Brain Function and Ultrasound

Researchers are using GPU processors to enhance the imaging capacity of ultrasound. (see GPU engine enhances ultrasound-detected brain motion calculations). They are specifically using an ultrasound transducer array (shown left) positioned around the head to detect brain tissue micropulsations. Obviously more computing power allows for better analyzing capability of ultrasound pulses. In the past other researchers have been working on better focusing of ultrasound, which could further enhance the images created. I've mentioned previously about some of the other intriguing applications of ultrasound. This new research shows a few interesting trends that are developing. I think a lot of the hard work has already been accomplished in successfully getting ultrasound pulses to focus on brain regions. So ultrasonic brain stimulation may become a simpler undertaking. It is basically riding on the back of all this other research that has already been done. Throw in a dash of an accelerating technological growth rate and the ability to manipulate the brain could increase quite dramatically and cheaply.

Could you have something worn on the head (like the device above) that would stimulate brain regions selectively? In theory, I don't see why not. 20 years down the line you may potentially be able to buy a neural stimulation device based on this principle. This may be technically possible, but I'm not sure how it could be done in a safe manner. It has been mentioned on other blogs that there is a site that seeks to build a home transcranial magnetic stimulation device (OpenStim). According to that page, the OpenStim project has been put on hold due to inactivity. At least one person in a forum has discussed about trying to use ultrasound for brain stimulation purposes. It seems premature to be doing something like this now when so little is known about its effects on brain chemistry. Maybe in the future a community will crop up attempting to build an "open source" ultrasonic neuromodulation device.

I'm relatively libertarian when it comes to a lot of mind alteration (at least when it comes to drugs). People have been manipulating their brain chemistry via the use of psychochemicals for quite some time. However this sort of brain stimulation seems like a different animal. It really requires a knowledge of what areas to target in the brain for a desired effect, which I think may be above most people. Maybe intuitive computer interfaces will allow people to offload the hard work to their PC. I do like the idea of giving people some autonomy over how they want to manipulate their brain. Open source brain manipulation coupled with the sharing of neural pathways associated with specific emotional states (using brain imaging and the internet) definitely sounds like an appealing future society. Perhaps with robust safety mechanisms in place, this could become a reality. With any brain alteration you have the potential to affect the balance of power between two individuals. Is it done for the good of the individual, or done for the good of society (i.e. other people)? What would a person use this brain stimulation device to accomplish? Definitely some interesting questions come up that don't have easy answers.