MRI-Guided TUS

MSc lab rotation project on how imaging supports precise neuromodulation

Overview

The project focused on the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS). I explored how MRI can support TUS research by contributing to anatomical targeting, physical verification, and the interpretation of stimulation effects. My activities included reading literature on MRI and TUS, writing a short report, participating in lab meetings, and attending a TUS workshop.

MR-ARFI demonstration using a phantom setup (Image credit goes to Dr. Shota Hodono, DCCN, Radboud university).

Reflection

This rotation was intellectually refreshing because it encouraged me to think beyond experimental questions and theoretical interpretation. In the MR Techniques Group, I saw how methodological research asks whether an idea can actually be implemented, measured, verified, and improved. Lab discussions often moved from conceptual interest to practical constraints, such as spatial resolution, timing, safety, hardware, parameters, and sources of error. This helped me develop a more engineering-oriented mindset. I came to appreciate that good neuroscience requires both conceptual imagination and technical precision, and that understanding how measurements are produced is essential for interpreting what they mean.

Project period

June 2026

Supervision

This project was conducted under the supervision of Prof. David Norris.

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