Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026
Author Spotlight: Advancing Human Brain Modulation – Optimized Protocols for Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation Experiments
Published on: June 28, 2024
Rapid Review of Task-Based Outcomes Using Low-Intensity Focused Transcranial Ultrasound Neuromodulation in Humans and
Jathushan Kaetheeswaran1, Devon McCarthy2, Srikar Saradhi3
1Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; KITE Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Background:
Low-intensity focused transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) is a noninvasive neuromodulation technique with high spatial precision and the ability to target deep brain structures. Although it has been extensively studied in the past decade, the strength and mechanism of modulation are not fully characterized through conventional measures such as local field potential and electroencephalography. Behavioral tasks can offer relevant insights into the functional outcomes of TUS that neurophysiologic or imaging measures have not captured. The consolidation of the findings of existing task-based studies can guide future experimental designs to better assess these neuromodulatory effects.
Materials And Methods:
This rapid review systematically evaluates the brain regions, task paradigms, and sonication parameters used in TUS studies with humans and nonhuman primates. The eligibility criteria were developed using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes, and Study Design framework to retrieve peer-reviewed, task-oriented TUS studies. Searches were conducted across Web of Science, Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane, and IEEE Xplore data bases on January 6, 2026. Articles were independently screened using the Covidence systematic review software to avoid biases.
Results:
We identified 41 studies across nine distinct cortical and subcortical regions, with varying sonication protocols and outcomes.
Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that TUS is a promising tool for behavioral modulation. However, parameter optimization frameworks are necessary for this technology to yield significant and consistently reproducible results.
More Related Videos
09:47A Methodological Protocol and Considerations for Transcranial Ultrasonic Stimulation in Exploratory Clinical Human Studies
Published on: December 12, 2025
08:38Author Spotlight: Integration of Fiber Photometry and Focused Ultrasound Neuromodulation for Investigating Neural Modulation in Freely Moving Mice
Published on: September 6, 2024
