Articles tagged with Brain Stimulation
A new potential therapy for depressed patients with bipolar disorder has emerged, significantly shortening treatment time from four to six weeks. Accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (aiTBS) reduced treatment to just five days, yielding substantial decreases in depressive symptoms.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have successfully integrated focused ultrasound stimulation into noninvasive BCIs, significantly boosting signal quality and enabling bidirectional brain-computer interfaces. The technology allows individuals to control a cursor or robotic arm using only their thoughts.
Scientists at Virginia Tech have discovered that controlling the precise timing of electrical pulses can rebalance synaptic connections between nerve cells, selectively up- or down-regulating those connections. This finding suggests potential avenues for more effective treatment strategies for mild traumatic brain injuries.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a novel non-invasive technique to target deep brain regions involved in neurological disorders. By applying low-level electrical stimulation on the scalp, they can selectively stimulate key brain regions without invasive procedures.
The Digitally programmable Over-brain Therapeutic (DOT) device, the size of a pea, activates the motor cortex, allowing patients to move their hands. The technology offers greater patient autonomy and accessibility than current neurostimulation-based therapies.
A noninvasive brain stimulation treatment, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), improved depression and anxiety symptoms among older adults. The treatment benefits persisted at a one-year follow-up, particularly among those with moderate to severe state anxiety.
A new study by researchers at the University of Minnesota reveals that non-invasive brain stimulation can change a specific brain mechanism related to human behavior. The technique, called transcranial alternating current stimulation, modulates brain activity by shifting when brain cells are active.
A new study combines virtual reality exposure with transcranial direct current stimulation to treat post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans. The innovative approach shows significant reductions in PTSD symptom severity and accelerates psychological adjustment, offering hope for an effective treatment.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute found that stimulating a key brain rhythm with light and sound increases peptide release from interneurons, driving clearance of Alzheimer's protein. The study suggests that 40Hz sensory stimulation promotes increased amyloid clearance via the glymphatic system.
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.
Recent studies suggest that gamma brain wave stimulation can yield beneficial effects on brain function, disease pathology, and cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Various cells beyond neurons are involved in mediating these effects.
A world-first brain stimulation treatment is being developed to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease and epilepsy using ultrasound technology. The endovascular focused ultrasound technique could significantly improve the quality of life for thousands of people living with neurological diseases.
A recent study published in NeuroImage found that physically active individuals experienced less decline in entorhinal cortex thickness over a seven-year period. Cognitive reserve is also boosted through regular mental stimulation, suggesting that brains can be trained like muscles to counteract age-related decline.
A new deep-learning method, DFINE, can accurately decode brain signals in real time while handling randomly missing signals, enhancing neurotechnologies. This breakthrough advances brain-computer interfaces for treating various neurological and mental health conditions.
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.
A novel brain stimulation technique has shown significant improvement in patients with hard-to-treat depression, with 66% responding to treatment and nearly half achieving acute remission. The study's findings are promising, particularly for patients who have tried other treatments without success.
Researchers found that changing treatment can lead to significant improvement in mobility and quality of life for patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. A nationwide registry is planned to develop scientifically sound guidelines for combination therapies.
A new study suggests that transcranial ultrasound stimulation can be used to change specific types of activity within the brain, paving the way for targeted treatments of mental health conditions. The research found that TUS induced significant changes in GABA concentration and altered communication between brain regions.
A first-in-human trial of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for post-stroke rehabilitation patients has shown that DBS to target the dentate nucleus improves motor impairment and function, with gains nearly tripling initial scores. The study also found significant improvements in quality of life.
Researchers from Shinshu University have developed a novel neuromodulation approach that incorporates gait-combined closed-loop transcranial electrical stimulation, demonstrating significant gait improvements in patients with Parkinson's disease. The treatment showed encouraging results after just ten repetitions, improving speed, gait...
Researchers at Charité develop a world's first non-invasive bidirectional brain-computer interface using quantum sensors and temporal interference magnetic stimulation, aiming to treat psychiatric disorders. The system promises improved accuracy and accessibility over previous methods.
Researchers at TUM developed a new approach to measure human brain activity using microelectrodes and awake brain surgery. They found individual neurons specialize in handling specific numbers, providing insights into cognitive functions and developing solutions for brain function disorders.
A pilot study suggests that high-definition cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (HD C-tDCS) may be beneficial for acute ischemic stroke patients. In the study, patients who received HD C-tDCS showed improved blood flow and a significant rescue of threatened brain tissue, compared to those in the sham group.
Rice University engineers developed ultraflexible nanoelectrodes that can deliver high-resolution stimulation therapy with minimal scarring and degradation. The devices showed precise spatiotemporal stimulus control, enabling the development of new brain stimulation therapies for patients with impaired sensory or motor functions.
Researchers used non-invasive electrical stimulation to modulate signals in the left prefrontal cortex, affecting facial expression predictions. The study showed that stimulation at a frequency of 20 Hz increased brain activity on the same frequency band, modifying behavior.
Scientists used paired-pulse TMS to condition brain responses in a group of 75 people, finding that listening to a tone triggered muscle contraction in the thumb. The study suggests TMS could be used therapeutically to improve mobility in Parkinson's disease patients or treat depression.
Researchers used transcranial stimulation to regulate Autonomic Nervous System responses and increase oxygen saturation in hospitalized patients with Covid-19. The treatment improved ANS regulation and reduced symptoms without adverse effects.
Scientists have identified a key molecular mechanism linking gene expression to synaptic plasticity in the aging human brain. The study reveals that age-related reductions in neurotransmitter receptor genes contribute to alterations in synaptic function, providing potential targets for Alzheimer's disease therapy.
Taiyun Chi develops a neural interface with neural recording channel counts over 10 times higher than current technology and creates a noninvasive deep-brain-stimulation system based on temporally interfering electromagnetic waves.
Columbia Engineering neuroscientists identified a specific neural mechanism in the human brain that enhances memory for emotional events. High-frequency brain waves in the amygdala and hippocampus are critical to this process, and disruptions can impair memory specifically for emotional stimuli.
A new algorithm developed by researchers at Charité improves motor symptoms comparable to standard of care treatment, increasing efficiency in deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease. The study suggests a promising result for imaging-based algorithms to simplify clinical practice and improve therapeutic outcomes.
Early stage clinical studies confirm 40Hz sensory stimulation is safe, with no serious adverse effects. The therapy also showed significant neurological and behavioral benefits, including improved brain activity, reduced brain atrophy, and better sleep patterns.
New research presents neurotechnology as a powerful tool for studying the brain and enabling targeted therapies for neurological disorders. Devices like nerve stimulators and brain implants can monitor or modulate neural activity, offering potential treatments for conditions such as paralysis and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A new system has been developed to deliver ultrasound stimulation to the brain in awake, naturally behaving mice, allowing researchers to evaluate its effects on sleep and working memory. This advance will help scientists test different ultrasound treatment protocols in mouse models of diverse neurological conditions.
Researchers at UCalgary have shown that the antibiotic D-Cycloserine (DCS) increases the effectiveness of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for people with major depressive disorder. The combination treatment showed significant benefits, including improved depressive symptoms and anxiety levels.
A new approach combining online therapeutic games with non-invasive brain stimulation techniques has shown significant benefits in improving working memory capacity in older adults. The technology, COGNISANT, was found to be particularly effective in those with lower initial working memory capacity.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that brain stimulation combined with a nose spray containing nanoparticles can improve recovery after ischemic stroke. The treatment increased cognitive and motor functions, and weighed more quickly than those treated with TMS alone.
A pooled data analysis found that deep brain stimulation reduced OCD symptoms by 47% and improved substantial outcomes in two-thirds of participants. This treatment approach showed promising results in addressing severe OCD with substantial improvement in approximately half of the patients.
Researchers found that vagus nerve stimulation increases coupling between the stomach and brain, particularly in regions already communicating with the stomach. This improvement can be produced almost instantaneously and spread rapidly.
A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience found that a 20-minute non-invasive treatment regimen can improve both short-term and long-term memory in individuals 65 years and older. The treatment involves electrical brain stimulation delivered through scalp electrodes, and its effects were observed to last at least one month.
A new study identifies an optimal rTMS treatment regimen for older adults with treatment-resistant depression. After six weeks of treatment, the degree of improvement in older and younger adults is the same.
A multidisciplinary team at UVA Health will use deep brain stimulation to treat refractory neuropathic pain, aiming to modulate pain signals from the insula. The study may shed light on the fundamental nature of pain and identify biological indicators for effective treatment.
Researchers found that transcranial brain stimulation can improve accuracy and speed in older adults, facilitating the emergence of efficient motor chunks. The study suggests that this non-invasive technique may restore motor skill acquisition in individuals with diminished learning mechanisms.
Researchers developed a technology that uses surviving neurons to restore connection between brain and arm via specific stimulation pulses to the spinal cord. This allowed macaque monkeys with partial arm paralysis to improve precision, force, and range of movement in their arms.
Researchers used microcircuit models of basal ganglia and thalamus areas to create multiscale models of Parkinson's patient and healthy control brain. They found that in-silico deep brain stimulation could normalize decreased firing rates in subcortical regions, but also caused differential activity in the motor cortex.
Researchers used whole-brain virtual models to simulate neurostimulation effects on aging human brains, identifying key brain regions for therapeutic interventions. The study found that stimulating the precuneus region could induce a brain state similar to that of younger participants.
A systematic review found that non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) improves smoking abstinence rates 3 to 6 months after quitting. NIBS methods have shown promising results for tobacco use disorder treatment, but little was known about long-term effectiveness.
Researchers developed personalised brain models to simulate patient response to deep brain stimulation for depression, improving efficacy by 50%. The models use individual EEG and MRI data to replicate brain response and pave the way for tailored treatment approaches.
Scientists have created a new technology using colour pigments from the food industry to stimulate nerve cells with the help of implantable mini solar cells. This innovation could lead to accelerated healing and prevention of complications in severe brain injuries, as well as potential applications in pain therapy and retinal implants.
Research at Universidad Complutense de Madrid found that tumour cells from childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) can hide in the subventricular neurogenic niche, causing relapses and preventing new neurone generation. This discovery may explain cognitive and sensory alterations in ALL survivors.
The International Neuromodulation Society 15th World Congress will feature over 470 abstracts and plenary lectures on neuromodulation therapy. Researchers from around the world will gather in Barcelona to discuss scientific theory and clinical applications of neuromodulation therapies.
A CAMH-led study found that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) reduced self-reported cannabis use by up to 60% among people with schizophrenia and CUD. The treatment was associated with reduced cravings and improved quality of life.
A new study finds that the placebo effect activates the same brain regions targeted by brain-stimulation therapy for depression, complicating clinical trial interpretation. The study's findings may offer insights on harnessing the therapeutic potential of the placebo effect.
A research team developed an algorithm that instantly assesses and adjusts brain stimulation placement using electroencephalography (EEG) feedback. The method can find the optimal stimulation parameters in just 1-2 minutes, potentially improving the efficacy of TMS treatment for brain disorders like chronic pain and depression.
Researchers found that brain activity in children with arthrogryposis is different from healthy controls, with increased motor neuron activity and less precise movements. Non-invasive brain stimulation may be a possible rehabilitation strategy to help them start movements.
A long-term study found that academic education can positively affect aging of the brain, with reduced degenerative processes and improved cognitive performance. Participants with an academic background showed a lower increase in signs of brain degeneration and faster processing speeds.
A new study published in Science Advances has shown that transcranial ultrasound (TUS) can disrupt the brain's credit assignment processes, leading to more exploratory decisions. The study also found that TUS selectively alters behavior without affecting other brain regions.
Researchers at the University of Bern used brain stimulation to demonstrate that mentalizing with future climate change victims encourages sustainable behavior. The study found that stimulating an area of the brain involved in perspective-taking led to more sustainable decisions, suggesting potential benefits for climate communication.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University have identified the biological mechanism causing nerve destruction in ALS, a fatal neurodegenerative disease. They found that TDP-43 protein accumulation in neuromuscular junctions inhibits local protein synthesis and mitochondrial activity, leading to degeneration and death of motor neurons.
A study by University of Minnesota Medical School researchers shows that merging AI with electrical brain stimulation can enhance specific brain functions related to self-control and mental flexibility. The method improved cognitive control in patients undergoing brain surgery for epilepsy, reducing anxiety and depression symptoms.