AI-Designed Ultrasound Lens Simultaneously Stimulates Multiple Brain Regions [Reading Science]

DGIST and GIST Achieve Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Without Costly Multi-Channel Equipment

Demonstrated Effectiveness in Improving Neuropathic Pain

A domestic research team has developed a technology that enables the precise, simultaneous stimulation of multiple regions of the brain using a single three-dimensional (3D) printed ultrasound lens designed by artificial intelligence (AI). This innovation allows for the uniform delivery of ultrasound to targeted brain areas beyond the skull without the need for expensive multi-channel equipment equipped with dozens or hundreds of ultrasound emitters, as was previously required. As a result, it is expected to serve as a next-generation, non-invasive treatment technology for degenerative brain diseases and mental or neurological disorders.

On July 14, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) announced that Professor Jaeyoon Hwang’s research team from the Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Engineering, in collaboration with the research teams of Professors Jeongiheon and Hyuksang Kwon of Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), has developed an AI-based 'Thickness-Only Acoustic Hologram (TOAH)' technology. The research results were published in the July issue of the international journal 'Brain Stimulation,' which focuses on brain stimulation.

Comparison of Acoustic Holograms for Multi-Target Ultrasound Brain Stimulation in a Mouse Skull Environment. The proposed method (TOAH) reduces errors between design and implementation by considering both the actual lens structure and the skull environment, delivering accurate and uniform ultrasound stimulation to multiple target areas. Provided by the research team

AI Directly Designs Lens Thickness...Reducing Ultrasound Focusing Errors

Non-invasive brain stimulation using ultrasound is attracting attention as a new treatment for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, depression, and chronic pain. However, as ultrasound passes through the skull, refraction and distortion occur, causing the focal point to blur and making it difficult to deliver energy uniformly to multiple targets. To compensate for this, complex multi-channel equipment that controls numerous ultrasound emitters has been necessary, resulting in high costs and limited usability.

The research team applied a method that directly designs the thickness of the ultrasound lens to be fabricated by an actual 3D printer by combining AI and physics-based optimization technology. This enables precise control of the phase and amplitude of ultrasound, compensating for the refractive effects of the skull and allowing for the accurate formation of 3D focal points at desired locations.

In particular, the structure has been significantly simplified compared to conventional systems, as multiple brain regions can be stimulated simultaneously using only a thin 3D-printed lens and a single ultrasound transducer.

Reduction in Pain Response Confirmed...“A Promising Non-Invasive Brain Treatment Platform”

The research team validated the performance of the new technology through experiments and simulations using mouse skulls.

Experimental results showed higher focal accuracy compared to existing methods and a significant improvement in the uniformity of energy delivered to multiple targets. Furthermore, the new approach effectively reduced unnecessary energy concentrated in the skull, lowering the risk of overheating.

Photo of the research team. (From left) Professor Jaeyoon Hwang of DGIST, Dr. Moonhwan Lee, Professor Jieheon Jeong of GIST, Professor Hyuksang Kwon. Provided by DGIST

When both sides of the thalamus in mice with induced neuropathic pain were stimulated simultaneously, excessive neural activity decreased, resulting in a marked improvement in pain response. Simulations using human skull data also demonstrated enhanced focal accuracy and improved multi-target energy delivery performance.

Professor Jaeyoon Hwang of DGIST stated, "The core of this technology is that AI directly designs the lens structure, enabling precise delivery of ultrasound to multiple brain regions beyond the skull. Since this approach achieves precise multi-region brain stimulation using only a single ultrasound transducer and a 3D-printed lens, it has the potential to evolve into a patient-customized, non-invasive platform for not only pain treatment but also for treating degenerative brain diseases and mental or neurological disorders without surgery."

This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea through the Pioneer Project for Future Promising Convergence Technologies and the Mid-Career Researcher Program.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.