Revolutionizing healthcare through vagal neuromodulation across the lifespan

This Research Topic is part of a series with Expanding Therapeutic Horizons with Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation.As a principal conduit between the brain and peripheral organs, the vagus nerve helps coordinate development, homeostasis, inflammation, metabolism, and cognition. Harnessing this circuitry through invasive and non-invasive neuromodulation reflects a shift from treating isolated symptoms toward preventive, regenerative, and systems-level healthcare.Despite rapid progress, major questions remain about mechanisms, optimal targeting and dosing, long-term effects, and how to personalize stimulation across diverse patients and life stages. We are particularly interested in work that addresses vulnerable or historically overlooked populations at both ends of the lifespan—from prenatal and perinatal care to aging and neurodegeneration—and that clarifies how vagal pathways support adaptation, resilience, and recovery.We invite submissions exploring, but not limited to:• Transformative applications in new populations, including fetuses, pregnant individuals, patients with dementia, but also people living in extreme conditions or high performers• Preventive and regenerative strategies leveraging vagal pathways• Next-generation stimulation modalities, including sonic neuromodulation, ultrasound, closed-loop systems, and multimodal bioelectronic therapiesBy uniting foundational science, clinical insight, and technological innovation, this Research Topic aims to accelerate the global adoption of vagus nerve stimulation as a scalable, accessible, life-long therapeutic strategy—helping define the future of healthcare across diverse populations and clinical needs. In many ways, today’s investigators resemble early explorers—venturing into largely uncharted territory, guided by physiology, curiosity, and emerging technology. This Research Topic seeks bold, forward-thinking contributions that push beyond current paradigms and define the next era of VNS science and clinical translations. Topic editors: Claire-Marie Rangon, Eric AZABOU, Peter S Staats, Irina Duff Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77624/revolutionizing-healthcare-through-vagal-neuromodulation-across-the-lifespan