Brazilian scientists have found that ultrasound waves can destroy flu and COVID-19 viruses by causing them to rupture, much like a glass shattering when exposed to a specific sound frequency.
The breakthrough, led by researchers at the University of São Paulo’s São Carlos Institute of Physics, uses a technique called acoustic resonance to target the protective outer layer of viruses. When ultrasound waves match the natural frequency of the viral particles, energy builds up inside until the virus breaks apart and loses its ability to infect human cells.
According to the study published in Scientific Reports, the method was tested on influenza A (H1N1) and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. During experiments, scientists observed what they described as a “popcorn effect,” where viral particles fragmented or changed shape after exposure to ultrasound frequencies between 3 MHz and 20 MHz.
“It’s like eliminating the virus with a shout,” said Odemir Martinez Bruno, professor and study coordinator. He compared the phenomenon to using a violin to shatter a crystal glass by matching its resonant frequency.
Importantly, the ultrasound frequencies used in the study are already approved for medical use in humans and do not appear to damage human cells, which have different sizes and physical properties that make them resistant to the same vibrations.
Researchers say the mechanical approach—relying on physical disruption rather than chemical drugs—could offer a new way to treat respiratory infections, especially as viruses continue to evolve and develop resistance to traditional therapies.
The study was conducted in collaboration with São Paulo State University (Unesp) and builds on earlier work exploring how geometric properties of spherical, enveloped viruses make them particularly responsive to ultrasound energy.
While still in the laboratory phase, the findings suggest a potential pathway for future treatments that could be used alongside or instead of current antiviral medications.
