Improving brain stimulation techniques for treatment-resistant patients
Official title: Overcoming the Barriers to Effective Transcranial Temporal Interference Stimulation in Humans
Funded at University of Massachusetts Boston · NIH-10884271 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new, gentle way to stimulate the brain that could help people with tough neurological and mental health issues who haven't found relief with regular treatments, starting with tests on monkeys before moving on to humans to see how it affects movement.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 10, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $564,970 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS133229-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884271 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from neurological or psychiatric disorders who have not responded to conventional therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild or easily treatable neurological or psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new noninvasive brain stimulation method called transcranial temporal interference stimulation (TIS) that aims to help patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders who do not respond to traditional treatments. The approach focuses on stimulating deep brain areas safely and effectively, which has been challenging with existing methods. The study will first test TIS on non-human primates to establish safety and effectiveness, and then apply it to human subjects to measure its impact on motor functions. By refining the stimulation protocols, the research seeks to enhance treatment options for patients with complex brain disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new, effective treatment options for patients with treatment-resistant neurological and psychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar neuromodulation techniques, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rampersad, Sumientra Marijke — University of Massachusetts Boston
- Study coordinator: Rampersad, Sumientra Marijke
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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.