New non-invasive deep brain stimulation using temporal interference
Official title: Next Generation Temporal Interference Stimulation for Non-Invasive Neuromodulation
Funded at Old Dominion University · NIH-11109415 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project is creating a way to stimulate deep brain areas from outside the head to one day help people with brain problems like stroke or movement and memory issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Old Dominion University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Norfolk, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $160,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY034803-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109415 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with neurological conditions that involve deep brain regions—for example stroke survivors or those with movement or memory disorders—would be the kinds of patients who could later benefit or be candidates for trials.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without deep brain disorders or those already receiving effective implanted therapies are unlikely to see direct benefit from this early-stage work.
What this research studies
Researchers are designing a new form of temporal interference stimulation that aims to target deep brain areas without strong stimulation at the scalp. Instead of relying on two slightly different continuous high‑frequency signals, they plan to cancel identical carrier waves at the target and insert brief distortions that excite neurons only at depth. The team will test the approach with lab experiments and animal models, and validate where stimulation occurs and whether surface areas remain spared. Safety checks and calibration studies will guide any future steps toward human testing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a non-surgical option to modulate deep brain circuits and reduce the risks tied to implanted electrodes.
How similar studies have gone: Early modeling and animal studies of temporal interference have shown promise, but human evidence is limited and this particular method is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pakhomov, Andrei G — Old Dominion University
- Study coordinator: Pakhomov, Andrei G
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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.