Inside the Developing Brain: Dr. Jennifer Rodger on rTMS & Neuroplasticity - #30 - August 2, 2025

Show Notes: The Neurostimulation Podcast – Episode #30 with Dr. Jennifer RodgerGuest: Dr. Jennifer Rodger, Professor at the University of Western Australia and Head of the Brain Plasticity Research Group at the Perron InstituteRelease Date: August 2, 2025Episode Overview:In this episode, host Michael Passmore sits down with Dr. Jennifer Rodger, a leading neuroscientist whose lab is pioneering research into the mechanisms and safety of low-intensity, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), especially in the developing brain.Dr. Rodger shares her unique journey from biochemistry to neuroscience, her initial skepticism about TMS, and how her team’s animal model research is helping to unravel the effects and potential of rTMS in both clinical and research settings. The conversation covers:The challenges and breakthroughs in miniaturizing TMS coils for animal studiesKey findings from recent studies on rTMS in adolescent mice, including effects on brain plasticity and behaviorThe translational bridge between animal research and human clinical applications, especially for youth and neurodevelopmental disordersThe importance of safety, evidence-based innovation, and publishing negative results in scientific researchThe future of tailored neurostimulation protocols and the need for collaboration across labs and disciplinesKey Takeaways:rTMS shows promise for treating neuropsychiatric conditions in youth, but careful, long-term research is essential to ensure safety and efficacy.Animal models provide valuable insights into the mechanisms and potential risks of neurostimulation, especially during critical developmental windows.Publishing negative results is crucial for scientific progress and helps guide future research directions.The field of neurostimulation is rapidly evolving, with opportunities for more personalized and integrated treatment approaches.Resources & Links:Dr. Rodger’s lab and research group: https://brainplasticitylab.org/ https://www.perroninstitute.org/research/research-groups/jennifer-rodger/https://www.perroninstitute.org/research/our-focus-areas/brain-plasticity/Recent publications and studies discussed:Our first low intensity rTMS paper is:Rodger J, Mo C, Wilks T, Dunlop SA, Sherrard RM. Transcranial pulsed magnetic field stimulation facilitates reorganization of abnormal neural circuits and corrects Behavioral deficits without disrupting normal connectivity. FASEB J. 2012 Apr;26(4):1593-606. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22223750/Description of miniaturised coil design:Tang AD, Lowe AS, Garrett AR, Woodward R, Bennett W, Canty AJ, Garry MI, Hinder MR, Summers JJ, Gersner R, Rotenberg A, Thickbroom G, Walton J, Rodger J. Construction and Evaluation of Rodent-Specific rTMS Coils. Front Neural Circuits. 2016 Jun 30;10:47. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27445702/An exhaustive recent review of low intensity rTMS:Moretti J, Rodger J. A little goes a long way: Neurobiological effects of low intensity rTMS and implications for mechanisms of rTMS. Curr Res Neurobiol. 2022 Feb 23;3:100033. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36685761/The work exploring rTMS and endogenous brain activity:Poh EZ, Green C, Agostinelli L, Penrose-Menz M, Karl AK, Harvey AR, Rodger J. Manipulating the Level of Sensorimotor Stimulation during LI-rTMS Can Improve Visual Circuit Reorganisation in Adult Ephrin-A2A5-/- Mice. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Feb 22;23(5):2418. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35269561/The recent paper about rTMS in adolescent mice is:Tomar M, Pow JJ, Penrose-Menz MA, Beros JL, Miljevic A, Meloni B, Rodger J. Low intensity rTMS in adolescent mice affects visuomotor behaviour with no impact on visual topography. Brain Stimul. 2025 May-Jun;18(3):965-974. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40306617/NB: All research involving animal models was conducted with institutional research ethics board review and approval. Additional reading on rTMS and neurostimulation: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/about/pac-20384625https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17827-transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-tmsConnect with Us:If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. Share your questions or comments below, and check out the show notes for links to Dr. Rodger’s work and related resources.Stay tuned for more conversations at the intersection of neuroscience, innovation, and clinical practice!The Neurostimulation Podcast – Exploring the science, therapies, and future of brain health.