MIT Deploys Openwater's Open-LIFU Device for Consciousness Research

Openwater, an open-source medical technology company specializing in portable diagnostic and therapeutic devices, has announced that MIT's Lincoln Laboratory is the first institution to receive the latest version of its Open-LIFU device. This deployment represents a significant milestone in expanding access to low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) technology for clinical and academic research applications.

The Open-LIFU device offers portable, non-invasive ultrasound capabilities with millimeter-level precision for targeting specific brain regions without affecting surrounding tissue. Early research using previous versions of the technology, including studies from the University of Arizona, has demonstrated potential applications in treating neurological diseases, cancer, and mental health disorders. The newest version features a dramatically smaller form factor and maintains the open-source, modular design that allows researchers to customize and adapt the device for various clinical applications.

MIT's research team, led by Daniel Freeman, Ph.D., plans to use the Open-LIFU system to investigate fundamental questions about how the brain produces conscious experience, including how humans perceive pain, see colors, or become aware of thoughts. The technology enables non-invasive modulation of brain activity through the skull, providing researchers with unprecedented capabilities to study how specific brain regions contribute to perception and awareness. The device's ability to reach deep brain structures with precision previously available only in operating room settings makes it particularly valuable for neuroscience research.

"Partnering with MIT on this pioneering research exemplifies Openwater's mission to empower scientists with neuromodulation tools and accelerate breakthroughs in brain science," said Aaron Timm, CEO of Openwater.

The company aims to democratize access to advanced neuromodulation technology by dramatically reducing costs. While most LIFU devices currently cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, Openwater has set an ambitious goal to reduce the device cost to $500 within a few years. By developing portable, modular hardware and leveraging AI-driven technology, the company seeks to simplify implementation for researchers and clinicians while improving precision, usability, and outcomes across medical specialties.

"Consciousness remains one of the great mysteries of science. We still don't understand how brain activity gives rise to subjective experience," said Dr. Freeman. "With Open-LIFU, researchers now have a tool that could finally open the door to real breakthroughs in the field. It's very exciting."

Openwater, founded by Dr. Mary Lou Jepsen, operates with a mission to make hospital-grade care universally accessible. The company is backed by investors including Khosla Ventures, Plum Alley, BOLD Capital Partners, Vitalik Buterin, Esther Dyson, and Peter Gabriel. Through open-source development and consumer electronics manufacturing approaches, Openwater works to lower costs and accelerate delivery of non-invasive medical devices. The company collaborates with leading institutions worldwide to research, validate, and distribute these technologies, aiming to reach patients across geographic and economic boundaries.

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