Waking the Dead – Method for Brain Boosting Effects of tDCS Debated
A recent Science Magazine News report from Emily Underwood at the annual meeting of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society in New York refers to tDCS studies of cadavers carried out by Gyorgy Buzsaki of New York University.
According to the article, he has found that current levels measured within the brains of cadavers would be insufficient to directly trigger neuronal firing, leading some researchers to suggest that these as yet unpublished studies cast doubt over its effect on the human brain, while others point out that the low current levels present in the brain during tDCS facilitate firing by making subtle changes in membrane potential and neuronal excitability.
The studies by Buzsáki and colleagues have certainly stimulated debate, if nothing else, but if you are interested in finding out more, why not read the full Emily Underwood article.