It may sound like science fiction, but researchers at the Salk Institute and UC San Diego may have found a way to control the billions of neurons in our brain using ultrasound.
Through this approach called sonogenetics, they were able to activate specific brain cells in roundworms and influence their movements.
The ability to manipulate neurons can give us more insight on brain circuits that may be associated with certain neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, according to Sreekanth Chalasani, senior author of the study.
Since ultrasonic waves can penetrate into deeper regions of the brain without disturbing other tissues and doesn’t require surgical implants, the procedure could help develop new and less invasive treatments for diseases.
And there’s also the potential that sonogenetics may be used to control other types of cells in the body, says Chalasani.
Thus far the technique has only been tested on animals, so researchers first need to develop safe ways to deliver ultrasound-sensitive channels to target cells in order for the technique to be used in humans.
A Middleground 