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.

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.

Doctors Should Not Prescribe ADHD Drugs To Healthy People For Neuroenhancement

Physicians are advised stop prescribing medication for ADD and ADHD patients to healthy people for the purpose of enhancing their cognitive abilities (neuroenhancement).

A growing trend for some individuals is to enhance their cognitive capabilities through prescription drugs meant for patients with ADD. These individuals use these medications despite having no diagnosed disorder.

Neuroenhancement is the artificial increase of mental performance using medication. It is also referred to as brain doping. The individual enhances his concentration, alertness, and overall behavior.

Drinking coffee or taking in caffeine may be considered as a practice of neuroenhancement. But caffeine is considered both as a drug and a food additive. It is legal and unregulated in nearly all parts of the world whereas ADD drugs require a prescription.

This practice is more similar to performance enhancing drugs in sports than for recreational use. Questions whether this practice is ethical in the light of academic and professional environments.

Although this practice is not widespread (It is estimated that 1% to 11% of university students take these drugs for cognitive enhancement), there is a danger that this practice may become prevalent.