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Technology

Healing the Brain with Ultrasound: Stanford’s Groundbreaking Sonic Therapy

By Jonathan Bala October 31, 2024

Healing the Brain with Ultrasound: Stanford’s Groundbreaking Sonic Therapy

Ultrasound technology is making strides as a therapeutic tool for brain-related conditions, offering non-invasive solutions for disorders such as OCD, Parkinson’s disease, and chronic pain. Researchers at Stanford University and the University of Plymouth are pioneering transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS), a method that precisely targets specific brain areas and may soon allow brain therapy to be accessible to patients at home.

Summary

Ultrasound Evolution: Traditionally used in diagnostics, ultrasound is now transforming into a therapeutic tool for the brain.
Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation (TUS): TUS is a non-invasive technology developed at Stanford and Plymouth that targets specific brain regions.
Applications: TUS shows promise in treating pain, alcoholism, OCD, and Parkinson’s, offering an alternative to drugs or surgery.
Brain Stimulation Laboratory: Led by Professor Elsa Fouragnan at Plymouth, this lab explores TUS and its applications for various neurological conditions.
Testing Before Treating: TUS can be used to identify problem areas before delivering treatments, helping in personalizing therapies.
Accessibility Challenges: Unique brain structures and financial barriers are current challenges for widespread TUS adoption.
Portable Technology Development: Researchers have developed a portable TUS device that could be used at home following clinical evaluations.
Integration with Brain Interfaces: TUS may enhance the effectiveness of devices that communicate directly with the brain.
Global Impact Potential: With continued advancements, TUS has the potential to positively affect millions globally.

Ultrasound as a Brain Therapy Tool

For years, ultrasound has been mainly a diagnostic tool, commonly used in prenatal care to visualize fetal development and in medical assessments of internal organs. However, scientists at Stanford University, the University of Plymouth, and Attune Neurosciences are now extending its use beyond diagnostics into therapeutic brain treatment through transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS). This innovative approach can target precise brain areas, allowing researchers to explore treatments for chronic pain, alcoholism, OCD, and Parkinson’s disease—all without drugs or invasive procedures.

How TUS Works

The TUS technology sends focused sound waves through the skull to stimulate or inhibit specific neurons in targeted brain regions. This precise targeting enables researchers to influence brain activity in ways previously only achievable through drugs or surgical intervention.

“TUS has shown incredible promise, providing a non-invasive method that doesn’t require patients to undergo risky procedures or long-term medication regimens.” — Dr. Keith Murphy, Stanford University

Table 1: Comparison of Traditional Brain Therapies and TUS

Therapy	Invasiveness	Duration of Effect	Typical Side Effects
Drug Therapy	Non-invasive	Temporary	Addiction, nausea, fatigue
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)	Invasive	Variable	Infection risk, bleeding
TUS	Non-invasive	Customizable	None known with current research

The Brain Stimulation Laboratory: Where Innovation Begins

The Brain Stimulation Laboratory at the University of Plymouth houses a team of scientists and neurologists under Professor Elsa Fouragnan’s leadership. The lab is part of the Brain Research and Imaging Centre (BRIC), where they specialize in exploring brain stimulation methods. Their work in transcranial ultrasound stimulation aims to go beyond treatment, allowing scientists to identify specific brain areas that may be associated with neurological disorders before initiating therapy.

“TUS gives us the capability to explore the brain in unprecedented detail, understanding where and how specific treatments should be applied. This opens up avenues for treating various brain disorders without the downsides of pharmaceuticals or surgical procedures.” — Professor Elsa Fouragnan, University of Plymouth

Enhancing Brain Function With TUS

The unique advantage of TUS lies in its ability to temporarily test brain areas before delivering treatment. By targeting precise locations, TUS can reveal connections between certain brain regions and specific disorders or symptoms, enabling personalized treatment plans.

Testing for Effective Treatment

Before treating any condition, TUS technology can map and test critical areas in the brain, enabling doctors to pinpoint sources of brain-related problems, which may improve treatment efficacy. This approach is particularly valuable for conditions where traditional treatments have been insufficient.

Table 2: Conditions Treated by TUS and Traditional Methods

Condition	Traditional Treatment	TUS Treatment Advantages
OCD	Medication, Cognitive Therapy	Non-invasive, precise targeting
Parkinson’s Disease	Medication, Surgery	Minimal side effects, no surgery
Chronic Pain	Medication, Therapy	Non-drug approach
Alcoholism	Medication, Counseling	Non-invasive brain modulation

Overcoming Barriers for Global Reach

Despite the promise of TUS, scaling the technology for global use presents certain barriers. A notable challenge is that every brain is unique; differences in skull thickness, brain size, and even minor structural variations require the technology to be adaptable.

Developing a device that is cost-effective and sustainable for mass distribution is another challenge. Although the technology holds great promise, bringing it to market will require extensive testing and regulatory approval. But with advancements, researchers believe that TUS can become a commonly used treatment option worldwide.

Driving Accessibility With Portable Technology

Stanford researchers, in collaboration with Attune Neurosciences, are designing a compact TUS device that could be suitable for at-home use. This portable model would allow patients to receive treatment from the comfort of their homes, making brain therapy accessible to people who face financial or logistical barriers to visiting clinics.

Dr. Keith Murphy, a leading researcher at Stanford, highlights the need for portability:

“There are countless reasons people can’t get to a clinic, whether it’s financial strain or simply not having the time. Our goal is to bring TUS technology directly to the patient’s hands.” — Dr. Keith Murphy, Stanford University

Integrating Ultrasound With Emerging Brain Interfaces

The researchers see significant potential for combining TUS with emerging brain-computer interface technologies. For example, TUS could improve the accuracy and functionality of interfaces that allow patients to control external devices directly through brain activity, a promising development for people with mobility issues or physical disabilities.

Why TUS Is a Game-Changer in Brain Technology

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are rapidly evolving, allowing people with neurological impairments to communicate and perform tasks through brain signals. Integrating TUS into BCI systems could make these devices more efficient by refining brain-region targeting, enhancing the effectiveness of each session.

The Future of TUS in Neuroscience and Therapy

With every advance in TUS, the technology grows closer to becoming a staple in neurological treatments. The ongoing studies in neuroimaging and brain function conducted by researchers at Stanford and the University of Plymouth are crucial in developing TUS as a risk-free, highly accessible brain treatment tool. If these developments continue, TUS could soon make brain therapies available to a wide variety of patients.

Facts About TUS and Brain Therapy

Ultrasound has been used for over 50 years in diagnostics, but only recently has its therapeutic potential been explored.
Each brain is as unique as a fingerprint; adapting TUS to individual brain characteristics is both a challenge and a benefit.
Brain stimulation isn’t just for treatment; it’s also a tool for understanding the complexities of the human brain.
Focused ultrasound waves can temporarily inhibit or stimulate neurons, depending on the therapy’s needs.
Stanford and Plymouth’s collaborative research on TUS is part of a global push to make brain therapies more accessible and affordable.

References

#braintherapy, #ultrasound, #TUS, #StanfordResearch, #BrainHealth, #noninvasive, #healthtech, #neurology, #neuroscience, #innovation, #futureofmedicine, #mentalhealth, #accessibility, #healthcaretechnology, #portabledevice

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Space Exploration

What Spaceflight Does to the Human Body: A Detailed Breakdown

By Jonathan Bala August 28, 2024

What Spaceflight Does to the Human Body: A Detailed Breakdown

Spaceflight exposes the human body to a unique and harsh environment, resulting in various physiological changes. The most significant effects include muscle decline, bone density loss, vision impairment, and psychological stress. However, ongoing research and countermeasures aim to reduce these impacts to ensure the safety and well-being of astronauts on long-duration missions.

Summary

Space begins at the Karman line: 100 km above sea level.
Microgravity effects: Leads to bone density loss, muscle atrophy, and fluid redistribution.
Radiation exposure: Increases cancer risk and can cause acute radiation sickness.
Psychological stress: Results from isolation, confinement, and distance from Earth.
Vision changes: Due to fluid buildup in the head, leading to Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS).
Heart and blood changes: Include heart muscle weakening and decreased red blood cell count.
Countermeasures: Regular exercise, diet adjustments, and psychological support.
Ongoing research: Focuses on understanding genetic changes and developing better health monitoring tools.
Long-duration missions: Pose greater risks and require more robust safety measures.

Main Article

Spaceflight represents one of the most challenging environments for human beings. As we push further into the cosmos, understanding the impact of space on the human body becomes increasingly crucial. This article delves into the various ways spaceflight affects human physiology, the countermeasures in place, and the ongoing research aimed at ensuring astronaut safety on future long-duration missions.

What is Space?

Space is not easily defined, especially near Earth, where conditions transition gradually from “earth-like” to “space-like.” Generally, space begins at the Karman line, 100 km above sea level, where the atmosphere thins out significantly. Above this line, the conditions of microgravity and exposure to cosmic radiation dominate, posing unique challenges to human health.

The Microgravity Environment

In space, the absence of gravity, or more accurately, the experience of microgravity, has profound effects on the human body. On Earth, gravity exerts a constant force that shapes our bodies’ structure and function. In microgravity, the body begins to adapt to the lack of this force in several ways:

Bone Density Loss: Without the need to support the body’s weight, bones lose minerals, leading to a reduction in bone density. This can increase the risk of fractures and the development of kidney stones due to the release of calcium into the bloodstream (Nature Medicine, 2022).
Muscle Atrophy: Muscles, especially those used for posture and movement, begin to atrophy due to lack of use. This can result in decreased strength and endurance (NASA Human Research Roadmap, 2022).
Fluid Redistribution: Fluids in the body shift towards the head, leading to facial puffiness and increased pressure in the skull. This is a contributing factor to vision changes experienced by many astronauts.

Radiation Exposure

Space radiation is a significant concern for astronauts. Unlike Earth, which is protected by its magnetic field and atmosphere, space offers little protection from cosmic rays and solar radiation. Prolonged exposure to this radiation can:

Increase Cancer Risk: The high-energy particles can damage DNA, potentially leading to cancer (Science, 2023).
Cause Acute Radiation Sickness: In the event of a solar flare or other intense radiation events, astronauts could experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue (Nature Communications, 2024).

To reduce these risks, spacecraft are designed with radiation shielding, and mission durations are carefully planned to limit exposure.

Psychological Stress

Spaceflight is not only physically demanding but also psychologically challenging. The isolation, confinement, and distance from Earth can lead to significant mental health issues, including:

Fatigue: The disrupted sleep patterns and demanding work schedules can lead to chronic fatigue.
Loss of Morale: Being away from family and friends, combined with the high-stakes environment, can result in low morale.
Helplessness: Astronauts may feel powerless to assist their loved ones on Earth, leading to feelings of guilt and helplessness.

NASA and other space agencies have developed psychological support protocols to help astronauts cope with these challenges. These include regular communication with family, structured work schedules, and access to mental health professionals (The Hindu, 2024).

What Spaceflight Does to the Human Body: A Detailed Breakdown — Asteronaut in outer space and planet Earth at night and the Sun. Elements of this image furnished by NASA

Vision Changes and Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS)

One of the most concerning effects of spaceflight is the impact on vision. Around 20% of all astronauts, and 70% of those involved in long-duration missions, develop Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS). This condition is characterized by:

Fluid Buildup: Increased fluid in the head causes pressure on the eyes, leading to changes in vision (Nature Communications, 2024).
Flattened Eyeballs: The shape of the eyeball can change, leading to farsightedness.
Optic Disc Edema: Swelling of the optic nerve can occur, potentially leading to long-term vision issues (Nature Medicine, 2022).

Researchers are exploring countermeasures, such as lower body negative pressure suits and medications to manage intracranial pressure. However, more research is needed to fully understand and mitigate this condition.

Heart and Blood Changes

The cardiovascular system also undergoes significant changes in space. In the absence of gravity:

Heart Muscle Weakening: The heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pump blood, leading to a reduction in muscle mass (Nature Communications, 2024).
Decreased Red Blood Cell Count: Known as “space anemia,” this condition is caused by the destruction of red blood cells at a rate higher than on Earth (Science, 2023). A 2022 study in Nature Medicine quantified this loss but did not pinpoint the exact cause (Nature Medicine, 2022).

Astronauts’ diets are adjusted to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients to combat these changes, and regular cardiovascular exercise is mandatory to maintain heart health.

Countermeasures: Exercise, Diet, and Mental Health Support

To counteract the negative effects of spaceflight, space agencies enforce strict protocols for exercise, diet, and psychological support:

Exercise: Astronauts spend at least two hours a day exercising to maintain muscle mass and bone density. Equipment like treadmills, resistance machines, and stationary bikes are crucial to these routines.
Diet: Nutrition is carefully monitored, with diets rich in calcium, vitamin D, and iron to support bone health, red blood cell production, and overall well-being.
Mental Health Support: Regular communication with family, structured work schedules, and access to mental health professionals help astronauts manage stress and maintain morale (NASA Human Research Roadmap, 2022).

Ongoing Research and Space Omics

Despite decades of space exploration, much remains unknown about the long-term effects of spaceflight. Recent studies have begun to explore these effects at the genetic level through a field known as “space omics.” A key study in this area was NASA’s Twins Study, where scientists compared the health of identical twins, Mark and Scott Kelly, after Scott spent a year in space. The study revealed:

Gene Expression Changes: Approximately 8,600 genes were expressed differently between the twins, shedding light on the molecular changes induced by spaceflight (Nature Communications, 2024).
Potential Therapeutic Pathways: Understanding these genetic changes could lead to the development of therapies and lifestyle recommendations to better protect astronauts’ health (Science, 2023).

Other international efforts, such as Japan’s KAKENHI program and Europe’s Space Omics Topical Team, are working to develop tools and methods to study the biological responses to space. The ultimate goal is to create guidelines and protocols that ensure the safety and well-being of astronauts on future missions.

Table 1: Summary of Spaceflight Effects on the Human Body

System/Organ	Effect	Countermeasure
Bones	Density loss, increased fracture risk	Weight-bearing exercises, calcium-rich diet
Muscles	Atrophy, reduced strength	Regular resistance and cardiovascular training
Vision	Changes, SANS	Lower body negative pressure, medications
Heart	Weakening, reduced muscle mass	Cardiovascular exercise, nutrition adjustments
Blood	Decreased red blood cell count	Iron supplements, regular health monitoring
Mental Health	Stress, fatigue, isolation	Psychological support, regular communication

Table 2: Ongoing Space Research Projects

Project/Study	Focus	Key Findings
NASA Twins Study	Genetic and molecular effects of spaceflight	Significant gene expression changes
Space Omics Program	Biological responses to space environment	Development of space-specific health guidelines
KAKENHI Program	Space biology and physiology	Exploration of space-induced genetic changes

Conclusion

As space agencies prepare for more extended missions beyond low Earth orbit, understanding and reducing the effects of spaceflight on the human body remain crucial. Through rigorous research, advanced countermeasures, and ongoing support, space agencies aim to protect astronauts’ health and ensure their successful return to Earth, ready for the next frontier.

#Spaceflight, #HumanBody, #NASA, #Microgravity, #Radiation, #MentalHealth, #Astronaut, #SpaceResearch, #SANS, #SpaceMedicine

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