A recent study from the University of Arizona has revealed that daydreaming—a spontaneous mental activity that fosters creativity and reflection—can be enhanced through noninvasive brain stimulation. Researchers utilized low-intensity ultrasound technology, known as transcranial-focused ultrasound (TFUS), to modulate the default mode network (DMN) of the brain, which is particularly active during daydreaming, memory recall, and future planning. Lead author Brian Lord, a postdoctoral researcher, highlighted that this is the first time the DMN has been directly targeted in this manner. The study focused on the posterior cingulate cortex, a key region in the DMN that plays a crucial role in how we process experiences and construct personal narratives. While these narratives help form a coherent self-identity, they can also distract individuals from the present moment, particularly during activities like meditation, leading to rumination and negative thoughts.
To enhance mindfulness, Lord’s team applied TFUS to 30 participants, observing changes in brain activity through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The results showed reduced connectivity within the DMN, positively influencing participants’ mindfulness and their perception of self and time. The low-intensity stimulation requires minimal energy and offers a gentle approach to altering brain activity. This innovative technique not only has potential applications in precision therapeutics—medical treatments customized to individual characteristics—but could also help address mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Lord emphasized the significance of TFUS, noting that it allows researchers to establish causal relationships in brain activity, a critical advancement for neuroscience. Overall, this research paves the way for novel interventions aimed at enhancing mental health and mindfulness through targeted brain stimulation.
