Fundamentals & Applications of TUSFundamentals & Applications of TUS

Fundamentals & Applications of TUS

Delegate rate: £420 - £900

10 – 12 October 2023, 08:30

Programme Overview

Across three days, the Brainbox Initiative will be hosting a comprehensive workshop on transcranial-focused ultrasound (TUS) techniques. The workshop brings together world-leading academic and technical experts in the field from the Verhagen Lab, Donders Institute and UCL Biomedical Ultrasound Group to provide attendees with a solid understanding of designing, setting up, carrying out, and analysing their own TUS studies.

Topics Covered

  • TUS Overview/Introduction: Explore the fundamental principles and physiology of transcranial ultrasound neuromodulation.
  • Neurophysiology and Biomechanism: Gain insights into the intricate relationship between neurophysiology and biomechanics in the context of TUS techniques.
  • TUS Safety: Understand the safety considerations associated with transcranial-focused ultrasound, covering both animal and human applications.
  • Protocols & Effects: Examine different protocols for transcranial ultrasound stimulation and their effects on brain activity and neuromodulation.
  • Confounds & Experimental Design: Learn about potential confounds in TUS studies and gain insights into experimental design strategies to mitigate them.
  • Simulations and Planning / Water Tank Measurement / Transducers: Acquire practical knowledge on simulating and planning TUS experiments, including water tank measurements and an exploration of different transducers.
  • Plasticity, State Dependency, Plasticity: Deepen your understanding of plasticity in the context of transcranial ultrasound stimulation, including state dependency and its potential for inducing plastic changes in the brain.
  • Multimodal Design: Experience live, practical demonstrations of multimodal TUS in action, including the combination of transcranial ultrasound stimulation with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) setups and imaging methods.
  • Transducer Coupling: Explore the coupling between different brain imaging and stimulation techniques and gain insights into their potential synergistic effects.
  • Safety Screening: Gain an understanding of safety screening procedures and protocols to ensure the well-being of participants during TUS experiments.

Hands-on Sessions

  • Transducer Coupling: Engage in hands-on activities to understand the principles and techniques involved in coupling various brain imaging and stimulation methods.
  • Bring Your Own Experiment: Participants have the opportunity to bring their own TUS experiment ideas and receive guidance on experimental design, confound mitigation, stimulation protocols, safety considerations, and transducer design and technical aspects.
  • Experimental Planning - Simulation: Learn how to effectively plan and simulate TUS experiments, optimizing parameters for optimal results while adhering to safety guidelines.
  • TPO Control: Explore the principles of experimental control and learn how to implement TUS experiments with precise and accurate control.
  • Navigation: Explore and get hands-on experience of running TUS sessions in combination with NIBS navigation.

Overview of Speakers

Benjamin Kop

Ben, a Ph.D. student from the esteemed Donders Institute, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the field of Focused Ultrasound (FUS) neuromodulation. With a solid background in Psychology and a research master's degree in Cognitive Neuroscience, Benjamin's passion for the brain, neuromodulation, and the motor system is evident in his work. Benjamin's research focuses on applying Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation (TUS) to the motor system, exploring its potential in understanding and modulating cortical excitability. We are thrilled to partner with Benjamin Kop, as his expertise and dedication will undoubtedly enrich the workshop and provide attendees with valuable insights into FUS neuromodulation.

Sjoerd Meijer

Sjoerd, an ambitious Ph.D. student, is dedicated to investigating circuit-level neuroimaging and neuromodulation in the context of anxiety. With a strong foundation in Medical Neurobiology and a deep understanding of the complexities of the brain, Sjoerd's research explores how brain stimulation techniques can alleviate anxiety in humans. By utilising state-of-the-art methods, such as Transcranial Ultrasonic Stimulation (TUS) and dual-site transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), Sjoerd aims to uncover the potential anxiolytic effects of neuromodulation on approach-avoidance behavior. We are delighted to have Sjoerd Meijer as part of our workshop, as his expertise in FUS neuromodulation and his commitment to understanding anxiety disorders will greatly benefit workshop participants.

Soha Farboud

Soha, a passionate Ph.D. student, brings a unique perspective to the workshop through her research in the field of cognitive neuromodulation. Working under the guidance of renowned researchers, Lennart Verhagen and Hanneke den Ouden, Soha's expertise lies in exploring the role of the striatum in motivational decision-making. By employing non-invasive techniques, such as Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation (TUS), Soha investigates the complex interplay between motivations, decision-making processes, and the striatum. Her innovative approach and dedication to advancing our understanding of cognitive neuromodulation make her an invaluable addition to the workshop. We are thrilled to partner with Soha Farboud, as her expertise and research contributions will significantly enhance the learning experience for all workshop participants.

Dr Elly Martin

Elly is a distinguished researcher and UKRI Future Leaders Fellow in the Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering at UCL. Her research focuses on the measurement and simulation of ultrasound fields, ultrasonic device design, and characterisation. She is currently developing an ultrasonic rewarming technique for cryopreserved biological cells and tissues, aiming to achieve uniform and rapid warming. Elly's work involves quantitative comparisons between hydrophone measurements and acoustic field simulations, particularly in transcranial ultrasound therapies. She actively contributes to standards development as a member of the British Standards Institute and the IEC Ultrasonics Technical Committee. Additionally, she is involved in the International Transcranial Ultrasonic Stimulation Safety and Standards consortium. Elly's expertise and dedication greatly contribute to the advancement of ultrasound technology in medical applications.

In partnering with these exceptional speakers, we are privileged to bring their vast knowledge, expertise, and dedication to the field of FUS neuromodulation to our workshop. Their groundbreaking research, combined with their passion for exploring the potential of ultrasound stimulation, ensures that attendees will gain valuable insights and an in-depth understanding of this emerging field. We look forward to an engaging and enlightening workshop, thanks to the contributions of Ben, Sjoerd, Soha, and Elly.

Please note that the workshop will be held from 10-12 October 2023. The exact schedule and session timings will be provided closer to the workshop date.