Ultrasound zaps brain to sharpen memory in healthy volunteers
NCT ID NCT06829368
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a non-invasive technique called theta-burst focused ultrasound can improve visual working memory in healthy adults. 24 participants received targeted ultrasound to specific brain areas while their brain activity was monitored with EEG. The goal was to see if this could safely enhance cognitive performance.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a non-invasive way to temporarily enhance memory or thinking in healthy people.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-stage study in healthy adults, not patients. The effects may be weak, short-lived, or not reproducible outside the lab.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
24 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Jan 2025
- Finished
-
Mar 2026
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 55 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age: 18-55years * Healthy adults with no history of neurological or psychiatric disorders * Eligible to undergo a T1-weighted MRI scan for tFUS neuronavigational purposes * Ability to adhere to the tFUS study schedule and complete all assessments * Right-handed * Fluent in English * Abstinence from the use of any recreational drugs in the 48-hour period prior to taking part in the experiment. * Abstinence from consuming no more than 4 alcoholic units within the 24-hour period before participation. Exclusion Criteria: * Any current psychiatric diagnosis * Neurodevelopmental disorders; history of central nervous system disease, concussion, or other neurological sequelae; presence of tumors, seizures, meningitis, encephalitis, or any abnormal MRI findings of the brain * Use of any psychotropic medications within five half-lives before the procedure * Presence of metal implants contraindicated for MRI * History of head trauma with loss of consciousness * Calcification in sonicated parts of the brain. * Visual impairments that cannot be corrected with glasses * Inability to complete cognitive testing requirements * Active participation or plans for enrollment in other clinical trials that may impact psychosocial functioning * History of repeated substance abuse or dependence (excluding nicotine and caffeine); use of medications such as stimulants, modafinil, thyroid medication, or steroids * No skin disease on or close to the scalp. * History of seizure or epilepsy; use of medications that lower seizure thresholds * Claustrophobia or any other condition precluding MRI assessment * Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Cognitive enhancement are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Neuromodulation Lab, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.