德州大学奥斯汀分校研究团队成功开发了一种名为NEUSLeeP的可穿戴超声波贴片，在不依赖药物或手术的情况下改善快速眼动（REM）睡眠[1]。该设备采用皮肤附着式生物粘合贴片设计，结合温和超声刺激与跟踪脑电活动的电极[1]。在涉及28名参与者的研究中，该技术将参与者进入REM睡眠的平均时间提前了43分钟，并延长了约16分钟的REM睡眠时长[1]。
研究由生物医学工程博士毕业生Kai Wing "Kevin" Tang主导，并在助理教授Huiliang "Evan" Wang的指导下完成，相关成果已发表在《自然·通讯》2026年第17卷第1期[1]。研究进一步发现，使用该设备的参与者显示出压力调节改善的迹象，以及与情绪相关的脑回路出现了变化[1]。该团队已为这项技术提交了专利申请，并与UT商业化部门Discovery to Impact进行合作[1]。计划在创伤后应激障碍、抑郁症和慢性失眠的临床试验中应用该设备[1]。
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed NEUSLeeP, a wearable ultrasound patch that improves REM sleep through non-invasive means [1]. The skin-adhesive biocompatible device combines gentle ultrasound stimulation with electrodes that monitor brain electrical activity [1]. In a study involving 28 participants, the patch reduced the time needed to enter REM sleep by an average of 43 minutes and extended REM sleep duration by approximately 16 minutes [1].
The research, led by biomedical engineering doctoral graduate Kai Wing "Kevin" Tang and overseen by Assistant Professor Huiliang "Evan" Wang, revealed additional benefits including improvements in stress regulation and changes in brain circuits associated with mood [1]. The findings were published in Nature Communications, volume 17, issue 1, in 2026 [1]. The research team has filed patent applications for the technology and is collaborating with the university's commercialization division, Discovery to Impact [1]. Clinical trials for conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and chronic insomnia are planned [1].