Deep Brain Neuromodulation using Temporal Interference Magnetic Stimulation

Develop a non-invasive tool using temporal interference magnetic stimulation for precise modulation of neural activity in the brain, aiming to improve treatment options for brain disorders.

Subsidie
€ 150.000
2022

Projectdetails

Introduction

Five out of ten diseases leading to long-term disability are related to the brain, including stroke, depression, or dementia. Despite tremendous progress in neurotechnology, there is still no effective treatment option available for many brain-related disorders.

Current Limitations

A very promising approach to treat brain disorders uses transcranial electric or magnetic stimulation (TES/TMS) to directly influence brain activity related to specific symptoms. However, these methods are limited in their:

  • Spatial resolution
  • Specificity
  • Ability to reach deep brain areas

Project Aim

The aim of the proposed project is to develop a technical and experimental proof-of-concept for a new non-invasive tool that allows for millimeter- and millisecond-precise modulation of neural activity in superficial and deep areas of the human brain.

Methodology

Capitalizing on temporal interference effects, the device will apply high carrier frequency magnetic fields through a pair of coils. By modulating their relative phase, the combined fields will induce a locally amplitude-modulated electric field in the brain.

Mechanism of Action

As neural tissue is insensitive to unmodulated high-frequency fields (>1kHz), but responds to low-frequency amplitude-modulated fields, only brain regions will be stimulated where the combined field is amplitude-modulated.

Goals

Building on the resulting versatility of stimulation frequencies and waveforms, we aim to provide proof for:

  1. Cell-type specificity of such temporal interference magnetic stimulation (TIMS).
  2. The feasibility of targeting neural activity at millisecond-to-millisecond precision.

Expected Outcomes

The availability of such a device offering high spatial resolution, depth selectivity, steerability, as well as closed-loop compatibility and cell-type specificity would mark a major breakthrough for clinical neuroscience.

Collaboration

Together with two partners from industry and a partner for technology transfer, we strive for fast translation of expected research results into innovative products.

Financiële details & Tijdlijn

Financiële details

Subsidiebedrag€ 150.000
Totale projectbegroting€ 150.000

Tijdlijn

Startdatum1-11-2022
Einddatum30-4-2024
Subsidiejaar2022

Partners & Locaties

Projectpartners

  • CHARITE - UNIVERSITAETSMEDIZIN BERLINpenvoerder

Land(en)

Germany

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