Ear zaps for a sharper mind? scientists test nerve stimulation on thinking skills

NCT ID NCT07256080

Not yet recruiting Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Bahçeşehir University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a mild electrical pulse to the ear (called taVNS) can temporarily improve thinking skills like attention and memory in healthy adults aged 18-30. Each of the 60 participants will receive both the real stimulation and a fake (sham) version in separate sessions, so researchers can compare the effects. The study also looks at whether men and women respond differently to the stimulation.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a non-drug way to temporarily sharpen attention or memory in healthy people.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study in healthy volunteers, not patients. The effects may be tiny or not real, and results may not apply to people with health conditions.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cognitive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

COGNITION COGNITIVE ASSESSMENT EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS HEALTHY PARTICIPANTS NEUROMODULATION SEX DIFFERENCES TAVNS VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION

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