NHS Trials Brain Implant Using Ultrasound to Enhance Mood

A groundbreaking NHS trial is set to explore the use of a brain-computer interface (BCI) device that utilizes ultrasound technology to alleviate mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. The £6.5 million trial, funded by the UK's Advanced Research and Invention Agency, aims to test the safety and effectiveness of the device on 30 patients who have undergone specific brain surgeries. The device, designed to be implanted beneath the skull, is capable of mapping brain activity and delivering targeted ultrasound pulses to activate specific clusters of neurons. Researchers believe this technology could revolutionize treatments for various conditions, including addiction and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, ethical concerns regarding data privacy and neuro-discrimination are emerging alongside these advances. Experts emphasize the need for careful consideration of the clinical implications as the technology develops rapidly.