In recent years, scientists have directed ultrasound pulses into the brain for a range of reasons. The technology has been seen to pry open the blood-brain barrier, allowing drugs in that can treat conditions like Alzheimer's. Other studies have used ultrasound to improve dementia symptoms through increased expression of certain enzymes and proteins. And one even appeared to "jump-start" the brain of a coma patient.

The Rochester researchers wanted to see whether they could use the technique to control specific behaviors. By pointing ultrasound pulses at specific parts of the brain, the membranes of neurons there will oscillate, activating them and affecting the behavior that those neurons control.