Ultrasound will help control the brain
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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In one of the well-known scientific publications appeared an article of a team of scientists devoted to their new work - specialists managed to control the actions of roundworms with a special gene, affecting them with ultrasound.
Head of the scientific group Stuart Ibsen from California explained that ultrasonic waves of low frequencies, spreading through the body, are almost not scattered, which distinguishes them from light. This feature can be useful, for example, when stimulating deep sections of the brain.
Ibsen's team was able to control the actions of transgenic roundworms with the help of ultrasonic waves and air bubbles that were present in the worm surrounding the nutrient medium.
Scientists have changed the genome of roundworms in such a way that their nerve cells become susceptible to ultrasound-sent commands. To achieve this, specialists were able to introduce the gene TRP-4 into DNA worms. This particular gene contains a certain "guide" for assembling molecules of an unusual protein located on the surface of neurons, it is he who is responsible for the perception of ultrasound by roundworms and allows controlling their actions. Such proteins serve as a kind of channel through which certain ions pass (in the case of worms, the ion channels open for calcium), which causes the brain cells to become more active.
When ultrasound hits the protein molecules, the channel opens and the cell emits an electrical impulse. Thanks to this, scientists were able to control the work of not only individual cells, but the entire brain of worms. In addition to ultrasound, the air bubbles, on which a special fat layer and paint was applied, influenced the behavior of worms. Such bubbles helped to activate specific neurons. As a result of ultrasound, scientists forced the worm to move in the opposite direction, to turn at an acute angle or not to unfold at all.
A similar method of controlling the operation of the brain was called sonogenetics and at present it can only be applied to worms. But, according to scientists it is possible to adapt this method not only to other animals, but also to humans, although there are many difficulties on the way to this goal.
In order for the method to work, it is necessary to introduce the TRP-4 gene into certain cells of the body and air bubbles into the circulatory system. Specialists suggest that such a unique system will help people with disabilities in the brain, for example, with epilepsy.
Now scientists need to check whether the technique works in the case of mammals. At present, the Ibsen group has already started research on rodents and if the experiments are successful, sonogenetics can be adapted to work with humans. Experts are sure that they will be able to find methods of "contactless" cell management.
By the way, ultrasound has already been used by scientists to stimulate the brain, it was even used to treat certain diseases, but the Ibsen group was the first to manage to activate individual cells with ultrasonic waves.