Mood-enhancing brain chip enters clinical trial stage

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) will soon test a groundbreaking brain chip designed to aid people suffering from depression,  addiction, OCD and epilepsy.

In the UK, NHS is preparing to trial an innovative brain implant that uses ultrasound technology to regulate emotional states. This revolutionary project could offer a new lifeline for patients resistant to conventional treatments.

A life-changing innovation

Developed by Forest Neurotech, the "Forest 1" chip sends targeted ultrasound pulses to specific brain regions, activating neurons precisely. Positioned beneath the skull but outside the brain, the device features a state-of-the-art brain-computer interface (BCI). The trial is funded by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) with a budget of ;£6.5 million and will evaluate its safety and tolerance in around 30 patients.

Neurosurgeon Dr. Aimun Jamjoom, one of the project leads, highlighted the potential impact on patients resistant to standard therapies: "For conditions like depression or epilepsy, approximately one-third of sufferers do not respond to treatment. In these cases, this technology could be a life-changing solution."

How does it work?

The device maps brain activity in 3D using ultrasound waves, detecting subtle changes in blood flow. Compared to standard fMRI, it offers nearly 100 times higher resolution. It can also stimulate neurons in targeted regions to alter mood and motivation. ARIA calls it the "world's most advanced BCI"  due to its ability to simultaneously modify multiple brain areas.

The NHS trial will involve patients with temporary skull openings due to brain injury, allowing safe device placement without major surgery. During two-hour sessions, brain activity will be measured to determine if the chip can reliably modulate emotional states.

While ultrasound is generally safe, risks like heat generation exist. Prof. Elsa Fouragnan of Plymouth University emphasized minimizing these risks and ensuring the device does not unintentionally affect personality or decision-making.

The study will span three and a half years, focusing the first eight months on regulatory approval. If successful, Forest will advance to a full-scale clinical trial targeting depression.

Additionally, the project raises significant ethical questions. Prof. Clare Elwell of UCL explained: "Technical progress is rapid, but we lag behind in addressing neuroethical issues. As we gain unprecedented access to neural pathways, we must carefully assess every intervention’s clinical impact and prioritize patient welfare."