The Science Behind NeuroLingo

NeuroLingo leverages advanced neurostimulation – called Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES) – to optimize your brain's natural language-learning processes. By gently modulating neural activity, NeuroLingo makes it easier and faster for your brain to form and strengthen new language pathways.

What Exactly is tES?

Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES) is a safe, non-invasive technology that applies very gentle electrical currents to the scalp using small electrodes. These low-intensity currents subtly influence the activity of brain cells (i.e. neurons) beneath them, creating ideal conditions for your brain to learn and remember more effectively.

There are three main types of tES used in neurostimulation (Fig. 1):

  • Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS): Uses a constant, gentle current to increase brain plasticity, making neurons more ready to form new connections – like gently warming up a muscle before exercise.
  • Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS): Delivers oscillating currents that synchronize brain waves, helping different brain regions communicate more effectively – similar to tuning an orchestra to a perfect pitch.
  • Random Noise Stimulation (tRNS): Uses randomized currents to keep neurons actively engaged, preventing them from becoming fatigued or less responsive – like varying your workouts to keep muscles challenged.

Figure 1. A diagram of tDCS (top), tACS (middle), and tRNS waveforms (bottom). 

The NeuroLingo Model 1 utilizes direct current stimulation, with the option to add noise or frequency modulation to enhance its effects coming in future updates. Future NeuroLingo models will incorporate the full range of tES technologies for even more comprehensive language learning support.

Why tES for Language Learning?

Learning a language is cognitively demanding, involving complex coordination between specialized brain regions:

  • Broca's Area: Critical for speaking, grammar, and sentence structure.
  • Wernicke's Area: Vital for vocabulary acquisition and language comprehension.

Decades of scientific research have shown that using tES on these areas can significantly accelerate language learning. The NeuroLingo Model 1 uses a patent-pending design to specifically target Wernicke's Area, focusing on building the foundation of language learning: vocabulary acquisition. Future NeuroLingo models will expand this capability to flexibly target multiple brain regions for comprehensive language mastery.

How NeuroLingo Model 1 Builds Your Language Foundation

The NeuroLingo Model 1 headband positions electrodes directly over Wernicke's Area (Fig. 2), the brain's vocabulary and comprehension center. Through precisely calibrated direct current stimulation, it enhances your ability to rapidly acquire new vocabulary – the essential building blocks of any language.

While research demonstrates clear benefits for vocabulary learning, building a stronger vocabulary foundation naturally supports overall language comprehension. By focusing on vocabulary acquisition, Model 1 helps you develop the core competency that all other language skills build upon.

Pair the NeuroLingo headband with our dedicated app, and you get vocabulary-building content perfectly timed with brain stimulation, maximizing effectiveness and accelerating your language journey.

Figure 2. LeftThe NeuroLingo positions electrodes behind the left ear to target the electric field to Wernicke's area, a region of the brain involved in language comprehension. Right: A computer model of current flow in the brain from the NeuroLingo Model 1. Wernicke's area is marked with a black oval. 

Scientifically Proven Results

Over 20 years of peer-reviewed research supports the effectiveness of tES in enhancing language learning. Key findings include:

  • 40% faster vocabulary learning compared to traditional methods when tES is applied to Wernicke's area (Fig. 2)
  • Improved long-term retention of newly learned vocabulary through multiple stimulation sessions

NeuroLingo Model 1 translates these scientific insights into real-world results, giving you a powerful advantage in vocabulary acquisition.

Figure 3. Participants that studied with tES for five days learned up to 40% more vocabulary compared to a control group. Data from Meinzer et al. 2014.

Proven Safety Record

tES has been extensively studied and used worldwide for nearly two decades with no reports of serious adverse effects. NeuroLingo's stimulation levels are carefully controlled and comply with international safety standards. Users typically report only mild sensations like tingling, which fades quickly as your body adjusts.

The NeuroLingo Difference

The NeuroLingo Model 1 is the world's first neurostimulation device specifically optimized for vocabulary development –  the foundation of language learning. With precision-targeted direct current stimulation of Wernicke's Area and protocols designed around vocabulary acquisition research, it accelerates this essential skill in ways that other approaches simply can't match.

Whether you're a beginner building your first vocabulary or expanding your word knowledge in a new language, NeuroLingo Model 1 gives you the neurological edge for faster, more effective vocabulary acquisition. As you build this foundation, you're preparing yourself for the comprehensive language mastery that future NeuroLingo models will support.

References

Bikson, Marom, Ana Ganho-Ávila, Abhishek Datta, Bernadette Gillick, Morten Goertz Joensson, Sungjin Kim, Jinuk Kim, et al. 2023. “Limited Output Transcranial Electrical Stimulation 2023 (LOTES-2023): Updates on Engineering Principles, Regulatory Statutes, and Industry Standards for Wellness, over-the-Counter, or Prescription Devices with Low Risk.” Brain Stimulation 16 (3): 840–53.
Bikson, Marom, Pnina Grossman, Chris Thomas, Adantchede Louis Zannou, Jimmy Jiang, Tatheer Adnan, Antonios P. Mourdoukoutas, et al. 2016. “Safety of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: Evidence Based Update 2016.” Brain Stimulation 9 (5): 641–61.
Bikson, Marom, Bhaskar Paneri, Andoni Mourdoukoutas, Zeinab Esmaeilpour, Bashar W. Badran, Robin Azzam, Devin Adair, et al. 2018. “Limited Output Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (LOTES-2017): Engineering Principles, Regulatory Statutes, and Industry Standards for Wellness, over-the-Counter, or Prescription Devices with Low Risk.” Brain Stimulation 11 (1): 134–57.
Flöel, Agnes, Nina Rösser, Olesya Michka, Stefan Knecht, and Caterina Breitenstein. 2008. “Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Improves Language Learning.” Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience 20 (8): 1415–22.
Fritsch, Brita, Janine Reis, Keri Martinowich, Heidi M. Schambra, Yuanyuan Ji, Leonardo G. Cohen, and Bai Lu. 2010. “Direct Current Stimulation Promotes BDNF-Dependent Synaptic Plasticity: Potential Implications for Motor Learning.” Neuron 66 (2): 198–204.
Groen, Onno van der, Weronika Potok, Nicole Wenderoth, Grace Edwards, Jason B. Mattingley, and Dylan Edwards. 2022. “Using Noise for the Better: The Effects of Transcranial Random Noise Stimulation on the Brain and Behavior.” Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews 138 (104702): 104702.
Grover, Shrey, Renata Fayzullina, Breanna M. Bullard, Victoria Levina, and Robert M. G. Reinhart. 2023. “A Meta-Analysis Suggests That tACS Improves Cognition in Healthy, Aging, and Psychiatric Populations.” Science Translational Medicine 15 (697): eabo2044.
Matsumoto, Hideyuki, and Yoshikazu Ugawa. 2017. “Adverse Events of tDCS and tACS: A Review.” Clinical Neurophysiology Practice 2: 19–25.
Meinzer, Marcus, Sophia Jähnigen, David A. Copland, Robert Darkow, Ulrike Grittner, Keren Avirame, Amy D. Rodriguez, Robert Lindenberg, and Agnes Flöel. 2014. “Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation over Multiple Days Improves Learning and Maintenance of a Novel Vocabulary.” Cortex; a Journal Devoted to the Study of the Nervous System and Behavior 50 (January): 137–47.
Nikolin, Stevan, Christina Huggins, Donel Martin, Angelo Alonzo, and Colleen K. Loo. 2018. “Safety of Repeated Sessions of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: A Systematic Review.” Brain Stimulation 11 (2): 278–88.
Simonsmeier, Bianca A., Roland H. Grabner, Julia Hein, Ugne Krenz, and Michael Schneider. 2018. “Electrical Brain Stimulation (tES) Improves Learning More than Performance: A Meta-Analysis.” Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews 84 (January): 171–81.
Vries, Meinou H. de, Andre C. R. Barth, Sandra Maiworm, Stefan Knecht, Pienie Zwitserlood, and Agnes Flöel. 2010. “Electrical Stimulation of Broca’s Area Enhances Implicit Learning of an Artificial Grammar.” Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience 22 (11): 2427–36.