Temporal interference stimulation for deep brain neuromodulation in humans

Deep brain stimulation needs high focality in deep parts of the brain; hence, it has largely relied on invasive surgical approaches in clinical populations. Transcranial temporal interference stimulation (tTIS) has emerged as a method for focal non-invasive electrical deep brain stimulation. First developed and validated through computational modelling and rodent work, tTIS is now being translated to humans for targeting deep brain regions such as the hippocampus or striatum. Here we present current evidence for tTIS-based neuromodulation, describe the underlying mechanisms and discuss future developments of this technology. We highlight key opportunities and challenges for fundamental neuroscience, as well as for the design of interventions in neuropsychiatric disorders. We suggest that a multidisciplinary research effort is now required to further validate the use of tTIS in multiple applications, understand its underlying principles and optimize the technology in the view of wider scientific and clinical deployment.