Focused ultrasound is opening new possibilities for how we reach and interact with the brain — without traditional surgery.
In a recent feature, WIRED explored the work of Dr. Ali Rezai and the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute (RNI), highlighting the evolving role of focused ultrasound in neurological and behavioral research.
NaviFUS Corporation announced the online publication of “Low-intensity focused ultrasound neuromodulation for drug-resistant epilepsy: A randomized, sham-controlled crossover trial.” Conducted at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, the pilot, single-blind study enrolled 12 adults with drug-resistant epilepsy. Each participant completed both low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) and sham treatment, allowing the study to evaluate individualized targeting, preliminary safety, clinical feasibility, and efficacy signals.
Children’s National Hospital is advancing new possibilities in pediatric brain tumor care through expanded focused ultrasound research using the NaviFUS neuronavigation-guided low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) platform. The collaboration supports ongoing efforts to explore non-invasive therapeutic approaches for children with difficult-to-treat brain tumors.
Key Points：
-Researchers in Taiwan completed an early-stage trial showing focused ultrasound–mediated blood-brain barrier opening plus chemotherapy is safe in patients with GBM.
– The investigators are now recruiting participants for a larger clinical trial with the same device – the NaviFUS system – at two sites.
