Scientists have long been looking for a way to modulate brain function, which could improve our understanding of how the brain works and help to treat neurological diseases, using non-invasive methods that don’t involve surgery. One technology that could help is transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS), which was recently discovered to be able to modulate the activity of neurons (the brain’s key communication cells) by delivering gentle mechanical pulses that influence how these cells send signals.

But to date, current systems have struggled to reach deeper areas of the brain with sufficient precision to target specific brain structures. Conventional TUS systems often affect broader regions than intended, limiting their utility for targeted neuromodulation.