Bringing Brain Science to the Clinic

Ultrasound is widely used in medical imaging. Interestingly, it has recently been shown that when ultrasound is focused and transmitted through the skull, it can actually change the function of the brain. This has many implications, including the potential use of ultrasound as a medical therapy for conditions that affect the brain. In this talk, we will explore the current understanding of how ultrasound changes the brain, and look at ways this could be beneficial for various patient groups.

Hibernation is a state of dormancy that animals such as bears and squirrels enter to conserve energy in periods of extreme temperatures and when food is unavailable. During hibernation animals switch off their metabolism, resulting in a decrease in body temperature, breathing and heart rate. In my research I’m interested in understanding how the brain controls hibernation and the consequences of hibernation on the rest of the body. Researchers are also exploring the possibility of inducing a hibernation-like state in humans, which could have applications in both critical care medicine and long-distance space travel.