Developing wearable ultrasound devices to modulate brain activity.
Official title: Electrophysiology-Compatible Wearable Transcranial Focused Ultrasound Neuromodulation Array Probes
Funded at Carnegie-Mellon University · NIH-10616201 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new wearable devices that use sound waves to gently stimulate the brain, helping researchers learn more about how the brain works and potentially offering new treatment options for brain disorders without medication.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Carnegie-Mellon University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $3,582,963 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS131069-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10616201 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals with neurological conditions that could benefit from non-invasive brain stimulation techniques.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have neurological disorders or conditions that affect brain function may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating innovative wearable devices that use transcranial-focused ultrasound (tFUS) to noninvasively stimulate and monitor brain circuits. By developing these devices, researchers aim to enhance our understanding of neural mechanisms and provide non-pharmacological treatments for brain disorders. The approach involves testing these devices in awake animal models while simultaneously recording neural activity, allowing for precise modulation of brain functions. The ultimate goal is to improve the efficacy of neuromodulation techniques for various brain-related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new non-invasive treatments for brain disorders, reducing the need for medications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using ultrasound for neuromodulation, but this specific approach with wearable devices is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Carnegie-Mellon University
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: He, Bin — Carnegie-Mellon University
- Study coordinator: He, Bin
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.