Neuroscientist Sjoerd Meijer of the Donders Institute at Radboud University has shown for the first time that targeted ultrasonic sound waves can help the brain overcome fear more quickly. These findings may open new avenues for the treatment of anxiety and trauma-related disorders. The work is published in the journal Science Advances.

Meijer used a relatively new research method, placing a small device that emits sound waves on the heads of test subjects. These high-frequency vibrations are inaudible to the human ear but can reach and influence very specific areas of the brain.