Ultrasound pacemaker uses gene therapy to eliminate surgery

Scientists developed a non-surgical pacemaker using ultrasound waves and gene therapy, potentially eliminating the need for invasive battery replacement surgeries. The wearable device sticks to the chest, emitting ultrasound signals that, with a gene therapy injection, prompt heart cells to beat. This "sonogenetics" approach has shown promise in animal models and human cell samples. While innovative, the technology requires further testing for long-term reliability and cost-effectiveness compared to existing pacemakers before clinical use.