Russian scientists unveil minimally invasive laser method for targeted brain stimulation

Physicists from Novosibirsk State Technical University, working jointly with neurophysiologists from the Pavlov Institute of Physiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, have developed an innovative method of minimally invasive, highly selective infrared neural stimulation using a fibre-optic interface between the brain and a laser source.

Neural stimulation techniques are widely used in physiology, fundamental medicine and clinical practice, ranging from electrical and magnetic methods to infrared and ultrasound approaches. The new approach proposed by Russian researchers offers a practical alternative by combining laser radiation with a fibre-optic interface to achieve targeted stimulation of specific brain regions. This is reported by the official website of Novosibirsk State Technical University.

According to the research team, the method delivers sub-millimetre spatial resolution, significantly exceeding that of transcranial stimulation techniques. At the same time, unlike earlier laser-based approaches, it does not require genetic modification of neural tissue and avoids damage to the brain’s protective membranes, making it minimally invasive and suitable for prolonged use without restricting basic activity.

The technology has already been validated in a multi-day experiment involving dynamic infrared stimulation of a selected cortical area in a rhesus macaque, with simultaneous recording of complex electrophysiological responses across different brain regions. The experiments were conducted without anaesthesia, during natural sleep and wakefulness, confirming both the feasibility and safety of the method.

Researchers say the development opens new opportunities for studying functional interactions within the brain and advancing fundamental understanding of the central nervous system. In the longer term, it could also support the creation of new clinical therapies for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders requiring precise, targeted stimulation.

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