Agentic transcranial functional ultrasound imaging: @fUS

CHEN, Z.; Yuan, Z.; Lu, Z.; Li, N.; Fu, C.; Sun, L.; Yao, H.; Liu, H.; Xian, Q.; Wang, T.; Li, W.; Liang, Z.; Li, B.; Zhang, Y.; Li, Y.; Wang, H.; Bian, W.-j.; Liu, X.; Chen, Y.; SUN, L.; Wang, Y.; Qiu, Z.

doi:10.64898/2026.09.25.752961

bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.09.25.752961

Agentic transcranial functional ultrasound imaging: @fUS

CHEN, Z.·Yuan, Z.·Lu, Z.·Li, N.·Fu, C.·Sun, L.·Yao, H.·Liu, H.·Xian, Q.·Wang, T.·Li, W.·Liang, Z.·Li, B.·Zhang, Y.·Li, Y.·Wang, H.·Bian, W.-j.·Liu, X.·Chen, Y.·SUN, L.·Wang, Y.·Qiu, Z.

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Abstract

Functional ultrasound (fUS) imaging provides deep, wide-field access to brain function, but instrument cost and complex acquisition and analysis workflows restrict its wider adoption. Here we introduce @fUS, an agentic transcranial imaging platform with an open architecture that integrates purpose-built hardware with executable experimental skills and persistent structured memory. The system combines 128-channel, 16-bit acquisition at 125 MHz with GPU-based processing and enables functional imaging through the intact scalp and skull of mice, with approximately 100-m spatial resolution and 10-Hz temporal sampling, providing a basis for longitudinal studies without cranial-window surgery. Its agent connects scientific objectives to experimental design, direct instrument control and data analysis, retaining context across interactions and supporting inspectable workflows through text and hands-free voice control. Neuroscience trainees with limited engineering experience independently configured the system within 30 min. Agent-assisted exploration of whisker-stimulation datasets revealed low-frequency vascular changes beyond conventional response mapping, supported by complementary two-photon measurements of single-vessel diameter. By combining transcranial imaging with accessible instrument control and analysis, @fUS provides a foundation for wider adoption and larger, more diverse neuroscience datasets. More broadly, it offers a framework for scientific instruments in which measurement, computation and experimental reasoning are developed as parts of the same system.

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CHEN, Z., Yuan, Z., Lu, Z., Li, N., Fu, C., Sun, L., Yao, H., Liu, H., Xian, Q., Wang, T., Li, W., Liang, Z., Li, B., Zhang, Y., Li, Y., Wang, H., Bian, W.-j., Liu, X., Chen, Y., SUN, L., Wang, Y., Qiu, Z.. 2026-09-28. Agentic transcranial functional ultrasound imaging: @fUS. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.09.25.752961

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