
09/29/2025
A pioneering ultrasound "helmet" could transform Parkinson's treatment by non-invasively targeting brain regions.
Developed by teams from University College London (UCL) and Oxford University over a decade, the device—worn inside an MRI scanner with 256 ultrasound sources—precisely focuses mechanical pulses on areas 30 times smaller than prior tech, potentially replacing invasive deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's tremors, and aiding conditions like Alzheimer's, depression, addiction, and chronic pain.
In a trial with seven volunteers, it accurately hit the lateral geniculate nucleus, reducing visual cortex activity with lasting effects. Oxford's Prof. Charlotte Stagg praised the "remarkable accuracy," while Plymouth's Dr. Elsa Fouragnan called it a "fundamental neuroscience milestone." Researchers, including Brad Treeby (now commercializing via a startup), envision AI-enhanced home versions, but larger clinical trials are needed.