Increased Brain Perception and Boosted Senses Through Low-intensity Transcranial-focused Ultrasound

William Tyler focusing low intensity ultrasound on brain region responsible for processing tactile sensory inputs.
Credit: Jim Stroup/Virginia Tech

A study conducted at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute showed that low intensity, transcranial-focused ultrasound can increase the brain's sensory perception.

Ultrasound is a sound pressure wave that is at a frequency that is above the hearing range of humans. Ultrasound is used in various common application such as detectors, non-contact sensors, and specially in medical imaging.

Focused ultrasound is a procedure where ultrasound waves are aimed at a specific region of the body. It is a non-invasive technique to stimulate the targeted tissue or organ without disturbing the surrounding area.

In the study, focused ultrasound was sent to the cerebral cortex region to stimulate the median nerve. This area processes brain signals received from the hand. By doing so, scientists discovered that the test subject started to show significant improvements in the sensory perception tests administered to them. They increased their ability to distinguish the frequency of a chain of air puffs as well as note whether one pin or two pins was touching their skin at a very close distance.

This study is a positive step towards developing applications that can use ultrasound as a noninvasive tool for modulating brain activity.

Running Improves Memory and Learning

Did you know that running can make you smarter? It’s true. It can also improve your memory and your test scores. That’s the latest news from assistant professor of psychology from the University of Illinois Justin Rhodes writing for Scientific American. “A growing body of evidence suggests we think and learn better when we walk or do another form of exercise,” writes Rhodes while citing a recent study that found “students who exercise perform better on tests than their less athletic peers.”

Rather than worry about the legendary “freshman 15” trend whereby new college students typically gain 15 pounds in their first year, many students are lacing up their running shoes and signing up for a local 5K (3.1 mile) run. And that’s where adopting a 5K training schedule comes in. The only way to experience the physical and mental benefits of exercise is to do it on a regular basis.

Brain Waves From 12,000 Brain Neurons Simulated In A Computer

(c) Copyright: EPFL, Blue Brain Project

The Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Blue Brain Project in Switzerland and the Allen Institute for Brain Science in the United States have built a computer model that simulates 12,000 neurons. This allows the scientists to learn more about brain waves and how neurons work and interact with each other.

The Computer visualization on the left shows the brain waves produced by 100 detailed models of nerve cells. The strength of the signal is represented by the following color scheme: green = weak signal, yellow = medium, red = strong.

Neurons behave differently from how computer chips operate. With computer chips, a steady stream of power is fed through it at a steady rate. Neurons transmit and process information that are sent in spikes.

The Blue Brain Project aims to complete a working computer model of the human brain. Although the project has simulated 12,000 neurons, it is still a far stride from a complete brain which has billions of neurons comprising the nervous system.

Transcranial Random Noise Stimulation (TRNS) Enhances Math Skills and Ability in Brain

Researchers have found that a non-invasive and harmless process known as Transcranial Random Noise Stimulation (TRNS) enhances the brain's ability in math skills and ability for as long as six months.

Transcranial Random Noise Stimulation is a form of brain stimulation where brain functions are modified by using weak electrical current over the scalp using contact electrodes. TRNS is one type of transcranial current stimulation where the stimulation current is varied randomly.

The principle behind this type of brain stimulation is that the electrical fields generated by the electrical currents modulate the activity of brain neurons and can enhance certain brain functions.

TRNS is a relatively new process but recent studies have already shown enhanced brain performance using this technique.

Aside From Chocolate, Milk Consuming Nations Have Higher Ratios Of Nobel Laureates Per Capita

Taking its cue from a study on chocolate consumption and Nobel Laureates, researchers also found a correlation between milk consumption and Nobel prize winners.

Last October 2012, an article on the New England Journal of Medicine pointed out the correlation between ca country's level of chocolate consumption and its population's cognitive function. Using the number of Nobel Laureates, the article found that the higher a country's chocolate consumption, the more Nobel laureates it has per capita.

Milk has been known to have a healthy and beneficial effect on brain development and performance. On January 2012, researchers at the University of Maine put more than 900 men and women ages 23 to 98 through a series of brain tests – including visual-spatial, verbal and working memory tests – and tracked the milk consumption habits of the participants. They found that those who drank at least one glass of milk a day had an advantage over those who did not regularly drink milk at all.

The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) Journal published an article in early 2008 concluding that there is ample biological evidence to suggest an important role for vitamin D in brain development and function.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends whole milk, usually 3.5% percent to 4% fat, for children up to age two because saturated fats are needed for brain development. But when obesity is a concern, the AAP recommends low-fat milk with no no more than 2% fat for 1-year-olds who are at risk of being obese.

Milk (from low fat to whole milk) contain an average of 27% of the daily requirement for Vitamin D.