Investigating how low-intensity focused ultrasound affects brain connectivity
Official title: Dose-Dependent Functional Connectivity Effects of Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Applied to Deep White Matter Tracts in Humans
Funded at Laureate Institute for Brain Research · NIH-11038699 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a gentle ultrasound treatment can change brain activity to help improve conditions like depression, and it’s for people who want to explore new ways to feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Laureate Institute for Brain Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tulsa, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $215,343 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH138911-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11038699 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are healthy adults aged 21 and older who are interested in participating in brain modulation studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pre-existing neurological conditions or those who are not eligible for noninvasive brain stimulation techniques may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the use of low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) as a noninvasive method to modulate brain activity, specifically targeting deep white matter tracts. By applying different doses of LIFU, the study aims to understand how varying intensity and duration can influence brain connectivity and potentially impact behavior. Participants will undergo brain imaging to assess changes in functional connectivity after receiving LIFU treatment. The goal is to gather insights that could lead to new therapeutic approaches for conditions like depression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative noninvasive treatments for mood disorders and other neurological conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results using LIFU for modulating brain activity, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Laureate Institute for Brain Research
Tulsa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guinjoan, Salvador Martin — Laureate Institute for Brain Research
- Study coordinator: Guinjoan, Salvador Martin
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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.