# Exploring the Parameter Space of High Frequency Magnetic Perturbation in Manipulating Neural Excitability and Plasticity.

> **NIH NIH R44** · MAGNETIC TIDES, INC. · 2023 · $1,123,254

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) has attracted considerable interest in the cognitive neuroscience
community, providing an important basic research tool to study brain function, with emerging clinical applications
to enhance function in individuals with neurological disorders. Despite this potential, an emerging literature has
highlighted concerns regarding the reliability and robustness of transcranial electric stimulation (tES), the primary
NIBS method used to induce changes in brain plasticity through the application of subthreshold stimulation.
These problems are likely related to the fact that tES systems can only induce modest electrical fields (E-field)
at the cortical surface given that safety/tolerance issues limit the intensity of tES stimulation that can be delivered
at the scalp. We developed a radically new NIBS approach, one in which subthreshold modulation of neural
excitability is brought about via oscillating magnetic fields at kHZ frequencies. This system, referred to kTMP
(kHz Transcranial Magnetic Perturbation) significantly increases the range of subthreshold E-field induction, and
through modulation of the envelope of the kHz carrier frequency, can impose E-fields at physiological relevant
frequencies. The three-year funding period will be used to conduct testing with human participants to assess the
tolerability and efficacy of the system in producing changes in cortical physiology and behavior. If our
expectations are confirmed, this system will introduce a powerful new method for modulating neural excitability
and as such, provide clinicians with a promising new intervention in the treatment of neurological disorders.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10684222
- **Project number:** 5R44NS127667-02
- **Recipient organization:** MAGNETIC TIDES, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Ludovica Labruna
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $1,123,254
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-08-15 → 2025-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10684222

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10684222, Exploring the Parameter Space of High Frequency Magnetic Perturbation in Manipulating Neural Excitability and Plasticity. (5R44NS127667-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10684222. Licensed CC0.

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