For the first time, scientists have used ultrasound waves to image human brain activity in real-world conditions, observing changes in blood volume in different areas during tasks.
New imaging method
Introducing an acoustically transparent implant
Researchers have inserted a special material into the man's skull that allows the penetration of ultrasonic waves into the brain. Passing through this "acoustically transparent window", the waves reflected from the tissue boundaries, returning to the sensor connected to the scanner. The data obtained made it possible to display processes in the brain in the same way that ultrasound scanning visualizes the fetus in the womb.
Observing changes in blood flow
Scientists from the California Institute of Technology and the University of Southern California recorded fluctuations blood supply in the posterior parietal cortex and motor cortex associated with coordination of movements. Because active neurons consume more oxygen and nutrients from the blood, this approach indirectly reflects neural activity.
Benefits of the new technique
Functional ultrasound imaging is considered a promising alternative to existing techniques such as MRI . It is more sensitive to changes in brain activity, provides high resolution images and does not require prolonged patient immobility. Unlike EEG, which records electrical activity through the skull and skin, this method allows direct monitoring of processes in the brain.
Development prospects
At the current stage of the study, the authors overcame the barrier of the cranium in a patient after severe traumatic brain injury by implanting an acoustically transparent device. In the future, the new technique may find application in other groups of patients, opening up the possibility of monitoring brain activity in real conditions.
Glossary
- The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is one of the leading research universities in the United States, located in Pasadena, California.
- The University of Southern California (USC) is a private research university in Los Angeles.
- Posterior parietal cortex is a region of the cerebral cortex involved in spatial perception and integration of sensorimotor information.
- Motor cortex is a region of the cerebral cortex that controls the planning and execution of voluntary movements.
References
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Discussion of the topic – Ultrasonic window into the skull: examining the brain while playing a video game
Scientists have used ultrasound waves for the first time to monitor brain activity in a living person during normal activities, such as playing a video game. This was made possible by implanting a special material into the subject's skull, allowing ultrasound to penetrate the brain.
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Ludmila
Fantastic! 👏 I think this is a great breakthrough in the field of neuroscience and diagnostics of brain activity. Can you imagine what opportunities this opens up for studying different human states, behavior, emotions, etc.? 🤔 And most importantly - without bulky equipment and the need to lie still for a long time. This is much more convenient for patients and will provide more realistic data.
Ivan
Yes, technology does not stand still 💻 I never dreamed of this before. It's incredible that you can now literally look into the brain and see its activity in real time. It is a pity that the patient had to undergo surgery for this, but if this was necessary for treatment, then the research is very valuable. 💡 Would you dare to do this?
Gertrude
Lord, why all this complexity? 😒 In my time, people lived and didn’t worry about what was happening in the brain, worked, raised children - and nothing, everyone was healthy. These newfangled things of yours are only to be branded as scientists and to extract money from the people. Young people today are crazy, they come up with all sorts of nonsense instead of getting down to business. 👵
Artem
Gertrude, with respect, but your reasoning is not entirely correct. 🙂 Medicine and science in general help us live longer and understand ourselves better. Imagine how many amazing discoveries have been made thanks to new technologies! 💡 And functional ultrasound imaging in the future may help diagnose Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and brain injuries. 🏥 Isn't this progress?
Katarzyna
I agree with Artem! The level of development of science and technology is one of the main indicators of civilizational growth 🚀 Now neuroimaging will open new horizons in the field of research into cognitive functions and mechanisms of brain function. We can only guess what incredible finds await us ahead! 🧠👌 The main thing is to move forward and develop.
Carlos
Wow, very cool news! 🤯 I just can’t imagine what prospects open up with this visualization method. Studying brain activity in real conditions literally on the go is fantastic! 🔥 And most importantly, high resolution and detail of the picture. I think this technology will be particularly useful for cognitive research and the study of neurodegenerative diseases. Simply space! 🚀
Milena
I’ve seen these fantasies of yours 🙄 So much noise over trifles. Previously, we somehow managed without all these things, but now suddenly there’s a breakthrough of the century. In my time, children were raised without panicking over any reason and without poking their noses at every nonsense. 👵 The good-for-nothings should get busy, instead of wrapping themselves in these ultrasounds of yours and playing video games.
Antoine
I have no doubt that this technology will become a Must Have for many studies! 🔥 Just imagine: you can not only study artificial intelligence and cognitive learning processes, but literally observe how the human brain interacts with electronics 🤖⚡ Isn’t this a breakthrough into the future? Just a dream for scientists and engineers! 🙌