A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Park Joo Min of the Center for Cognition and Sociality at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) has introduced a revolutionary non-invasive brain stimulation method called Patterned Low-Intensity Low-Frequency Ultrasound (LILFUS). This technique holds the potential to transform treatments for various brain disorders by inducing long-lasting changes in brain function. Unlike traditional magnetic and electrical stimulation methods, which face limitations in spatial resolution and penetration depth, or invasive surgical approaches that pose risks like tissue damage and inflammation, LILFUS offers precise, deep-brain stimulation without the need for surgery.
LILFUS uses ultrasound to stimulate specific brain areas, leveraging its ability to penetrate deep brain tissues. The research revealed that ultrasound stimulation modulates neural plasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire itself—by activating mechanosensitive calcium channels in astrocytes. These channels regulate calcium uptake and neurotransmitter release, influencing brain function. The team designed the ultrasound parameters to mimic brainwave patterns, such as theta (5 Hz) and gamma (30 Hz) oscillations, which are critical during learning and memory processes. Intermittent ultrasound delivery was found to induce long-term potentiation, enhancing brain activity, while continuous patterns resulted in long-term depression effects, reducing activity.
In experiments with mice, LILFUS enhanced motor skill learning and food retrieval abilities, even altering forelimb preference. These findings suggest promising applications in rehabilitating stroke survivors and individuals with motor impairments. Beyond motor function, LILFUS may address conditions like depression and cognitive disorders, where altered brain plasticity plays a key role. This novel technique not only provides a safer, more effective approach to brain stimulation but also offers a foundation for treating disorders associated with abnormal brain excitation and inhibition, paving the way for advancements in cognitive enhancement therapies.
