by A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities has uncovered a groundbreaking advancement in the understanding of brain stimulation therapies. The findings, which have been published in Nature Communications, mark a significant milestone in the quest for novel treatments for brain disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.
The researchers employed transcranial alternating current stimulation, a form of non-invasive brain stimulation, to modulate brain activity—a technique known as neuromodulation. By applying a minor electrical current to the brain, the team was able to alter the timing of neuronal activity, thereby inducing changes in neural connectivity crucial for human behavior, learning, and cognition.
While prior studies have demonstrated the synchronization of brain activity with stimulation, this new research revealed a progressive adaptation of brain activity in response to external stimulation, termed neural phase precession. This phenomenon involves a gradual shift in brain activity over time in correlation with a recurring pattern, such as external stimuli.
Lead researcher Alexander Opitz, an associate professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Minnesota, noted that the timing of these recurring patterns directly influences various brain processes, including spatial navigation, learning, and memory. The team’s findings indicate that external stimulation can intricately influence brain activity, offering the potential to enhance cognitive functions, such as long-term memory and learning.
The ultimate goal of this innovative technique is to target specific brain functions that impact behavior, with the aim of improving therapeutic outcomes for individuals with psychiatric and neurological disorders. Opitz envisions the application of this method in personalized therapies tailored for conditions like schizophrenia, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.
In addition to Opitz, the research team included co-first authors Miles Wischnewski and Harry Tran, along with several other members from the University of Minnesota Biomedical Engineering Department. The collaboration with Dr. Jan Zimmermann, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School, facilitated the comprehensive investigation involving computational models, human subjects, and animal studies.
The identification of this neural adaptation mechanism highlights the brain’s ability to respond to external stimulation, paving the way for the development of innovative treatment approaches for complex brain disorders. With further advancements in this field, enhanced knowledge and technology could revolutionize clinical applications, offering new hope for individuals grappling with debilitating neurological and psychiatric conditions.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
