Using electrical stimulation to target deep brain regions non-invasively
Official title: Temporal interference methods for non-invasive deep brain stimulation
Funded at Trustees of Indiana University · NIH-11119339 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to safely stimulate deep parts of the brain using a technique called temporal interference, which could help people with addiction and OCD, and it will also use brain scans to see how this affects thinking and behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trustees of Indiana University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bloomington, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | May 14, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $420,519 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH140210-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11119339 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals struggling with addiction, OCD, or other conditions that involve deep brain regions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not involve deep brain regions or those who are not responsive to electrical stimulation therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel method called temporal interference (TI) to stimulate deep brain regions non-invasively, which could help treat conditions like addiction and OCD. By applying two high-frequency electrical fields that create a pattern of interference, the researchers aim to activate neurons in deeper brain areas without the risks associated with surgery. The study will utilize TI combined with fMRI to explore how these brain regions influence cognition and behavior, potentially leading to new treatment options for various disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective treatment option for patients suffering from addiction and other neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using temporal interference is relatively novel, similar non-invasive brain stimulation techniques have shown promise in other research settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Trustees of Indiana University
Bloomington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brown, Joshua W — Trustees of Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Brown, Joshua W
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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.