Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Closed-loop tES-non-invasive Stimulation

This research wants to see if new brain stimulation techniques can help healthy adults (18-40 years old) think more clearly and improve their brain function. We're exploring a method called 'closed-loop' stimulation, which means the brain stimulation adjusts itself based on your brain activity, rather than being a fixed setting. We'll use very gentle sound waves (focused ultrasound) and electrical currents on the head. The study aims to find out if this 'smarter' way of stimulating the brain is more effective, consistent, and can target specific brain cells better than current methods. This could lead to better ways to improve brain health and function in the future.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Nottingham

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jul 2026

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2027

Closed-loop Brain Stimulation

What is this study about?

This study is looking into exciting new ways to improve how our brains work, specifically focusing on healthy adults aged 18 to 40. We're using very gentle and non-invasive methods to stimulate the brain to see if we can boost its thinking abilities. Imagine a light touch on your brain that could help it perform better!

The main idea behind this research is to test something called 'closed-loop neuromodulation.' This is a bit like a smart system that listens to what your brain is doing and then adjusts the stimulation in real-time. Think of it as a thermostat for your brain – it senses the temperature (brain activity) and turns the heating or cooling (stimulation) on or off to keep it just right. We want to find out if this 'smarter' way of stimulating the brain is more effective, leads to more consistent results, and can even target specific types of brain cells compared to older, 'open-loop' methods where the stimulation is fixed.

By understanding how these cutting-edge techniques affect the brain, especially using focused ultrasound and electrical stimulation, we hope to pave the way for new and improved ways to support brain health and function in the future. This research is important because it could lead to better strategies for enhancing cognitive skills, not just in healthy individuals but potentially also for people facing challenges with their brain function in the long term.

Key takeaways

Exploring new ways to gently boost brain function in healthy adults.
Testing 'closed-loop' stimulation, which adjusts to your brain activity.
Using safe, non-invasive methods like focused ultrasound and mild electrical currents.
Potential for future improvements in brain health and cognitive skills.
Participation involves multiple visits including MRI scans and different types of brain stimulation.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a healthy adult between 18 and 40 years old. It's important that you are generally well and that you can give your full permission to take part. You also need to be right-handed.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you've ever had a brain condition or mental health issue, or if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding. We also can't include you if you're taking certain medicines like beta-blockers, antidepressants, or strong pain relievers, or if you consume a lot of alcohol or recreational drugs. If you have certain hair types (like very curly or thick hair) or skin conditions on your head, you might also not be able to participate as it can affect how the stimulation works.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 40 years old?
Are you generally in good health?
Are you right-handed?
Are you not currently taking medication (other than contraceptive pills) that affects brain function?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you not have a history of neurological or psychiatric conditions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first have an in-person visit where we'll check if you're suitable for the study using questionnaires and a simple thinking task. You’ll also fill out some health questionnaires online before coming in.

Throughout the study, you'll have several visits. These will include one or two MRI brain scans, which are safe and use magnets to take detailed pictures of your brain. You’ll also experience different types of gentle brain stimulation: some will use sound waves (FUS), some will use mild electrical currents (tES), and some will combine both in a 'closed-loop' way. You'll also have a 'sham' session, which feels like stimulation but isn't actually active, to help us compare the real effects.

The study is divided into different blocks, and you'll be randomly assigned to one. This means you'll experience a specific set of different stimulation types during your visits. You won't be taking any special medication for this study, and there's no follow-up after your final research visit. The total duration of your participation will depend on which block you are assigned to, but you will attend multiple visits.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't directly improve your health or provide individual benefits, but the information we gather could help us understand how to improve brain function in the future. The risks of this study are very low; the brain stimulation methods and MRI scans are generally considered safe. You might feel a mild tingling or a slight warming sensation during stimulation, but these should not be painful. You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Nottingham
Verified postcode
Nottingham, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'closed-loop' brain stimulation?

It's a smart way of stimulating the brain where the device listens to your brain activity and adjusts the stimulation in real-time, like a smart thermostat for your brain.

Will the brain stimulation hurt?

No, the stimulation methods are very gentle and non-invasive. You might feel a mild tingling or warmth, but it should not be painful.

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI scan uses magnets and radio waves to take detailed pictures of your brain, it does not involve radiation and is very safe.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You'll attend multiple visits. It will involve an initial assessment, several stimulation sessions, and up to two MRI scans. The total time spent will vary depending on your assigned study group.

Can I leave the study at any time?

Yes, you are free to withdraw from the study at any point, and you don't need to give a reason. It won't affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Dr. Falcon Caro

alicia.falconcaro@nottingham.ac.uk +44 115 823 2866 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.