The research team developed a light-weight wearable ultrasonic brain stimulator with a weight of about 20 grams. (image: KIST)
SEOUL, Dec. 22 (Korea Bizwire) — A South Korean research team has developed a new technology that can cure cerebral stroke without surgical operations.
Researchers from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) recently announced that they had developed a wireless low strength high intensity focused ultrasound brain stimulator that can cure cerebral strokes simply by being worn like a hat or headband.
The low strength high intensity focused ultrasound stimulation technology is drawing attention as an innovative technology for rehabilitation of the diseases caused by damage to brain nerves since it can very accurately irradiate ultrasonic waves on the affected brain area, thereby eliminating the need for surgical operations.
Nonetheless, existing ultrasonic brain stimulators have limited use since they are heavy and fixed in place.
Taking these limits into considerations, the research team developed a light-weight wearable ultrasonic brain stimulator with a weight of about 20 grams.
The research team observed the change in motor ability in rats suffering from cerebral stroke after irradiating 426 kilopascals ultrasonic waves to the brain area that manages motor behavior in the body.
After three days of use, their motor ability showed a great improvement compared to other rats. After seven days of rehabilitation, the motor ability of the rats cured by the ultrasonic brain stimulator recovered to the level of normal rats.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
