MIT is using focused ultrasound to "touch" deep brain regions, searching for the physical source of awareness


 Researchers at MIT have developed a revolutionary non invasive tool to probe the mysteries of human consciousness. Using low intensity focused ultrasound the team can precisely target and stimulate deep brain structures such as the thalamus without the need for surgery. This technique allows scientists to effectively touch specific neural circuits to see how they influence awareness and arousal states. The goal is to map the physical source of consciousness and develop new treatments for patients with severe brain injuries or disorders of consciousness like comas. By manipulating these deep brain regions safely the study opens new frontiers in understanding how the brain generates the subjective experience of reality.

Read the original article at: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-01-tool-consciousness.html


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