This is the future of cognitive neuroscience as we know it. Dr. William J Tyler at ASU has found a way to stimulate subcortical structures, beyond the reach of TMS, non-invasively. Now that we are finally able to stimulate such areas, we can study the brain with a whole new level of control.
I wonder if turning up the intensity of frequency of the wave shuts down the neurons, and gives us the ability to turn the neural populations under the wave on and off?
Dr. Tyler has created a company, Synsonix, that presumably will bring these stimulation devices to the market. If they go public, I’m investing.
“As of yet, there is no solid hypothesis to explain how the ultrasonic waves cause neurons to fire. The most convincing theory is that it produces enough mechanical stress on ion channels to open them. Normally these channels remain gated until the electrical potential across the neuron’s membrane changes enough to fling them suddenly open and initiate the cascade effect we call an action potential.
Whatever the mechanism, the side effects on the cell seem to be minimal. Basic tests for cellular death showed no increases after applying the ultrasound.”
