40Hz light and sound experienced significant slowing of brain atrophy and improvements on some cognitive measures compared to untreated controls.
Researchers identify a brain circuit for creativity
A new study led by researchers at Mass General Brigham suggests that different brain regions activated by creative tasks are part of one common brain circuit. People with brain injuries or neurodegenerative diseases may have increased creativity due to changes in this circuit.
Brain stimulation did not improve impaired motor skills after stroke
Researchers studied whether transcranial direct current stimulation could enhance constraint-induced movement therapy for post-stroke motor recovery. The study found no significant improvement in motor skills, despite using three doses of electrical stimulation on 129 stroke survivors. Future trials aim to address limitations and impro...
Spinal cord stimulation restores neural function, targets key feature of progressive neurodegenerative disease
A new drug-free intervention targets the root cause of progressive loss of neural function in SMA by gradually reawakening functionally silent motor neurons. Early results show improved leg muscle strength and walking in adults with SMA, regardless of symptom severity.
Fulfilling the promise of noninvasive brain stimulation as a precision medicine tool - A free webinar from the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation
A free webinar by Brain & Behavior Research Foundation presents advancements in neurobiology of fight-or-flight responding and its targeting using noninvasive brain stimulation technologies. The discussion focuses on transcranial magnetic stimulation and focused ultrasound for developing new treatments.
New study reveals how brain stimulation improves cognition, decision-making in mental health disorders
Researchers developed a preclinical model of brain stimulation therapy that enhances the brain's ability to process conflicting evidence. This improvement in cognitive flexibility could lead to more effective treatments for conditions like depression, ADHD, and addiction.
DGIST develops technology to stimulate the brain with an ultra-small coil
Researchers at DGIST have developed a novel brain stimulation technology using an ultra-small coil to stimulate specific areas of the brain with high precision. This approach eliminates the need for large devices and minimizes risk of brain tissue damage.
Trial will evaluate breakthrough non-invasive network targeting brain stimulation for upper-extremity disability following stroke
Researchers from Kessler Foundation will evaluate the efficacy of Brain.Q's 'Q Therapeutic System' in a two-year study. The therapy involves electromagnetic stimulation and low-intensity fields to optimize brain adaptation and healing after stroke.
Pilot clinical trial to test if early intervention after brain injury enhances cognitive recovery
A pilot clinical trial is testing the effectiveness of noninvasive electrical brain stimulation as a cognitive rehabilitation method for traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study aims to determine how early treatment with targeted brain stimulation can enhance cognitive recovery in moderate to severe TBI.
Brain stimulation effectiveness tied to learning ability, not age
A new study found that brain stimulation effectiveness is linked to individual learning abilities, not age. The study used atDCS on participants with optimal and suboptimal learning strategies, revealing accelerated accuracy improvement in suboptimal learners.
Combining VR and non-invasive brain stimulation: a neurotechnology that boosts spatial memory without surgery
Researchers at EPFL have created a unique experimental setup combining non-invasive deep-brain stimulation, virtual reality training, and fMRI imaging to improve spatial memory. The study shows that targeted electric impulses to the hippocampus can temporarily increase brain plasticity, leading to better navigation and recall.
Ultrasound can be used as search and rescue tool for the brain
Researchers develop transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) as a non-invasive therapy for brain-related issues, with potential for personalized treatments. A 'search and rescue tool' for the brain, TUS enables precise targeting of specific areas before treatment.
Nixing narcolepsy nightmares
A new therapeutic approach combining cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and lucid dreaming has shown promise in reducing nightmare severity and frequency in patients with narcolepsy. The study, published in the Journal of Sleep Research, found overall reductions in nightmare symptoms in all six participants tested.
SNU researchers develops micro-shockwave electronic therapy for safe non-invasive treatment of brain disorders
Researchers at Seoul National University have developed a non-invasive micro-shockwave therapy that safely stimulates the brain for nerve regeneration, showing activation of neurons and behavioral improvements. The therapy targets specific brain areas without causing damage, opening new horizons in non-invasive brain disorder treatment.
At-home brain stimulation for depression is safe and effective, according to research from UTHealth Houston, King’s College London, and University of East London
A new study found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a safe and effective treatment for depression when administered at home. Researchers reported significant improvements in depression severity and remission rates compared to a placebo control group.
Tiny magnetic discs offer remote brain stimulation without transgenes
Scientists have developed novel magnetic nanodiscs that can remotely stimulate parts of the brain, potentially treating neurological and psychiatric conditions. The devices were injected into specific brain regions in mice and triggered by a weak electromagnet, demonstrating precise control over neural activity.
Deep brain stimulation instantly improves arm and hand function post-brain injury
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh discover that deep brain stimulation instantly improves arm and hand strength and function weakened by traumatic brain injury or stroke. The therapy stimulates the motor thalamus, a key relay hub of movement control, and significantly improves activation of muscles and grip force.