Wideband Transcranial Ultrasound for Brain Tumor Imaging and Therapy
Official title: Wideband Transcranial Focused Ultrasound For Imaging, Sensing and Therapy
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11447798 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, noninvasive ultrasound approach aims to image, sense, and treat brain tumors and other brain disorders through the skull with real-time adjustments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 9, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $449,362 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS144831-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11447798 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with brain tumors or certain neurological disorders who could benefit from noninvasive focal therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose brain anatomy or condition is not suitable for transcranial focused ultrasound or who are not candidates for this technology.
What this research studies
This project develops a software-defined ultrasound system to guide transcranial focused ultrasound therapy and imaging. It uses 3D ultrasound for precise targeting and fast feedback to monitor effects and adjust the focus in real time. The goal is to safely convert neuromodulation to ablation as needed, while compensating for skull distortions that have limited previous methods. The work includes real-time beamforming, speckle tracking, and a closed-loop control to steer energy to the exact brain site.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable precise, noninvasive treatment and monitoring of brain tumors and neurological conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows feasibility of focused ultrasound in the brain, with ongoing development improving targeting and safety.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ebbini, Emad S. — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Ebbini, Emad S.
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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.